Laura Marling’s latest is an example of what the young and prolific English singer-songwriter does best. A Song for Our Daughter is subtle and simple, yet intricate; and efficient yet somehow sprawling. Marling makes everything she does here appear effortless. Because of…
Album Review: Sparks – “A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip”
The quirk-rock fraternal duo Sparks adds another album to their 20-plus record discography with A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip. This new entry does its part to provide us with more of their singular combination of specific, off-kilter lyrics and an art-rock…
Album Review: Lucinda Williams pulls no punches on “Good Souls Better Angels”
Lucinda Williams’ latest release, Good Souls Better Angels, pulls no punches. The album is full of righteous and clear-eyed anger and frustration at the world of today nestled in-between empathetic songs that encourage the listener to stick it out alongside Williams. Good…
Album Review: Shabazz Palaces – “The Don of Diamond Dreams”
The Don of Diamond Dreams marks the album-length return of the Seattle hip hop group Shabazz Palaces after three years. The return isn’t quite as bombastic as one might hope, but the production of the album has a distinct galactic shine…
Album Review: M. Ward evokes vivid imagery on “Migration Stories”
Nearly 20 years into his career, M. Ward consistently produces albums that are classic yet fresh all at once. Ward accomplishes this again with his newest release, the atmospheric Migration Stories. M. Ward is a refreshingly subtle artist, with his guitar…
Album Review: Margaret Glaspy captures the feelings of modern romance on “Devotion”
Margaret Glaspy’s second full-length release, Devotion, couldn’t be more aptly named. In its 12 tracks, the album traces a variety of concerns related to love, intimacy, lust, and devotion, all intermingled with an undercurrent of pessimistic apprehension. Taken as a whole,…
Album Review: Gordon Lightfoot – “Solo”
At 81 years-old and 20-plus studio albums into his career, Gordon Lightfoot is still releasing music. While his latest release, Solo, is a warm and charming entry, it doesn’t do too much more to distinguish itself from the novelty of being…