Cyril Neville and King Youngblood Serve Up Inspiring Gumbo
This is a big year for Cyril Neville and King Youngblood, a bonus for music fans who appreciate artists who use their talents to speak out and inspire social change.
funk
Yoshiko Sai Is Luminous on the Reissued ‘Mikkou’
Yoshiko Sai emerges as a true luminary unlike any other, holding together an eclectic palette with unshakeable artistic sensibilities and a truly fathomless mind.
The Olympians Instrumentally Search for a Revival
The Olympians’ In Search of a Revival may be an odd album, but it’s not an unfriendly one. The dozen instrumental tracks offer friendly vibes.
Antibalas Get Back to Basics on ‘Hourglass’
Hourglass is Antibalas through and through: no novelties, no gimmicks, all consummate professionalism. That is a comfort.
OutKast’s ‘Stankonia’ Uses Mirrors and Oppositions
OutKast’s Stankonia is a diptych that opposes and mirrors the duo; creating a stylistic reverence for an inimitable vision.
Algerian Freh Khodja’s Brilliant, Funky Debut Is Reissued
Freh Khodja’s story is one of mobilities and frictions, complex power structures, and lived realities that underlie and challenge utopian notions of cosmopolitanism.
Irma Thomas and Galactic Create Magic Funky Soul
Irma Thomas has teamed up with the beloved funk band Galactic to deliver a joyful and life-affirming new album that fuses classic soul and 21st-century funk.
Eli Roth Brings Sexy Italian Film Scores to a New Audience
Releases like this from Eli Roth rescue the laudable works of underappreciated musicians from obscurity. They also help broaden the aural palates of listeners.
Bootsy Collins Has a Blast on ‘Album of the Year #1 Funkateer’
Funkmaster Bootsy Collins deserves his hardcore jollies. The bassist in the bedazzled top hat earned the clout to dork around in the studio without losing fans.
Raúl Monsalve Explores Vibrant Afro-Venezuelan Connections
With Sol, Raúl Monsalve y Los Forajidos add their soulful illumination to a world in which there are always bright and beautiful moments and music like this.
Jon Cleary Goes “Uptown Downtown” to Celebrate New Orleans (premiere)
Jon Cleary’s catchy song celebrates the joys of Mardi Gras and NOLA with a swingin’ beat, rollicking piano, and sweet brass sounds.
Annie & the Caldwells a Deliver Soul-Stirring Triumph
Annie & the Caldwells’ Can’t Lose My (Soul) blends gospel fervor and deep grooves into a triumphant, soul-stirring album that reaches for transcendence.