Lushly orchestrated and sweetly melodic, Chloë and The Next 20th Century (his first new material since 2018’s God’s Favorite Customer) sees Father John Misty combine his Honeybear-era sound with elements of 1920s-30s jazz and traditional pop to make something that sounds both familiar and fresh.
In 2007’s Raising Sand was one of the most acclaimed albums of the 21st Century. It was an unlikely, mesmerizing pairing of one of rock’s greatest frontmen with one of country music’s finest and most honored artists. After fourteen years, the two icons return with a dozen songs from a range of traditions and styles that extend this remarkable collaboration in new and thrilling directions.
Just Like That..., the lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winner’s first new studio album in six years, is both one of the most heartfelt and most daring works in her storied 51-year recording career. Raitt’s always-expressive singing is more soulful and nuanced than ever, while her songwriting achieves new levels of craft and sophistication.
Throughout his six-decade long career, Dr. John embodied a near-mythic multitude of musical identities: Global Ambassador of New Orleans funk and jazz and R&B, visionary bluesman, rock and roll innovator, and a massively revered high priest of psychedelic voodoo. His final studio album, adds another dimension: a lifelong affinity for country & western. It's a glorious farewell from one of the most essential figures in music history.
With Starfruit, Moonchild settle into their groove, further smoothing out their sound while celebrating the voices that inspired them along the way. The album’s subdued beats and airy vocals almost beg for extended instrumental jam sessions with “The Long Way,” aided by a sax solo from jazz musician Josh Johnson, rewarding that desire.
Frontman Joe Talbot says, "We want people who've gone through trauma, heartbreak, and loss to feel like they're not alone, and also how it is possible to reclaim joy from those experiences." Idles albums have always been anchored by these overarching themes, but the ability of the band to juxtapose beauty and rage with humor and drama has never felt more satisfying than on Crawler.
Simply put, Samara Joy is next. At just 22 years old, her Verve debut Linger Awhile shows that with a voice, tone, and phrasing that harkens back to the most legendary jazz vocalists, Samara belongs in the company of iconic labelmates from Ella Fitzgerald to Sarah Vaughan to Billie Holiday. She is poised to be a household name, synonymous with timeless jazz music.
Ghost, one of the most esteemed and celebrated rock bands in the world today, return with their fifth psalm, Impera, fronted by the newly anointed Papa Emeritus IV. A dozen songs take on themes of isolation and demigod worship, as well as colonization of both space and mind. And all with the infectious hooky brand of rock their fans have grown accustomed.
Robert Glasper’s (who the New York Times proclaims is “probably the most prominent jazz musician of his generation”)f highly anticipated third installment to the Black Radio album series is a cultural moment that celebrates black love and resilience, features an eclectic group of talented collaborators. An essential addition to Glasper’s seminal series.
Born and raised in Montreal, Allison Russell imbues her music with the colors of her city – the light, the landscape, the language – but also the trauma that she suffered there. It is a heartbreaking reflection on a childhood no one should have to endure, and at the same time a powerful reclamation – asserted from a place of healing, of motherhood, of partnership – and from a new home made in Nashville.
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The Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) is a national level organization comprised of the best independent record stores in America. CIMS was founded in 1995 with the goal of uniting like minded independent store owners, giving them a more powerful voice in the music industry. The stores that make up CIMS are all very different, but we share the same desires – to be the heart of our communities, to super-serve our customers, to support and develop artists, and to share our love of music.
For more information about CIMS and the stores in our organization, please visit cimsmusic.com or find us through social media with the #cimsmusic hashtag. And please remember to always shop local by supporting your neighborhood record store.
