Sour Ops

Evangeline

Feraiettte, 2024

8/10

Listen to Evangeline

The Nashville rockers Sour Ops return with another batch of power-pop gems, where the 10 tracks unfold with plenty of riffs and proto-punk spirit.

The melodic and upbeat “Things Get Better With You” opens with Price Harrison’s smooth voice and rich guitar alongside Tony Frost’s lively bass, and the title track follows with plenty of crunch, where Steve Ebe’s thumping drums and Amanda Broadway’s soulful backing vocals make an impression.

Halfway through, the rugged yet tuneful “Don’t Make Me Go Down There” comes with a punk energy amid the razor sharp rhythm section, while “You’re Letting Me Down” recruits Miqui Gutierrez on synth for the stylish, garage rock tendencies.

Deeper still, “How Rock And Roll Are You” places Mark Harrison on vocals via the timeless rock and roll flavor that’s rhythmic, too, and “Slow Me Down” exits with emotive singing and a punchy demeanor that embraces well timed backing vocals.

A flowing and memorable affair that’s diverse enough to use pedal steel and saxophone, Sour Ops again turn in a record that could have been penned in any number of decades, and will be relevant for many decades to come.

Travels well with: Sour Ops- Deep Fake; Jesse Malin- Outsiders

Stan Harrison

Some Poor Soul Has A Fire

Adhyâropa, 2024

8/10

Listen to Some Poor Soul Has A Fire

The saxophone player/composer Stan Harrison has traveled the globe with some of the biggest names in the entertainment world, and here we’re treated to his jazz vision that welcomes a handful of players for the 9 progressive songs.

“(Smaller Than) The Big Picture” starts the listen with Elias Stemeseder’s firm keys and Harrison’s dynamic tenor sax making for a rich climate, and “The Details” follows with Michael Gregory Jackson’s swirling guitar and Steven Crammer’s animated drums creating a dense and unpredictable delivery.

Further along, “They Must Be Praying” is a calmer moment of soulful sax and secondary guitar from Harrison that comes with intimacy, while “All That Remains” emits power and melody via the dreamy keys, colorful sax and Kim Cass’ fluid bass.

Strings arrive close to the end, where “It’s Time To Put The Dog To Bed” quivers with intrigue and welcomes Sara Caswell and Erin Benim Mayland on violin, Carla Fabiani on viola, Jessie Readen handles cello, and Harrison sings on the only vocal piece, and “Joy” exits with a textured and modern approach to jazz.

A diverse body of work, both composition and improvisation are present, as Harrison and company use chamber jazz, progressive jazz and both contemporary and rock approaches with much timelessness and adventure.

Travels well with: Andy Ezrin- I Was There; Ian Wardenski Quintet- Unfoldings

Sparkle* Jets U.K.

Box Of Letters

Big Stir, 2024

9/10

Listen to Box Of Letters

The Southern California guitar pop legends Sparkle* Jets U.K. return with their first album of original music since 2002, where the 12 tracks bring to mind legends like Cheap Trick, The Breeders or The New Pornographers.

“This Will Be Our Year” starts the listen with Michael Simmons’ warm vocals and fluid guitar that suits the animated climate, and “Goodbye X 3” follows with a calmer pace via Susan West’s flowing voice alongside Joel Valder’s thumping drums.

Arriving in the middle, “I Can’t Wait For Summer” comes with plenty of bright spirit via Greg Carroll’s lively harmonica and Jamie Knight’s strategic bass amid some jangle, while the title track bounces and shakes an infectious energy thanks to Simmons’ upbeat guitar, keys and vocals.

Close to the end, “I’m Away From My Desk” makes great use of Tisha Boonyawatana’s keys and voice for the harmonic album highlight that’s anthemic, and “Hey Grandma” exits with Robbie Rist’s drumming acrobatics complementing the retro-rock fun.

A really fun listen that illustrates a wealth of talent, Sparkle*Jets U.K. blend endless hooks, clever wordplay and ‘90s power-pop nods into a truly timeless and triumphant return.

Travels well with: The Speed Of Sound- A Cornucopia: Minerva; The Armoires- Octoberland

Spinifex

Undrilling The Hole

TryTone, 2024

8/10

Listen to Undrilling The Hole

An Amsterdam sextet who blend free jazz, punk rock and avant-garde ideas into an improvised and exciting 9th album, Spinifex create 7 pieces of truly original sounds.

“Embrace The Contradictions” starts the listen with no lack of energy, where Philipp Moser’s swift drums are met with a flurry of brass, and “Undrilling The Hole” follows with a calmer mood, as Bart Maris’ soulful trumpet suits the reserved demeanor.

In the middle, “Explode The Paradox” blends Tobias Klein and John Dikeman’s blurry sax into a dizzying mood, while “Admire The Ambiguities” is busy and rich, where Jasper Stadhouders’ dreamy guitar resonates plenty of intimacy.

At the end, the fragmented and “The Big Brother” carries a subtle rhythm under the controlled chaos that benefits from Goncalo Almeida’s bass acrobatics.

Now 20 years into their existence, Spinifex clearly have not run out of ideas, and here they turn improv into a refined science.

Travels well with: Modney- Ascending Primes; Noah Haidu- Standards II

*Splash!*

Breaking The Dam

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Breaking The Dam

A Minneapolis artist with a penchant for heartfelt songs, Splash penned the 11 songs here mostly during the lockdown of 2020 and they surround emotional catharsis, endings, and becoming aware of your own internal guidance.

“Under The Rose” starts the listen with Splash’s expressive voice and cozy acoustic guitar that emits much beauty, and “Answer” isn’t too far away and welcomes Hayley Anne’s gorgeous voice to the harmonic delivery.

Approaching the middle, “When The Well Runs Dry” invites Eric Songer’s well timed trumpet and Zach Miller’s agile drumming for the poetic climate, while “Kafka On The Shore” showcases Shannon Frid Rubin’s meticulous violin amid the mature piano and intimate singing.

“Light And Shadows” arrives close to the end, and embraces a soft and folk friendly mood, and “Love & Ignorance” exits with Splash hitting some high notes alongside a charming and emotive dreaminess that is timeless and touching.

An artistic and sincere body of work, contributions from Matt Patrick on recording, mixing and electric guitar only enhance the appeal of this thoughtful affair.

Travels well with: D’Lakes- Heaven Is A Silent Disco; Dilly Dalley Alley- Make You Whole

Skylark

Clear Voices In The Dark

Sono Luminus, 2024

8/10

Listen Clear Voices In The Dark

The Grammy nominated vocal ensemble Skylark bring us Songs of the American Civil War, where Poulenc’s Figure Humaine is also part of the attentive and timeless program.

“When This Cruel War Is Over” starts the listen with tremendous vocals that soar with much beauty amid the harmonic choir, and “Figure humaine, FP 120: No. 1, De tous les printemps du monde” follows with the baritone guiding the richly layered choir through much grace.

Moving into the middle, “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye” allows Alice Parker’s vision to illuminate the melodic delivery, while “Soldier's Memorial Day” is layered with expressive and powerful voices that pay tribute to those who have served.

Further still, “Abide with Me” with me carries a heartfelt spirit of emotive harmonies and intimate solos, and “Figure humaine, FP 120: No. 8, Liberté” exits with a busy and firm execution of strategic and indelible vocal acrobatics.

Figure Humaine is often regarded as one of the greatest works conceived for an unaccompanied choir, and combined with The Civil War-era songs, the many leading American vocal soloists and chamber musicians of Skylark easily show us why they are worthy of Grammy nominations.

Travels well with: Ryan Townsend Strand- Dear Mrs. Kennedy; Michael Mizrahi- Dreamspace

Skeeter Davis & NRBQ

She Sings, They Play

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen to She Sings, They Play

The legendary American country singer Skeeter Davis paired up with the revered NRBQ in 1985 for this collaborative album, and this remastered version includes six previously unissued bonus tracks for the occasion.

The light and cozy spirit of “Things To You” starts the listen with flowing vocals and soft, dreamy instrumentation, and “Everybody Wants A Cowboy” follows with playful fiddle and a country energy that will get your body moving.

Advancing to middle, the bright guitar and frisky drums of “Everybody’s Clown” comes with no lack of rhythm, while “How Many Tears” is particularly intimate, where Davis’ expressive voice guides the calm songwriting.

Closer to the end of the original program, “Roses On My Shoulder” emits a childhood nostalgia that includes storytelling, and the bonus studio track, “I Gotta Know”, is a swift and bouncy rock’n’roll moment that’s as infectious as it is timeless.

The last few tracks are live from the Bottom Line in 1985, and “Things To You”, one of the best, benefits much from the heartfelt and melodic gestures.

Both Davis and NRBQ enjoyed incredible careers on their own, and together this genre crossing classic comes with updated artwork, photos from the sessions, and insightful liner notes from John DeAngelis.

Travels well with: Doris Troy- Another Look; NRBQ- Tiddlywinks

Souled American

Rise Above It: A Souled American Anthology

Omnivore, 2025

9/10

Listen to Rise Above It: A Souled American Anthology

One of the earliest alt-country bands, Souled American formed in Illinois in 1987 and put out a few well received albums on the staunch indie label, Rough Trade. After Rough Trade went bankrupt, the band released a pair of albums on a foreign label, but ultimately their 6 albums remained in obscurity.

The powerful and expressive “Notes Campfire” starts the listen with thick bass and a country fueled haze, and it isn’t long until “True Swamp Too” buzzes with a sonically exploratory energy of indeed swampy flavor.

Further into the first half, the soft accordion of “Around The Horn” complements the distinct singing of the dreamy Americana, while “Rise Above It” burns slow amid the rumbling bass, wandering guitar lines and cryptic wordplay.

Deeper still, “Blue Eyes Cryin’ In The Rain” is a bare and melancholic exploration of jarring intimacy, and the fuller “Before Tonight” is harmonically atypical and further secures a very specific genre the band belonged to.

Here, we’re treated to a 1/3 of the band’s output, where 20 tracks tell the story of a long forgotten but highly influential outfit. Similarities to legends like Whiskeytown, Son Volt or Uncle Tupelo are certainly present, but ultimately Souled American were on a journey all their own that’s well preserved here.

Travels well with: Jeff Tweedy- Chelsea Walls; Gary Louris- Jump For Joy

Slaw

Here I Come

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Here I Come

The Georgia singer-songwriter Scott Colson, i.e. Slaw, brings plenty of soul to his gritty vision, where influences like Elvis Presley and Otis Redding are in attendance.

“Here I Come” starts the listen, and uses Slaw’s raw vocals and warm guitar that are met with emotive fiddle, and “Heavy Load” follows with strong attention to mood, where a distinct dreaminess flows amid the poetic delivery.

Halfway through, “When It’s Done” focuses much on atmosphere, where well timed harmonica adds much richness to the album highlight, while “If I Hadn’t Found You” lands in balladry via the emotive singing and gentle acoustic guitar.

Further along, “Can You Hear Me Call” is a moving duet that balances Slaw’s rugged voice with pretty female pipes that tug on the heartstrings, and “Hang My Head And Cry” exits with graceful strings and a more firm presence of guitar for the textured and meticulous finish.

A listen that is often raw emotion and not without a southern blues presence, the sparse moments, heartfelt selections and Kayley Hill’s vocal contributions keep us present and attentive from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Tim Easton- Find Your Way; Stephanie Sammons- Time And Evolution

Antonio Adolfo

Samba Jazz Alley

AAM, 2019

8/10

Listen to Samba Jazz Alley

A Brazil native who took an interest in bossa nova sounds in the ‘60s, Antonio Adolfo’s formula now includes bebop, soul jazz and even American sounds from the west coast that are on full display in Samba Jazz Alley.

“Ceu E Mar” starts the listen with fluid horns against a flowing rhythm and keys from Adolfo, and “Hello Herbie” follows with an elegant setting that’s highly danceable as spirited horns complement the tribute to Herbie Hancock.

Deeper cuts like “Casa Forte” are upbeat and playful excursions into Samba Jazz fun with vivid harmonies, while “The Frog” recruits an adventurous path of musicianship that spans several decades of influence.

Near the end, “Passerim” illustrates gorgeous and timeless interplay between the many instruments with a glowing sax solo, and “Corcovado” ends the album soft and agile, again illustrating much talent and experience.

A listen rooted deep in Brazilian jazz sounds, Adolfo’s Samba Jazz stylings sound as relevant and exciting as they did in the ‘60s, and he’s in great company with esteemed Brazilian musicians helping to maintain the spirit and strength of the genre.

Travels well with: Sidney Miller- Sidney Miller; Rosa Passos- Me & My Heart

Silverada

Silverada

Prairie Rose, 2024

9/10

Listen to Silverada

Formerly called Mike and the Moonpies, this 9th album has Silverada exploring new territory, where frontman Mike Harmeier penned most of the tunes in his home studio after a lifetime on the road.

The elegant and warm “Radio Wave” starts the listen with Harmeier’s cozy voice alongside Zachary Moulton’s glowing steel guitar, and “Anywhere But Here” follows with a crisp and melodic roots rocker, where Taylor Englert’s thumping drums suit the occasion.

Halfway through, “Stubborn Son” benefits much from swift fiddle and Omar Oyoque’s well timed bass, while “Wallflower” comes with no lack of grit for the rugged versus tuneful country rock that makes great use of Catlin Rutherford’s meticulous guitar.

“Load Out” and “Hell Bent For Leather” exit the listen. The former is a breezy, heartland moment that comes with bright storytelling and even an accordion, and the latter is an intimate moment of grace and beauty, where the setting builds into a dense and roaring landscape.

A record that explores a lot of different avenues, anthemic moments are met with twang, honky tonk fun and even arena rock loudness, as this is a captivating listening experience from a band that we should all be familiar with.

Travels well with: Reckless Kelly- American Jackpot/American Girls; The Damn Quails- Clouding Up Your City

Silver Bullet Bluegrass

Silver Bullet Bluegrass

Lonesome Day, 2024

9/10

Listen to Silver Bullet Bluegrass

An all star tribute to the legendary Bob Seger, all the songs here are Seger originals and welcome a variety of artists to the creative interpretations.

“Long Twin Silver Line” begins the listen with swift strings and much attention to atmosphere in the bluegrass fueled, harmonic climate thanks to Carson Peters, and “Turn The Page” follows with an intimate spirit via Gary Nichols’ soulful pipes that populate the classic tune.

Deeper into the listen, the quick mandolin and fiddle acrobatics of “You’ll Accompany Me” allow for Keith Garrett’s flowing vocals to populate the mountain-esque melodies, while the vulnerable and pretty “We’ve Got Tonight” maintains the timelessness of the original in the Jeff Parker version.

Landing near the end, “Feel Like A Number” features Robert Hale’s pipes for the meticulous and dreamy album highlight, and “Night Moves” exits with a gentle intimacy via Larry Cordle’s eloquent pipes amid the soulful finish.

Fans of Seger or Americana/bluegrass and classic rock in general won’t be disappointed here, where plenty of esteemed musicians are along for a top notch tribute.

Travels well with: Alex Miller- Country; Charlotte Morris- Wild Child

Sloane Square Band

Thoughts

FTF, 2024

8/10

Listen to Thoughts

A French prog-rock influenced outfit, Sloane Square Band are spearheaded by the guitarist, singer and composer Claude Segalin, who navigates through these powerful 9 tracks.

“Thoughts” starts the listen with moody strings, where warm singing is met with elegant keys and much maturity, and “Odd Love” follows with a dense and hard hitting demeanor that uses Guy Pratt’s meticulous bass, as a soulful quality enters.

Landing in the middle, the thumping ideas of “Fishes” steers closer to hard-rock with plenty of sturdy riffs, while “My Fathers” lands in intimate areas of strings, keys and emotive singing.

Deeper into the back half, “I Will Never” balances beauty and grit via a heartfelt performance of a hard hitting rhythm section versus the romantic singing, and “Jane” exits with soaring guitar and memorable backing vocals courtesy of Joniece Jamison that add much to the thoughtful finish.

An accomplished effort that embraces balladry and rugged moments, the storytelling here is expressive and music applicable to any era of prog-rock.

Travels well with: Sun Q- Myth; The Raging Project- Future Days

Snowdrops

Singing Stones (Volume 1)

Gizeh, 2024

9/10

Listen to Singing Stones (Volume 1)

The 4th album from the French collective founded by Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry, as Snowdrops they mix classical, chamber and progressive ideas into these 8 unique selections.

“Corridors” starts the listen with a mysterious droning, before moody keys enter the waves of ambience, and “Crossing” follows with 19+ minutes of dense ideas versus brighter moments of melody that can even retreat to a bare beauty.

“The Weather Report” occupies the middle spot and recruits Anne-Iréne Kempf’s strategic viola for the cautious and abstract minimalism, while “Arctic Passage” simmers with a low buzzing via a sci-fi esque presence of ominous versus orchestral gestures.

Close to the end, “The River” benefits much from Bartosz Szwarc’s well timed accordion amid the atypical intimacy, and “Dreamers” exits with upbeat keys and a brighter tonality that finishes the listen with much warmth.

A very unique listen that straddles improvisation and orchestration, and organic meets synthetic instruments, similarities to Nils Frahm or Tangerine Dream will be appreciated across this enlightening body of work.

Travels well with: The Cry- The Cry; Luumu- Elephant Love Song

Silver Convention

Get Up & Boogie

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen Get Up & Boogie

A German Euro disco outfit who made quite a dent in the ‘70s, the songs here follow the Silver Convention’s five year journey on the singles charts, and even showcases single mixes of their hits from various countries.

“Save Me (Single Edit)” starts the listen with warm piano and lively percussion, before upbeat disco harmonies flow in, and “Fly, Robin Fly (Stereo Single Long Version Edit)” follows with thumping drums and mesmerizing keys that emit plenty of soul.

Further into the listen, “I Like It (Special Disco Edit)” showcases meticulous bass lines amid the flawless group vocals, while “Everybody’s Talking ‘Bout Love” comes with a romantic spirit that uses talking and lively strings for the album’s best.

Elsewhere, the funky and animated “Hotshot (Single Version)” carries an infectious energy, and the bright horns and call and response vocals of “Get It Up” exits with a timeless appeal that you’ll still hear traces of in today’s pop sounds.

Throughout their existence, Silver Convention used 6 different singers, sold millions of records and occupied the top spots in multiple countries. They released 6 albums in the ‘70s, and the best moments of those are collected and preserved well here.

Travels well with: The Staple Singers- Africa 80; The Stylistics- Love Is Back In Style

Various Artists

Songs For A New Century

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Songs For A New Century

A collection of world premiere recordings of new music commissioned that includes masterpieces by Mendelssohn, Jonathan Miller, Lucia Lin, Randall Hodgekinson and Marc Ryser come together for these 4 lengthy selections.

“Song without Words” opens the listen with Jonathan Miller’s cello and Marc Ryser’s piano interacting with much grace and beauty across the sweeping 6 movements, and “Operetta for Violin and Cello” follows with Lucia Lin’s stunning performance on violin that’s complemented by Miller’s dynamic cello.

“Three Chorales for Cello and Piano” lands in the middle, and uses Randall Hodgkinson’s finger acrobatics that make for much warmth and emotion, while “Cello Sonata #2” exits with Miller’s cello and Ryser’s piano complementing each others’s radiant qualities that are stirring, dreamy and even playful.

The bulk of the project was commissioned by Jonathan Miller and Diane Fassino for the Boston Artists Ensemble, and the chamber, romantic and orchestral vision is fleshed out meticulously.

Travels well with: Lee Hinkle- Modern American Percussion Concerti; Jeff Sigfried/Sean Friar- Shades

The Sidleys

Sugar Kingdom

My Money, 2024

9/10

Listen to Sugar Kingdom

This 4th album from The Sidleys has the family band addressing topics like love, sex, life and death via their distinct formula of pop, rock and soul.

The bright quality of “Green Light” opens the listen with funky bass lines amid Annie’s gorgeous and soulful pipes, and “Blackout” follows with Sean’s drumming acrobatics amid plenty of breezy melodies.

In the middle, the warm intimacy of “Twilight” benefits much from Steve’s swirling guitar and much emotion, while the frisky “No Warning” will get your body moving to the animated grooves and meticulous instrumentation of the album’s best.

Further still, “Miles Away” has Annie hitting some high notes effortlessly as her family backs her up with a cozy spirit, and “Invisible” exits with a soft, soaring, sophisticated finish that’s lushly memorable.

The influences from legends like Stevie Wonder and The Beatles won’t go unnoticed, as The Sidleys pack inimitable vocals, sonically exciting guitar loops, and lively tempos into 12 sugary sweet tunes.

Travels well with: Honey Made- Charge It To The Band Fund; Nina Simone- The Montreux Years

Sonny Gulllage

Go Be Free

Blind Pig, 2024

9/10

Listen to Go Be Free

The debut album from the powerful singer Sonny Gullage, the Louisiana native also brings his keyboard skills to the 12 blues influenced tracks.

The lively mood of “Just Kiss Me, Baby” stars the listen with frisky keys and Gullage’s soulful pipes populating the rich climate, and the title track follows with fluid percussive sounds and bouncy bass that suits the expressive singing.

Halfway through, “Worried About The Young” recruits spirited electric guitar amid Gullage’s flawless and soaring voice, while “I’ve Been There” enters ballad territory thanks to the emotive singing and gentle instrumentation that’s quite dreamy.

Approaching the end, “Tattooed Wings” is driven by mature keys and Gullage’s agile pipes that touch on R&B sensibilities, and “Home To You” exits with light brass, warm guitar and a nearly gospel feel for the heartfelt finish.

A very wise and timeless first album, Gullage clearly has the chops to be a luminary in the area of the blues, and at just 25 years old he’s off to a fantastic start.

Travels well with: Walter Trout- Broken; Robin Trower- Joyful Sky

Shawna Virago

Blood In Her Dreams

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Blood In Her Dreams

A multi-instrumentalist and pioneer in the openly transgender scene, Shawna Virago pens an album that explores her life as a touring musician in a vulnerable and forthright fashion that straddles punk and country.

“Climb To The Bottom” starts the listen with Lien Do’s frisky drums complementing Virago’s distinct voice and the shimmering guitar work, and “Bright Green Ideas” follows with a frisky and upbeat mood that thumps with grit and melody.

Further along, “Somewhere On The Border” comes with a timeless rock’n’roll spirit that’s got a soulful energy and some twang, while “This Girl Felt Hounded” flirts with honky tonk and certainly could get you on the dancefloor.

Close to the end, “Highroad No. 6” carries a dreamy spirit of classic country nods, and “Climb To The Bottom” exits with a breezy, warm mood that emits a slight jangle and folksy sensibilities that are as memorable as they are timeless.

You might be reminded of Guy Clarke, Townes Van Zandt and Lucinda Williams when listening to Virago’s work, and clever subgenres like alt-americana and punky tonk certainly are applicable to this impressive outing.

Travels well with: Shannon Vetter- Holding Pattern; The Northern Belle- Bats In The Attic

Sophie Gault

Baltic Street Hotel

Strong Place, 2024

9/10

Listen to Baltic Street Hotel

This sophomore album from the singer-songwriter and guitarist Sophie Gault brings along some excellent company for these thoughtful and cozy songs.

The soft and agile “Over & Out” start the listen with Gault’s delicate pipes alongside Lynn Williams’ light drumming, and “Kid On The Radio” follows with Joshua Grange’s thick guitar that adds a bit more ruggedness to the swirling climate.

Further along, “Kick The Devil Away” thumps with a frisky energy via Steve Mackey’s flowing bass and well timed backing vocals, while “Christmas In The Psych Ward” offers a crisp and upbeat roots rocker that’s got plenty of infectious energy.

Deeper still, the romantic duet of “Lately” features Gabe Lee and tugs on the heartstrings with much beauty, and “Things Are Going Good” exits with a distinct dreaminess that’s graceful and emotive.

A very well executed version of alt-country, indie-folk and subtle blues, Gault possesses a wealth of talent and much imagination that won’t take long to appreciate.

Travels well with: Jeffrey Martin- Thank God We Left The Garden; Nathan Graham- Saint Of Second Chances