New Album Roundup - Fall 2025

New Album Roundup - Fall 2025

Here we are once again, nearing the end of 2025, but before I start getting to my year end rundowns, here are some of the new albums that I have enjoyed over the past couple months, Fall 2025 (late September, October, and November releases). Once again, there were many very good albums and a few really great ones. Overall, I listened to about 40 new albums this period, and these were the ones I most enjoyed (and a few I didn't like).  

Lunatic Soul - The World Under Unsun

8th album from this 'side project' of Polish Prog band Riverside's composer-vocalist-bassist Mariusz Duda that has grown into something much more. This album is the culmination of the previous LS albums and completes the overall story arc. Though there are glimpses of Riverside's sound here and there throughout the album, overall this has a very different sound and style, more subdued, moody, and atmospheric, but still quite melodic, filled with cool beats, bass lines, and melodic riffs, and Duda's otherworldly vocals. This is mainly a one-man show, as Duda plays or provides virtually all the instruments, sounds, and vocals, with just some additional drums and sax provided by others. This is an expansive double album, 14 tracks, just under 90 minutes of music, but it justifies every minute of its length, as the tracks all work and flow together, as the music takes its time to explore themes, build and develop into masterful soundscapes. Many of the tracks are nearly or entirely instrumental, but vocals are used effectively throughout to enhance mood and advance the storyline. Though it has it's own unique style, influences are present, with an overall Pink Floyd vibe and at times developing a Mike Oldfield style intricate interweaving of melodic lines. In The Prophecy, the song builds to a lavish Tears for Fear style production, and in Mind Obscured Heart Eclipsed, they put it all together mixing all these influences into one glorious track, arguably the best on the album. Overall, a superb album that stands among the very best of the year. Best Tracks: Mind Obscured Heart Eclipsed, Monsters, The Prophecy, Loop of Fate, The New End, Hands Made of Lead, Self in Distorted Glass. Rating: 4.5

Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side - Time Frames

Following up on the success of their wonderful previous album, Miles From Nowhere (2022), this Swedish Prog band has taken a further step forward with another great album of modern melodic symphonic prog. Their sound is a masterful mix of catchy pop melodies and vocal harmonies combined with extended instrumental passages, grand themes, and virtuoso musicianship. I particularly love their excellent use of lighter acoustic sections and then build into big, bold, soaring symphonic prog, punctuated by heavier, harder rockin' sections and scorching solos. The overall style is certainly reminiscent to some of Neal Morse's various bands as well as Pattern-Seeking Animals, but Lindberg has also developed his own unique flair. Once again, Jonas plays most of the instruments as well as some vocals, but is also supported by additional vocalists Jonas Sundqvist and Jenny Storm, as well as several other musicians (on guitars, drums, etc.). The album consists of 7 extended tracks (including a closing 17 min. epic) and a total of nearly 70 minutes of music, and is filled with joyous, uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable music. The only weak spot is the penultimate track, Running Out of Time, with a weak pop melody and unhelpful injection of hard rock dragged out to 8 min length. Other Other than that one lapse, this is a superb album, placing Jonas among the best of this genre. Best Tracks: Gruvan, Someone Like Me, Galactic Velvet, Faces of Stone, The Wind. Rating: 4

Madison Cunningham - Ace

Third studio album from this American singer-songwriter-guitarist folk-rock artist is a real gem. Madison is an obviously talented singer-songwriter, with great vocals, melodies, and perceptive lyrics throughout, but what really sets this album apart from others in this field is the bold and dynamic approach to instrumentation, arrangements, and production. Compelling songs are bolstered by the inventive arrangements and contributions of a chamber ensemble, making great use of clarinet, bass clarinet, flutes, strings, vibraphone, and various percussion, in addition to guitar and piano, as feature instruments, providing a fresh, vibrant, and natural sound. The songs themselves are complex constructions using elements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock, in addition to folk, pop, and rock, making for a varied and rewarding listening experience. The inventiveness and adventurousness of this album puts Madison right up there with greats such as Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush. A surprisingly great album from this emerging star. Best Tracks: Golden Gate, Best of Us, Wake, Break the Jaw, Skeletree. Rating:4

Spock's Beard - The Archaeoptimist

Premier U.S. Prog band Spock's Beard returns after a 7-year absence with this new album, and it is everything SB fans could have hoped for, a stellar album that explodes with masterful symphonic prog and that in many ways harkens back to their classic days when Neal Morse guided the band. This one is lead by keyboard player Ryo Okumoto, who wrote most of the songs, along with collaborator Michael Whiteman (I am the Manic Whale, Whimsical Creatures), and provides dazzling keyboard work throughout, but the others Dave Meros, Alan Morse, Ted Leonard, and new drummer Nick Potters, contribute great playing-singing and dynamite solos throughout. The album has 6 tracks, including the 21-min title epic, and a length of 61 minutes. It starts off with what was the lead single, Invisible, a strong opener showing that classic Spock's Beard sound, and the album just continues to build from there, with great melodies, dynamic and complex song structures featuring ever-changing rhythms, beats, and grooves, and sensational instrumental passages. Electric Monk has somewhat of a Kansas sound, Afourthoughts continues a 'Thoughts' tradition that goes back to the Neal Morse days and features scorching solos and a great Gentle Giant-style acappella section. But the culmination of the album, the final 2 tracks, which account for half the album's length, are the absolute best, with the epic title track (which features a funky Steely Dan-esque middle section) and the 11 min closer Next Step, delivering stunning symphonic prog and everything you could want in epic prog tracks, 2 of the best of the year and right up there with the very best of SB ever. This album has just come out, so I've only listened to it a few times, but this seems to be right up there with the best of the year, a really great album by one of the premier modern prog bands. Best Tracks: Next Step, The Archaeoptimist, Afourthoughts, St.Jerome in the Wilderness. Rating: 4.5

Gazpacho - Magic 8-Ball

This is the 12th album from Norwegian art-rock band Gazpacho, first since Fireworker (2020), as they continue with their richly textured, moody, atmospheric, hauntingly beautiful style. This album is a collection of 8 tracks with an overall theme of examining the role of fate in one's life. The album opens with Starling, a slow, dreamy ballad that establishes the brooding mood and immersive synth and keyboard style apparent throughout the album. We are Strangers injects a bit more pop melody and accessible style. Ceres picks things up a bit with some brighter keyboard riffs and a lovely melody. Gingerbread Man opens with an ethereal atmosphere but has a more lively midsection with syncopated rhythms. The title track provides a stark contrast with the rest of the album, more upbeat with a circus-like atmosphere and snarky ringmaster vocals, substantially lifting the mood. Immerwahr, the longest track, opens plaintively, developing a nice melody, then builds to a majestic conclusion. The Unrisen closes the album with strong melodic and vocal sections and rich textures, providing a solid close. This album continues what Gazpacho does best, but for me, it drags a bit with the languid, moody style, thus the tracks that break free from the sameness of the rest of the album are those I enjoyed the most. Thus, for some this album may rank higher, but I consider it a very good, but not quite great album. Best Tracks: Ceres, Magic 8-ball, Immerwahr, Gingerbread Man, The Unrisen. Rating: 3.5

Cheap Trick - All Washed Up

Legendary U.S. rock band Cheap Trick returns with a new album, their 21st, and another set of great fun and entertaining rock and power pop songs. Nothing very new or fresh here, just rock-solid rock 'n roll and power pop by a band that really knows how to do it. Hey, if it ain't broke... Filled with power chords, killer riffs, and catchy sing-along choruses. What more could you ask for from these wily rock veterans that don't take themselves too seriously? Rousing good fun and a surprisingly strong album that shows they still have a lot left in the tank and are certainly NOT 'All washed Up'. Best Tracks: A Long Way to Worcester, Twelve Gates, All Wrong Long Gone, The Riff That Won't Quit, Wham Boom Bang. Rating: 3.5

Myth of Logic - Memory of After

Myth of Logic is the solo project of Prog composer-vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Scott G. Davis, who plays most of the instruments here, but with some contributions from additional musicians (violin, sax, guitar solo) on specific songs, and a nice new addition on this album is real live drums (from Louis Alexi) as previous albums used drum machines. This is his 4th album, and Scott has progressed and developed with each album, with this being his best yet. Scott's main influences are the classic 70's prog of Genesis, Yes, ELP, Kansas, and Rush, and they are apparent in his music, which also blends in some more modern elements, but is squarely in the realm of classic-style prog. Like his previous albums, this is a concept album, and follows a sci-fi tale of the alien Mercy. Its a long album, consisting of 8 tracks, 3 of which are more than 14 min. each, so the album clocks in at an expansive 80 minutes. The album is highlighted by thrilling and dynamic keyboard work throughout and expanded instrumental passages showing off that classic prog style, and strong melodies and themes keep the music moving. The opening epic track (Memory of After Part 1) is one of many highlights. However, a weakness of the album are the vocals, which are just OK, and don't really provide the strong presence that the songs need. Although the album is feeling more than a bit too long by the time it concludes with another epic (Memory of After Part II), overall, it is a really good album and fine example of modern exploration of classic prog style. Best Tracks: The Memory of After Part 1, An Empath oin Exile, Disconnect, The Memory of After Part II. Rating: 3.5

Jeff Tweedy  - Twilight Override

The 5th solo album from Wilco Front man Jeff Tweedy, this is an expansive, 30-song triple album (111 min.)! And although this is really too much to handle all at once, the quality of the songs are remarkably good all throughout. They range from the plaintive, conversational singer-songwriter acoustic guitar and vocals style to more diverse arrangements to fully developed rockin' band tracks. Filled with personal, insightful lyrics and cool melodies, it's mostly quite laidback with a gentle groove and a free style, but can get more intense on occasion, and always has that special Tweedy charm. My guess is that these are a bunch of songs that he has had rolling around in various forms for quite awhile, and given his advancing age, wanted to get them all out while he still had the chance. Overall, it is quite a wonderful collection of songs, even if you have to break them down into multiple separate listening sessions to get through them all. Great stuff. Rating: 3.5     

 The Mommyheads - No Quietus

This is the 17th album from this prolific veteran indie pop/rock band from New York. They specialize in a unique kind of progressive pop, featuring catchy melodies and inventive, quirky arrangements, and this latest album features some of their best. They have their own unique sound, but their varied and quirky style might be compared to XTC or 10 cc. With an emphasis on fun hooks and melodies, and always creative arrangements and production, they create colorful, highly enjoyable prog pop. Best Tracks: I'm Your Apocalypse, No Quietus, It's Only Life, Finally Free. Rating: 3.5 

Smalltape - Tangram

Smalltape is primarily a solo project from German musician/sound designer Phillipp Nespital, with just some additions from selected guest artists. This is his 4th album and features an interesting mix of dreamy, atmospheric lounge jazz with pop and prog rock elements. Although the mix doesn't always quite work, at its best it provides some very compelling and engaging tracks and emotional highs. However, the album starts off slowly with the early tracks failing to have much impact, with some lackluster and dull sections weighing down any momentum. But it really picks up as it goes along, with all the best tracks in the second half, where the blending of genres becomes much more effective, with the soft jazz feel better incorporated with the pop melodies and dynamic prog influences, particularly in the standout tracks Selene and the sensational closer Tesselate (if all the tracks were this good, would be one of top albums of the year), and almost redeem the album as a whole. But overall, for me, it's good, not great, but does have many great moments throughout, making it well worth checking out, particularly if a fan of that soft jazzy style. Best Tracks: Tesselate, Selene, Gold Digger, Phoenix. Rating: 3

Steve Morse Band - Triangulation

U.S. Guitar god Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Kansas, Deep Purple, Flying Colors) returns to the Steve Morse Band (his Power Trio, Dan LaRue-bass, Van Romaine-drums) with this new release, their 10th, but first after a 16 year gap. And its with this band that he really gets to cut loose. This album is certainly for the guitar aficionados out there, as this is all instrumental and all guitar, all the time - all the leads, rhythm, melody lines, harmony lines, and abundant soloing, it's all guitar. Sure the stellar bass and drum work provide the backing and keep things moving, but this is all Steve's show, as he lays down the grooves, riffs, melodies, and scorching solos in a variety of styles, including Dregs-style barn-burners, bluesy rockers, lightning-fast complex rythymic gymnastics, and even a ballad or two. He does have some guest musicians to jam with (John Petrucci, Eric Johnson), but these are also great guitarists. I would have liked to hear some guest artists on other instruments (keyboards, sax, violin, etc.) just to provide some variety in the instrumentation and soloing. The guitar interplay is great, but for me, after several songs I was getting a bit tired of the same formula and lack of any other instrumentation and would like to have heard some different sounds on some of these songs, but I'm sure this is what the real guitar fans want. Great playing for sure, but I was a bit disappointed at the sameness of the sound throughout. Best Tracks: Tumeni Partz, Triangulation, Break Through. Rating: 3

Steve Martin and Alison Brown - Safe, Sensible, and Sane

Steve teams up with renowned banjo player Alison Brown for a very entertaining album of original folk and bluegrass banjo songs and pieces. Full of delightful guest collaborators, such as Jackson Browne, Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Della Mae, Tim O'Brien, and others, which keeps the songs and styles varied and goes along well with Steve's witty lyrics and easygoing style. Very enjoyable and entertaining (if you are interested in this kind of thing). Rating: 3.5

 

Bernie Leadon - Too Late to be Cool

Bernie, former original lead guitarist-multi-instrumentalist for The Eagles, has kept a low profile, but has remained busy over the years playing as a session musician on many albums and going back to his bluegrass roots in several bands. This is just his 3rd solo album, and first in over 20 years. For this new album Bernie once again worked with legendary producer Glyn Johns, who was responsible for the Eagles early albums. On this album, Bernie provides quite pleasant gentle folk-rock with a bluesy edge. Those expecting an Eagles sound, or even a bluegrass style may be surprised as there is virtually none of that, with only a couple songs sounding anything like the Eagles, and a decidedly more bluesy style, with some great guitar work, nice melodies and grooves, and effective arrangements. Overall, it is a good album, enjoyable, nice to hear from Bernie again, but not a standout. Rating: 3ó
  

Brandy Carlile - Returning to Myself

This 8th album from American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile delivers her most personal, reflective, and honest collection of songs and features a variety of musical styles, from folk to pop to rock. At times quiet, contemplative, and wistful, and quite powerful and dynamic in others, showing her range and ability to cover a wide range of emotions in an effective and philosophical way. Certain to be a favorite among fans, but for me it is a good solid album and enjoyable listen, no more, no less. Rating: 3ó

Squeaky Feet - The Overview Effect

Interesting band from Colorado offering a unique blend of pop/rock melodies with oddball jazz fusion excursions. The vocals and melodies are mainly standard rock and power pop, but that is juxtaposed with quirky, angular, offbeat jazz and prog elements. Although the mix doesn't always work, providing some jarring transitions and head-shaking moments, at its best it provides cool improvisation, some unique listening experiences, and quirky, adventurous fun. But not quite sure just who the audience is for this volatile mix. Rating: 3

 

Rick Wakeman - Melancholia

Legendary prodigious keyboard wizard Wakeman returns with an album of instrumental solo piano pieces with an emphasis on lonely, melancholy moods. 12 tracks of beautiful solo pieces, delicate, moody, emotional works displaying Wakeman's expertise not just as a pianist, but as a composer. However, due to the similar style and mood of these pieces, after several of them they start to seem somewhat interchangeable, fade and become just pleasant background music. Some very nice pieces here, and when in the right mood for this style, can be very moving and effective. But as a full album, it is just nice and only moderately successful. Rating: 3ó

The Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre
Strong follow-up to acclaimed 1st album from this UK indie pop-rock band. This sophomore effort features a bit more diversity of styles and complexity, showing a wider musical range, but still exists primarily in their theatrical art-rock drama pop style. Competent and well-produced but just not a style that I personally connect with. Rating: 3ó 

Late Entry 

Moron Police - Pachinko (JUST RELEASED, 11/28/25!)

This self-proclaimed "weird band from Norway" returns with their unique manic progressive pop style, their 4th full-length album and first since the tragic death of their drummer in 2022, and WOW, what an album! Brilliant from start to finish, it is a crazy concept album (in which the main character is turned into a sentient Pachinko machine) consisting of 14 tracks, about an hour long, and is a big, bold, exciting boisterous, joyous romp. It is filled with their unique blend of frenetic high energy catchy pop melodies amidst hard-driving rock beats, jazz and prog elements, and just non-stop fun and entertainment. Quick, punchy, unforgettable tunes abound as it moves from one track to another, featuring great vocals, sensational synth-keyboard work, and excellent arrangements and production. The centerpiece of the album is the 12-min. extravaganza, Pachinko Part 1, an absolutely amazing track, surely one of the best songs of the year. Their genre-bending style continues through several more varied songs, with a few quieter moments of reflection, such as the gentle beauty of the ballad Make Things Easier and the synth-pop stylishness of Okinawa Sky, amidst the rapid attack of glorious tunes, clever wordplay, and symphonic prog flourishes, up to the exciting concluding track, Giving Up the Ghost, which reprises themes and melodies for an emotional finish. Although this album has just been released, and after just a few listens, I feel it is certain to be among the very best of the year, and possibly of several years. A sensational album that is pure fun and enjoyment throughout. Best Tracks: Pachinko Part 1, Alfredo and the Afterlife, King Among Kittens, Take Me to the City, Make Things Easier, Giving Up the Ghost. Rating: 4.5ó  

Not impressed with these ones
Turnstile - Never Enough
Mindless punkish pop that doesn't seem like it would appeal to fans of punk or pop. Rating: 2ó

Geese - Gettng Killed
Terrible vocals and lyrics ruin an album of what could have been somewhat musically interesting indie rock. Rating: 2ó  

Tame Impala - Deadbeat
One man vanity show obsessed with generic pop songs and elementary synth noodling passed off as 'experimental'. 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

Once again, lots of really good new albums to check out. This pretty much wraps up the year for new releases, unless there are some surprise notable December releases. I will be putting together my lists of the best of the year soon and posting them sometime later in December. In the meantime, what were your favorites of this Fall season? What did you think of any of the albums I discussed? Let me know in the comments.

 

More Original BB Chronicles Songs to Check Out

 

 

Here's a couple more of my own original songs that I recently posted on Youtube. Thee are new songs, recently written and recorded, again featuring ukelele, vocals, and keyboards, and again, these are my own home recordings, so not quite professional, but I think they turned out pretty good. These are both taken from my most recent album collection, Borrowed Words (2025), and use the artwork from the album in the videos (as above)

So, here are the Youtube videos (although not really anything much visually, these are just to deliver the songs themselves). First is Say Goodbye, which deals with saying goodbye to a longtime commitment, and as written as I am contemplating my own retirement, but that could apply to other commitments, relationships, etc.It's got a rousing tempo and beat and is quite fun.

 Next is All Your Lies, another uptempo track, this one dealing with confronting the pervasive lying all around these days (but not directed at anyone in particular...or is it? Hmm).

 

 

 

So, anyway, please check these out if you are at all interested in haring my own music. If you do like it, please click on the like and/or leave a comment on Youtube, as I'm trying to get the Youtube channel established. Once again, I will be posting some more of my own songs soon, and have a special one that involves some audience participation planned next. But if not interested in my music, that;s fine, too. 

I will be having my Fall new album roundup very soon, and then all the End of Year lists and wrap-up soon after that, so stay tuned, whether or not you have any interest in my own music. Thanks.  

 

 

 

Christmas Carolyn - New Original Christmas Song

Hey there, just wanted to let you know that  I recently posted my first original song to Youtube. I have been writing and playing music for many years, but only over the past few years have I started actually recording these songs, both originals and covers. These are mostly for my own enjoyment, and have been reluctant to share them with others through Youtube or this blog. But have now decided that OK, I'm going to start posting some anyway and see what happens.  Now, I am not a great musician and these are unprofessional home recordings made with rudimentary equipment and facilities (and consist mainly of vocals and ukelele with various keyboard backing), so don't expect too much, but I think some have turned out quite nicely and at the least serve as a good showcase for my original songs. 

So, I've started with my only original Christmas song, called Christmas Carolyn, since we're coming up to that time of year. This was actually written many many years ago (one of my oldest songs, thus very basic composition) from back in my college days. It's a fun little ditty, a novelty pop Christmas song, yeah, kinda cheesy, but enjoyable.  It came about because I had a friend named Carolyn around that time, and I just thought it was amusing, the closeness of Carolyn to caroling or carolin' at Christmas. So, I created this song based on that play on words and a Christmassy feel. 

Anyway, here is the lyric video I created for it. Check it out if you are interested. If you do like it, please click on the like button in Youtube and/or leave a comment. If not interested, that''s fine, too. 

  I will start posting various other original songs I have written and recorded, periodically as we go forward from here. But for all those not interested in this type of thing, I will continue to post my usual music-related stuff as well. This is just something I have been thinking about doing for some time and just want to see how it goes. Thanks.

 FYI - For those that have downloaded my previous bi-annual Christmas Collections, an earlier version of this song was included in the 2022 collection. This video contains the new enhanced version with additional parts (most notably bass and drums) added. So, even if you heard it before, check out the new version as it is much improved.

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.