Album Picks by Phil Lewenthal

Laurie Anderson – Big Science

From 1982 but very much for the present. Dense and dark lyrically but melodic and musically charming. Sounds half electronic half organic. Lively soundstage.

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/10455-big-science/

Tidal – MQA –  https://tidal.com/browse/album/698056

Qobuz – https://open.qobuz.com/album/0075597996647

 

Rhiannon Giddens / Francesco Turrisi – There is No Other

Giddens voice will grab you and hold on. Spans different cultural styles with heart.

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/rhiannon-giddens-there-is-no-other/

Tidal – MQA – https://tidal.com/browse/album/117174264

Qobuz – 24/96 – https://open.qobuz.com/album/vwill4dwg0wca

 

Camerata Hungarica / Laszlo Czidra – Late Renaissance Dances in Hungary

Performed on period instruments, this is a pure joy. The intimate recording transports you to the music hall.

Tidal – https://tidal.com/browse/album/41840577

Qobuz – https://open.qobuz.com/album/y53b9xc2f0gyb

 

Liz Phair – Soberish          

Unvarnished grownup reflections In Phair’s dry melodic style. Her voice is unmistakable and she doesn’t pull punches. Her first album in 11 years.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/liz-phair-soberish-review-1177879/

Tidal – https://tidal.com/browse/album/185980497

Qobuz – 24/96 – https://open.qobuz.com/album/fqsdwdf7zsz0a

 

Worldwide (30 Years of Real World Music)

If this anthology doesn’t get you moving, see the doctor. This collection had me looking up all kinds of artists that I’d never heard of, to my delight. Recorded sound varies but much of it is very clean and atmospheric. Not bass shy.

https://tidal.com/browse/album/114225774

https://open.qobuz.com/album/r7ppx72xjo5wa

 

Imelda May – Life. Love. Flesh. Blood.

Produced by T-Bone Burnett, Imelda’s post-divorce album with songs of vulnerability and strength. Decent sound emphasizes vocals.

https://www.allmusic.com/album/life-love-flesh-blood-mw0003015663

Tidal – https://tidal.com/browse/album/77662060

Qobuz – 24/96 – https://open.qobuz.com/album/0060256725481

 

Big Blue Ball – Big Blue Ball

Large cast spearheaded by Peter Gabriel. World-music inspired – may surprise you with its tuneful diversity. Decent sound.

https://www.allmusic.com/album/big-blue-ball-mw0000785501?1627100659276

Tidal – https://tidal.com/browse/album/115707726

Qobuz – https://open.qobuz.com/album/0884108014523