I like listening to music, and I like writing about music. It just so happens that I get sent LOTS of music by publicists and bands in hopes of getting a review. I also enjoy reading reviews written by people I respect and admire. So, I usually have a deep backlog of albums that deserve my attention. With this monthly series, I’ll tell you about the artists that jumped out of my headphones and grabbed my attention.

Well, THIS month flew by quickly.

My kid graduated from elementary school. My family is preparing for a cross-country move. My job responsibilities keep expanding. All of which are good things – exciting things! That keeps my brain a bit busier more often than I’d like. Hence, I’m extra conscious and cautious about how I spend my free time. I need to decompress and recharge, which typically includes some combination of reading, writing, and listening to music.

Which means you, dear reader, benefit from that relaxation time. Enjoy!

Tori Amos – In Times of Dragons

I first came across the music of Tori Amos in college. A classmate of mine gave me copies of her first three albums, but having been raised on Christian music and classic rock, I did not understand anything about her work. That led me to simply ignoring her for many years, and even as my tastes widened in scope, I would simply say, “She’s talented, but not for me.” But when I read Amy Gentry’s book about Boys for Pele in the 33 1/3 series, I knew it was time for me to give Amos a fresh listen. And it blew me away.

So, while I’m not a traditional fan of her music, I have a deep and abiding appreciation for it. Her approach to art and artistry is both timeless and progressive, and she delivers that with aplomb throughout In Times of Dragons. Advertised as a concept record about the fight between tyranny and democracy, the album also rips. I’m sure Amos’ super-fans have created entire spent the entire month dissecting the lyrics and drafting dramatic dissertations, but for philistines like me, I’m simply enamored with the rich theatricality and deft arrangements. While her powerful piano playing and appealing alto sit front and center on every track, it’s her capacity for magical songcraft that continues to amaze me.

I have no doubt that plenty of fans might lambast me for the statement I’m about to make, declaring that I don’t understand the bulk of her 21^st century output, but I’m OK with that. There is a reason that Amos created legions of fans with Little Earthquakes, Under the Pink, and Songs from the Choirgirl Hotel. But this new album is easily her most fully realized piece of work since the five powerhouse records that she released in the ‘90s. Then again, what do I know?

Beck Zegans – Engraving of Armor

Delicious art-rock from a supremely talented Radiohead acolyte. This impeccable nine-song album overflows with minor-key guitar riffs, krautrock rhythmic grooves, and a mysterious alto. The record gives me HUGE In Rainbows and The Bends vibes, especially in the intricate interplay between snaking guitar lines and dreamy bass work, as well as an affection for ’90 rock volume. Zegans also channels crucial elements of Yorke’s own airy vocals, complete with lyrics about chaotic love and being disaffected about the state of the world. And yet, I never feel any sort of annoying pretentiousness – she’s neither an obvious copycat nor attempting to showcase any sort of studio wizardry. This is just a strong record with compelling tunes like “Record Tamer,” “I Want You,” and “Woods.”

Carla J. Easton – I Think That I Might Love You

Jaunty and flirty ‘90s college rock. Calling all fans of Letter to Cleo, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Belle & Sebastian! You will find so much to live in this fun album. Across eleven sprightly songs, Easton takes us on a journey of the heart and sleeve-worn emotions. To her credit, she rarely dips into anything sad or somber, but she also isn’t afraid to share exactly what she feels. The combination of bright guitar strums, frisky drums, and mid-tempo arrangements perfectly fit with her raspy low soprano, creating a big sour-candy pop mood. Check out “Red Kites in the Sun,” “Let’s Make Plans for the Weekend,” and “Lift Your Head Up Kid” to hear what I mean.

Francis of Delirium – Run, Run Pure Beauty

Resplendent retro rock. We’re talking bountiful ‘90s alt rock with some 3^rd wave emo theatricality. Led by the gorgeous, lilting vocals of Jana Bahrich, this potent trio creates heaps of overdriven guitars, pulsing bass, and thundering drums without ever bludgeoning your ears. It’s the sort of stuff you used to hear on terrestrial alt-rock stations or watch on 120 Minutes, minus the fear of selling out to a major label. If you’ve ever been a fan of Hole, Garbage, Florence and the Machine, or My Chemical Romance, then you will love tracks like “Out Tonight,” “Little Black Dress,” and “Requiem for a Dying Day.”

Nora Kelly Band – So Wrong for So Long

Genuinely affecting Canadian alt-country. This Montreal-based sextet fuses Texas Red Dirt country with later Wilco and Drive-By Truckers to stunning effect. The titular Kelly has this world-weary drawl that sounds like it’s seen the bottom of several bottles, even as she sings more about the struggles of modern life than lovelorn problems. The musicians have tremendous chemistry, from the sturdy rhythm guitar and bright drums to the warbly pedal steel and cheeky horn bleats. Led by “Imposter Syndrome,” “Irish Goodbye,” and “Don’t Lay Your Cards Out,” this album captured my attention from the absolute jump.

Widemouth – No Gasoline

Vintage Chicago indie rock. I’ve always lived in Texas, but I seem to write about a Chicago band in nearly every installment of every monthly column I’ve ever written, whether for this blog, Bearded Gentlemen, or other outlets. The city seems to overflow with acts like Widemouth, an earnest trio with impressive skills and harmonizing guy-girl vocals full of painful emotions. Their strength lies in a deep bed of musical influences that informs, but never overtakes, allowing the threesome to express themselves with careworn intentionality. I love the delicate embrace of Low, Yo La Tengo, and The Civil Wars, especially on songs like “Hotel Pool,” “Raincoat,” and the title track.

Other Stuff I Enjoyed Listening to This Month

• Alela Diane – Who’s Keeping Time? (Bearded Gentlemen Music review)
• Amy Grant – The Me That Remains (Spectrum Culture review)
• Jeff Parker ETA IVtet – Happy Today
• Kacey Musgraves – Middle of Nowhere
• Loraine James – Detached From the Rest of You (Treble Zine review)