Review: Having celebrated his 50th birthday late last year, Ryan Adams has naturally been in an introspective mood. It makes sense, then, that the long-serving rock/country fusionist should offer up an album made up entirely of covers of songs by other artists that have in some way inspired him over the years. Generally gentle, with string-laden, largely acoustic arrangements, Changes features some genuinely brilliant interpretations - as well as some surprise ones. For proof, check his piano-and-strings wander through 'Panic' by the Smiths, a wonderfully heartfelt rendition of 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' by Simple Minds, a country-folk take on the Rolling Stones 'Sympathy For The Devil' and a lilting, poignant Prince cover ('When Doves Cry', which comes complete with extended harmonica solos and some genuinely lilting strings).
Review: Throbbing Gristle co-founder and all round British experimental electronic institution, Cosey Fanni Tutti returns with 2t2, a new full-length set for release through her own Conspiracy International label. The new nine-tracker extends the tracked terrains of 2019's Tutti, blurring personal reflections on years of loss and upheaval into prosthetic electronic soundscapes. The record unfolds over two contrasting halves, one beat-driven, the other more introspective, yet it also keeps anchored to a certain ground point emphasising resilience and focus. Lead cut 'Stound' features overtone chanting, which Cosey describes as a way to channel inner strength: "allowing the sounds to permeate and soothe as well as create a sense of power."
Lahaina (feat Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro & Henry Kapono) (4:17)
Review: The Doobie Brothers make a triumphant return with a revitalised lineup, uniting founding members Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Michael McDonald for their latest release. With a legacy built on infectious harmonies, impeccable musicianship and a genre-blending approach, the band has long been a staple in American rock and pop. Their newest project, produced by John Shanks, reflects both their storied past and evolving present. The album touches on personal themes of growth, recovery and a deepening understanding of life's essential truths, each track showcasing the band's uncanny ability to weave Americana, rock and soul into an expansive yet cohesive sound, while collaborationsiincluding a stirring appearance from Mavis Staplesiadd emotional depth. Tracks like 'Angels & Mercy' and 'Learn To Let Go' embrace themes of growth and recovery, while the title track, featuring Staples, offers a sense of hope and unity. As ever, the Doobies navigate complex emotions with timeless ease, proving that their distinct blend of optimism and introspection still resonates deeply, even after decades of musical evolution.
Review: Described as "one of New York City's most in-demand guitarists", Mary Halvorson adds new dimensions to her Amaryllis sextet on About Ghosts, expanding the lineup with saxophonists Immanuel Wilkins and Brian Settles across five of its eight new compositions. Out via Nonesuch, the LP was written in late 2023 and hears Halvorson layering dense horn arrangements and unexpected timbres into an otherwise well-established audio apparatus. Addressing a cabinet of friends and guests, she also notably folds in throughout an overdubbed synth bed, using a Pocket Piano gifted by a childhood friend. Produced and mixed by John Dieterich of Deerhoof, the album builds on the direction set by Amaryllis, Belladonna and Cloudward, foregrounding Halvorson's fascination with structural friction, sly detours and collaborative elasticity.
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