Kristi Kates | Author

May 4, 2019

Seventeen tracks in all make up Khalid’s latest, a set that expands upon his ’80s-influenced 2017 debut album, which established him as a chart-friendly R&B-pop singer who can veer easily into other genres. Sometimes, though, it seems like it would be better if he took a l... Read More >>

The Head and the Heart and a Living Mirage

April 27, 2019

The lead single from the upcoming album of Seattle band The Head and the Heart, “Missed Connection,” is out this week. The album, Living Mirage, hits outlets May 17, and the band is set to bring its latest in indie-folk rock to over three dozen cities... Read More >>

Molly Tuttle – When You’re Ready – Compass

April 27, 2019

While much of Tuttle’s work to date has focused on her guitar skills and bluegrass sensibilities, this album leans more toward her songwriting and alto vocals, both enhanced by the production work of Lumineers/Avett Brothers cohort Ryan Hewitt. This isn’t old-school Nashville ... Read More >>

Gambino, Pilots, Simon Lead Outside Lands

April 20, 2019

Childish Gambino and Twenty One Pilots will headline the 2019 Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco (taking place in the city’s Golden Gate Park Aug. 9–11.) But it’s a three-day fest, so who’s the third featured performer? None o... Read More >>

The Strumbrellas – Rattlesnake – Glassnote

April 20, 2019

A bubbly, bouncy stir-up of a set, this collection from The Strumbrellas also proves to be a little illusory; behind those zippy tunes are lyrics that are often far less than happy. It’s interesting seeing how the band balances those two components on tracks like “The Party,&r... Read More >>

American Football – American Football – Polyvinyl

April 13, 2019

AF’s third album is the latest happening in a long list of ups and downs for the band, from a critically acclaimed debut to a band breakup, to a reformation, and the subsequent loss of the band’s house in a resale. Still soldiering on, AF released first single “Silhouett... Read More >>

James Blake – Assume Form – Republic

April 6, 2019

Blake’s been zipping around on a pile of side projects over the past few years, including collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Future (on the Black Panther soundtrack), Chance the Rapper, and Bon Iver. But now he returns with his third album, which both continues his long... Read More >>

The Chainsmokers Get Their Own Beach House

March 30, 2019

The Chainsmokers has a brand new song that pays homage (well, kind of) to one of its fellow indie bands, dream-popsters Beach House. The Chainsmokers’ new single, “Beach House,” sings about the protagonist waking up while listening to &m... Read More >>

Pom Poko – Birthday – Bella Union

March 30, 2019

From Norway hails the avant-garde indie-experimentation outfit Pom Poko, which snagged its name from a popular Japanese anime. Expect influences galore in Pom Poko’s music; the band includes everything from math-rock and West African beats to punk and groovy funk. Opener “Them... Read More >>

The Zombies – Complete Studio Recordings – Varese Sarabande

March 23, 2019

Having inspired everyone from Paul Weller (The Jam) to the cast of Glee, the legendary British classic-rock band finally brings together its most essential tracks (from two original U.S. albums, U.K. releases, and a rare single) to create this 61-track collection. And it’s ... Read More >>

The Go-Go’s Hit Showtime

March 23, 2019

Belinda Carlisle and her The Go-Go’s bandmates will be featured in a full-length music rockumentary about the band (titled simply, The Go-Gos) that will premiere on Showtime later this year. Directed by Alison Ellwood,the movie features ful... Read More >>

Jenny Lewis’ Album is On the Line

March 16, 2019

Singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis is about to have a busy spring, starting with the arrival/release of her fourth full-length solo album, On the Line, which hits outlets March 22 on Warner Bros. Records, complete with lead single “Red Bull and Hennessy.” ... Read More >>