Lucinda Williams offers raw & fearless commentary on political chaos with forthcoming album 'World's Gone Wrong' - out January 23, 2026

Photo credit: Daryl Weisser

Catch up on breaking news as it relates to Lucinda Williams' forthcoming album "World's Gone Wrong," set for release on Jan. 23, 2026. The acclaimed singer-songwriter is joined by several high-profile guests on the LP including Mavis Staples and Norah Jones. You can also listen to the first advance track from the album via the link below. Read my review of Williams' memorable performance at the Pure Imagination Festival in 2023 HERE...Robert Kinsler

MULTI-GRAMMY AWARD WINNER LUCINDA WILLIAMS RETURNS ON JANUARY 23RD WITH WORLD’S GONE WRONG A RAW AND FEARLESS COMMENTARY ON MODERN AMERICA NEW ALBUM FEATURES SPECIAL GUESTS MAVIS STAPLES, NORAH JONES AND BRITTNEY SPENCER WATCH LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF POWERFUL NEW SINGLE “WORLDS GONE WRONG” HERE

“…much like the roots of rock music itself, the core sources of her sound — country, blues, folk — converge into the heart of it all, as if to say: she's not just a vein of rock and roll; she's in its blood.” – NPR Music Nashville, TN – Three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams confronts America’s socio-political chaos head-on with her forthcoming album World’s Gone Wrong (out January 23rd via Highway 20 Records). World’s Gone Wrong is a raw and unapologetic set of songs that were written and recorded with a sense of urgency during the spring of 2025. The album opens with the powerful title track, featuring Brittney Spencer, which speaks to the plight of the working class during these turbulent times, and the resiliency to move forward with the underlying plea of “come on baby we gotta stay strong” in the chorus. Watch the live performance video of “World’s Gone Wrong” HERE. Throughout nine original tracks, Williams offers songs that do not just chronicle our times but challenge us to rise above them. A timely cover of Bob Marley’s “So Much Trouble In The World” features a captivating duet with the incomparable Mavis Staples. The bluesy “How Much Did You Get For Your Soul” revisits the spiritual reckoning of Williams’ celebrated 2020 release Good Souls Better Angel. “Freedom Speaks” is a soul-stirring anthem that personifies liberty as a voice rising against oppression and apathy warning us of the dangers of complacency in the face of injustice. The album closes with the deeply moving “We’ve Come Too Far to Turn Around,” featuring Norah Jones on piano and harmony vocals. The hymn-like track is rooted in struggle and redemption while acknowledging the challenge to maintain the fortitude and spiritual conviction needed when turning back is not an option. Jones’ and Williams’ emotive vocals blend seamlessly, offering a breathtaking finale to an essential work for these times. World’s Gone Wrong serves as a wake-up call and a battle cry, finding beauty, grit, and grace in a world on edge. The album reaffirms Williams’ place as one of the most vital and uncompromising voices in American music.  World’s Gone Wrong was co-produced by Tom Overby and longtime Williams’ collaborator Ray Kennedy, who recorded and mixed the album at his Room & Board Studio in Nashville, TN. Listen to the song “World’s Gone Wrong” at your preferred DSPs HERE Pre-order / Pre-save the album World’s Gone Wrong HERE For news and updates, visit LucindaWilliams.com

Mumford & Sons’ new album "Prizefighter" out February 13

 Here is the official media release about the forthcoming Mumford & Sons album "Prizefighter," due Feb. 13. Be sure to listen to the great advance single "Rubber Band Man" featuring Hozier too...Robert Kinsler

MUMFORD & SONS’ NEW ALBUM

PRIZEFIGHTER OUT FEBRUARY 13 

CO-PRODUCED AND CO-WRITTEN WITH AARON DESSNER, FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH HOZIER, GRACIE ABRAMS, CHRIS STAPLETON AND GIGI PEREZ

FOLLOWS RUSHMERE, THE BAND’S RETURNING ALBUM WHICH DEBUTED AT #1 IN THE U.K. EARLIER THIS YEAR

SOLD-OUT U.K. + EUROPEAN ARENA TOUR KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

October 29, 2025—Mumford & Sons will release their new album, Prizefighter, February 13 via Glassnote Records. Pre-order/pre-save HERE. The band’s sixth studio album, Prizefighter was co-produced and co-written with The National’s Aaron Dessner at his Long Pond Studio in upstate New York.

The record consists of fourteen tracks including the band’s new single, “Rubber Band Man (with Hozier),” which debuted last week. Listen HERE. 

A mere seven months after the arrival of RUSHMERE, the band’s long anticipated #1 album in March 2025, Mumford & Sons take full advantage of a prolific period of songwriting with another full-length record in quick succession. 

Created alongside Dessner, who the band previously worked with on their third record, Wilder Mind, Prizefighter captures the band at their most open and instinctive. In just ten days, they’d written more than an album’s worth of songs, and a collection that feels both deeply personal, instinctive and unguardedly communal. Marcus Mumford’s lyrics grapple with resilience and striving, singing with a mix of confidence and urgency.

For Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, the sessions were as much about rediscovery as recording. Days spent writing in Hudson cafés and nights spent around Long Pond’s kitchen table gave rise to songs that feel unpolished in the best sense—alive with first takes and the joy of simply making music together again. Reenergized, rejuvenated and in the form of their lives, Prizefighter embraces and reflects that full-strength energy and enthusiasm with fourteen songs of light, shade and everything in-between.  

That openness extended to the studio door too. Mumford & Sons welcomed collaborators into the studio, calling on the likes of Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez and Dessner himself. Their presence underscored the band’s commitment to community and connection. 

Of the project, Mumford shares, “We feel like we’re hitting our prime as a creative force. We’re putting everything we have into this now, and we’re using everything about our experience so far to embrace exactly who we are. We’re comfortable in our skins these days. And Prizefighter is us going for it—serious and playful, sometimes bruised and always hopeful. We’re nowhere near done yet. I hope and believe we’re in the beginning of something we don’t want to let up on. I’m more excited to be in this band than I’ve ever been.” 

Photo credit: Conor Cunningham

PRIZEFIGHTER TRACK LIST

1. Here (with Chris Stapleton)

2. Rubber Band Man (with Hozier)

3. The Banjo Song

4. Run Together

5. Conversation With My Son

6. Alleycat

7. Prizefighter

8. Begin Again

9. Icarus (with Gigi Perez)

10. Stay

11. Badlands (with Gracie Abrams)

12. Shadow Of A Man

13. I’ll Tell You Everything

14. Clover

MUMFORD & SONS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

November 6—Stockholm, Sweden—Avicii Arena#

November 8—Copenhagen, Denmark—Royal Arena#

November 10—Berlin, Germany—Uber Arena#

November 12—Cologne, Germany—LANXESS Arena+

November 13—Antwerp, Belgium—Antwerps Sportpaleis+

November 14—Paris, France—Adidas Arena#

November 16—Luxembourg, Luxembourg—Rockhal+

November 17—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Ziggo Dome#

November 19—Bologna, Italy—Unipol Arena+

November 20—Zurich, Switzerland—Hallenstadion+

November 21—Milan, Italy—Unipol Forum+

November 23—Barcelona, Spain—Palau Sant Jordi+

November 25—Lisbon, Portugal—Sagres Campo Pequeno+

November 29—Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.—Utilita Arena* (SOLD OUT)

November 30—Leeds, U.K.—First Direct Arena* (SOLD OUT)

December 2—Glasgow, U.K.—OVO Hydro* (SOLD OUT)

December 3—Manchester, U.K.—Co-op Live* (SOLD OUT)

December 5—Sheffield, U.K.—Utilita Arena* (SOLD OUT)

December 7—Birmingham, U.K.—Utilita Arena Birmingham* (SOLD OUT)

December 8—Cardiff, U.K.—Utilita Arena Cardiff* (SOLD OUT)

December 10—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT)

December 11—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT)

December 27—San Diego, CA—Wild Horses Festival

January 8-11—Cancun, Mexico—Out of the Blue Festival

February 20-22—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival

#with special guests The Vaccines + The Barr Brothers
+with special guest The Vaccines

*with special guest Sierra Ferrell

www.mumfordandsons.com

Neil Young's 1975 album 'Tonight's The Night' coming as 50th Anniversary Edition

Check out the official media release with details about a 50th Anniversary edition of Neil Young's "Tonight's The Night" album release coming next month...Robert Kinsler

NEIL YOUNG REVISTS 1975 CLASSIC ALBUM TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT WITH 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION FEATURING SIX BONUS TRACKS AND REIMAGINED COVER ART RECORDED IN 1973, DEFINITIVE VERSION NOW CONTAINS 18 SONGS TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 28 VIA WARNER/REPRISE RECORDS

There are certain albums meant to make a difference. Even before they're released into the world, the way they are inspired and then brought to life feel meant to be. And, in 1975, when Neil Young released TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT it was definitely foretold. Young had been recording with new-edge musicians and had written songs that become lifelong inspirations. Recorded in 1973 on analog tape, it was released two years later and has since been regarded as one of Neil's masterpieces. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the album, six bonus tracks have been added to this limited edition release of one of Young's truly inspirational releases.  Many unique additions have been gathered to create the definitive edition of what many have called the third and final installment of the “The Ditch Trilogy." 1975 was a historical time, and the album reflects that. These were turbulent times which saw the end of the Vietnam War, a new president in the White House but nothing would affect Young more than the untimely and tragic passing of two close friends, original Crazy Horse guitarist/vocalist Danny Whitten and devoted road crew member Bruce Berry. In so many ways, Neil Young's music fifty years later is still growing from all that was inspired from the time of TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT. It's a feeling and knowledge was opened up from the songs of the album. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition will be released on vinyl, CD and digitally. A clear vinyl format is available at Greedy Hand Store and indie retailers. The original artwork has been creatively reimagined for this limited edition release. Included on the new anniversary release are unreleased original versions of "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On," both recorded during the original 1973 album sessions at S.I.R. in Los Angeles. "Lookout Joe" replaces the original released album version that was recorded at Young's Broken Arrow Studio and subsequently included in Tonight’s the Night original release. Both "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On" fit like a glove with the original TTN releases, recorded in the same sessions and have the same vibe. There are also five bonus tracks on the 50TH ANNIVERSARY edition: These versions of "Lookout Joe", "Walk On," and "Tonight's The Night" (Take 3) have never been released. "Everybody's Alone," "Raised on Robbery" (featuring Joni Mitchell,) and "Speakin' Out" Jam appeared in NEIL YOUNG ARCHIVES VOL II, while the unreleased TTN version of “Wonderin'’ from the same sessions has only ever been available to stream on NYA. This is the first time all six bonus tracks from the original sessions have been available on vinyl, making this the most cohesive and true version of Tonight's The Night. In Young's unique career path, all these recordings from such an exciting period of his career and rock & roll itself were opening up new abilities to expand the music, looking towards the future as well as celebrating the past. It was a period for change, even in its earliest adventures.  TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT 50th Anniversary Edition Tracklisting: Tonight’s The Night  Speakin’ Out World On A String Borrowed Tune Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown Mellow My Mind Roll Another Number (For The Road) Albuquerque New Mama Lookout Joe [New 1973 version] Tired Eyes Tonight’s The Night (part II) Bonus Tracks - all from original TTN sessions at S.I.R. Walk On Wonderin’ Everybody’s Alone Raised On Robbery [feat. Joni Mitchell] Speakin’ Out Jam Tonight’s The Night (take 3) All formats will be available at the Greedy Hand Store at Neil Young Archives (NYA) and music retailers everywhere. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives and most DSPs. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with free hi-res digital audio downloads from the NYA Download Store at NYA. # # # Visit: Neil Young Archives (NYA)

Blu-ray Roundup: Peter Gabriel's 'Taking The Pulse' and the original dance show 'Message In A Bottle' based on the songs of Sting

In this column I review two newly-issued Blu-ray releases.

Artist: Peter Gabriel

Title: Taking The Pulse (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, elbow
Tell me more: Peter Gabriel's "Taking The Pulse" is an ambitious concert film that finds the groundbreaking English. artist and the New Blood Orchestra reworking 16 selections sans guitars, bass and drums. Working with arranger John Metcalfe, the concert filmed on Sept. 26, 2010 captured Gabriel, several backing singers and a full orchestra under the baton of Ben Foster performing at the legendary Arena di Verona in Italy. 

The thrilling performance seen on the newly-released Mercury Studios Blu-ray includes a parade of beloved Gabriel songs including the chilling "San Jacinto" (which makes full use of the orchestra's powers), driving "Digging in the Dirt," dynamic "Signal to Noise" that grows in might with each passing measure, the wistful "Mercy Street," luxurious "Red Rain," buoyant "Solsbury Hill," and emotive "In Your Eyes" and "Don't Give Up" — the latter two bolstered by Ane Brun's vocals that work well with Gabriel's signature baritone. Directed by Anna Gabriel, "Taking The Pulse" fuses dazzling concert footage with dramatic lighting and artful graphics to deliver Peter Gabriel's theatrical vision across the 97-minute performance. Information: mercurystudios.co or PeterGabriel.com.

Title: Message In A Bottle (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Modern dance, the music of Sting and The Police
Tell me more: Fans of the music of The Police and Sting, as well as lovers of top-tier modern dance will all find something to love on the newly released filmed adaptation of the stage production of "Message In A Bottle." Available now via a beautiful two-disc 4K Ultra HD+Blu-ray edition presented by Mercury Studios and Sadler's Wells, the celebrated full-length dance show plays out against the music of 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting. Kate Prince's choreography fuels a compelling storyline featuring two dozen or so dancers from ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. The audio and visual quality on the release is fantastic.

The new recordings of many of Sting's most recognized and beloved songs are artfully used to help propel the story of a displaced family and their journey through joy, love, despair and triumph. Alex Lacamoire's new arrangements feature Sting and guest artists such as Beverley Knight singing "Every Breath You Take," "Roxanne," "Fields of Gold," "Shape Of My Heart," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Invisible Sun" and many others. A number of dance styles ranging from pantomime, break dancing, ballet, folk and expressionist dance are used by the talented cast. 

In the notes provided to this writer, Sting accurately states: "When I first saw 'Message In A Bottle,' I was overwhelmed by all the different styles of dance in the show. What I really didn't expect was to be so emotionally engaged in the story. Kate's imaginative story and beautiful choreography has brought my songs to new life, and I am thrilled that there is now a film of the fantastic stage show." 

Information: mercurystudios.co.

Robert Kinsler

New music: Big Stir Records Halloween collection, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Dave Keyes, 38 Special, Spike Jones

In this column I review five new audio titles.

Artists: Strawberry Alarm Clock, Graham Parker, Splitsville, The Armoires, more

Title: Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Strawberry Alarm Clock, sparkle*jets u.k., The Spongetones, The Corner Laughers
Tell me more: With Halloween's arrival in a couple of weeks, now is the perfect time to grab a listen of the marvelous Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire. Twenty-one Big Stir Records artists contribute tracks to the outstanding set available now; the timely must-have collection is available as a deluxe double vinyl LP (on green wax and including a playable board game featuring the artists — as well as monsters and spooky game pieces to play it), as well as on audio CD and via streaming services. Early standouts on the ambitious set include Librarians With Hickeys' '60s flavored "Ghoul You Want" which conjures up the magic of The Zombies' classic recordings, sparkle*jets u.k.'s novelty delight "Eyeball Eater (From Outer Space)," The Corner Laughers' melodic "Dark Matter," the Armoires' wonderfully sumptuous "Full-On Witch Mode," The Spongetones' bewitching harmonies-adorned "Spirit World (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Splitsville's propulsive post-punk sortie "I Was A Teenage Frankenstein," and Graham Parker & The Goldtops' concert recording of the rollicking "Music Of The Devil." The collection's ghoulish parade of delights continue via The Jack Rubies' genre-blending "Phantom (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Blake Jones & The Trike Shop's aptly-titled "Halloween Wind," The Gold Needles' indie rock gem "Ghost In The Airwaves," Crossword Smiles' power pop nugget "Black Cats & Broken Mirrors," Dolph Chaney's collaboration with The Speed of Sound (the exhilarating "Zombie Century"), Strawberry Alarm Clock's haunting "Monsters" and many more great cuts. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

Title: Hard Road (Red Zero Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Walter Trout
Tell me more: On his latest album Hard Road, singer-songwriter/guitar great Christone "Kingfish" Ingram certifies his place as one of his generation's most talented and essential new talents. Blending a number of musical genres with a master's touch, Kingfish's latest full-length effort is fueled by a drive to fuse his stellar guitar work and signature vocals with songwriting inspired by his life. Highlights abound on the Grammy Award-winning artist's fourth album including the confessional blues rockers "Truth" and "Bad Like Me," the soulful ballad "Clearly" bolstered by his expressive lead guitar work, sizzling "Voodoo Charm," acoustic Delta jewel "Memphis," fiery blues rocker "Back to L.A." and affecting R&B cut "Nothin' But Your Love." Information: christonekingfishingram.com.

Artist: Dave Keyes

Title: Two Trains (MoMojo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: TBA
Tell me more: Set for release on Oct. 24, Dave Keyes' outstanding new album Two Trains is filled with compelling blues tracks that address the "good/bad, love/loss, dark/light" — thus the two tracks that we travel down on our own life journeys. The rousing opener "Blues Ain't Looking For You," aptly-pegged "Boogie Till the Cows Come Home," affecting "I'm Alright," propulsive "What Just Happened," instrumental piano-anchored "Boogie for Patty," and beautiful "Rest In Peace." The 10-track album features guest and legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, as well as appearances by harmonica ace Rob Paparozzi, bassist Mike Merritt, slide guitarist Chris Bergson, and vocalist Alexis P. Suter. Two Trains features Keyes co-writing eight of its 10 songs with songwriting partner Mark Sameth. Keyes' official Two Trains album release show and party with his band will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1 at The Turning Point in Piermont, New York with shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Information: momojorecords.com.

Artist: 38 Special

Title: Milestone (38 Special Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Power Station, 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Tell me more: 38 Special is back! The legendary Southern rock outfit led by lead singer-guitarist/co-founder Don Barnes that is behind rock hits including "Hold On Loosely" and "Caught Up In You" have released Milestone, the band's first new music in more than 20 years. The nine-track album features the group's signature blend of infectious guitar-anchored rock including the melodic opener "So Much So Right," heavy anthem "Slightly Controversial," enchanting "All I Haven't Said" and "Long Long Train," rocking sing-along "The Main Thing" and "Looking For My Life," and winning "Making Up For Lost Time." The album features guests and co-writes with Pat Monahan (Train) and Randy Bachman (Bachman Turner-Overdrive, The Guess Who) and longtime collaborator Jim Peterik (Survivor). 38 Special will perform at Gila River Resorts & Casinos in Chandler, AZ on Nov. 14. Information: 38special.com.

Artist: Spike Jones

Title: Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Spike Jones, Omnivore Recordings reissues, Dr. Demento, novelty records
Tell me more: Spike Jones' Originally issued in 1959, Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! has returned to physical formats for the first time in nearly 50 years — fully remastered and presented with new liner notes featuring new interviews with Spike's children: multi-Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Ann Jones, Emmy-winning producer-director Spike Jones Jr., Linda Lee Jones and Gina Jones. The late Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones (he passed away in May 196 at the age of 53) was celebrated for his recordings that specialized in spoof arrangements and satire of popular songs. The Halloween-minded A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! delivers on Spike's groundbreaking approach with 10 timeless selections featuring the then-new format of stereo. The collection is available on slime-green vinyl and audio CD. Highlights include the spooky opener "I Only Have Eyes For You," hilarious Alfred Hitchcock-minded "Poisen to Poisen [Interview With A Famous Poisenality]," romantic duet "(All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings [Vocal by Dracula and Vampira]," smart "Everything Happens To Me [Lament By Frankenstein]," swinging rockabilly gem "Monster Movie Ball [Vocal By The Fiend-ager]," vaudeville-flavored "My Old Flame [Vocal By I.M. Arson]" and ambitious "This Is Your Death [Featuring Dr. Jekyll And Other Ghouls] / Two Heads Are Better Than One [Beatnick Duet]." Discerning listeners will recognize the distinctive vocals of Paul Frees, Thurl Ravenscroft, George Rock and Louie Jean Norman featured on the title. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler