Amoeba Music

On Beethoven Blues , Juilliard-trained piano sensation Jon Batiste reaches back to his classical roots – and shakes the proverbial snowglobe. Embracing his years of classical training, he interweaves well-known pieces from Beethoven with flourishes of the jazz and blues of his native New Orleans. On Ludwig Van classics like “Für Elise,” “Symphony No. 5,” and “Ode to Joy” (becoming “Ode to Joyful” here), Batiste effortlessly traverses back and forth between the musical worlds. Sure to be embraced and applauded,  Beethoven Blues is another shining example of the singular talent of Jon Batiste. More

After eight years of singles, mixes and EPs, South Korean DJ/singer/producer Peggy Gou brings old-school house into the new era on her rousing debut full-length album, I Hear You . Funky rock superstar Lenny Kravitz adds some soulful vocals to the seductive "I Believe in Love Again," and acclaimed Puerto Rican trans idol Villano Antillano adds Latin flair to “All That.” Like a skilled alchemist, Gou has broken down retro house and traditional Asian music into their raw materials and concocted a unique blend all her own. More

Not content to rest, Atlanta hip-hop luminary Killer Mike is back! The Dungeon Family all-star, coming off of a Grammy win with last years’ Michael , steps away from Run the Jewels for a seventh solo album, Songs for Sinners and Saints . In an inspired twist on the latest album, Mike has recruited a six-person gospel choir, The Mighty Midnight Revival, to help preach his message. Killer Mike embraces his trap roots and lays them down side by side with the gospel choir, testifying about infamously winning a Grammy and getting arrested in the same evening. Get yourself to church and give a hallelujah for Songs For Sinner and Saints . More

On his tongue-twister of a new album (Mahashmashana means "great cremation ground" in ancient Sanskrit), Josh Tillman - more popularly known as Father John Misty – deftly threads his acerbic wit into his trademark radiant vocals. The mood shifts frequently on songs like “Screamland,” which fluctuates from intensely personal and intimate to a soaring, epic chorus, and on “She Cleans Up,” Father John has recruited the raucous, red-hot Swedish punks Viagra Boys. You don’t need to be a Bronze Age scholar to appreciate the beauty of Mahashmashana . More

Machine Girl harnesses chaos and complexity into their brutal latest, MG Ultra . The group revels in heaviness and ferocity, somehow managing to effortlessly fuse the most intense musical genres imaginable — metal, drum 'n' bass, gabber, hardcore, noise — into a full-on audio assault. The wildest part of this equation is that despite all the underlying rage, anguish, and abandon inherent to these sounds, the album is straight up FUN. (If you're into mosh pits, eardrum shattering electronics, and left-of-the-dial weirdness, that is.) Refreshing, dark, and compelling, MG Ultra has to be heard. More

If you've been jonesing for a physical version of the newest album from The Smashing Pumpkins, wait no longer. Aghori Mhori Mei was originally released digitally in August and frankly, the emotional and sonic intensity of this album begs for the experience of opening the record, sliding it onto your player, and immersing yourself in the immensity of the sound. The Pumpkins' move towards prog-influenced metal, with swelling strings and moments of vulnerability from Billy Corgan, hits the sweet spot. This is a powerful, punishing, and devastatingly beautiful record. More

This one was worth the wait. As the duo Black Star, No Fear of Time was Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli's first release in two and a half decades. Originally released in 2022 as a digital only record, this excellent, Madlib-produced album is now available to hold in your hip-hop-loving hands. As you'd expect, the album is smart and timely, with standout beats that sometimes veer into the experimental. No Fear of Time is a consuming listen that'll keep you hitting rewind; there's something new to discover (or rediscover) on every track of this fantastic album. More

It may seem hard to believe, but Nobody Loves You More is technically Kim Deal's debut solo album. And what a statement this lovely album is! The tracks are lushly orchestrated, filled with stylistic surprises, and anchored in pure rock 'n' roll energy. Deal's gorgeous compositions feature a top-notch cast of collaborators, including members of the Breeders (Mando Lopez, Kelley Deal, Jim Macpherson, Britt Walford) pals like Jack Lawrence (The Greenhorns) and Fay Milton and Ayse Hassan (Savages), and Steve Albini on the final track. This beautiful, affecting, easy-to-love album will stay in heavy rotation. More

His fifth studio album finds the Canadian singer/songwriter doing some soul searching after taking a break from touring to focus on his mental health. This is evidenced by the gently upbeat “Why Why Why” with its introspective lyrics and a renewed joy in life. The ballad “Isn’t That Enough” offers a similar sense of cautious euphoria while “Heart of Gold” is a heartfelt tribute to an old friend who died from an overdose. More

Chappell Roan’s Grammy-nominated debut album chronicles her move from Missouri to Los Angeles and focuses on love and self-discovery. Big pop hooks and strong vocals abound here, often tinged with melancholy. The energy rides high on the ultra-catchy but sweet-natured “Pink Pony Club” and the cathartic, breakup track, “My Kink is Karma.” Elsewhere “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” is edgy and funky with tongue-in-cheek lyrics. More

The rapper’s third mixtape earned her three Grammy nominations for its quirky beats, clever lyrics, and incorporation of genres like jazz rap, EDM, and soul. “Boom Bap” is a highlight with its funny lyrics criticizing the supposed rules of the hip-hop genre. “Denial is a River” has a fun throwback vibe with equally witty rhymes, while “WAIT” is a smoother R&B-inflected number. More

Jennifer Hudson’s first holiday album pairs beloved classics with fresh originals, featuring her gorgeous vocals at the helm. One highlight is a striking version of “Carol of The Bells” with South African group The Joy, whose voices soar dramatically around hers. Common is another guest, lending gentle spoken word verses to “Almost Christmas.” More

On her first new album since 2017's You Make It Feel Like Christmas , Gwen Stefani revels in assessable pop-rock melodies with a few hints of country. Her characteristically personal lyrics contrast the pain of her past with her current happy marriage, delivered in her still lovely vocals. “Somebody Else’s” is an infectious, cathartic number and “Pretty” is a sweet, relatable ballad. Another strong track is the upbeat and romantic “Late To Bloom.” More

Finneas continues to push the sound of pop music forward with the excellent For Cryin' Out Loud . These are songs that, with their infectious hooks, will gleefully bop around your head, while their relatable lyrics will keep you coming back for more hurts-so-good enjoyment. Finneas ably fuses nostalgia for the epic, bouncy pop of the '80s and '90s with indie rock influences to create smart, satisfying songs. For Cryin Out Loud is a wonderful showcase for Finneas' versatile gifts as a producer and performer. More

Michael Kiwanuka makes music that feels timeless. With production assistance from Danger Mouse and Inflo and featuring bass legend Pino Palladino (D’Angelo, Beyoncé) and Jimmy Jam, Small Changes is a future classic. Soulful, grooved out, with searing guitar work, these tracks are effortlessly cool and incredibly affecting. "Floating Parade" is sublimely beautiful, with a cinematic '70s funk and soul vibe. "Lowdown" is brooding and brilliant, a melancholy gem shot through with a glimmer of hope. Small Changes is a must hear. More

UFO’s 1978 classic album Obsession has received a deluxe edition 2CD reissue. The set includes a new remaster of the album from the original tapes, plus a new mix by Brian Kehew of “Live at The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland” from the Strangers In The Night  live album, as well as new liner notes with interviews with Phil Mogg, Andy Parker and Michael Schenker. More

Ultravox’s 1984 masterpiece Lament gets the deluxe anniversary treatment in this 5LP box set. The clear color 140-gram vinyl set includes a new remaster of the original album, extended remixes by Moby, Steve Wilson, Blank & Jones, and Midge Ure, plus a full 1984 concert recording from Hammersmith Odeon. Fans of romantic New Wave singles like “Lament” and “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” can rejoice in this deluxe reissue. More

All these years later, X still sounds uniquely raucous, cool, and on the razor's edge. The legendary punk band's ninth studio album, Smoke & Fiction , feels like it could've come straight from the band's '80s heyday, while still feeling modern, urgent, and unlike anyone else. The songs are driving, intense, and compelling with that familiar punk meets surf meets country that equates to X's version of LA Noir. Out on Fat Possum, the band says Smoke & Fiction is their final album and as X looks back on the heady days of their youth, it feels like a fitting (and fantastic) final chapter. More

It’s been 4 long years since post-hardcore heroes Touché Amoré have dropped an album, but that comes to an end with Spiral In A Straight Line . With super producer Ross Robinson returning at the helm, both the band and producer deftly channel their personal turmoil and struggles during the creation of Spiral into a sonic therapy session of emotion. Spiral also features appearances by indie luminaries Lou Barlow on “Subversion (Brand New Love)”, and Julien Baker on the closing track, “Goodbye For Now.” More

The Bad Plus have returned with their 16th studio album, featuring new members Ben Monder on guitar and Chris Speed on saxophone. Their avant-garde instrumental compositions continue to thrill, as evidenced by the lovely album opener “Grid/Ocean” and the stirring “French Horns.” The crossover appeal of these dynamic tracks makes it easy to see why the group is acclaimed by rock critics as well as jazz and classical. More