The Lumineers: Brightside

The pride of Denver, Colorado has just released their fourth long-player.  The Lumineers' Brightside is another magnificent installment in the alt-country. The record just hums along beautifully. 

Here is the opening track...

Richard Ashcroft: Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1 (Album of the Week)

Richard Ashcroft is a god (small g version) so when he puts out something (rare event), the world should sit up and take notice. Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1 is a collection of reinterpretations of his best works. The 12 tracks truly showcase what an amazing talent this Wigan native is. And it looks like there will be more volumes to come being this is listed as the first!

Damon Albarn: The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows

Brit rock legend Damon Albarn's continues his magnificent musical odyssey with The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows. This is the third solo record from the Blur front man and was originally conceived as a soundtrack for the landscape of Iceland. Albarn decided to expand it into a larger concept.

It's a great piece of music to take your mind on a journey. Here is a taste...

Robert Plant & Alison Kraus: Raise The Roof (Album of the Week)

The dynamic duo of Robert Plant and Alison Kraus snuck out their sophomore effort at the end of 2021 and it really was a lovely way to close out the year. Raise The Roof picks up where their 2007 record, Raising Sand, left off. 

Haunting, contemplative, loving, and spiritual...all at once and so much more...

Marissa Nadler: The Path Of The Clouds

Boston's own Marissa Nadler latest record, The Path Of The Clouds, is a gem from start to finish. It's been one of those deep soaker albums over the last few weeks that I keep coming back to because I just can't get enough of it. It takes me on a different journey each time I listen to it. 

Here is the title track...

Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Barn (Album of the Week)

Neil keeps churning out the good tunes. His latest, Barn, seems him teamed back up with Crazy Horse. The album offers all the classic sounds, soft and loud, that he has been known for over the years. It's nice to hear music with actual instruments still being made and made well. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

The War on Drugs: I Don't Live Here Anymore

Philly's own The War On Drugs released a great record last October that has marinated with me off and on these last few weeks. I Don't Live Here Anymore is a deeply introspective effort that really showcases the many styles of the band. It's a great album!

Here is the opening track...