Jimi Hendrix Experience’s ‘Axis: Bold as Love’ Shines On
Analogue Productions has issued a limited‑run Ultra High Quality Record (UHQR) version of Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1967 album *Axis: Bold as Love*. The 45‑RPM, 200‑gram Clarity Vinyl set is pressed from the original master tapes, remastered by Bernie Grundman, and released in stereo (4,500 copies) and mono (2,500 copies). Packaged with a 16‑page booklet and a Brad Tolinski essay, the edition retails for $150. Early reviews praise its full‑bodied, detailed sound, calling it the best pressing of the record yet.
Square One and Turn of Phrase Create Powerful Melodic Hardcore
Square One and Turn of Phrase have teamed up for the split EP “Pale Skies,” a trans‑Atlantic release that spotlights the resurgence of melodic hardcore. The New York outfit delivers raw, youth‑crew‑styled tracks while the UK band adds emo‑infused, bass‑heavy...
Holly Humberstone Is Raw and Mature on ‘Cruel World’
British singer‑songwriter Holly Humberstone releases her sophomore album *Cruel World*, expanding beyond the somber alt‑pop of her debut *Paint My Bedroom Black*. The record weaves breakup narratives with a hopeful undercurrent, highlighted by tracks like the energetic lead single “Die...
Where Should Billy Joel Sit at the Pop and Pop Rock Table?
The article ranks Billy Joel’s twelve studio albums to locate him within the pop‑rock canon, comparing his work to icons like Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and Elton John. It highlights Joel’s stylistic shifts—from the piano‑driven intimacy of *Piano Man* to the synth‑heavy *The Bridge*—and notes his...
Joe Jackson Settles Scores on ‘Hope and Fury’
British singer‑songwriter Joe Jackson has issued his latest album, *Hope and Fury*, recorded with a stripped‑down trio after years living in Berlin. The record revisits the pub‑rock energy of his early work while weaving salsa and punk‑reggae textures, and it...
Flore Laurentienne Masterfully Blend Strings and Synthesizers
Canadian ensemble Flore Laurentienne released *Volume III* on April 10, 2026, marrying a string quartet, two keyboardists, percussion and a Minimoog to create a soundscape inspired by the St. Lawrence River. The album draws on Bach’s counterpoint, King Crimson’s progressive edge, and Roedelius’s ambient...
Drivin N Cryin Keep the Spirit of Rock ‘N’ Roll Alive
After a six‑year break, Southern‑rock outfit Drivin N Cryin has dropped a new ten‑track album, "Crushing Flowers," that leans heavily on gritty electric guitars and pounding drums. The record channels the band’s 1980s roots while delivering more reflective, rebellious lyrics that push...
The Afghan Whigs’ ‘Black Love’ Is an Underappreciated Masterpiece
The Afghan Whigs’ 1996 album *Black Love* merged gritty funk, soul, and a crime‑novel narrative into a concept‑like record that initially flopped commercially but earned a devoted following. Lead singer Greg Dulli drew lyrical inspiration from a true‑crime memoir, crafting...
Why Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” Is the Ultimate Screen Song
Steely Dan’s 1972 track “Dirty Work,” originally deemed too commercial by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, was forced onto the debut album by producers and has since become the duo’s most screen‑friendly song. The mellow, repetitive chorus has been featured...
Tigers Jaw Deliver a Hooky, Emotionally-Charged LP
Tigers Jaw’s ninth studio album Lost on You delivers the band’s trademark blend of emo‑pop hooks and introspective lyrics, reinforced by tight harmonies between Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins. Produced by longtime collaborator Will Yip, the record sounds punchier and...
Daryl Groetsch Takes a Stunning Oceanic Voyage
Daryl Groetsch has issued a new ambient album, Fathoms, a four‑part suite inspired by the ocean’s calm and mystery. The record, his first since moving from Portland to Salzburg, blends high‑end synth drones with field recordings that trace a journey from...
ROREY Offers a Glimpse Into Resolving Heartache
New York‑based singer‑songwriter ROREY has dropped “Dying Fire,” a dream‑pop single that pairs gossamer flutes, bird‑like chirps, and electronic glitter with vulnerable lyrics about healing after a breakup. The track’s ethereal production and satin‑soft vocals create a cinematic atmosphere that...
Ashley Monroe Pens a Love/Hate Letter to Music City
Ashley Monroe’s new album "Dear Nashville" is a concept record that frames her 23‑year relationship with Music City as a love‑hate letter. The eight‑track project, co‑written with prolific songwriter Luke Laird, oscillates between tender admiration and sharp criticism of the...
Emma Harner’s Debut ‘Evening Star’ Is Remarkable
Emma Harner’s debut album Evening Star arrives after her breakout 2025 EP and sold‑out tours, establishing her as a leading voice in modern folk and math‑rock. She wrote, performed and recorded every instrument, with Grammy‑nominated producer Jamie Mefford adding atmospheric...
The Sylvie Courvoisier Trio Balance All the Elements
Swiss‑American pianist Sylvie Courvoisier’s trio—bassist Drew Gress and drummer Kenny Wolleson—has issued *Éclats*, a live album recorded on their 2025 European tour. The set showcases the group’s 13‑year partnership, weaving tight composed motifs with expansive free improvisation across tracks like...
Marc Valentine Goes Full Britpop with Muscular Confidence
Marc Valentine’s debut album Uncommon Side Effects delivers a Britpop‑style surge reminiscent of mid‑90s UK rock, pairing jangly guitars, soaring choruses, and tight rhythm sections. The record leans heavily on British cultural references, from nods to Paul McCartney to a Eurovision‑inspired track,...
ElectroMatters: Best Electronic Music of March 2026
ElectroMatters highlights the 12 most compelling electronic releases of March 2026, ranging from Saba Alizadeh’s Persian‑classical‑infused drone to Slayyyter’s genre‑bending alt‑pop. The roundup showcases a blend of atmospheric ambient, hook‑laden synth‑pop, and precise minimal techno, underscoring the season’s creative surge. Independent...
The Format’s First LP in 20 Years Lands Where It Belongs
The Format released Boycott Heaven, their first studio album in two decades, ending an 18‑year hiatus. The record blends alt‑country, Britpop, folk, and electronic textures while tackling themes of fame, faith, and personal fulfillment. Frontman Nate Ruess returns after successful...
Adam O’Farrill’s ‘ELEPHANT’ Is Simply Brilliant
Adam O’Farrill, hailed by the New York Times as a leading jazz trumpeter, releases his first quartet‑led album, ELEPHANT, in 2025. Joined by pianist Yvonne Rogers, bassist Walter Stinson and drummer Russell Holzmann, the record mixes post‑bop rigor with free‑form improvisation and electronic...
Gigi Masin Confronts Loss with Blissed-Out Ambience
Italian ambient pioneer Gigi Masin, who lost his entire catalog in a 2007 flood, is returning with his first solo album in six years, *Movements*, slated for May 29 on Sacred Bones. The record confronts the recent death of his wife, yet...
Michael J. Sheehy Revels in Gin-Soaked Americana
British singer‑guitarist Michael J. Sheehy releases the single “Full Moon, Empty Belly,” a stripped‑down track that leans into gothic Americana after his noisy Dream City Film Club era. Backed by the Hired Mourners, the song showcases sparse guitars, brushwire textures...
Leah Blevins Is an Authentic Voice in Country Music
Leah Blevins has launched her debut album "All Dressed Up" on the Easy Eye label, a project produced by Dan Auerbach. The ten‑track record blends confessional country storytelling with blues‑infused, analogue textures, featuring a roster of top Americana musicians. Auerbach...
Dorea’s Second Album Is Vulnerable and Seaworthy
Brazilian singer‑songwriter Dorea releases his sophomore album *O Que Mais Você Quer Saber De Mim*, drawing lyrical and sonic inspiration from the Atlantic coast of Salvador. The record weaves oceanic themes with stripped‑down acoustic arrangements, featuring guest vocalist Luíza Britto on...
Javier Nero Blends Modern Elements with Big Band Jazz
Jazz trombonist and composer Javier Nero has released his second big‑band album, Alkebulan, with the Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra. The record blends classic big‑band orchestration with modern influences such as hip‑hop grooves, Afro‑Cuban polyrhythms, and odd‑meter structures, featuring guest vocalists...
The Earliest Days of Talking Heads Are a Revelation
Rhino’s March 6 2026 three‑CD compilation assembles Talking Heads’ earliest demos and live recordings from 1974‑77, capturing the band as a raw power trio before their debut album and before Jerry Harrison joined. The set features apartment sessions, CBS studio demos, a...
Morgan Evans Washes Through Memento Mori
Australian country singer‑songwriter Morgan Evans releases "Steel Town," an album that trades the genre’s usual swagger for introspective storytelling. The record blends pedal‑steel riffs, rustic strings, and eclectic influences ranging from Hawaiian guitar to British rock, while featuring harmony vocals...
Caroline Davis Explores Endless Musical Possibilities
Caroline Davis releases *Fallows*, her first true solo album, recorded during a four‑week residency in Ucross, Wyoming. The project fuses her alto saxophone with a custom processing unit called an organelle and incorporates field recordings of snow, birds, and water....
Ben Seretan and John Thayer Create an Ambient Masterpiece
Ben Seretan and John Thayer have released their first official collaboration, the ambient album *Sunbeam of No Illusion*. Drawing its title from a historic Emerson‑Whitman letter, the record weaves literary homage with lush soundscapes. The duo combines Fender Rhodes, modular...
Irish Shoegazer Maria Somerville Makes Waves on Tour
Irish dream‑pop artist Maria Somerville opened her first U.S. show in Burlington, Vermont, kicking off a North American tour that follows Canadian dates and the January 2026 *Luster (Remixes)* EP. The performance at Higher Ground blended the ethereal textures of...
‘The Midnight: Shadows’ Renders Nostalgia’s Dangers in Neon
Dark Horse Comics releases *The Midnight: Shadows*, a 2024 graphic novel that extends synthwave duo The Midnight’s nostalgic brand into a cyber‑punk narrative. The story follows Jason, a 1999‑era father who escapes his stressful reality through a malfunctioning childhood game...
Shawn Colvin’s ‘Whole New You’ Is a Revelation at 25
Shawn Colvin’s fifth studio album *Whole New You* turned 25, marking a quiet but pivotal moment in her catalog. Released in 1999, the record arrived five years after the Grammy‑winning *A Few Small Repairs* and followed her first pregnancy, resulting in minimal label support and modest...
Sweet Pill on Burning It Down and Finding the Glow
Sweet Pill, a Philadelphia emo band, has dropped its sophomore record “There’s Still a Glow” after a challenging creative process. Lead vocalist Zayna Youssef battled writer’s block and anxiety, eventually turning to therapy and collaborative songwriting to finish the album....
Jazz’s Mark Turner Conjures an Astonishing Conversation
Mark Turner’s new ECM album Patternmaster showcases his understated yet intense approach, featuring a quartet of tenor sax, trumpet, bass, and drums without a chordal instrument. The record leans on intricate melodic and rhythmic patterns, weaving complex time signatures and...
Carlos Ferreira and Dasom Baek Make Beautiful Noise
Brazilian experimental guitarist Carlos Ferreira and Korean composer Dasom Baek released *Unbalance*, a four‑track album created entirely through live, improvised sessions. Recorded separately in Porto Alegre and Seoul, the work blends electric guitar, live electronics via the open‑source ppooll platform,...
The Twilight Sad Make a Welcome Return
After a seven‑year hiatus, Scottish indie‑rock band The Twilight Sad returns with *It’s the Long Goodbye*, their first studio album since 2016. The record draws on frontman James Graham’s personal turmoil, including his mother’s early‑onset dementia and subsequent death, delivering...
New German Cinema Goes in Search of Self
New German Cinema, the solo project of Jessica Weiss, releases her debut album *Pain Will Polish Me*, a synth‑laden exploration of the self. The record frames existential questions about creation, destruction, and ego death through art‑pop anthems and stark, brooding tracks....
Young Fresh Fellows Return with Playful, Restless ‘Loft’
Young Fresh Fellows have issued their first full‑length album in four decades, titled *Loft*, recorded at Wilco’s Loft studio during a pause in their 40th‑anniversary tour. The record features guest contributions from Neko Case and Peter Buck, adding baroque‑pop texture to the...
Courtney Barnett Brilliantly Showcases Her Voice on New LP
Courtney Barnett’s new album *Creature of Habit* showcases her voice front‑and‑center, shifting from her usual guitar‑driven sound. The record blends grunge, indie, jazz, and folk elements while featuring a guest spot from Waxahatchee. Lyrically, Barnett tackles modern anxiety with her...
Trumpeter Adam O’Farrill Dances with Brillance on ‘Elephant’
Trumpeter Adam O’Farrill’s new album Elephant marks his most compelling release to date, featuring eight original compositions performed by a tight quartet. The record blends cinematic orchestration, Afro‑Cuban grooves, and subtle electronic processing, giving O’Farrill a prominent front‑line role for the...
Band of Horses’ ‘Everything All The Time’ Is Essential at 20
Sub Pop is issuing a 20th‑anniversary edition of Band of Horses’ debut album Everything All the Time on March 20, 2026. The box set adds previously unreleased demos, outtakes, and live tracks, giving fans a deeper look at the band’s...
Mary Ocher’s ‘Weimar’ Has a Stunning, Dramatic Atmosphere
Mary Ocher’s new album *Weimar* strips her sound down to piano and voice, using an 1870s instrument to create a stark, dramatic atmosphere. The record revisits earlier songs from her 2011 and 2013 releases, re‑imagining them within this minimalist framework....
Jon Irabagon and Quartet Brilliantly Go in Every Direction
Jon Irabagon’s new album “Focus Out,” released on his Irabagast label, showcases his quartet’s adventurous blend of modern jazz, 1970s‑style fusion, free improvisation, and hip‑hop‑inflected tracks. Featuring Matt Mitchell on piano and Fender Rhodes, Chris Lightcap on electric bass, Dan...
Nicole Saphos Rocks With Determination
Nicole Saphos has released a self‑titled album, her first full‑length record since 2023’s Figure Eights. The record leans louder and more cathartic than her earlier work, blending indie rock with experimental textures and heavy emotional currents. Songs draw on her...
Billy Woods and Mickey Diamond Take a Bite Out of “Peter and the Wolf”
Underground hip‑hop duo billy woods and Mickey Diamond have released “Peter and the Wolf,” a hip‑hop reinterpretation of Sergei Prokofiev’s classic tale. The single, produced by Sam Seed, pairs woods as Peter with Diamond as the Wolf over a cinematic blend...
Ben Wendel’s ‘BaRcoDe’ Is Unique and Uniquely Excellent
Ben Wendel’s new album *BaRcoDe* pairs his tenor saxophone with four vibraphonists/percussionists, creating a hybrid of jazz, chamber, and electronic music. Recorded after residencies at New York’s Jazz Gallery, the record features six tracks—five originals and a Jobim cover—built on...
Tenille Townes Says “We Could Use a Little More” (Premiere)
Tenille Townes has released the single “we could use a little more” from her latest album *The Acrobat*. The acoustic‑driven love song arrives as global conflicts intensify, echoing classic peace‑themed tracks from past wars. Its gentle melody and lyrics champion...
When Hip-Hop’s the LOX Reclaimed Their Power and Respect
In the summer of 1999 the LOX staged a high‑profile protest at Hot 97’s Summer Jam, flooding the venue with "Free the LOX" merch and culminating in Styles P throwing a chair at Sean "Puffy" Combs. The stunt pressured Bad Boy Entertainment to...
Harry Styles Negotiates With Stardom on Fourth Album
Harry Styles releases his fourth album, *Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally*, merging disco‑funk grooves with introspective ballads. Recorded in a paparazzi‑free Italian villa and Berlin clubs, the record reflects his recent marathon‑running lifestyle and a desire to humanize fame....
Jesper Lindell Goes for a Big Adventure on ‘Jackson Highway’
Swedish singer‑songwriter Jesper Lindell released *3614 Jackson Highway*, a covers album recorded at the historic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Memphis’ Royal Studio. The project, captured over four days in spring 2024, features eight renditions of classic soul and Americana...
Johnel Builds Resonance From Chaos
Nigerian artist Johnel launched the self‑funded Nnamani Music Group at 17, positioning himself in Lagos’s digital‑first underground rather than the mainstream Afrobeats machine. His 2023 EPs *Painting Pictures* and *Happy Story, Sad Reality* showcase raw, experimental production that foregrounds vulnerability...