In this column, I celebrate the latest full-length audio releases from The Jayhawks, Weezer, Brandon Flowers and Night Ranger; all of the titles are available now.
Title: Sanctuary Park (SHAM)
You might like if you enjoy: Wilco, The Jayhawks, Glen Campbell
Tell me more: Four decades into their stellar career, The Jayhawks continue to champion and celebrate Americana music with a masterful touch (the band's self-titled debut, dubbed by fans as The Bunkhouse Album, was released in 1986). On their outstanding 11-track album Sanctuary Park the Minnesota-based quartet continues its winning run with a batch of originals collectively bolstered by artful songcraft, sharp production, stellar musicianship, and shining lead and harmony vocals. The parade of compelling tracks on the Bob Ezrin-produced album include the political-minded "American Midnight," deeply affecting acoustic-flavored "Mr. Lincoln," sweeping gospel-meets-folk foray "Leap Of Faith," bewitching country rocker "Kingston Girl," magical "It'll Be All Right Tonight" and exuberant "Keeping Our Heads Above Water." The Jayhawks (guitarist-singer Gary Louris, bassist-singer Marc Perlman, keyboardist-singer Karen Grotberg, drummer-singer Tim O'Reagan) will perform at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA at 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2026. Information: jayhawksofficial.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Wilco, The Jayhawks, Glen Campbell
Tell me more: Four decades into their stellar career, The Jayhawks continue to champion and celebrate Americana music with a masterful touch (the band's self-titled debut, dubbed by fans as The Bunkhouse Album, was released in 1986). On their outstanding 11-track album Sanctuary Park the Minnesota-based quartet continues its winning run with a batch of originals collectively bolstered by artful songcraft, sharp production, stellar musicianship, and shining lead and harmony vocals. The parade of compelling tracks on the Bob Ezrin-produced album include the political-minded "American Midnight," deeply affecting acoustic-flavored "Mr. Lincoln," sweeping gospel-meets-folk foray "Leap Of Faith," bewitching country rocker "Kingston Girl," magical "It'll Be All Right Tonight" and exuberant "Keeping Our Heads Above Water." The Jayhawks (guitarist-singer Gary Louris, bassist-singer Marc Perlman, keyboardist-singer Karen Grotberg, drummer-singer Tim O'Reagan) will perform at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA at 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2026. Information: jayhawksofficial.com.
Title: Weezer (also known as the Gold Album) (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, The Smithereens, Lit
Tell me more: Celebrated modern rock quartet Weezer is back with the outstanding 10-track Weezer (also known as the Gold Album), the band's first new full-length studio album since 2021's Van Weezer. Weezer's 20th studio album is a true triumph, celebrating the collaborative spirit of singer-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, drummer-guitarist-vocalist Patrick Wilson, guitarist-vocalist Brian Bell and bassist-vocalist Scott Shriner working together. Produced by Klas Åhlund and Kenneth Blume, Weezer entices with each and every listen. Early highlights on the LP include the exuberant aptly-titled "Say Yes," immersive alt rockers "Shine Again" and "Don't Make It Weird," soaring "We Might As Well Be Strangers" and satirical "C.E.O." The momentum of the album never falters courtesy of the playfully funny "Hoops," genre-blending "Nowhere," intoxicating rocker "The Show Must Go On," introspective "Up In The Clouds" and dreamy album closer "The LA Sound."
You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, The Smithereens, Lit
Tell me more: Celebrated modern rock quartet Weezer is back with the outstanding 10-track Weezer (also known as the Gold Album), the band's first new full-length studio album since 2021's Van Weezer. Weezer's 20th studio album is a true triumph, celebrating the collaborative spirit of singer-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, drummer-guitarist-vocalist Patrick Wilson, guitarist-vocalist Brian Bell and bassist-vocalist Scott Shriner working together. Produced by Klas Åhlund and Kenneth Blume, Weezer entices with each and every listen. Early highlights on the LP include the exuberant aptly-titled "Say Yes," immersive alt rockers "Shine Again" and "Don't Make It Weird," soaring "We Might As Well Be Strangers" and satirical "C.E.O." The momentum of the album never falters courtesy of the playfully funny "Hoops," genre-blending "Nowhere," intoxicating rocker "The Show Must Go On," introspective "Up In The Clouds" and dreamy album closer "The LA Sound."
Weezer is on tour with two great openers (The Shins and Silvers Pickups); upcoming dates include concerts in Phoenix, AZ on Oct. 20, San Diego, CA on Oct. 21 and Los Angeles, CA on Oct. 24. Information: weezer.com.
Title: Thrasher (Island Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Killers, Bruce Springsteen, David Serby
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Brandon Flowers has released Thrasher, his first solo album in more than a decade. Best known as the talented lead singer of The Killers, Flowers showcases his formidable skills mining traditional country and roots styles across the 10-track album. The LP was recorded in Nashville at the legendary RCA Studio A with producers Shawn Everett and Jonathan Rado, and features a number of celebrated guests including Gillian Welch collaborator David Rawlings (guitar), pedal steel player Bruce Bouton and harmonica player Charlie McCoy (the latter whose playing graces all four of Bob Dylan's beloved Nashville records). There is an otherworldly depth exhibited in the songwriting across the disc, including the probing opener "Does It Ever Cross Your Mind?" that features a memorable chorus: Of all the corners of the universe / We would up hand in hand / Picking up the slack in each other's lives / Right here where we stand.
Other standouts on Thrasher include the breezy traditional country sortie "One Of Us," real world-rooted poetic tale "Angel," heartbreaking "In A Heartbeat," uptempo "Paradise" and heart-rending "Miss America." Flowers' upcoming concert dates include a show at The Ford in Los Angeles on Sept. 4, and at the Encore Theater at Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 2026. Information: brandonflowersmusic.com.
You might like if you enjoy: The Killers, Bruce Springsteen, David Serby
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Brandon Flowers has released Thrasher, his first solo album in more than a decade. Best known as the talented lead singer of The Killers, Flowers showcases his formidable skills mining traditional country and roots styles across the 10-track album. The LP was recorded in Nashville at the legendary RCA Studio A with producers Shawn Everett and Jonathan Rado, and features a number of celebrated guests including Gillian Welch collaborator David Rawlings (guitar), pedal steel player Bruce Bouton and harmonica player Charlie McCoy (the latter whose playing graces all four of Bob Dylan's beloved Nashville records). There is an otherworldly depth exhibited in the songwriting across the disc, including the probing opener "Does It Ever Cross Your Mind?" that features a memorable chorus: Of all the corners of the universe / We would up hand in hand / Picking up the slack in each other's lives / Right here where we stand.
Title: Best Of (Frontiers Music Sr)
You might like if you enjoy: Night Ranger, Damn Yankees, Styx
Tell me more: On Aug. 28, hard rock heroes Night Ranger released their Best Of album, which collects 18 tracks from across the rock quintet's career. In addition to the band's beloved radio hits, the set also features standout tracks from the California-spawned troupe's more recent releases that are definitely worthy of discovery. Among the collection's early highlights are the rousing opener "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," inspired "You Can Still Rock In America," affecting rock ballad "Sister Christian" and melodic "Four In The Morning." Additional standouts include the fiery "Breakout" (bolstered by outstanding lead guitar work), tuneful power pop-mining "Tomorrow," propulsive rocker "High Road," hard charging "Somehow Someway" and genre-blending "Truth."
You might like if you enjoy: Night Ranger, Damn Yankees, Styx
Tell me more: On Aug. 28, hard rock heroes Night Ranger released their Best Of album, which collects 18 tracks from across the rock quintet's career. In addition to the band's beloved radio hits, the set also features standout tracks from the California-spawned troupe's more recent releases that are definitely worthy of discovery. Among the collection's early highlights are the rousing opener "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," inspired "You Can Still Rock In America," affecting rock ballad "Sister Christian" and melodic "Four In The Morning." Additional standouts include the fiery "Breakout" (bolstered by outstanding lead guitar work), tuneful power pop-mining "Tomorrow," propulsive rocker "High Road," hard charging "Somehow Someway" and genre-blending "Truth."
The band features the talents of Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (guitars). All the tracks are newly remixed and remastered; the collection is available on both audio CD and vinyl. The double LP is available in three different colors: black, gold and orange splatter. Night Ranger has also released an official music video for the melodic harmonies-adorned original "Wasted Time (Live from Sweetwater Studios)" you can view HERE. Night Ranger is currently touring and will perform at Gila River Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, AZ at 8 p.m. on Sept. 10. Information: nightrranger.com.
Robert Kinsler
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