First Listen: Jeff Lynne's ELO, 'Alone In The Universe'
Lynne resurrects Electric Light Orchestra with vulnerability and rumpled grace, finding a strange alchemy of melody, harmony and rhythm.
Music Reviews
First Listen: Various Artists, 'Pop Ambient 2016'
The Kompakt label's series showcases the gentler, more melodic side of ambient electronic music. It may make for a lushly soothing soundtrack, but richly varied and revelatory sounds abound.
First Listen: Cool Uncle, 'Cool Uncle'
What happens when sexagenarian, Quiet-Storm crooner Bobby Caldwell and thirtysomething hit producer Jack Splash get together? Smooth fireworks!
The 'Complete Bee Hive Recordings' Buzz With The Energy Of '70s Mainstream Jazz
A new 12-CD box set by Mosaic features a number of superior musicians who aren't household names, like saxophonists Nick Brignola and Sal Nistico. Critic Kevin Whitehead has a review.
First Listen: Bob Dylan, 'The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12'
The fevered 14 months captured here represent the moment when Dylan became comfortable in his shoes — and, if not yet confident about every decision, at least trusting the authority of his writing.
Three Songs That Expose Frayed Nerves And Yearning
Critic Ken Tucker considers three songs by three artists: Elvis Costello's "I Can't Turn It Off," Lana Del Rey's cover of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and Eleanor Friedberger's "Alphabet City."
First Listen: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'West Kirby County Primary'
The former Coral frontman's songs ache with the resignation of someone still searching for answers. Remarkably, these songs sway with a light touch, with melodies that feel lived-in and singable.
First Listen: Floating Points, 'Elaenia'
A slice of ambient, psychedelic-jazz dance music from one of the London club scene's top producers. There are only hints of vocals, and the ones that do appear aren't used in the service of language.
First Listen: Carla Morrison, 'Amor Supremo'
The Mexican singer-songwriter crafts a sublime and captivating representation of her lyrical gifts. Throughout Amor Supremo, she expands her sound by couching subtle springs in electronics.
First Listen: Old Dominion, 'Meat And Candy'
The fast-rising country band brings first-rate craftsmanship to one of popular music's abiding themes: savoring fleeting pleasures.