Music

Missy's Music Picks for April

Fleet Foxes - Shore

The fourth studio album from Fleet Foxes finds the band in a generally sunnier frame of mind than their previous outing, 2017's Crack-Up.  And yet, there is great emotional diversity on the record, with highlights that include Sunblind, which is about musical inspirations that have passed on (such as John Prine and Bill Withers), and Can I Believe You, which features a rousing chorus of several hundred singers from the Fleet Foxes fan base.

Causa Sui - Szabodelico

Well established on the European concert circuit, Causa Sui is a thrilling Danish instrumental ensemble. The group comprises guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, and their music typically combines extended forays in free form psychedelia with a sophisticated improvisational aesthetic. On their latest effort, Szabodelico, the band hone their compositions to be more compact and succinct, while also incorporating influences from many different eras and styles.

Joe Strummer - Assembly

Beloved by many as the front man of the Clash (along with the Sex Pistols and the Damned, one of the most enduring bands of the original British punk explosion), the late Joe Strummer also carved out a reputable solo career, both with and without his backing band, the Mescaleros. Assembly collects highlights from this post-Clash period, as well as several unreleased gems- including solo live performances of Clash classics. For a career cut cruelly short, this set adds extra gravity to his legend. 

Floating Points featuring Pharoah Sanders - Promises

At 80 years old, Pharoah Sanders (who played with John Coltrane and Sun Ra, and possesses an enviable discography of his own), is truly a living legend. His playing style alternates between beautiful rubato phrasing, and split tone shrieks and multiphonics. On Promises, he collaborates with noted British electronic artist Floating Points. This is music on a very grand scale, with Sanders' trademark passionate ululations complemented by the sounds of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Neil Young - Young Shakespeare

The floodgates to the extensive Neil Young Archives are open, and Young Shakespeare is the latest fruit to be borne of this harvest. Dating from 1971, this in-concert recording features a solo performance, with a set list comparable to Massey Hall from the same time period. Recorded and filmed with terrific sound quality, this will be available in both audio and video formats. For those who prefer the soft and acoustic side of Neil Young, this is a sure to be a classic in the making.