ALABAMA SHAKES – I MUST BE DREAMING
The return of Alabama Shakes remains one of the most welcome developments in modern rock, and I Must Be Dreaming plays directly into that feeling. Coming together for a one-off fundraiser, the band found whatever was missing and went back into the studio to play around some more.
That riffing turning into their first full album in 11 years. Brittany Howard and company sound re-energized, combining their trademark blend of soul, rock, blues, and garage grit to showcase stories that are both deeply personal and a reflection on the strange times we currently are living through.
Stream • Island • Connect: @thealabamashakes
JIM JAMES – WOWED OUT
Jim James is “wowed out” on his first solo album in 8 years, or at least that’s how he describes the feeling of dissonance between constant sensory overload of the technological age, while he feels more alone that ever before. Making the album, he felt like “being in some kind of dream and now [he’s] trying to remember what the dream was about.” That dizzying, hazy, dream-like energy comes out in a muted psychedelic ’60s sound with James’ voice floating through asking questions.
Stream • ATO • Connect: @jimjamesmusic
THE JAYHAWKS – SANCTUARY PARK
Don’t take it personal my fellow Minnesotans, but The Jayhawks have found inspiration for their new album from further north. Gary Louris calls Sanctuary Park a love letter to his wife and the Canadian landscape that she grew up in. Songs like “Keeping Our Heads Above Water,” do exactly what you come to The Jayhawks for a sunset drenched nostalgia that’s built on a soft and gentle breeze. A finger-picking “Mr. Lincoln” shows their roots rock foundation with punches of perfect harmonies. It’s the beauty of everyday people and places elevated and honored through the lenses of love.
Stream • Thirty Tigers • Connect: @jayhawksofficial
SOUL ASYLUM – MPLS UNPLUGGED
The concept: celebrate Soul Asylum‘s legendary 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, but in front of an adoring hometown audience at the State Theater. It’s the same songs, the same band, but with the gravity of time passing. It also helps that for MPLS Unplugged they added a string quartet and the Robert Robinson Gospel Singers.
Stream • Blue Elan • Connect: @soulasylum
