Family, by Thompson
The story of Family begins with the unlikely reunion of a married couple who once made remarkable music together but then didn’t speak to each other for years.
Love Ran Red, by Chris Tomlin
Tomlin’s latest collection of worship songs brandishes a full-band sound, yet many should adapt well to more intimate settings.
Solemn Meant Walks, by Solemn Meant Walks
Layered, dense, and driving, this Chicago-based outfit recalls British new wave bands Lush, the Cocteau Twins, and Joy Division....
The Problem with Living in the Moment, by The Grownup Noise
“My Ride’s Almost Here” is a chamber-pop gem à la Nick Drake, but the rock mode of this Boston band works equally well....
The Whole Night Thru, by Sam Llanas
Those who know Llanas from his time in the BoDeans will recognize his voice: still sharp and tough, yet infused with urgency on the leadoff track “Déjà Vu” and the plaintive rocker “The Best I Can....
Awake, by Elise Erikson Barrett
On her debut, this Duke Divinity School grad from South Carolina delivers inspired surprises to engage and delight the listener....
The Boat That Carries Us, Peter Himmelman
Peter Himmelman is a rock ’n’ roll anomaly: an observant Jew who has long declined to play any shows on the sabbath. But this serious commitment to his faith gives his songs heft. He’s addressed brokenness, healing, and humility in songs such as “Impermanent Things” and “Mission of My Soul.” And Himmelman has a knack for melding lyrical complexity with catchy melody.
Joy in Spite of Everything, Stefano Bollani
Those who love Bill Evans or Art Blakey will relish this disc, though Stefano Bollani has his own freewheeling improv stamp....
Here, There and Everywhere, Anthony Molinaro
Many Beatles tribute discs fail because the vocalists or players aren’t up to the task....
Blow, Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses
Is it rock? Swing? Boogie-woogie? Louis Prima Jr. (son of the famous comic swing artist) melodiously mixes all of the above....
You Should Be So Lucky, Benmont Tench
On his first solo album, Tom Petty’s keyboardist handles the songwriting and vocal duties admirably, his baritone sounding much like former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler....
Tarpaper Sky, Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell, longtime guitarist for Emmylou Harris, hit songwriter for Waylon Jennings and the Oak Ridge Boys, demonstrates artistic integrity here, refusing to cave to country-pop trends....
Beautiful Love, by Paulinho Garcia
Paulinho Garcia—one of the most versatile and skilled Brazilian musicians in the Midwest—lives up to his album title....
Redemption, by Glen David Andrews
Recorded in a converted New Orleans–area church over six days, Redemption is a jambalaya of Chicago blues, New Orleans funk, and robust soul....
PiecesOfUsWere LeftOnTheGround, by JoyCut
On the mostly instrumental Pieces, JoyCut takes the sonic hallmarks of the 1980s New Wave era—from shimmering, echo-plastered guitars and propulsive picked bass to dysmorphic synthesizer p...
The Sensational Guitar Sound of Marco Di Maggio, Vol. 1, by Marco Di Maggio
Throughout this disc, Marco Di Maggio shows the versatility of a guitarist with an uncanny mastery of 1950s and ’60s surf, rockabilly, and country styles....