New titles: The Rolling Stones, Jónsi, The War on Drugs, Ian Jones

Here is a roundup of some wonderful new titles available now.

Title: The Rolling Stones: Unzipped

Authors: Anthony DeCurtis (introduction); Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 288

Artwork: 370 color illustrations

Tell me more: With The Rolling Stones currently in the final month of their "No Filter Tour" — which wraps up at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on Nov. 23 — now is the perfect time to celebrate the legendary band's six-decade career by delving into "The Rolling Stones: Unzipped." This just-published hardcover edition is loaded with historical photos, artwork, rock and roll memorabilia and recent interviews with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and the late Charlie Watts (who passed away on Aug. 24, 2021 at the age of 80) along with luminaries such as bluesman Buddy Guy, producer Don Was and film director Martin Scorsese whose insights collectively add depth to every page of this book. Author-music critic Anthony DeCurtis presents an informative and compelling introduction that illuminates the reader about why The Rolling Stones were so crucial in the early history of rock music and why the British band's importance extends far beyond their influential music to culture, fashion, film and beyond. It's no secret that The Rolling Stones are widely recognized as the "greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world." "The Rolling Stones: Unzipped" makes a pretty compelling case why that's true. Information: ThamesAndHudsonUSA.com.

Artist: Jónsi

Title: Obsidian (Jónsi)

You might like if you enjoy: Jónsi, Sigur Rós, Dead Can Dance

Tell me more: Leave it to Sigur Rós singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jónsi to surprise the world with the gift of new music on Oct. 29. Without advance fanfare or notice, the artist's third solo album Obsidian dropped to coincide with his art installation of the same name (which is running through Dec. 17, 2021 at the Tanya Bonakdar Gallery in New York). The exhibition was inspired by the recent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano in his native Iceland. Obsidian, according to a media release, "centers on the Icelandic natural wonder. Recorded and produced in tandem with the works on view, the parallel formats inform one another and interweave through their embodiment of volcanic energies. Over the course of 10 tracks, each with evocative titles referencing sights, textures, and aromas of the ashen terrain, Jónsi takes his listeners through narrative arcs between erupting flares.” Indeed, "Obsidian" is both mesmerizing and immersive, with Jónsi's otherworldly vocals cascading over and amidst a Neo-symphonic sonic sphere that extends just over an hour in length. The truly haunting opener "Vikur" is followed by a parade of incredible cinematic compositions; "Ambrox" is at once gorgeous and experimental while "Kvika" is bolstered by choral and sci-fi sonic elements. Other standouts on this wonderful album include the enrapturing title track, classical-centered "Öskufall" and sweeping marathon-length closer "Hedione." Information: Jonsi.com. 

Artist: The War on Drugs

Title: I Don't Live Here Anymore (Atlantic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Band of Horses, The War on Drugs

Tell me more: The War on Drugs are one of the most original and talented American rock bands to emerge in the 21st century. On the Adam Granduciel-led Philadelphia-spawned troupe's new album I Don't Live Here Anymore the soaring guitar sonics that elevate the group's introspective songcraft and expansive soundscapes are thankfully intact. Co-produced by Granduciel and Shawn Everett, the War on Drugs' fifth full-length album and first since 2017's brilliant A Deeper Understanding — which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards — provides an even more nuanced approach for listeners to celebrate. On the anthemic "I Don't Live Here Anymore" (bolstered by indie pop Lucius' luxurious vocals), quiet "Living Proof," buoyant "Harmonia's Dream," daring "I Don't Wanna Wait," melodic "Wasted" and shimmering "Change" and "Occasional Rain" collectively display the astonishing range of Granduciel (lead vocals, lead guitar), David Hartley (bass guitar), Robbie Bennett (keyboards), Charlie Hall (drums), Jon Natchez (saxophone, keyboards) and Anthony LaMarca (guitar). Information: TheWarOnDrugs.net.

Artist: Ian Jones

Title: Evergreens (Thin Silver Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Case, Michael Ubaldini, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: The release of singer-songwriter Ian Jones' new The Evergreens EP confirms the arrival of a terrific talent. The six songs on The Evergreens showcase an artist blessed with top-flight abilities as a lead vocalist, compelling songwriter and a musician with a genuine knack for blending the best of Americana, roots and heartland stylings into his signature sound. Following up on his 2019 release Results Not Typical, Jones understands that important themes and lyrical tales work best when embedded in memorable songcraft; that is clear across a track listing that never falters. My favorites include the lovely countrified opener "Evergreens" that explores the courage of those who leave for home in pursuit of their dreams, the Dylan-worthy "Liars, Criminals, Beggars and Thieves" (a well-aimed view of politicians), the poignant "Hallelujah" and infectious "Promised Land." The outstanding EP was produced by Jessie Siebenberg (Supertramp, Lucas Nelson and Promise of the Real). Information: ianjonesmusic.com.

 

Robert Kinsler

Coachella-bound artists shine on latest album releases

Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs performing at Coachella
in Indio, CA on Friday, April 13, 2018. Photo courtesy of Coachella.

Whether you want to get familiar with top-tier rock artists before you head out to Weekend 2 of Coachella or are simply interested in adding some great titles to your own music library, here are some recent album releases worth exploring.

Artist: The War On Drugs
Title: A Deeper Understanding (Atlantic)
You might like if you enjoy: Ryan Adams, Neil Young, Band of Horses
Tell me more: The War on Drugs' hour-long set at Coachella on April 13 proved to be one of the highlights of weekend 1. No wonder; a good deal of singer-songwriter/lead guitarist Adam Granduciel and company's set came from the band's latest album A Deeper Understanding (which won Best Rock Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards held in January 2018). The songs here are bewitching, with Granduciel's Tom Petty-meets-Ryan Adams lead vocals drenched in layers of his dazzling guitar work and the band's hypnotic rhythms. Every song is outstanding with the potent "Pain," entrancing "Holding On" and psychedelic-tinged heartland rocker "Nothing To Find" among the masterful songs on the 10-track A Deeper Understanding. Information: TheWarOnDrugs.net.

Artist: David Byrne
Title: American Utopia (Nonesuch)
You might like if you enjoy: Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, David Byrne
Tell me more: One of the thrilling developments surrounding this year's Coachellafest lineup was the inclusion of genre-defying singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist David Byrne in a high-profile Saturday night spot. Byrne's performance on April 14 proved to be the best set this writer caught that day. Byrne's latest album American Utopia (released on March 9, 2018) continues to push and expand the diverse sonic universe explored by the 65-year-old artist since his groundbreaking approach with Talking Heads in the 1970s and '80s. The new album is filled with thought-provoking tracks including the ballad-meets-industrial rocker "I Dance Like This," the faith-minded "Every Day is a Miracle" offered up via a Caribbean soundscape and the sweeping feel-good standout "Everybody's Coming To My House." Other terrific songs featured on American Utopia include "Gasoline and Dirty Sheets" and "It's Not Dark Up Here." Information: DavidByrne.com.

Artist: Fleet Foxes
Title: Crack-Up (Nonsuch)
You might like if you enjoy: Fleet Foxes, the Moody Blues, Darlingside
Tell me more: Fleet Foxes' latest album Crack-Up is one of the more ambitious albums in memory, and the disc's track listing really finds the Seattle-spawned folk rock group pulling a myriad of progressive musical elements into their sound. From the sparse baroque-tinged acoustic stylings of "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" and subtle otherworldly vocals-enriched path painted during "Cassius" to the piano-anchored surge "On Another Ocean" and gorgeous immersive vocals-rich title track,  Fleet Foxes' third full-length album is an effort of artistic design and lush beauty. The ensemble's performance at Coachella on April 14 was spellbinding to be sure. Information: fleetfoxes.co.

Artist: Alvvays
Title: Antisocialites (Polyvinyl Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Japanese Breakfast's "Soft Sounds From Another Planet," Nushu, Waxahatchee
Tell me more: An album that blends dream pop, indie rock and shoegaze styles with perfection, Antisocialites is the must-hear sophomore effort from Toronto, Canada-based Alvvays. With singer Molly Rankin's lovely vocals and clever lyrics leading the way, Alvvays' material is always  (no pun intended) inviting and infectious. "Antisocialites" is bolstered by a mix of neo-New Wave driving indie rockers ("Plimsoll Punks" is sheer joy), wistful indie pop ("In Undertow," "Dreams Tonite"), power pop ("Your Type"), evocative ballads ("Already Gone") and art damage rock ("Hey," "Saved By A Waif"). Information: Alvvays.com.

Artist: Pvris 
Title: All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell (Rise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Florence + the Machine
Tell me more: Pvris' latest album All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell is filled with emotionally-charged and powerfully-delivered songs. With singer Lynn Gunn's emotive soprano helping spearhead the fervent material, the songs on Pvris' second album are anthemic in scope even while mining the deepest of emotions. "Heaven," "Visualette" and "No Mercy" are among the selections that drive hard without sacrificing nuances that give them more depth. Other material is more quiet, including the expansive "Anyone Else," faraway "Separate" and yearning "Walk Alone." To be sure, get to Coachella early on Friday and catch the Lowell, Massachusetts-spawned band's early-afternoon appearance. Information: pvris.com.


For more information on when the artists featuring in this column are performing at Coachella Weekend 2 (April 20-22), visit Coachella.com.


Robert Kinsler