• What's New 4-4-25

  

  Black Country, New Road

  Forever Howlong

  Ninja Tune

  Forever Howlong is an ambitious, meticulously detailed record that includes everything from folk to prog via baroque pop and touches of alt-rock – with nods to everything from Joanna Newsom to Randy Newman via Fiona Apple and Janis Ian – yet all the while retaining that unmistakably unique sound that only this combination of musicians can come up with.

  

  Allegaeon

  The Ossuary Lens

  Metal Blade Records

  For technical death metal band Allegaeon, sitting still is not an option. The group has never allowed itself to stagnate, preferring to thrive on chaos, change and evolution. Their latest is the first with original vocalist Ezra Haynes since his 2015 departure. The cleaner vocal approach on the last three albums was a fascinating artistic maneuver, but it’s undeniably thrilling to hear Haynes’ graveled larynx back in the fold on this inarguably brutal and technically dazzling slab of work.

  

  Elton John & Brandi Carlile

  Who Believes In Angels

  Interscope

  Written and recorded over 20 days, the collaborative studio album mixes Elton-led songs and Brandi-led songs, with long term collaborator Bernie Taupin and Brandi both contributing lyrics, and producer and co-writer Andrew Watt acting as the producer, mediator and creative conduit. They are backed by a world class band of musicians comprising of Chad Smith, Pino Palladino and Josh Klinghoffer.

  
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• Now Hear This! - April 2025

  (Optional) This text will appear in the inbox preview, but not the email body. Dirty Projectors, David Longstreth & stargaze Song of The Earth Nonesuch Buy Now A large ensemble piece by Dirty Projectors’ David Longstreth, performed by Dirty Projectors with German chamber orchestra s t a r g a z e and inspired by climate change. Heroic in its scope and shifting moods, it’s more a performance piece than repeated listen, capturing the beauty – and the peril – of nature. ALO Frames Republic Buy Now Frames boasts a seamless fusion of rock, electronic, alt-pop, R&B, folk, funk and a touch of subtle wit, played by an exceptional group of musicians - all of whom write and sing lead. It’s a offers a joyful escape by a band of life-long friends who became serious artists, who don't take themselves too seriously while creating some seriously well-crafted songs. Coco Jones Why Not More? Def Jam Buy Now A dynamic and genre-defying exploration of soul, R&B, and pop, balancing infectious hooks with introspective moments, never shying away from themes of self-worth, love, and empowerment. Coco’s storytelling is deeply personal yet universally resonant, creating a standout debut that announces her as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary music. Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead Republic Buy Now Deluxe version of the 2024 pop perfection that saw Grande’s blending her emotive lyricism and expansive vocal range blend with dive into house-music. Adds nine bonus tracks, including six new songs. 2 LP translucent marble vinyl, gatefold jacket, 24-page booklet featuring lyrics and new photos. Envy of None Stygian Waves Kscope Buy Now The second release from the alternative-rock supergroup featuring Alex Lifeson (Rush), Andy Curran (Coney Hatch) and vocalist Maiah Wynne. Stygian Waves boldly ventures into a spectrum of new guises—from alt-pop and industrial rock to synthwave and hard rock. Lotti Golden Motor-Cycle High Moon Records Buy Now Motor-Cycle is that rare party record that’s got a bizarre story behind it while still being a freak-show record that you can throw on at dance parties. To make a crude comparison, it’s as if The Velvet Underground recorded for Motown. In short: debauchery with a beat. Dig it. Pug Johnson El Cabron Break Maiden Records Buy Now Pulling from a wide variety of musical genres prevalent in the Southeast Texas region he calls home, Pug effortlessly mixes Tejano, Zydeco, Texas Swing, Honky-Tonk, R&B, Dixieland, and down-home Rock and Roll -- all behind a voice that is pure Country. The Blue Stones Metro New Weapon Records Buy Now The Blue Stones’ sound—a melting pot of rock, blues, hip-hop, and pop—has always set them apart. They thrive on contrasts and a controlled sense of chaos, both on record and during their awe-inspiring live shows. With Metro, they deliver their most unfiltered, unapologetic work yet. Step aboard. The next stop is whatever you make it. Jason Boland & The Stragglers The Last Kings of Babylon Proud Souls Entertainment Buy Now Boland’s latest album reflects back on the last quarter century through a series of raw, exhilarating performances captured live on the studio floor in just two whirlwind days. The result is a timeless offering from a group of master craftsmen at the top of their game, a joyful, honest snapshot of a working band 25 years into their career. Craig Finn Always Been Tamarac Buy Now The Hold Steady frontman returns with his most narrative record yet. Always Been tells the story of a man who becomes a clergyman despite a lack of faith. What separates this album from the 14 he’s made before is the involvement of Adam Granduciel (War on Drugs), who produces luminously, plays guitars, synths and more, and enlists his bandmates for much of the remaining instrumentation. Ned LeDoux Safe Haven Powder River Records / Thirty Tigers Buy Now As the son of country legend Chris LeDoux, Ned remains a powerful voice in the outlaw tradition, using his experiences to create music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Safe Haven is testament to resilience, blending sorrow (including the tragic death of his daughter Haven in 2019) with joy, and faith with the conviction that his loved ones continue to guide him. Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Young Fashioned Ways Deep Rush Buy Now Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd were born about 44 years and miles apart. Several decades later after the two forged their own path in music and the blues, it seemed like an idea that had been waiting to happen. For over 100 years, blues music has inspired, comforted and spoken to the truth. Young Fashioned Ways accomplishes all of that and more. DJO The Crux Twenty20 LLC Buy Now Actor Joe Keery plays Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington in Stranger Things and his retro-pop stylings are just as keenly observed and affable. ELO-ish introspection (“Lonesome Is A State Of Mind”) gives way to new wave (“Link”; “Back On You”) and some toothsome McCartney confections (“Charlie's Garden”; “Golden Line”). LISTEN HERE LISTEN HERE Mumford & Sons Rushmere Glassnote Buy Now Mumford & Sons are back with their 5th studio album Rushmere, produced by Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson). The 10 track album is a triumphant return to form, with upbeat foot-stompers “Rushmere,” “Truth,” and “Caroline” alongside tender ballads such as “Monochrome” and “Where It Belongs.” It’s the perfect reintroduction – a reminder of why the world first fell in love with them nearly two decades ago, and a testament to their enduring ability to capture our ears and our hearts. 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.

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