NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills are your guides to the week's most compelling new releases. This week, that list includes an album from a banjo hero bursting with mythological inspiration; one from a Nashville-based indie songwriter shifting away from swirling sonic territory toward a more streamlined (if not exactly stripped-down) sound; another from a veteran English folk singer finding inspiration after becoming a mother and plenty more. Plus: Does it feel like musicians are getting more creative — maybe even more elusive — with the way they put music into the world? Earlier this summer, Jack White's surprise released his solo album No Name, initially only on vinyl, and only for free along with purchases made at record shops associated with his label, Third Man.
A new album by the mysterious British duo Two Shell is out widely this week but was made available months ago, on flash drives left to be found on dance club floors or embedded within rocks sold via the group's Bandcamp page. Are these artists subverting the streaming ecosystem? Emphasizing the importance of physical media? Just trying to create a memorable experience for fans? Whatever it is, we'll take it. Featured Albums • Amythyst Kiah, Still + Bright • Soccer Mommy, Evergreen • Laura Marling, Patterns in Repeat • Elmiene, Anyway I Can • Anna Butterss, Mighty Vertebrate Other Albums Out Oct.
25 Pop • Bryan Ferry, Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023 • Florence + The Machine, Sym.