1 Joan of Arc “Tim Melina Theo Bobby” The venerable indie band brings its quarter-century partnership to a close with a valedictory album that’s aurally complex and lyrically crystalline. December 4
2 Shemekia Copeland “Uncivil War” In her latest release, the blues singer tackles social issues from gun violence to climate change, all with clear-sighted courage and bravura vocalizing. Available now
3 Judson Claiborne “When a Man Loves An Omen” The new EP from former Low Skies frontman Christopher Salveter goes old-school, stripped-down folk in the sonics—and earnest, winsome wokeness in the lyrics. Available now
4 Hollyy “Miss the Feeling” The garage-soul band’s irresistible debut EP is a kind of time machine, launching you back to the late-sixties pinnacle of high-gloss, AM-radio R&B. Available now
5 Audrey Foxx “Stone Cold Woman” Jazz-and-blues singer Foxx’s voice has a ravishingly jagged edge, and this EP (mixing original tunes and well-chosen standards) is a sleek and seductive listen. Available now
Robert Rodi is an author, spoken-word performer and musician who has served as Newcity’s Music Editor since 2014. He’s written more than a dozen books, including the travel memoir “Seven Seasons In Siena,” and his literary and music criticism has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Salon, The Huffington Post and many other national and regional publications. Contact: robert@newcity.com
Music Top 5: May 2020 Steve Dawson’s new album features highly sophisticated songwriting gilded with dazzling orchestral colors—plus of course that gorgeously evocative voice.
Music Top 5: November 2020 Smashing Pumpkin’s eleventh album is a twenty-track, double-album bonanza. If the title single is any indication, expect some defiantly old-school synth-pop.
Music Top 5: July 2020 Lockdown goes easier with these outstanding album releases by stellar Chicago artists, all available now.
Music Top 5: September 2020 Sheltering in place goes easier with these outstanding new album releases by stellar Chicago artists, available now.
