Category: ESSENTIAL NEW MUSIC

There’s been no shortage of records whose making reflects our times. Performed alone or cobbled together via file sharing, their

There’s a lot to be said about William Parker. He’s a peerless double bassist, a culture-spanning multi-instrumentalist, an ambitious composer,

Anyone who’s not only been making albums for more than 20 years, but ones that stack up awards in his

Eleventh Dream Day knows a few things about staying the distance. The Chicago-based combo includes two members—vocalist/guitarist Rick Rizzo and

Rock ‘n’ roll has a long history of being demanding. “Gimme some good times,” beseeched Lou Reed. “Gimme danger,” snarled

The Baltic nations of Latvia and Lithuania are neighbors, but they aren’t a culturally matched set. While Lithuania hosts a

There are golden ages, and then there’s what comes after them. Hailu Mergia has enjoyed plenty of spillover illumination from

50 years ago today, Todd Rundgren released Runt. The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren. We remember you. Read our review of

“Music,” Albert Ayler proclaimed, “is the healing force of the universe.” While it would be exceedingly species-centric to say that

Can’s best recordings were prescient when they were made and remain nonpareil to this day. The German group arrived at

Indústria was recorded during the 2015 edition of OUT.FEST, an experimental musical gathering that takes place across the river from Lisbon,

Afrique Victime captures Nigerien guitarist/singer Mdou Moctar at moment of transition. Having built a substantial audience on the strength of

If you adhere to the rule of thumb that the right cover compels you to purchase a record, take a

Monoliths can blot out the sun, but they can also give you something to shoot for. The monolith that looms

Outer and inner space converge in the music of Thomas Ankersmit. His early work took its cues from figures like

We've championed Finn's Motel for years, and they've rewarded us—and you—with the outstanding new Fireworks Or Lightning (Victory Over Gravity).

If you don’t immediately recognize the name Jeffrey Alexander, you might still have crossed his path. Currently based in Philadelphia

“Pretty soon, the whole world is gonna go crazy.” Judging from the sample’s sound quality, those words, which usher in