Friday, October 10, 2025

New Album Roundup - Summer 2025

 New Album Roundup - Summer 2025

So, here we are now into Fall of 2025, and high time to look back on all the music that came out over the summer months. Once again, there were quite a lot of really good albums this summer. Here were my favorites of those I listened to that came out over the past few months or so (July, August, September). Good stuff (but have to say that the album of the summer for me was still OK Go's And the Adjacent Possible, which actually came out in early Spring (April) but has remained a top pick and has a great summer feel. 

Styx - Circling From Above

Legendary American 70's Rock band Styx continues their recent resurgence with this dynamite album, following up their impressive Crash of the Crown (2021) with an even better album, as they build on their core melodic rock sound with progressive and classic elements. Composer-multi-instrumentalist-vocalist-producer Will Evankovich, who has been an important contributor on the last couple albums, has now become a full member of the band. The album consists of 13 short songs (all less than 4 min.) dealing with themes of technology and nature (sometimes a bit too short as some seem to end just as they are really getting going and could have been further expanded). The tracks cover a variety of styles featuring classic Styx vocal harmonies and soaring melodies, but also including diverse influences from several other classic bands, including Pink Floyd, Queen, The Beatles, and the Who, for a wonderful excursion through classic and prog rock. From the proggy Build and Destroy to the soaring ballad Forgive to the 70's rock of We Lost the Wheel Again to the rousing acoustic guitar/mandolin-driven Blue-eyed Raven, it all works extremely well. Styx has a cast of fine vocalists (Gowan, Shaw, Young, and Evankovich), and they all get a chance to shine here, with each singing lead on one or more songs, in addition to the wonderful harmonies throughout. This may be the band's best album since Paradise Theater (1981), a great return to form from this classic band showing that they are not done yet. Best Tracks: Blue-eyed Raven, Forgive, It's Clear, She Knows, We Lost the Wheel Again, Build and Destroy. Rating: 4ó
      
Anders Buaas - Trollringen

Wonderful, mostly instrumental melodic prog album from Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Anders Buass, with what was the surprise of the summer for me, becuase Buass is mainly known in the U.S. for playing guitar with hard rock-metal bands (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest), yet this album is absolutely beautiful, full of great instrumental Prog tracks and a few vocal tracks that are quite removed from metal, with prominent acoustic and classical guitars, gentle moving melodies, lovely spirited instrumentals, jazz and folk influences, grand and dynamic themes, and elements reminiscent of Pink Floyd, Mike Oldfield, Mark Knopfler, Steve Hackett, Al Dimeola, etc. The album is loosely based and inspired by the Norwegian historical murder mystery novel Trollringen. A truly great, uplifting and moving listening experience. Best Tracks: Trollringen, Opening Credits, Sunrise, The Last Drop, End Credits. Rating: 4ó

Big Thief - Double Infinity

Indie folk-rock band Big Thief follows up their impressive, expansive double album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You (2022), with another very good album. Although this new album is not as adventurous or diverse, as it sticks to a more standard indie folk, singer-songwriter style, it nonetheless is very successful. While it doesn't have quite the highs of that previous album, it also manages to avoid the lows, with a consistently strong set of songs. The songs themselves are pretty basic structurally, but are imbued with a pleasant easygoing charm highlighted by Adrianne Lenker's plaintive vocals and perceptive lyrics, as well as sparse but effective arrangements. Best Tracks: All Night All Day, Words, Grandmother, Incomprehensible, How Could I Have Known? Rating: 3.5ó

Flyte - Between You and Me

The fourth album from this UK alternative folk duo features gentle folk-rock with deeply personal reflections and delivers an intimate, quietly wonderful, impactful, and cohesive album. Beautiful vocals, melodies and harmonies, great acoustic guitar, and simple but effective arrangements. In some ways, kind of the UK Simon and Garfunkel, in that some of the songwriting has somewhat of a Simonesque style and feel, and imbued with wonderful vocals and harmonies. From Hello Sunshine, one of the best acoustic guitar songs you'll ever hear, to the upbeat pop-folk of If You Can't Be Happy, to the simple beauty of the album closer, Everybody Says I Love You, just a wonderful album that is quietly brilliant, moving, and thoroughly entertaining. Best Tracks: Hello Sunshine, Emily and Me, If You Can't Be Happy, I'm Not There, I Just Can't Believe We're Friends. Rating: 4ó

Ambient Den - Ambient Den

Impressive debut album from this new prog band featuring Australian multi-instrumentalist Ben Craven, along with Tim Bennets and Dean Povey. Although they go for some crossover appeal in the more poppy vocal tracks, the highlights of the album are the soaring symphonic prog instrumental excursions, with the 16-min epic instrumental Terraforming the absolute best, an adventurous, mesmerizing track showing the best of modern prog, and one of the best prog tracks of the year. Building from a quietly beautiful opening to grand themes and dynamic instrumental passages, a truly brilliant musical excursion. Less successful are some of the vocal tracks and sections, such as the drawn-out single For All Mankind which goes on a bit too long and has a somewhat annoying and too-often repeated chorus. The album closes with a curious jazz-funk version of the opening Future History theme. Some funky fun, but doesn't fit with rest of album and seems out of place here. If the whole album was as good as Terraforming, it would be among the very best of the year, but even with the lesser tracks, it is still very good overall. Best Tracks: Terraforming, Provenance, Earthrise. Rating 3.5ó

Sloan - Based on the Best Seller

This latest album from stalwart Canadian indie rock/power pop band, their 14th, delivers great fun with another dose of quality power pop. This one is a bit lighter in tone than the previous album, Steady (2021), and features bouncy, upbeat 70's-80's-style power pop (think Beatles, Badfinger, Kinks, 10 cc, etc.), with great melodies, hooks, vocals, and harmonies throughout, and a nice variety of sounds and styles. Nothing very complex, sophisticated, or groundbreaking here, just good, well-crafted songs and melodies, catchy and hummable, with just enough power guitar riffs to keep things rockin'. This underrated band, where all 4 members write and sing (4-part harmonies!), hasn't had a single lineup change since their inception in 1991, just keeps going strong with another really good, fun album. Rating: 3.5ó

The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers

Very enjoyable album (their 13th) from this versatile veteran rock duo. This one leans more toward pop and blue-eyed soul, with more lush arrangements and a bit less rockin' than I was expecting. The boys worked with established songwriters/producers, such as Rick Nowells, Dan Tashian, and Scott Storch, on this album, which explains the more easygoing, polished style. But there is a nice blend of songs here, from pop, soul, funk, rock, and even a pleasing folk-rock closer, creating a nice listening experience, probably their most melodic album, although many may be missing the harder edge and rockin' blues of earlier albums. May not be among their very best, but still a very pleasant excursion and some different directions for the band. Best Tracks: On Repeat, Man on a Mission, No Rain No Flowers, A Little Too High, Neon Moon. Rating: 3.5ó

Ihlo - Legacy

This Second album from the relatively new UK Prog Metal band marks a major step forward. Now, in general, I am not a fan of Prog Metal (or anything Metal really), but some Prog Metal bands that show real creative Prog elements I can get behind. Invariably, for such bands, it's the songs that show the most Prog and least metal intrusions that I really respond to, and it is the same here. This band has the chops and style to create some really impressive symphonic prog, with soaring melodies, great vocals, and impressive instrumental arrangements, and that is evident on some standout tracks here. Mute and album closer Signals are among the best Prog songs of the year, and a couple others are quite good as well, but, unfortunately, most of the songs are marred by metal tendencies that are just total turn-offs and dealbreakers for me, even though there are some fine sections in those as well. If they would have stuck to the more melodic symphonic Prog of the best songs here, it would have ranked as one of the best of the year, but the metal elements really get in the way for me. Still, a very good album, and if you are a fan of Prog Metal, a must listen. Best Tracks: Mute, Signals, Legacy, Empire. Rating: 3.5ó

David Byrne - Who is the Sky?

On this newest album, his 1st since American Utopia (2018), Byrne teams up with the Ghost Train Orchestra, a New York-based ensemble that specializes in re-imagining (sometimes with avant-garde arrangements) vintage and little-known jazz songs, to bring his current visions to fruition. This is a pure pop album that centers on joy and reasons to be cheerful. As usual with Byrne, the highlights of the album are the bustling, complex arrangements, polyrhythms and orchestration, and the witty, sometimes absurd lyrics that keep the tone light and playful. But this album does show that Byrne has entered his old man stage (he is 73), in that his vocals have deteriorated substantially from his heyday, being somewhat shaky and wavering in and out of key, and just having that old man sound, and the song subject matter seems pretty random, like he just looked around and started writing about things around him, such as his apartment, moisturizing cream, and how his partner has to explain things to him. But musically the songs are solid and it is  nice to have a new album of poppy David Byrne songs. Not among his very best, but still quite enjoyable. Best Tracks: Everybody Laughs, Don't Be Like That, What is the Reason For It?, The Avant Garde. Rating: 3ó

Arjen Anthony Lucassen - Songs No One Will Hear

Solo concept album from prolific Dutch prog rocker Lucassen (Ayreon, Star One, Ambeon, Guilt Machine), deals with the final days of humanity as they prepare for the destruction of the world from an inevitable comet strike, with various degrees of humor, sincerity, and contemplation. The songs cover various emotions and responses of the people as they try to reconcile with the catstrophe, ranging from denial (Goddamn Conspiracy), getting as much sex as possible (Shaggathon), profiting from it (Dr. Slumber's Blue Bus), to acceptance (Just Not Today), leading to the final day and epic closer (Our Final Song). Musically, Arjen maintains his proclivity for hard rock-edged prog, but shows various styles throughout ranging from pop to theater to metal. The album comes in 2 versions, one with explaining narration of the story, one with just the music (No narration). Overall, an impressive, ambitious project, but the songs themselves only partially succeed, creating a mixed bag of highlights. Quite good, but doesn't consistently deliver throughout. Best Tracks: Our Final Song, Just Not Today, Shaggathon, Goddamn Conspiracy. Rating: 3ó

Agropelter - Book of Hours 

Debut album from this impressive Norwegian instrumental symphonic Prog band, which is primarily a project of multi-instrumentalist Kay Olsen, who plays most of the instruments on the album, with some help from guest musicians, including Jonas Reingold, Andreas Sjoen, Mattias Olsson, and some classical musicians (strings, winds). What I really like about this album is the emphasis on classical influences throughout and the prominent use of grand piano, acoustic guitar, and strings. It gets back to the classic prog style that mixed strong classical themes with mellotrons, synthesizers, and complex structures. However, what I was less excited about on this album was how the sections and tracks were somewhat disjointed and didn't really fit together well. After 3 shorter tracks, the rest of the album consists of the epic title track, broken into 4 parts, encompassing a total of more than 33 minutes. However, that is a bit misleading because each of those 4 parts is then broken down into multiple separate sections that don't seem very related to each other, as it jumps from tender grand piano sections to heavy prog to synth solos, etc. without much to connect or relate the parts. And each section just runs a few minutes, so never quite develops into a groove or develops into grander themes. I really wanted to like this album much more than I actually did. There are many quite wonderful sections, with beautiful melodies, great musicianship and instrumental prowess, yet it just never really fully comes together. So, although there is much to admire and enjoy about the project, overall, it is a bit disappointing, despite its many fine features.  Rating: 3ó

Whimsical Creature - Wistful Thinking

Whimsical Creature is a UK acoustic folk-prog duo, a collaboration between prog vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Michael Whiteman (I am the Manic Whale, Ryo Okomoto, etc.) and vocalist-flutist Ella Floyd, and this is their first album. They feature vocal harmonies and all acoustic instrumentation (acoustic guitar, piano, flute, autoharp, drums, percussion) providing a breezy, refreshing sound. The music is a mix of pop and folk-rock with prog elements, as many of the songs include extended instrumental sections and proggy excursions. Overall, a really nice, light, thoroughly entertaining listen, perfect for a bright summer day. Best Tracks: Begin Again Again, Better Than This?, The Stargazer, A Way With Fairies. Rating: 3.5ó 

Pareidolon - The Unattainable Shore

2nd album from Canadian Prog band that mixes classic prog with hard rock elements. Overall, a good, solid album, but songs through the first half of the album seem under developed and meander, with some lackluster sections. Overall, songs are good, but need tighter and more compelling arrangements to bring out unique characteristics (too many power chords with little embellishment), showing that the band still has some work to do. Best tracks are the final two, the 24min epic Voie Aerienne, and The Ebb and Flow of Heartache, where they put it all together to create much stronger and complete very good tracks and sections, showing their great potential. Thus, a mixed bag, but worth checking out, and a band to watch in the future. Rating: 3ó    

Discipline - Breadcrumbs

Solid, enjoyable album, their 6th but first since 2017, from U.S. Prog band Discipline provides some quite good and compelling moments, but never quite soars the way it should. Opens with the epic title track (17 min), which while has some fine moments, sadly just doesn't quite come together to create a fulfilling whole, as of some the melodies and sections are a bit lackluster and not engaging. More successful are the shorter punchier tracks in the middle, with a more melodic style and rock feel. Overall, good, enjoyable, but just not that great or something I would come back to over and over again. Rating: 3ó



Stephen Bishop - Thimk

Nearly fifty years after his debut album (Careless - 1976), smooth pop singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop has released what he has called is final studio album, Thimk. It features many brand new songs, and some older ones, as well as contributions from an impressive roster of guest artists and friends from throughout his years as an artist and performer (including Sting, Eric Clapton, Art Garfunkel, Graham Nash, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, and many others). The result is a wonderfully warm and engaging set of songs and reminisces, that certainly fits right in with his past successes and smooth easygoing style. May not be anything earthshaking here, but quite enjoyable. Rating: 3ó

A couple albums from earlier in the year suggested by readers

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - Carpe Diem, Moonman

A weird, wild, creative and compelling album from this intriguing and versatile Australian rock band. Their style is all over the map, but mainly features a blend of heavy psychedelia, energetic garage rock, dreamy pop psych, and eclectic prog rock. The tracks run from quite heavy, in-your-face, shouty punkish psych to dreamy wistful pop, with psych and prog overtones throughout. With complex arrangements and instrumentation, there's always a lot going on in these songs, but also are anchored with a strong melodic core, and all very compelling and entertaining. If there are any comparisons that can be made, it would be with bands such as King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard for their breadth of styles, and on many of the tracks I hear a sound similar to Motorpsycho, particularly on the more dreamy proggy soundscapes. Certainly off the beaten track, but well worth the wonderful journey. Thanks to 'jonder' for recommending this (in the comments), as this was a new band for me. Best Tracks: Concrete and Cola, Qwik Maff, As the Hummingbird Hovers, Scapegoat, Incubator, Winter in Parachutes. Rating: 3.5ó

Lou Hazel  - Riot in the Red

This sophomore album from American singer-songwriter Lou Hazel presents heartfelt folk and Americana. Wonderful songwriting, and the sparse but effective arrangements highlight his world-weary reflections and perceptive observations, with a vocal style that lies somewhere between Dylan and early John Prine. Although this style is not quite in my wheel house, there's no denying the genuine talent here, and an artist that deserves more attention and notoriety. Thanks to 'aburtch' for recommending this album, which I would not have been aware of. Rating: 3.5ó

Some notable albums I was less impressed with

Alice Cooper - Revenge of Alice Cooper

After some 40 years the original Alice Cooper band has reunited for a final go round, and fans of the band will surely appreciate the effort here, as they try to recapture the early days of the band. But musically, this is a bit of a mess, with mundane generic guitar rock and cringy and at times quite silly lyrics. Its best if you just look at this as a fun get together for the band and don't pay much attention to the music itself. Not exactly an embarrassment, but certainly not one of the band's best. Rating: 2.5ó

Wet Leg - Moisturizer
Many were impressed with their debut album in 2023, but for me, their style and obvious shtick grows tiresome very quickly. Although they do try to step out with a bit more variety here in their sophomore effort, for me it is still just OK. Rating: 2.5ó

Cardiacs - LSD
I've heard people rave about the eclectic UK art rock band The Cardiacs for many years, but I had never listened to them, until this new release, their last album, compiled over many years due to the tragic health issues of their founding member and primary songwriter Tim Smith. However, I hated this, excruciating to listen to. There is obviously some great musicianship and craftsmanship here, but but for me the style and songs are just terrible. Rating: 2ó (only that high due to fine musicianship)

Between the Buried and Me - The Blue Nowhere
Acclaimed in extreme metal and prog metal circles, I gave this a listen due to other recommendations and the lead single, title track The Blue Nowhere, which is a more straight-forward pop-rock song. However, other than the final 2 tracks, The Blue Nowhere and Beautifully Human, Which are quite nice, melodic, and catchy songs, the rest of the album is their more typical extreme heavy snarling vocals and bludgeoning metal riffs throughout, and thus not at all for me. Again, they show they can play, but not what I want to hear. Rating: 2ó

BB’s Rating scale:

1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to
1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time
2 ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall
2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either
3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often
3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall
4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again
4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 
5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

So, lots of good stuff all summer long. That's what I've been listening to and enjoying. What were your favorite albums over the summer months or up to this point in the year? Let me know your thought in the comments.



Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Rick Davies (composer-vocalist-keyboard player for Supertramp) 1944-2025 R.I.P.


Rick Davies (composer-vocalist-keyboard player for Supertramp) 1944-2025 R.I.P.

    Just a quick note to honor rock musician Rick Davies, the sensational composer-vocalist-keyboard player for Supertramp. Rick Davies may not have the immediate name recognition of the biggest stars, but he was an extremely talented musician, and his music with Supertramp is a very important part of my life. As noted on the Supertramp web site, Rick passed away on Saturday September 6 at the age of 81 after battling Multiple Myeloma for over 10 years. Rick was born in Swindon, England and developed a lifelong passion for jazz, blues, and rock'n'roll. I've detailed Supertramp's story in my previous Supertramp album ranking post here. But, briefly, Rick formed the band that would become Supertramp with composer-vocalist-keyboards-guitarist Roger Hodgson back in 1969, and although the band initially struggled to find their style and sound, amid changing lineups and two unsuccessful albums, they regrouped with a new lineup and sound and released a masterpiece and one of the greatest albums of all time, Crime of the Century, in 1974, and followed that with a string of great albums in Crisis? What Crisis? (1975), Even in the Quietest Moments (1977), and their big commercial breakthrough with mainstream hit singles, Breakfast in America (1979).  

     Supertramp is known for their unique brand of melodic progressive rock, blending catchy pop melodies with a jazz and blues-influenced prog rock sound, as well as for their keyboard-dominant songs and the dual vocal and songwriting interplay of Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson. Like Lennon-McCartney, Davies and Hodgson made a songwriting agreement early on that all their songs would be credited to both Rick and Roger, regardless of who contributed most to the song, and also like Lennon-McCartney, the actual collaboration also ran out fairly early with the songs being written almost completely by one or the other, and due to the different styles of each it is quite easy to tell who wrote what (and generally they each sing lead on their own songs). In general, Roger drifted more toward pop songs and melodies, whereas Rick delved more into jazz- and blues-inflected rock and prog. Thus, many of the band's most well-known songs (and hits, like Breakfast in America, Logical Song, and Give a Little Bit) were Roger's, yet many of the band's very best songs were Rick's. Although both have many great songs, and the great strength of the band was that interplay of the different styles of the two, personally, I tend to prefer Rick's songs and style over Roger's. Some of my favorite Rick songs are: Rudy, Crime of the Century, Another Man's Woman, Downstream, Asylum, From Now On, Gone Hollywood, Ain't Nobody But Me, Bloody Well Right, Cannonball, Oh Darling, Goodbye Stranger, Brother Where You Bound?, Better Days, Sooner or Later, You Win I Lose, Tenth Avenue Breakdown, and so many more.

     As Rick and Roger became increasingly musically divergent in their styles, and following the somewhat disappointing album Famous Last Words (1982), Roger left, but Rick and the rest of the band continued on with another strong album with Brother Where You Bound? (1985), moving back to a more prog and jazz-oriented rock sound. A brief (and somewhat disastrous) detour into more 80's style pop followed with Free as a Bird (1987) and led to the band disbanding. But several years later Rick and the band re-formed for another go and the fine and vastly underrated albums Some Things Never Change (1997) and Slow Motion (2002), where Rick leaned more heavily on his jazz and blues background. The band did tour again in the early 2010's, and there were plans for the band to tour again in 2015, but were cancelled due to Rick's first battle with multiple myeloma, and which continued on until his death last week.   

  I was fortunate enough to see Supertramp live back in 1977 on the Quietest Moments tour, and Rick and the whole band were fantastic. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the couple of live shows I previously posted, from 1975 and 1977. 

Rick's music will live on, and I know that I will always be listening to his wonderful music throughout my life (and hopefully even beyond that). Thanks Rick for all the great music you created.

  




Friday, July 25, 2025

Little Feat w/The Hot Tomato Horns - 2025-02-21 - Eastside Bowl, Nashville, TN

Little Feat w/The Hot Tomato Horns

February 21, 2025
Eastside Bowl, Nashville, TN
Audience recording (Mr.Sifter), very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

OK, It's been quite awhile since I posted any concerts. Here's a show from ear;er this year from the recently revitalized classic band Little Feat. They have a fine new album out this year (reviewed here), and in this show, amongst all the classic Feat tracks, they also mix in four songs from the new album, Strike Up the Band. Although they have lost several original members over the years, they still have a solid core of members from the classic days in Bill Payne (keyboards), Kenny Gradney (Bass), Sam Clayton (percussion), and multi-instrumentalist Fred Tackett laying down the rhythm and funk. Newcomers Scott Sharrard and Tony Leone are welcome additions, and the band sounds great. Check out the new sounds from this classic band, as well as relive the great old classics in this rousing concert that shows they can still rock with the best of them. 

Tracklist:
1. Fat Man in the Bathtub
2. Hate to Lose Your Lovin'
3. 4 Days Of Heaven 3 Days of Work
4. Oh Atlanta
5. Spanish Moon
6. Too High To Cut My Hair
7. Long Distance Love
8. Down on the Farm
9. Shipwrecks
10. Time Loves a Hero
11. Old Folks Boogie
12. Mellow Down Easy
13. Midnight Flight
14. Shakedown Street
15. Willin'
16. Dixie Chicken
17. Let It Roll
18. Feats Don't Fail Me Now

Bill Payne – keyboards, vocals
Sam Clayton – percussion, vocals
Kenny Gradney – bass
Fred Tackett – guitar, mandolin, trumpet, vocals
Scott Sharrard – guitar, vocals
Tony Leone – drums
Art Edmaiston - saxophone
Mark Franklin - trumpet

FLAC
 
mp3

 

Monday, July 14, 2025

Best Albums of 2025 So Far (Favorite First-Half Albums)

 

Best Albums of 2025 So Far (Favorite First-Half Albums)

Well, now that we have surpassed the half-way [point of the year, and I have already reviewed a slew of top-notch albums, it's about time to look back and see what the very best albums of the year have been, so far (at least, my personal favorites of the year). I've listened to nearly a hundred new albums so far and there have been quite a few really good ones, and now, after having some time with them, here are the ones that have stood out thus far. Since I have already done short reviews for most or all of these, I will provide only a very brief description of each, as well as a link back to where I reviewed the album (E25, SP1, or SP2 roundups, to check out if you haven't already). Without further ado, here's my top 25 favorite albums of the year so far.

25. Jean-Pierre Louveton - Post-Scriptum (jazz-inflected, guitar-driven, atmospheric French Prog) SP2

24. Lux Terminus - Cinder (Dynamic, vibrant, piano-driven eclectic instrumental heavy Prog with jazzy overtones) SP2

23. Glass Hammer - Rogue (Welcome return to symphonic Prog, with mostly mellower melodic prog and an emphasis on vocals and pop-rock melodies) SP1

22. Van Morrison - Remembering Now (Van returns to an earlier classic style that is warm, comforting, beautiful, and nostalgic for his best album in decades) SP2

21. The Head and The Heart - Aperture (Return to a more folky, homespun, stripped-back style that highlight the personal, introspective, and inspiring songs) SP2

20. Cosmic Cathedral - Deep Water (Neal Morse's latest band features a jazzier approach to Neal's signature style and sound) SP1

19. Mary Chapin Carpenter - Personal History (Deeply personal album of heartfelt, introspective songs, stripped down arrangements, and touching thought-provoking lyrics) SP2

18. Little Feat - Strike Up the Band (Mix of old and new players bring back the classic Feat sound and style for a triumphant new album) SP2

17. Nad Sylvan - Monumentata (Nad's chameleon vocal style, strong songwriting, and contributions from numerous guest artists create a strong album that combines prog and mainstream rock) SP2

16. The Doobie Brothers - Walk This Road (The return of Michael McDonald, along with founders Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, together for the first time, provide great variety and create some new Doobie Brothers classics) SP2

15. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizards (Latest from this prolific genre-hopping band presents breezy, upbeat psych-rock with added orchestration (strings, winds, horns) for fuller richer sound)  SP2

14. Jacob Roberge - The Passing (Canadian multi-instrumentalist's 1st album is a grand excursion in symphonic prog, highlighted by the epic title track featuring multiple styles and dynamics, embracing the classic bands and modern influences) E25

13. Solstice - Clann (Tasty mix of folk, jazz, and melodic prog in an upbeat, joyful style that is accessible and engaging, with great vocals and harmonies E25

12. Coheed and Cambria - The Father of Make Believe (Wide variety of styles and strong melodic sense highlight this latest entry in their ongoing series of albums) E25

11. Bjorn Riis - Fimbulvinter (Guitarist from Airbag presents moody, atmospheric soundscapes with poignant, introspective, and personal feel for a wonderful, powerful album)  

Top 10 

10. Motorpsycho - Motorpsycho (Another wonderful, eclectic album featuring a great mix of lighter and heavier fare showing their psych, prog, and hard rock roots) E25

9. Pattern-Seeking Animals - Friend of All Creatures (Great modern melodic Prog, beautiful and well-played, with great vocals and musicianship, and the full range of emotions, dynamics, and instrumentation) E25 

8. Rocking Horse Music Club - The Last Pink Glow (Worthy follow-up to their previous masterwork, Circus of Wire Dolls (2023), incorporating prog, pop, folk, jazz, and blues into a presentation of Jack Kerouac's A Haunted Life) SP1

7. Counting Crows - Butter Miracle: The Complete Sweets (Great new album from the 'Crows that highlights their classic sound and also moves forward in new directions, great mix of songs) SP1

6. OK Go - And the Adjacent Possible (All-out, fun, good-timey pop songs, featuring well-crafted, imminently tuneful, clever, and catchy songs in a variety of pop styles. Great summer album)  SP1

5. Karfagen - Omni (keyboard-centric symphonic prog from prolific Ukranian musician Antony Kalugin's band, featuring emphasis on vocals and melodies.) SP1 

4. Lars Frederik Froislie - Gamle Mester (Splendid album of Norwegian symphonic Prog from Wobbler's keyboard master featuring richly textured, complex, and dynamic songs that are fresh, warm, and adventurous) SP1 

3. Echolyn - Time Silent Radio ii & vii (Returning with their unique rockin' prog sound, mixing classic melodic rock and power pop with sumptuous symphonic prog for a wonderful set of albums) E25

2. Karmakanic - Transmutation (Brilliant modern symphonic Prog, Jonas Reingold and crew, extremely creative and inventive arrangements, production, and instrumentation, intricate, exciting themes and melodies. Best Epic of the year).E25 Close contender for album of the year, but in the end, had to go with:

1. Great Wide Nothing - A Shout Into The Void (Bold, dynamic, hard-rocking, powerful, yet still maintains a strong melodic sensibility, with catchy melodies and hooks throughout. Love this album, have played it repeatedly over the past couple months, and love it more and more each time. Every song great, no weaknesses, such that I have increased my rating to 5ó , a masterpiece (only one of the year so far), and undoubtedly the best album of the year thus far. SP1

OK, so that's my mid-year wrap-up. been a fine year with some great music, and certainly more to come. What were your favorite new albums for 2025 so far?

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

New Album Roundup - Spring 2025 (Part 2, Late Spring)

 New Album Roundup - Spring 2025 (Part 2) 

Here we are at the midpoint of the year with another update on recent new album releases I have been checking out. Once again, lots more high quality new albums released during the second half of the Spring quarter of 2025. Of particular note is the large number of veteran and legendary artists making strong returns/comebacks with new albums. However, although there are a lot of very good albums in this batch, there weren't any that I thought really stood out as truly great or among the very best of the year like there was in the first part of this Spring roundup. Anyway, here are the best of the new albums I've been listening to lately, most all of these released over the past 8 weeks or so. 

The Doobie Brothers - Walk This Road

Of course, the Doobie Brothers have been around in various forms since the early 1970's, but their more recent albums haven't had much impact or made much of an impression. But this new album changes that, and what is different about this new album is that it marks the return of Michael McDonald, for the first time in over 40 years, and not only that, but it is the only Doobie Brothers album to feature all three of the key singer-songwriter members together, Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and Michael McDonald. And they make the most of it, delivering their best album in decades. Right from the start, with the opening title track, it is clear that we are in for some classic-sounding Doobies magic, with a sound that is smooth, comfortable, and immensely satisfying. These seasoned professionals know how to craft appealing and effective songs with top-notch musicianship and arrangements. But what makes this album really special is that diversity of styles provided by the contributions of all three writer-performers, as each delivers their own distinctive sound that keeps the album fresh and vibrant throughout. We get the lush blue-eyed soul of McDonald (Walk This Road, Learn to Let Go, Speed of Pain), the more acoustic folk-rock of Patrick Simmons (Angels & Mercy, State of Grace, Lahaina), and the good-time melodic rock of Johnston (Call Me, Here to Stay, New Orleans), as well as a nice dose of New Orleans funk (Kind That Lasts) to round out the album. Sure, there isn't anything very new or different here, and it all may sound a bit too pleasant and familiar, but it just feels so good, like a nice pair of comfy shoes. Just enjoy. Best Tracks: Angels & Mercy, State of Grace, Walk This Road, Call Me, Kind That Lasts, Lahaina. Rating: 3.5ó

Little Feat - Strike Up the Band

Another legendary veteran band that has had its ups and downs and numerous lineup changes over the years, but the current incarnation seems reinvigorated and carrying on with their classic mix of Southern rock, jazz, folk, and funk. Although they've lost the great Lowell George, Paul Barrere, and Richie Hayward from their classic 70's days, they are still retaining a solid core of Bill Payne (keyboards), Kenny Gradney (bass), and Sam Clayton (percussion) from that time, as well as longtime member Multi-instrumentalist Fred Tackett, and now with recent additions Scott Sharrard (guitars-vocals) and Tony Leone (drums), the band flies high again. Whether its with their infectious grooves, dynamic New Orleans funk, or more country-folk fare. Sharrard makes great contributions, as he sings lead on most songs and plays dynamite slide guitar throughout, in a nod toward the departed George, and re-establishes the great style and sound of the band. Like the recent Doobie Brothers album, this band sticks to their strengths and there isn't really anything new here, but it is a wonderful classic sound brought back by this amazing band. Anyone who was a fan of the old band, and particularly the revived 80's and 90's version of the band, will very much enjoy this album. Best Tracks: Midnight Flight, When Hearts Fail, Too High to Cut My Hair, Disappearing Ink, New Orleans Cries When it Sings, Strike Up the Band. Rating: 3.5ó

Neil Young - Talkin to the Trees

That's right, Neil just keeps on going, and if you don't like it or what he has to say, Tough!, which seems to be his attitude on this album. His 48th(!) studio album, where he plays with the latest incarnation of his back-up band, this time dubbed the Chrome Hearts, but is basically the same as the previous band, The Promise of the Real, just without Lukas Nelson and with long-time collaborator organist Spooner Oldham added. This is a very loose, raw, lo-fi album, where Neil basically rants about the stuff he doesn't like and croons about what he does, in a quite slapdash fashion, with songs and lyrics that he seems to be making up as he goes. Neil pretty much does what he wants, and that's basically what this album is, just a glimpse of his current outlook on things like family, his kids, politics, big business, etc. Most of the songs sound like they were thrown together and recorded in a live rehearsal jam session, and mainly recycle previous songs and melodies (there are actually 2 different songs that basically have the same melody, taken directly from This Land is Your Land). If you're a fan of the Neil's more raw sound, this may be for you. But the lyrics seem especially lazy and simplistic on most songs. The mellower, acoustic, more folky songs fare the best (although the melody and feel of the acoustic ballad First Fire of Winter is basically a reworking of Helpless). But as with most Neil Young albums, there also are a couple real gems here, and these are the last 2 songs on the album, both mellow and recorded with more style and care (and not rants), the beautiful acoustic Bottle of Love and the appreciative Thankful.  These seem to be out of place on this album, as they are more in line with Harvest Moon or Prairie Wind, but do provide some uplifting moments at the end of the album. Certainly a lesser NY album, but still worth checking out for the couple gems and to sample where Neil is now. Best Tracks: Bottle of Love, Thankful, First Fire of Winter. Rating 2.5ó

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Phantom Island

You never know what will be next from this dynamic chameleon band who seem to just look at different genres and say, 'Yeah, we can do that'. This albums finds them building on some song structures similar to last year's Flight b741, with some breezy, upbeat psych rock with mixtures of blues, jazz, and folk-rock, but the twist with this album is that they have added orchestration, so plenty of strings, winds, and horns here to give a fuller, lusher sound, as this is basically their orchestral album. But the songs still have a light, spacey charm, with some infectious grooves and melodies, lifted to additional textures and sounds with the added orchestration. At times sounds a bit like a hipper, brighter, catchier, drug-free Grateful Dead, with orchestration. Overall, a fun album with engaging songs and styles and rich textures. Best Tracks: Deadstick, Eternal Return, Panpsych, Spacesick, Sea of Doubt, Grow Wings and Fly. Rating: 3.5ó
 
Nad Sylvan - Monumentata

Nad Sylvan is best known these days as the vocalist with the Steve Hackett band and his Genesis Revisited shows, and his vocal similarities with Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, but he has been around for quite some time as part of other bands (Unifaun, Agents of Mercy) as well as a solo career (5 albums). With this album, Nad takes another step forward with this strong album that provides a great mix of Prog and mainstream rock. The songs have a solid rock feel, but are filled with clever arrangements and proggy instrumental breaks that keep them always interesting and vibrant. Nad's diverse and chameleon-like vocal style change to fit the style and mood of each song. Features contributions from many big name guest artists, including Tony Levin, Randy McStine, Jonas Reingold, Joe Deninzon, Lalle Larsson, Marco Minneman, etc. that really fill out the sound and quality of the production. Best Tracks: Monte Carlo Priceless, Secret Lover, Make Somebody Proud, Monumentata. Rating: 3.5ó   

Lux Terminus - Cinder

Dynamic, vibrant, piano-driven eclectic instrumental Prog Trio from the U.S. (Cleveland) delivers a rousing album of heavy melodic prog with jazzy overtones. Beautiful keyboard passages punctuated by bold aggressive attacks and driving rhythms. Although at times their desire to be heavy and super percussive intrudes upon the flow and feel of the songs, weighing them down a bit (such as on Neon Rain and Mosaic Mind), but overall, strong melodies and powerful dynamics make a compelling listen. Vocals on one song only (Catalyst) provided by Ross Jennings and other guests. The Jupiter Suite, with whispery vocalizations (from guest Esper) is reminiscent of the sounds from the great Pat Metheny Group in the 80's and 90's. Best Tracks: Jupiter Suite, Catalyst, Natsukashii, P.L.O.N.K.. Rating: 3.5ó

Stereolab - Instant Holograms on Metal Film

Stereolab, the unique Anglo-French avant-pop band led by guitarist-keyboardist Tim Ganes and vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Laetitia Sandler returns for their 11th album, but first new studio album in 15 years. Their sound combines old and new elements, taking their song style from early 60's French and European pop, with soft-spoken female vocals over jazzy pop (even some bossa nova, etc.), and mixing in modern elements from Krautrock and electronica for a uniquely retro-futurist sound.  Best Tracks: Electrified Teentbop!, Transmuted Matter, Aerial Trouble, Flashes From Everywhere. Rating: 3.5ó
   
 

The Head and the Heart - Aperture

A welcome return to a more folky homespun style and sound for this indie folk-rock band and their 6th album, after a couple albums that delved a bit too much into slicker, poppier material. Thus, they re-capture their authenticness and believability, with a more stripped back and lo-fi style, which helps anchor these more personal and introspective, but still tuneful, catchy, and inspiring songs. Fine vocals and harmonies and pleasingly simple arrangements bring out the beauty in this very enjoyable collection of new songs. Best Tracks: Blue Embers, Finally Free, West Coast, Beg Steal Borrow, After The Setting Sun. Rating: 3.5ó
 

Van Morrison - Remembering Now

Another aging legend returns with his best album in decades. After being mired in political rants and personal crises for the past several years, Van finally emerges with renewed spirit and harkens back to better times as he regains the style and feel of albums such as Hymns to the Silence (1991) and Sense of Wonder (1984) as he looks back at his life and musical journey with touching and introspective lyrics. Nods to previous songs are plentiful here, and the style is loose, warm, and nostalgic, with laid-back Hammond organ, sax, and strings, and backup vocal singers creating a full, rich, and relaxing atmosphere. Most of the songs are slow, languid, but quite beautiful and warm, as Van rediscovers his days of wonder. May be a bit too mellow for some, but just sit back and let Van's music wash over you. Best Tracks: If It Wasn't for Ray, Cutting Corners, Back to Writing Love Songs, Haven't Lost My Sense of Wonder, Down to Joy, Stretching Out. Rating: 3.5ó 

Quick Hits and Short Takes

Mary Chapin Carpenter - Personal History

Americana singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter returns (for her 17th album) with this deeply personal album of heartfelt, introspective songs, stripped down arrangements, and touching thought-provoking lyrics. Thoughtful, minimal arrangements highlight the beauty of the melodies and lyrical content, as Mary honestly reflects on her life with great emotional depth. Somber and spare, but quite beautiful, moving, and engaging. Rating: 3.5ó

 

Ben Kweller - Cover the Mirrors

This is American singer-songwriter Ben Kweller's 6th solo album, and it's lo-fi charm is a very pleasant respite from all the heavily layered, processed, and programmed music out there. Here it's just Ben and his personal observations and self-reflection in basic stripped down arrangements, with pleasing melodies and lyrics. Sometimes reminiscent of early Neil Young or early Wilco, the album flows between acoustic guitar-only ramblings to easy-going folk-rock up to an occasional punkish outburst. Nothing earth-shattering here, but very enjoyable songs and a charismatic style that serves as a great palette cleanser from harsher, slicker offerings. Rating: 3ó

 
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
American singer-songwriter Suzanne returns with her 10th  album, and first album of new music since 2014, presenting a strong album of songs focused on various aspects of struggle and survival in these modern times. And as the great storyteller that she is, what she is saying is more important than the tunes, but her folk-pop musical style works well throughout the album. Rating: 3ó

Jean Pierre Louveton (JPL) - Post Scriptum
Another wonderful album of jazz-inflected, guitar-driven, atmospheric Prog from one of the masters of French Prog. Rating: 3.5ó
 
Jakko M. Jakszk - Son of Glen
Surprisingly mellow and personal album from this vocalist-guitarist best-known from King Crimson. Some lovely tunes and autobiographical lyrics that create a nice atmosphere, but also occasionally veer a bit too much toward 70's soft rock. Quite pleasant, but doesn't pack much of a punch, or create a lasting impression. Rating: 3ó 
 
Cosmograf - The Orphan Epoch
Good, solid album from this Neo-Prog band from the U.K., their 10th. Quite enjoyable listen, while your listening to it, with good songs, good musicianship, nice instrumental passages, nice vocals. However, I find that as soon as the album is over, I can't remember anything about it, not one song, not one melody or theme. It just is not very memorable for me. So, that's my analysis, after listening to it three times. Good, enjoyable, just not very memorable. Rating: 3ó


Some others of note that I was not impressed with

Sleep Token - Even in Arcadia
OK, I was quite perplexed by this album. I had never heard of this band until last month, when this album by what seemed to be a metal band that incorporated other genres, hit #1 on the Billboard charts. Although not a metal fan, I thought I should check it out. After the first few tracks, I had to check to make sure I had the right album, because what unfolded was not metal, or even a rock album, but basically a slick modern pop album, and even a sappy boy band pop album, albeit with occasional (but quite sparse) bursts of cosplay metal riffs and heaviness added on top, though not very well-incorporated into the songs. It seemed to be more comparable to Imagine Dragons or One Republic than any metal band. Which is OK, if you like that sort of thing, but not at all what I was expecting, or what I would think metal fans would appreciate. Maybe that's why it has done well on the charts, because it is basically a pop album, but it is still confusing because it doesn't seem the metal intrusions would be popular among pop fans, or that the sappy pop production would be tolerated by the metal and rock fans, but evidently it appeals to many. I guess I just don't get it, but then I am not the intended audience for this. For me, this is mediocre pop masquerading as something heavier and more profound. Rating: 2.5ó

Ghost- Skeleta
After checking out Sleep token, I was also intrigued that Ghost was another quasi-metal band that had climbed to #1 on the Billboard album charts. And again, a bit surprised by what I heard. Although a bit more rockin' than Sleep Token, it was much more similar to melodic rock from the 70's-80's, basically like a lesser Journey or Foreigner, but with some heavier metal riffs added. Not bad, but nothing special and most of the melodies seemed to be borrowed from other bands and songs, so, again, not sure what the fuss is about. Rating: 2.5ó

Sparks - Mad!
Legendary eclectic indie pop duo is back with their their 27th album, and just keep going with their own unique brand of quirky musings, strange beats, and off-kilter melodies. But the mind-numbing repetitiveness and monotony of the lyrics and melodies becomes quite tedious very quickly, resulting in a torturously unlistenable mess. If they had kept their quirky sound bites short and sweet (like 1-2 minutes tops), it might have been fun, but dragging these highly repetitive 'songs' out to 3-5 minutes each is just agonizing. Please make it stop.  Rating: 2ó

Avkrvst - Waving at the Sky
Opeth-style prog-metal. Fine musicianship. Just nothing here that interests me. Rating: 2.5ó

Katatonia - Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State
Ugh. Dull, generic Prog Metal. A bore. Rating: 2ó

BB’s Rating scale:

1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to
1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time
2 ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall
2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either
3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often
3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall
4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again
4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 
5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

So, that's a wrap for the first half of this year. I've listened to more than 80 new albums so far this year and there have been many gems and wonderful music among them. Since we are now half-way through the year, I will also take a quick look back at the ones that I think are the very best thus far, in another post soon. But since I've already reviewed them here, I'll just present it as a list. Anyway, so that's what I've been listening to and enjoying. But what did I miss? What were some of your favorite recent new album releases?