Coheed and Cambria’s ‘In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3’ at 20
In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 set the template for nerdy Coheed and Cambria’s future releases. It remains a fan favorite and one of their best.
Chris Conaton
Chris Conaton graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. After bouncing around in several different music teaching jobs as well as a stint working at Lowe's in Michigan, he moved to Houston, Texas. He now teaches elementary school music in suburban Houston. Aside from a couple of minor freelance gigs and keeping a blog specifically for writing reviews, PopMatters is his first regular writing gig.
Baroness’ Aptly Named ‘Stone’ Is a Rock Solid Record
Baroness’ Stone incorporates the heavy riffs, thundering grooves, and melodic hooks that have been their trademark and revisits their folkier, acoustic side.
Six Years Off Isn’t Enough to Derail Queens of the Stone Age
Despite the personal turmoil for Josh Homme, In Times New Roman… is remarkably consistent with Queens of the Stone Age’s last few records.
‘The Complete Dirty South’ Revisits Drive-By Truckers’ Best
Drive-By Truckers’ The Dirty South is an absolute gem, and The Complete Dirty South is an upgrade over the original version.
Jason Isbell’s ‘Weathervanes’ Sports Superb Songwriting and Musical Surprises
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit turn in typically strong performances throughout Weathervanes, featuring Isbell’s finest vocal performances across a full album.
Black Thought and El Michels Affair Team Up for Throwback Hip-Hop
El Michels Affair’s Glorious Game blasts through its 12 tracks in a brisk 31 minutes and changes approach but keeps the focus on Black Thought’s verses.
Ben Folds Returns With an LP Equal Parts Excellent and Ill-Conceived
Ben Folds’ What Matters Most is a mixed bag. He may not be going for the all-out piano rock much this time, but his melodies are as good as ever.
Rodrigo y Gabriela Go Electric and Add Strings on New Album
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s In Between Thoughts, A New World spawned from lead guitarist Rodrigo discovering the philosophy of nondualism during his COVID-19 recovery.
Nickel Creek Musically Stretch on First Record in Nine Years
Celebrants is the lengthiest record Nickel Creek have ever made. It’s bursting with ideas and is a bit of a sprawl but an exciting set of songs.
The Mars Volta Reimagine Themselves As an Acoustic Latin Ensemble
The Mars Volta’s Que Dios Te Maldiga De Corazon has the same tracklisting as The Mars Volta but presents acoustic arrangements of each song.
Small Tweaks Keep the Hold Steady Engaged on ‘The Price of Progress’
The Price of Progress has all the hallmarks of the Hold Steady but with just enough swerves to keep it interesting. It’s a worthy addition to their catalog.
The New Pornographers Tone Down the Hooks on ‘Continue as a Guest’
Continue As a Guest is a more delicate and less hooky version of the New Pornographers, the most reflective they’ve been since 2007’s underrated Challengers.