Record Dept. Music Reviews
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HEAVY ROTATION

  • Ha Ha Tonka - Heart-Shaped Mountain
  • Valerie June - The Order of Time
  • Tinariwen - Elwan
  • Jake Xerxes Fussell - What in the Natural World
  • Son Volt - Notes of Blue
Silver Synthetic - Rosalie

Silver Synthetic – Rosalie

Silver Synthetic’s sophomore album, Rosalie, is a sun-drenched reverie of cosmic Americana and polished guitar-driven…read more→

The Delines – Mr. Luck and Ms.Doom

The Delines – Mr. Luck and Ms.Doom

The Delines’ Mr. Luck and Ms. Doom marks a continued evolution of the Portland-based band’s…read more→

Jason Isbell – Foxes in the Snow

Jason Isbell – Foxes in the Snow

Jason Isbell’s Foxes in the Snow is a raw, unfiltered look at heartbreak, change, and…read more→

Sam Amidon – Salt River

Sam Amidon – Salt River

Sam Amidon’s Salt River is an album that feels like it’s constantly evolving, resisting easy…read more→

JD Clayton – Blue Sky Sundays

JD Clayton – Blue Sky Sundays

JD Clayton’s Blue Sky Sundays is a heartfelt ode to home, family, and the music…read more→

Sean Thompsons Weird Ears – Head in the Sand

Sean Thompsons Weird Ears – Head in the Sand

Sean Thompson’s Head in the Sand is a heartfelt and cathartic journey through grief, introspection,…read more→

Paul Thorn – Life is Just is Vapor

Paul Thorn – Life is Just is Vapor

Paul Thorn’s Life is Just a Vapor arrives as a reflective and spirited collection of…read more→

Mike Farris – The Sound of Muscle Shoals

Mike Farris – The Sound of Muscle Shoals

Mike Farris’s The Sound of Muscle Shoals marks a triumphant return to the soulful, gospel-tinged…read more→

Them Coulee Boys – No Fun in the Chrysalis

Them Coulee Boys – No Fun in the Chrysalis

Them Coulee Boys’ latest album, No Fun in the Chrysalis, is a meditation on transformation—sometimes…read more→

Sam Moss – Swimming

Sam Moss – Swimming

Sam Moss’ Swimming unfolds like a meditation on life’s contradictions, a delicate balance between yearning…read more→

Pug Johnson – El Cabron

Pug Johnson – El Cabron

Pug Johnson’s El Cabron is a dynamic and rollicking journey through the heart of Texas,…read more→

Keegan McInroe – Dusty Passports and Empty Beds

Keegan McInroe – Dusty Passports and Empty Beds

Keegan McInroe’s Dusty Passports and Empty Beds is a reflection of both personal and universal…read more→

The War and Treaty – Plus One

The War and Treaty – Plus One

On Plus One, The War and Treaty continue their mission of blending soul, country, rock,…read more→

Bonnie "Prince" Billy – The Purple Bird

Bonnie “Prince” Billy – The Purple Bird

Will Oldham, better known as Bonnie “Prince” Billy, has long walked the line between country…read more→

Ron Pope – American Man American Music

Ron Pope – American Man, American Music

Ron Pope’s American Man, American Music is a record that walks the line between heartfelt…read more→

Chatham Rabbits – Be Real With Me

Chatham Rabbits – Be Real With Me

Chatham Rabbits’ latest album, Be Real With Me, finds the North Carolina husband-and-wife duo exploring…read more→

Will Stratton – Points of Origin

Will Stratton – Points of Origin

Will Stratton’s Points of Origin is a delicate, layered meditation on place, memory, and impermanence.…read more→

The Devil Makes – Three Spirits

The Devil Makes – Three Spirits

The Devil Makes Three return with Spirits, an album that feels both haunted and defiant,…read more→

John Lee Hooker – The Standard School Broadcast Recordings

John Lee Hooker – The Standard School Broadcast Recordings

John Lee Hooker’s The Standard School Broadcast Recordings is a remarkable unearthed gem, capturing the…read more→

Jim White and Trey Blake – Precious Bane

Jim White and Trey Blake – Precious Bane

Jim White and Trey Blake’s Precious Bane is an album steeped in shadow and resilience,…read more→

Joel Timmons – Psychedelic Surf Country

Joel Timmons – Psychedelic Surf Country

Joel Timmons takes listeners on a genre-blurring ride with Psychedelic Surf Country, a debut solo…read more→

Cuchulain – Window Seat

Cuchulain – Window Sea

Cuchulain’s Window Seat is a heartfelt collection of folk-rock vignettes, each song a carefully crafted…read more→

Charles Wesley Godwin – Lonely Mountain Town

Charles Wesley Godwin – Lonely Mountain Town

Charles Wesley Godwin’s Lonely Mountain Town is a masterclass in stripped-down storytelling, proving that raw…read more→

Sunny War - Armageddon in a Summer Dress

Sunny War – Armageddon in a Summe Dress

Sunny War’s Armageddon in a Summer Dress is a fiery, urgent record that refuses to…read more→

Brown Horse – All The Right Weaknesses

Brown Horse – All The Right Weaknesses

Brown Horse’s All The Right Weaknesses arrives with a fresh burst of energy, capturing the…read more→

Jeremie Albino – Our Time in the Sun

Jeremie Albino – Our Time in the Sun

Jeremie Albino’s Our Time in the Sun marks a bold step forward for the Toronto-based…read more→

Medium Build – Medium Build

Medium Build – Marietta

Nick Carpenter, performing under the moniker Medium Build, approaches music with an all-in attitude. The…read more→

The Deslondes – Roll It Out

The Deslondes – Roll It Out

The Deslondes have returned with Roll It Out, their fourth album, offering another captivating slice…read more→

JD McPherson – Nite Owls

JD McPherson – Nite Owls

JD McPherson’s Nite Owls stands as a testament to his ever-evolving ability to weave vintage…read more→

Eddie 9V – Saratoga

Eddie 9V – Saratoga

Eddie 9V’s latest release, Saratoga, showcases the remarkable evolution of an artist unafraid to redefine…read more→

Leif Vollebekk – Revelation

Leif Vollebekk – Revelation

Leif Vollebekk’s Revelation, his fifth studio album, emerges as a deeply introspective and dream-inspired work,…read more→

Forest Sun – No Finish Line

Forest Sun – No Finish Line

Forest Sun’s No Finish Line finds the seasoned folk poet in a reflective and soothing…read more→

Billy Strings – Highway Prayers

Billy Strings – Highway Prayers

Billy Strings’s Highway Prayers is a bold statement that proves this bluegrass virtuoso is as…read more→

Early James – Medium Raw

Early James – Medium Raw

Set for release on January 10, 2025, through Easy Eye Sound, Early James’ third album,…read more→

Clem Snide - Oh Smokey

Clem Snide – Oh Smokey

Eef Barzelay, the creative force behind Clem Snide, delivers another poignant masterpiece with Oh Smokey,…read more→

Chuck Prophet feat. ¿Qiensave? – Wake the Dead

Chuck Prophet feat. ¿Qiensave? – Wake the Dead

Chuck Prophet’s Wake the Dead is a bold and heartfelt exploration of new musical territory,…read more→

Father John Misty – Mahashmashana

Father John Misty – Mahashmashana

Father John Misty’s Mahashmashana feels like a grand reckoning, an existential odyssey painted in broad,…read more→

Teddy and the Rough Riders – Down Home

Teddy and the Rough Riders – Down Home

Teddy and the Rough Riders are back with Down Home, their long-awaited third studio album,…read more→

Chris Acker – Famous Lunch

Chris Acker – Famous Lunch

Since hitchhiking to New Orleans for Mardi Gras a decade ago, Chris Acker has embedded…read more→

Caleb Caudle – Sweet Critters

Caleb Caudle – Sweet Critters

Caleb Caudle’s Sweet Critters finds the North Carolina native at the intersection of his rich…read more→

The Cactus Blossoms – Every Time I Think About You

The Cactus Blossoms – Every Time I Think About You

The Cactus Blossoms’ Every Time I Think About You is a soulful journey through Americana,…read more→

Soccer Mommy – Evergreen

Soccer Mommy – Evergreen

With her fourth album, Evergreen, Sophie Allison—better known as Soccer Mommy—has refined her ability to…read more→

The Wild Feathers – Sirens

The Wild Feathers – Sirens

The Wild Feathers’ Sirens is a dynamic celebration of their decade-long journey as a band,…read more→

Benjamin Tod – Shooting Star

Benjamin Tod – Shooting Star

Benjamin Tod’s Shooting Star marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his evolution from…read more→

Haley Heynderickx – Seed of a Seed

Haley Heynderickx – Seed of a Seed

Haley Heynderickx’s Seed of a Seed is a reflective and poignant exploration of the disconnects…read more→

Amythyst Kiah - Still + Bright

Amythyst Kiah – Still + Bright

Amythyst Kiah’s Still + Bright is an audacious, introspective exploration of defiance, resilience, and collective…read more→

Joachim Cooder – Dreamers Motel

Joachim Cooder – Dreamers Motel

Joachim Cooder’s Dreamer’s Motel is a captivating exploration of ethereal soundscapes, blending diverse musical elements…read more→

Grayson Capps – Heartbreak Misery and Death

Grayson Capps – Heartbreak Misery and Death

Grayson Capps’s Heartbreak Misery and Death showcases a deeply personal and reflective side of Americana,…read more→

Andrew Bird Madison Cunningham – Cunningham Bird

Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham – Cunningham Bird

Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham have joined forces on Cunningham Bird, an inspired reinterpretation of…read more→

Dawes – Oh Brother

Dawes – Oh Brother

Dawes’s Oh Brother marks a striking new chapter for the band, now helmed solely by…read more→

Willie Watson – Willie Watson

Willie Watson – Willie Watson

Willie Watson’s self-titled release marks a compelling new chapter in the career of a musician…read more→

Tim Heidecker – Slipping Away

Tim Heidecker – Slipping Away

Tim Heidecker’s Slipping Away solidifies his place as a multifaceted artist who refuses to be…read more→

Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney

Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney

David Olney’s legacy as a songwriter’s songwriter is celebrated with Can’t Steal My Fire: The…read more→

Dunya - Mustafa

Mustafa – Dunya

On Dunya, Mustafa expands the delicate, deeply personal storytelling he introduced on When Smoke Rises…read more→

Kevin Gordon – Keeping My Brother Down

Kevin Gordon – Keeping My Brother Down

Kevin Gordon, the esteemed Nashville singer-songwriter and poet, is set to release his highly anticipated…read more→

Pony Bradshaw – Thus Spoke the Fool

Pony Bradshaw – Thus Spoke the Fool

Pony Bradshaw doesn’t just tell stories with his music; he channels the soul of North…read more→

Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings – Woodland

Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings – Woodland

For three decades, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have been crafting their distinctive brand of…read more→

Melissa Carper – Borned in Ya

Melissa Carper – Borned in Ya

Melissa Carper’s latest album, Borned in Ya, feels like a deep dive into the heart…read more→

Johnny Blue Skies – Passage du Desir

Johnny Blue Skies – Passage du Desir

Sturgill Simpson’s latest incarnation as Johnny Blue Skies marks a bold, yet fitting, evolution in…read more→

Blind Pilot – In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain

Blind Pilot – In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain

After an eight-year break, Blind Pilot returns with In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain,…read more→

Donovan Woods – Things Were Never Good If They're Not Good Now

Donovan Woods – Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now

Donovan Woods has never shied away from confronting life’s intricate and often uncomfortable emotions. His…read more→

Boy Golden – For Eden

Boy Golden – For Eden

Boy Golden, the alter ego of Canadian songwriter Liam Duncan, crafts music that floats effortlessly…read more→

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats – South of Here

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats – South of Here

Nathaniel Rateliff has long been a master of musical duality. His work with Nathaniel Rateliff…read more→

Billy Strings – Live Vol. 1

Billy Strings – Live Vol. 1

Billy Strings’ early exposure to music came from watching his family jam in their trailer,…read more→

49 Winchester – Leavin’ This Holler

Home is often where our stories begin, shaping who we are and where we’re headed.…read more→

American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still

American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still

For over two decades, BJ Barham has been the driving force behind American Aquarium, a…read more→

Tray Wellington – Detour to the Moon

Tray Wellington – Detour to the Moon

Tray Wellington’s evolving musical journey is on full display in his latest album, Detour to…read more→

Jake Xerxes Fussell – When I'm Called

Jake Xerxes Fussell – When I’m Called

Jake Xerxes Fussell approaches the role of preserving and reimagining traditional folk songs with a…read more→

Khruangbin – A La Sala

Khruangbin – A La Sala

Khruangbin has taken a significant departure from their expansive sound on their latest album, A…read more→

The Felice Brothers – Valley of Abandoned Songs

The Felice Brothers – Valley of Abandoned Songs

In Valley of Abandoned Songs, The Felice Brothers breathe life into a gallery of vivid…read more→

Jenny Don't and the Spurs – Broken Hearted Blue

Jenny Don’t and the Spurs – Broken Hearted Blue

Jenny Don’t has a knack for blending classic country sounds with contemporary flair. Her latest…read more→

Cody Dickinson – Homemade

Cody Dickinson – Homemade

Cody Dickinson, the charismatic co-pilot of the North Mississippi Allstars, delivers a delightful solo debut…read more→

Swamp Dogg – From West Virginia To 125th St.

Swamp Dogg – From West Virginia To 125th St.

Swamp Dogg’s Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St. is a groundbreaking album that breathes…read more→

Goodnight, Texas – Signals

Goodnight, Texas – Signals

Goodnight, Texas, a captivating duo known for their genre-blending prowess, is making waves with their…read more→

Ac Sapphire – Dec. 32nd

Ac Sapphire – Dec. 32nd

Portland-based artist Ac Sapphire has delivered a mesmerizing album with Dec. 32nd, showcasing a distinctive…read more→

Field Guide - Rootin' for Ya

Field Guide – Rootin’ for Ya

Indie-folk artist Dylan MacDonald embodies the DIY spirit under the moniker Field Guide. Working out…read more→

The Hanging Stars – On a Golden Shore

The Hanging Stars – On a Golden Shore

An intriguing twist has emerged: both of my top country-adjacent albums for early 2024 hail…read more→

Fantastic Cat – Now That's What I Call Fantastic Cat

Fantastic Cat – Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat

Fantastic Cat, often hailed as the Traveling Wilburys of smart indie pop, return with their…read more→

Blitzen Trapper - 100's of 1000's Millions of Billions

Blitzen Trapper – 100’s of 1000’s Millions of Billions

Blitzen Trapper’s latest offering, “100’s of 1,000’s, Millions of Billions,” delves into esoteric themes inspired…read more→

Andrew Bird - Sunday Morning Put On

Andrew Bird – Sunday Morning Put On

Andrew Bird’s latest release, Sunday Morning Put-On (2024), marks a significant yet unsurprising venture into…read more→

Phosphorescent - Revelator

Phosphorescent – Revelator

Matthew Houck’s latest album, Revelator, marks his first collection of originals in six years, stepping…read more→

The Black Keys - Ohio Players

The Black Keys – Ohio Players

The Black Keys, known for their enduring chemistry and penchant for exploration, shake up their…read more→

Bonny Light Horseman - Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free

Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free

When three lifelong indie-folk musicians—Eric D. Johnson of Fruit Bats, songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, and producer/session…read more→

Charlie Parr - Little Sun

Charlie Parr – Little Sun

Charlie Parr’s journey as a bluesman spanning two decades culminates in “Little Sun,” his second…read more→

The Ballroom Thieves - Sundust

The Ballroom Thieves – Sundust

The Boston-based folk duo The Ballroom Thieves’ latest album, ‘Sundust’, serves as a poignant examination…read more→

Wyatt C. Louis - Chandler

Wyatt C. Louis – Chandler

Born and raised in parts of Treaty Six Territory in Canada, Wyatt C. Louis is…read more→

Pedro The Lion - Santa Cruz

Pedro The Lion – Santa Cruz

David Bazan, the voice behind Pedro the Lion, continues his musical memoir with “Santa Cruz,”…read more→

Swamp Dogg’s – Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St.

Swamp Dogg’s – Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St.

Jerry Williams Jr., better known as Swamp Dogg, returns with “Blackgrass: From West Virginia to…read more→

Hermanos Gutiérrez – Sonido Cósmico

Hermanos Gutiérrez – Sonido Cósmico

Hermanos Gutiérrez, the dynamic Ecuadorian-Swiss duo comprised of Estevan and Alejandro Gutiérrez, have announced the…read more→

Shannon and the Clams – The Moon Is in the Wrong PlaceShannon and the Clams – The Moon Is in the Wrong Place

Shannon and the Clams – The Moon Is in the Wrong Place

Shannon and the Clams’ latest offering, “The Moon Is in the Wrong Place,” unfolds with…read more→

John Moreland - Visitor

John Moreland – Visitor

John Moreland, a revered figure often dubbed a “songwriter’s songwriter,” recently embarked on a self-imposed…read more→

Aaron Lee Tasjan – Stellar Evolution

Aaron Lee Tasjan – Stellar Evolution

Forget what you think you know about Aaron Lee Tasjan. “Stellar Evolution” explodes genre limitations,…read more→

Old 97's - American Primitive

Old 97’s – American Primitive

After three decades, Old 97’s ventured into new territory with their 13th album, “American Primitive,”…read more→

Iron and Wine - Light Verse

Iron and Wine – Light Verse

Iron & Wine, the moniker of singer-songwriter Sam Beam, thrives on a fascinating duality. Beam’s…read more→

Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood

Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood

Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield takes a confident stride forward with “Tigers Blood,” a new chapter in…read more→

Marcus King – Mood Swings

Marcus King – Mood Swings

Marcus King’s journey from child prodigy to Grammy-winning artist has been nothing short of remarkable.…read more→

Nicolette and the Nobodies – The Long Way

Nicolette and the Nobodies – The Long Way

Vietnamese-Canadian frontwoman and singer/songwriter Nicolette Hoang, also known as Nicolette and the Nobodies, recently unveiled…read more→

Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future

Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future

Adrianne Lenker, the creative force behind Big Thief and introspective solo albums, strips things down…read more→

Leyla McCalla – Sun Without the Heat

Leyla McCalla – Sun Without the Heat

Leyla McCalla’s latest album, “Sun Without the Heat,” navigates life’s unpredictable journey with grace and…read more→

Cedric Burnside – Hill Country Love

Cedric Burnside – Hill Country Love

In Cedric Burnside’s latest album, “Hill Country Love,” there’s a raw authenticity that harkens back…read more→

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