Year In Review 2024 - Favorite Albums of 2024

Here are our all of our favorite albums of 2024. This is the year end review, all in one place.

Below are our picks for RtBE's favorite albums of the year. It starts with our honorable mentions then moves into our top ten albums of the year. There is a short blurb about the album and a song from it, click on the title to read our full review of the selected records. The focus here is on full albums, not singles, but long playing releases you can slap on and listen to all the way through.

We also took some time to discuss our favorite album artwork, our favorite archive/live album releases and favorite live shows from the year if you are interested.   

Thanks for reading. Until next year....

Album Review: Grateful Dead - Friend of the Devils Box Set

Grateful Dead

Friend of the Devils Box Set

**and1/2 out of *****

Standard disclaimer: When reviewing any Grateful Dead release at this point, it needs to be noted that a lot of the truly great shows from the band have already been professionally released. (If you are new to the band, check out RtBE's Beginners Guide to The Grateful Dead Part's one and two.) With their vast back catalog on archive.org and all of their previous releases, the band's selections are running thin when it comes to must own, professionally released shows.

That said, the band still release shows because rabid fans (RtBE included) will listen to everything they put out. So let's dive in...

Live Streams: Billy Strings UNO Lakefront Arena

We are now heading into the new normal with live music. Live shows will need to be flexible and streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE.  We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing/listening pleasure. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Live Stream: Billy Strings UNO Lakefront Arena

Tonight and tomorrow, nugs.net will be live streaming Billy Strings shows from UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. Check it out here. 

To get in the mood here is some live music from the artist. 

Dylan Cover #663 Todd Snider "Tangled Up In Blue" Live

n this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Todd Snider playing "Tangled Up In Blue" 

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series.

In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette , Reggae Covers and many more.

For December we highlight live Dylan covers from Todd Snider  

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this track:
Wow. The song that never ends, the tune that might just best sum up Dylan, if that is remotely possible. Dylan constantly toyed with this song (check out the Rolling Thunder and Real Live version's if you haven't yet) and even he knows it can't stay stagnant in one form for long, so covering it is a good bet.  Needless to say it is in the top 5 greatest songs he ever wrote if we were ranking them...hmm.

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:

Back in August we posted a cover of Snider doing "Visions of Johanna" and that gave us the inspiration for this months focus. RtBE really dig Todd Snider, and have talked about him multiple times in the past. 

Thoughts on Cover:

We end this month with Snider giving us his take on the classic "Tangled Up In Blue". This wraps up December's special focus on a high note. Snider nails it.  

Thanks for following this series, it has been fun to keep on keepin' on. 

Live Streams: Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentleman - Live from Tipitinas

We are now heading into the new normal with live music. Live shows will need to be flexible and streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE.  We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing/listening pleasure. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Live Stream: Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentleman - Live from Tipitinas

If you can'r be in New Orleans tonight, check out this live stream over on nugs.net of the great Jon Cleary and company. His set at The Bitter End, earlier this year made our best of 2024 list. 

To get in the mood here is some live music from him and the band:

Live Streams: Phish - New Years Eve Run @ MSG

We are now heading into the new normal with live music. Live shows will need to be flexible and streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE.  We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing/listening pleasure. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Live Stream: Phish - New Years Eve Run @ MSG

Phish begins their yearly four night stand at Madison Square Garden tonight and if you can't be there, like RtBE will, you can catch it via webcast here. 

To get in the mood, here is some 2024 live Phish.

Live Streams: Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros @ Broward Center for the Performing Arts

We are now heading into the new normal with live music. Live shows will need to be flexible and streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE.  We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing/listening pleasure. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Live Stream: Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros @ Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Stream Bob Weir & Wolf Brothers entire New Years Eve run, starting tonight, on nugs.net. 

To get in the mood, here is some live music from the band. 

Full Show Friday: Opeth - Garden of the Titans: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Opeth!

This week we head to Red Rocks for the progressive metal outfit Opeth.  

Pro shot, pro sound, full set list below. Enjoy!

No.	Title	Original album	Length
1.	"Sorceress"	Sorceress	7:09
2.	"Ghost of Perdition"	Ghost Reveries	12:08
3.	"Demon of the Fall"	My Arms, Your Hearse	9:55
4.	"The Wilde Flowers"	Sorceress	8:42
5.	"In My Time of Need"	Damnation	5:44
6.	"The Devil's Orchard"	Heritage	7:10
7.	"Cusp of Eternity"	Pale Communion	5:14
8.	"Heir Apparent"	Watershed	10:21
9.	"Era"	Sorceress	7:30
10.	"Deliverance"	Deliverance	14:13

Album Review: White Denim - 12

White Denim

12

*** out of *****

Back in 2015 White Denim front man James Petralli stepped out from the bands frantic kaleidoscope of sounds and styles to put out and album under the pseudonym Bop English titled Constant Bop. 

It was Rock the Body Electric's favorite record of the year and was included in our favorite of the decade. 

That solo release came to mind when listening to the newest album from Petralli, 12. After years of shifting landscapes, physical moving, re-releasing albums and lineup changes, White Denim is his solo project now (with various input from others) and that less frantic style is starting to shine again. 

New Single/Video from RBNX "Any Means Necessary"

RtBE caught this band live last year, and now the Raddigan Brothers Noise Experience (RBNX) have a new slamming tune out as well as a video to go along with it. 

Check out the hardcore tune below:

Album Review: Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee

Cindy Lee

Diamond Jubilee

**and1/2 out of *****

Patrick Flegel has been recording his newest release as Cindy Lee for a few years now and the triple album Diamond Jubilee acts as a slow rolling sonic painting. Never in a hurry, working more as a mood piece, the long release allows the listener to exhale. 

Merry Christmas from Rock the Body Electric

Have a Happy One on @RockBodyElec:

Click that read more for a few of our favorite holiday tunes!

New Video/Single from Voodoo Club "Baby, Shotgun of Love" 撃ち抜いてBaby 明日を撃てLady / 暴動クラブ

The Japanese based retro rockers Voodoo Club(暴動クラブ) released a new single/video for their raw tune "Baby, Shotgun of Love".

Check it out below:

Album Review: Claudia Gibson - The Fields of Chazy

Claudia Gibson

The Fields of Chazy

*** out of *****

The Austin, TX based singer/songwriter/guitarist Claudia Gibson's second album, The Fields of Chazy, is a rock solid collection of Americana and folk. She spins timeless tales that feel personal and personal tales that are timeless as she crisscrosses the immigrant experience, relationships and generations. 

Album Review: Sadler Vaden - Dad Rock

Sadler Vaden

Dad Rock

*** out of *****

The newest album from Sadler Vaden is titled Dad Rock and from that alone, you pretty much know what to expect; mid tempo guitar/bass/drums/keys that would sound just fine blasting out of a Camaro. 

Dylan Cover #662 Todd Snider "Ring Them Bells" Live

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a live cover by Todd Snider playing "Ring Them Bells" 

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series.

In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette , Reggae Covers and many more.

For December we highlight live Dylan covers from Todd Snider  

Thoughts on Original:

The gospel influenced Dylan returns to the forefront on "Ring Them Bells" as Bob mans the piano and delivers the straight ahead hymn. In Chornicles Dylan mentioned this song and gives credit to producer Daniel Lanois. He states:

"Lanois captured the essence of it on this, put the magic into its heartbeat and pulse. We cut this song exactly the way I found it...two or three takes with me on the piano, Dan on guitar and Malcolm Burn on keyboards"

The straight ahead gospel hymn lends itself to many kinds of interpretations and is ripe to be covered. 

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:

Back in August we posted a cover of Snider doing "Visions of Johanna" and that gave us the inspiration for this months focus. RtBE really dig Todd Snider, and have talked about him multiple times in the past. 

Thoughts on Cover:

Like all of the covers in this months focus you can tell Snider loves the song but is not particularly well versed in them. Still a fun cover, that would be even better if Todd dug in or played it with a backing band. 

Full Show Friday: The Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge - Christmas Carols Live

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge!

Tis' the season!

Pro shot, pro sound, full setlist and information below:

’Tis the season to be jolly! The lads of The Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge sing wonderfully festive Christmas Carols. From ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ and Taveners beloved ‘The Lamb’, to the especially for the choir written hymn ‘Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day’ - enjoy five centuries of Christmas music. AVROTROS Klassiek wishes you the best of holidays and a very musical and cheerful 2018! Ding Dong! Merrily on High! 

The musicians: Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge Andrew Nethsinga [conductor] Glen Dempsey [organ] Gareth John [baritone] Laura van der Heijden [cello] 

On the musical program: Bob Chilcot - The Shepherds Carol William Mathias - Sir Christèmas John Taverner - The Lamb Ralph Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Christmas Carols Giles Swayne - Adam Lay Ybounden James Burton - Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day Johann Sebastian Bach - Chorale Prelude ‘In dulci jubilo’, BWV 729 Francis Poulenc - Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël Franz Gruber - Silent Night Traditional - Ding Dong, Merrily on High! Traditional - O Come, All Ye Faithful John Joubert - There Is No Rose James Pierpont - Jingle Bells 

Recording: The Sunday Morning Concert of Sunday the 16th of December 2018, live in The Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam.

Live Review: They Might Be Giants - 12/13/24 Kings Theater Brooklyn, NY

They Might Be Giants

12/13/24 Kings Theater 

Brooklyn, NY

The Brooklyn based They Might Be Giants had a huge homecoming show this past Friday Night, December 6th as their "Big Show Tour" made a stop at the gorgeous King's Theatre just south of Prospect Park. The sold-out crowd consisted of parents with kids, hipsters and music nerds as this tour finds the two John's (Linell and Flansburgh) leading a large band, playing two sets per night (no opening act), while focusing on one of their classic albums.  

Year In Review 2024 - Favorite Albums Part 3 (Top 5)

Another year is finishing up and @RockBodElec wouldn't be a proper music site if we didn't end the year with a "Best Of" list, so RtBE presents 2024's Favorite Albums Part 3: Top Five.

In the instance that RtBE has reviewed the album, either on this site or elsewhere, we will link to that review and just give a quick summation; click on the name/title and you can read our full opinion. RtBE worked with the Glide Team to give input on their Top 20 so you can expect some overlap if you already have seen that list.

Again the focus here is on full albums, not singles, but long playing releases you can slap on and listen all the way through. We know these are a dying breed, but it still is the way we consume music, no shuffle, Spotify, or singles for us.

The number ten just works for this, so here is the second part of our top ten, numbers five through one. You can see the back end of our top ten and the honorable mentions albums that just missed our top ten as well. 

Like all of our lists or 'best of', these are meant to start conversations, not end them...

Album Review: Warren Haynes - Million Voices Whisper

Warren Haynes

Million Voices Whisper

***and1/2 out of *****

When the legendary James Brown passed away in 2006, Warren Haynes may have inherited the hardest working man in show business title, as he was active with The Allman Brothers Band, solo shows, Gov't Mule, Phil and Friends, and more. Haynes has slowed down a bit, but rarely takes a break from writing songs. 

His past solo albums seemed to scratch an itch that his main projects weren't addressing but on his newest solo release, Million Voices Whisper, the tunes had been in various stages of completion since Covid and Haynes just wanted to get together with old friends to record them. 

Year In Review 2024 - Favorite Albums Part 2 (#10-6)

Another year is finishing up and @RockBodElec wouldn't be a proper music site if we didn't end the year with a "Best Of" list, so RtBE presents 2024's Favorite Albums Part 2 (Numbers 10-6):

In the instance that RtBE has reviewed the album, either on this site or elsewhere, we will link to that review and just give a quick summation; click on the name/title and you can read our full opinion. RtBE worked with the Glide Team to give input on their Top 20 so you can expect some overlap if you already have seen that list.

Again the focus here is on full albums, not singles, but long playing releases you can slap on and listen all the way through. We know these are a dying breed, but it still is the way we consume music, no shuffle, Spotify or singles for us.

This begins our top ten and we will wrap it up tomorrow. You can also find our list of Honorable Mentions that were just out of our top ten. 

Like all of our lists or 'best of' roundups, these are meant to start conversations, not end them...

Album Review: Loose Cattle - Someone's Monster

Loose Cattle 

Someone's Monster

***and1/2 out of *****

The newest offering from the New Orleans based Loose Cattle is a ringing collection of theatrically influenced alt-country and Americana. Some top notch friends also drop by to help out the vibrant band throughout Someone's Monster.

Year In Review 2024 - Favorite Live Shows

The live show is a slippery thing. There are lots of variables at play, most having little to do with the performance itself. Does the venue have enough bathrooms? Is it going to rain? What day of the week is it on? Did I have a shitty day at work before hand? Did tickets cost waaay too much? All of this can alter one's opinion of a live show before the band even tunes up and with reason. However, when the stars align, there is no place RtBE would rather be than in the moment of magic occurring spontaneously from the stage.

Live Music Has No Equal!

Taken By The Fantastic Megan Donohue

While obviously we can't see every show that is out there, we try to get out often to catch live music. Sure there are a few left in the calendar year, but for now, here is a listing of the best concerts we were fortunate enough to have caught in 2024.

There are links to show reviews in the titles, also because who doesn't love arbitrary rankings, one show at the bottom took the top prize as RtBE's 2024 Favorite Live Show. 

Dylan Cover #661 Todd Snider "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a live cover by Todd Snider playing "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" 

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series.

In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette , Reggae Covers and many more.

For December we highlight live Dylan covers from Todd Snider  

Thoughts on Original:

One of the most titanic songs in Dylan's catalog, "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" runs the gamut from indignation, anger, humility, confusion, hopelessness, righteousness...it really has it all. A major statement when it was recorded on Bringin' It All Back Home and at it's core Dylan is raging against hypocrisy in all forms. Dylan has been quoted as saying "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" is one of his songs that means the most to him, and while you can never be sure if Bob is being serious, this one has the whiff of truth to it.  It is a song containing a powerful lyrical flood of imagery that can be overwhelming. It is a fantastic, massive tune and one not very easily covered.  

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:

Back in August we posted a cover of Snider doing "Visions of Johanna" and that gave us the inspiration for this months focus. RtBE really dig Todd Snider, and have talked about him multiple times in the past. 

Thoughts on Cover:

Snider does a great job with this one, getting through it with power and strong playing. Well done indeed. 

Full Show Friday: Sturgill Simpson | Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Sturgill Simpson!

From earlier this year at Austin City Limits Music Festival comes Sturgill Simpson. 

Pro shot, Pro sound, full set list below:

A Good Look - 0:25 Best Clockmaker on Mars - 7:12 Right Kind of Dream - 12:44 I Don’t Mind - 17:33 All Said and Done - 22:40 Jupiter’s Faerie - 26:38 Welcome to Earth (Pollywog) - 33:47 It Ain’t All Flowers - 37:44 Railroad of Sin - 44:23 The Promise - 47:15 Brace for Impact (Live a Little) - 52:00 Fastest Horse in Town - 59:05 Life of Sin - 1:07:52 Living the Dream - 1:10:30 One for the Road - 1:13:54 Call to Arms - 1:20:40

Live Review: Polyrhythmics @ Groove NYC 12/7/24

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read  Right C'Here!!!

It is of Polyrhythmics recent live show on Saturday December 7th at Groove in Greenwich Village NYC.

Support the artist, read the review and peep some video below:

Year In Review 2024 - Favorite Albums Part 1 (Honorable Mentions & Let Downs)

Another year is finishing up and @RockBodElec wouldn't be a proper music site if we didn't end the year with a "Best Of" list, so RtBE presents 2024's Favorite Albums Part 1 (Honorable Mentions and Let Downs):

In the instance that RtBE has reviewed the album, either on this site or elsewhere, we will link to that review and just give a quick summation; click on the name/title and you can read our full opinion. RtBE also worked with the Glide Team to give input on their Top 20 so you can expect some overlap if you already have seen that list.

Again the focus here is on full albums, not singles, but long playing releases you can slap on and listen all the way through. We know these are a dying breed, but it still is the way we consume music, no shuffle, Spotify, AI curated playlists, or streaming for us.

These are the albums that just missed out on being included in our top ten favorite for the year (coming soon). After some very excellent albums, we have a few releases from artists we dig, which we were let down by. 

Like all of our lists or 'best of'', these are meant to start conversations, not end them...

Album Review: Shovels & Rope - Something Is Working Up Above My Head

Shovels & Rope

Something Is Working Up Above My Head

*** out of *****

The most recent release from the veterans Shovel & Rope continues their blending of genres into a modern Americana stew. The songs on Something Is Working Up Above My Head will sound just as at home blasting out in arenas for thousands of fans or in a basement with just an acoustic guitar and no one around. 

Year In Review 2024 - Favorite Archival Releases

Each year the music industry dips into the past to deliver box sets, live albums, re-masters and outtake collections to sell to the music loving masses (present company included). This look back will round up some of RtBE's favorite archival releases from the past year. 

Usually these releases can fall into the money grab category, not really adding much outside of revenue for the label and (hopefully) the artist. Every now and then though some spectacular collections are unearthed and are worth any price. 

RtBE includes live albums in this category, since they were recorded in the recent or distant past and thus fall into archival release status. 

With the increase in vinyl, and enhanced Record Store Days to help smaller sellers, there are more and more archival releases each year. RtBE are sure to miss a lot of them, but the quality and abundance is exciting. Post your favorites, or any we may have missed, in the comments. 

These were our favorite archival releases of 2024, click the link in the title for full reviews.

Album Review: Being Dead - EELS

Being Dead

EELS

***and1/2 out of *****

On their debut, 2023's When Horses Would Run, the Austin, TX based outfit Being Dead crafted oddball tunes that shifted between loveable and ominous. That combo continues on their sophomore follow up EELS.

Year In Review 2024 - Favorite Album Art

We kick off our Year in Review section of 2024 with the first feature in the Best of... wrap up: Album Art. 

Just like in years past, we will be choosing our favorite albums of the year, a few that were underwhelming, our favorite live shows, and highlight some fantastic archive releases, all of which will be posted over the next few days. 

Today we are starting out by judging books (records) by their covers (vinyl sleeves, jackets, digital pics, etc) with the Best Album Art Work of 2024.

The biggest gripe RtBE has with digital music is not the quality (that has been massively improved) nor the disposal nature of it (still a problem, but whatever), it is the lack of amazing album covers and art work.

Sure there may be great album art out there but seeing it on a screen, on Spotify or elsewhere is nothing compared to holding an LP or even a CD booklet with pages of lyrics, pictures etc. 

Thankfully the rise of vinyl is helping this dilemma but it is still not enough. The hours we spent staring, actually holding, examining tons of covers while listening to music can't be adequately recorded, it added new dimensions to the sounds. You are connected to album in a more physical way; things were deeper, more evocative...Anyways...

Here comes RtBE's Favorite Album Art of 2024. 

Live Review: The Hold Steady - Massive Nights 12/6/24 Brooklyn Bowl Williamsburg, NY

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'Here!!!

It is of the live show, Massive Nights by The Hold Steady. This is the ninth year of Massive Nights and RtBE have been to them all. This might have been the best musically as the band seemed to be really in synch and clicking.

Support the artists, read the review and peep some video below:

 

Dylan Cover #660 Todd Snider - Highway 61 Revisited - Live

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a live cover by Todd Snider playing "Highway 61 Revisited"

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series.

In the past we have highlighted The Byrds, Coulson-Dean-McGuiness-Flint, The Hollies, Joan Osbourne, Mountain, Betty LeVette , Reggae Covers and many more.

For December we highlight live Dylan covers from Todd Snider  

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
A great blues rock number that has a touch of silly from Bob with the "Siren Whistle". The original version of this tune found on the album of the same name strikes me as a bit of a put on, Bob obviously loves the historic feel and the bizarre middle American heritage but the lyrics and whistle soften the blow. The track gets increasingly better in the live versions where Dylan's backers can rev up the honky-tonk and boogie down south as the group did for us up in Saratoga back in 2000. Tony Garnier the bass player for the group lead things on a thumping rollick in the encore and the band all hopped on board as Dylan sang about God/Abraham. It was the last rocker the group played that night putting fourth a ton of 6-string energy. (They would go on to finish with the crowd singing along to "Blowing in the Wind").

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:

Back in August we posted a cover of Snider doing "Visions of Johanna" and that gave us the inspiration for this months focus. RtBE really dig Todd Snider, and have talked about him multiple times in the past. 

Thoughts on Cover:

One of the more complete covers from Snider from this month. Todd seems to have practiced this one a bit more than a few of the others. He puts his own twist on the tune and delivers a great cover. 

Full Show Friday: Public Enemy Live @ Splash 2011

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Public Enemy!

Here comes one of the best hip hop acts ever, Public Enemy. Check them out with their full band playing to a huge festival crowd in Germany in 2011. 

Pro Shot, Pro Sound, Enjoy:

Album Review: Max Bien Kahn - Flowers

Max Bien Kahn

Flowers 

***and 1/2 out of *****

The New Orleans based artist Max Bien Kahn's newest offering Flowers mixes acoustic Americana touches with synths and electro beats, combining organic and electric sounds throughout.  

Album Review: Grateful Dead - Dave's Picks 52: The Downs at Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM (9/11/83)

Grateful Dead

Dave's Picks 52

The Downs at Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM (9/11/83)

*** out of *****

Standard disclaimer: When reviewing any Grateful Dead release at this point, it needs to be noted that a lot of the truly great shows from the band have already been professionally released. (If you are new to the band, check out RtBE's Beginners Guide to The Grateful Dead Part's one and two.) With their vast back catalog on archive.org and all of their previous releases, the band's selections are running thin when it comes to must own, professionally released shows.

That said, the band still release shows because rabid fans (RtBE included) will listen to everything they put out. So let's dive in...

Album Review: Happy Talk Band - Low Shoulder

Happy Talk Band

Low Shoulder

*** out of *****

The newest album from New Orleans, LA based Happy Talk Band is a collection of rootsy Americana tunes with raw emotional singing that crisscrosses various topics but finds anchor in the small issues that everyone wrestles with on a daily basis. Relationships, truth/lies, faith, it is all in the mix throughout Low Shoulder.    

Album Review: La Luz - News of the Universe

La Luz

News of the Universe

*** out of *****

La Luz newest album contends with the fact that nothing is certain in this world except change as News of the Universe was written after life altering medical news, band member shifts, and a society in flux.

Album Review: Phish - Evolve

Phish

Evolve

** out of *****

The Vermont based jamband titans Phish are known for their amazing live interplay, concerts that run the gamut of emotional experiences and top notch technical skills. What they have never been known for is crafting classic albums that non-fans can easily get into and enjoy. Their sixteenth studio album Evolve will do nothing to change that narrative.