Dawes – Oh Brother (Dead Ringers) 13th Floor Album Review
Dawes has long been celebrated for their ability to weave timeless Americana with modern experimentation—a skill they continue to refine on their ninth studio album, Oh Brother.
Mindy Smith – Quiet Town (Compass) 13th Floor Album Review
Mindy Smith’s Quiet Town is a reflective and personal album shaped by her Christian upbringing. Known for blending Americana, folk, and country, Smith’s work often revolves around themes of faith, love, and resilience.
Michael McDermott – Lighthouse On The Shore/East Jesus (Pauper Sky)
Chicago’s Michael McDermott has been making records for more than 30 years with no signs of slowing down. In fact, he’s just released two full-length albums.
Burton Cummings A Few Good Moments (JoJo Productions) 13th Floor Album Review
There are more than just a few good moments on this, the first Burton Cummings solo album in well over a decade.
JD McPherson – Nite Owls (New West) 13th Floor Album Review
JD McPherson releases Nite Owls, his fifth studio album, one that represents a significant evolution in his sound. While it remains rooted in the retro rockabilly and surf rock that defined his earlier work, McPherson boldly incorporates broader influences such as glam rock, new wave, and post-punk. This fusion enriches the album’s modern textures without […]
Why Don’t You Smile Now: Lou Reed at Pickwick Records 1964-65 (Light In The Attic)
Some fans of Lou Reed will be vaguely aware of his pre-Velvets stint as a writer-for-hire at Pickwick Records, and some may have even heard The Ostrich, sung by Lou with his “band” The Primitives. Now, here is the rest of that story.
Having A Rave-Up! The British R&B Sounds Of 1964 (Grapefruit/Cherry Red)
Here ya go! Four hours of some of the rawest, most blueswailing tracks to be recorded in the UK in 1964 now spread over 3 CDs…91 songs in all.
John Cale – Ship Of Fools: The Island Albums (Esoteric Recordings)
Arguably John Cale’s finest work, these three albums were released during a creative spurt lasting from late 1974 through to November 1975…three albums in just over one year!
Brant Bjork Trio – Once Upon a Time in the Desert (Duna Records) 13th Floor Album Review
For almost four score years Brant Bjork has been part of such acts as Kyuss, Fu Manchu, The Desert Sessions and most recently Stöner, emanating from a scene sometimes referred to as the Palm Desert scene.
Joan As Police Woman – Lemons, Limes and Orchids (PIAS) 13th Floor Album Review
Three years after her last album, The Solution Is Restless, Joan As Police Woman (Joan Wasser) returns with Lemons, Limes and Orchids. While her previous collaboration with Tony Allen and Dave Okumu had an Afrobeat influence, this new album takes a different turn. Collaborating once again with Benjamin Lazar Davis, with whom she previously worked […]
David Bowie – The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (Blu-Ray Audio) (Parlophone)
David Bowie released Ziggy Stardust 52 years ago and changed rock & roll forever. This 50th Anniversary Blu-Ray Edition only adds to the legend.
Neil Young – Archives Vol. III Takes (Reprise) (13th Floor Album Review)
For those of us not able to shell out the $600 for Neil Young’s 17 CD Box set, here’s the lowdown on the 2-disc vinyl version of Archives Vol.III called Takes.
Nick Lowe – Indoor Safari (Yep Roc) 13th Floor Album Review
Nick Lowe’s Indoor Safari invites listeners on an emotional journey that deftly combines introspective reflection with a lively retro rockabilly and surf rock twist. With a title that hints at navigating life’s personal challenges—perhaps echoing Elvis Costello’s Indoor Fireworks—Lowe continues his collaboration with Los Straitjackets. Together, they balance Lowe’s quintessentially English restraint with the energetic, […]
Snow Patrol – The Forest Is The Path (Polydor) (13th Floor Album Review)
Snow Patrol return with their first new studio album in six years. The Forest Is The Path features a bigger sound from a smaller band that made 2018’s Wildness.
The Jesus Lizard – Rack (Ipecac) 13th Floor Album Review) ****
Twenty years plus since The Jesus Lizard last released an album, 1998’s Blue, and then split in 1999. Yes, there was a reformation, but that was on the back of past glories. 2024 sees The Jesus Lizard punctiliously returning to aurally assault all ears again.
The The – Ensoulment (Cineola/earMusic) (13th Floor Album Review)
Ensoulment marks the first major studio album from The The in over two decades, following a series of soundtracks and compilations that kept Matt Johnson creatively active. As with previous albums, Johnson combines introspective and political lyrics with the emotionally resonant music the band is known for.
Tami Neilson – Neilson Sings Nelson (Neilson Records) (13th Floor Album Review)
Tami Neilson is on a roll! Her 20233 album, Kingmaker, was a career highlight, and now, two years later….something a bit different, Tami takes on the songs of Willie Nelson.
Gillian Welch, David Rawlings – Woodland (Acony) (13th Floor Album Review)
Woodland is the name of the studio Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have been operating for 20 years. It has been hit by tornadoes twice, but is still standing.
Swervedriver – Doremi Faso Latido (Outer Battery)
The 13th Floor’s Jeff Neems finds himself, somewhat unintentionally, revisiting 90s-era Swervedriver.
Mike Hall – Nothing Stands Still (1157 Records) (13th Floor Album Review)
Pluto bass man Mike Hall steps out from the rhythm section with this, his debut solo album, titled Nothing Stands Still.