FLOOD

Compiling and curating rarities, and putting them next to newly remastered, raw-knuckled classics, this box set takes the form of something frank and fresh rather than merely ruminative. 

The “outlaw cowboy” brings to his game the opulence of a big label with an explosive, evocative production tone crossing Spaghetti Western plains and a mountain range’s open skies.

In contrast with his most incisive work with The White Stripes and The Raconteurs, the first of White’s two planned solo albums in 2022 feels based on the ideas of a man who’s lost without equity and union.

Josh Tillman’s latest release is a record so layered, lush, calming, and dulcet that you hardly notice its frequent aimlessness.

Hunter and his Six are unafraid of dashing their smooth soul with the good grit of the blues and a live-in-studio recording vibe.

This collection of previously unreleased Fillmore East showcases and bonus tracks is the wired, weird epic you didn’t know you needed.

This collection of instrumental-only recordings from the band’s final decade together sounds freer than anything in their avant-punk and post-no-wave past.

The job of this freshly remodeled package is to heighten the stellar, grungy-but-clean studio mix given to the original sessions by Tony Clark and Alan Parsons.

RZA pens a rapier-fast love letter to his heart’s obsession while giving Scratch space to run his jazz.

The Doors guitarist discusses his new autobiography, his band’s Hollywood Bowl concert film, the 50th anniversary of their last studio album with Jim Morrison, and life in “fantastic LA.”

Glasper’s most vocal excursion to date features so many voices that there’s hardly room for his bracing instrumental work.

Origin Story captures the raucous fun of two kids feeling their way through their guitars and their words while guessing at their silly talents to come.

Dogg’s 808s & Heartbreak–inspired soul is characterized by steeliness, a live-band feel, and the past’s traditions of oversexed bravura.

On her first album in a decade, Mitchell lets the delights of vocal harmony and opulent melody with a raw, silken edge shine through.

Mark Oliver Everett is, as always, glad to be unhappy with this spare and soul-strewn 14th LP.

These two volumes of early-’70s gospel recordings capture a moment that was fresh and funky for young churchgoing crowds in the South.

Listening in on the pair who’ve made the freakiest soundtrack on television with ’90s indie-rock touches.

The late, legendary stand-up comic and actor with a flair for all things blue, had a thing for music.

So much of the record is of a sneery, stabby nature and blunter than Costello’s more sophisticated recent songcraft.

10 LP packages that kept our eyes and ears busy over the past year.