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