Reviews of Low, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X & More, Plus Guest Desert Island Jukebox
As we move into fall, there’s an abundance of new music to review. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot do a review roundup, sharing their thoughts on new music from artists like Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, Low and Amyl and the Sniffers. Plus, we’ll hear from past Sound Opinions guests about the desert island jukebox songs that can’t live without.
In 2019 Lil Nas X made history with his chart-topping single “Old Town Road.” Now his full-length debut album is out: Montero. Jim and Greg ponder whether his music could ever live up to his larger-than-life persona.
Comfort To MeAmyl and the Sniffers
Amyl and the Sniffers are an Australian punk band working in the tradition of X-Ray Spec and The Plasmatics. Their second album, Comfort To Me, doesn't break new ground, but is great nonetheless if you ask Jim and Greg.
Star-CrossedKacey Musgraves
With Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves won not only critical acclaim, but also massive commercial success. Her follow-up, Star-Crossed, details her experience getting divorced.
HEY WHATLow
On Low's thirteenth studio album, HEY WHAT partners Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk continue the electronic experimentation they added on their previous album, Double Negative. Greg especially appreciates the interplay of the noise and beautiful harmony vocals.
Guest Buried Treasures
We ask all our favorite guests to choose a song or an album to add to the Desert Island Jukebox, aka songs they can’t live without. This time we hear picks from Richard Thompson, Dawn Richard, Art d’Ecco, Steve Cropper and Damon Locks.
Guest Picks
Steve Cropper, Otis Redding, "Nobody’s Fault But Mine"
Damon Locks, Duke Ellington, "Afrique}"
Richard Thompson, Janet Baker, "Ich Bin Die Welt Abhanden Gekommen"
Dawn Richard, Bjork, Vulnicura
Art d’Ecco, Brian Eno, "Needles in the Camel’s Eye"
Featured Songs:
Low, "Days Like These," HEY WHAT, Sub Pop, 2021
Lil Nas X, "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)," Montero, Columbia, 2021
Lil Nas X, "AM I DREAMING (feat. Miley Cyrus)," Montero, Columbia, 2021
Lil Nas X, "SCOOP (feat. Doja Cat)," Montero, Columbia, 2021
Lil Nas X, "SUN GOES DOWN," Montero, Columbia, 2021
Amyl and the Sniffers, "Hertz," Comfort to Me, ATO, 2021
Amyl and the Sniffers, "Guided By Angels," Comfort to Me, ATO, 2021
Amyl and the Sniffers, "Freaks to the Front," Comfort to Me, ATO, 2021
Amyl and the Sniffers, "Choices," Comfort to Me, ATO, 2021
Low, "The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing off)," HEY WHAT, Sub Pop, 2021
Steve Cropper & Felix Cavaliere, "Full Moon Tonight," Nudge It Up a Notch, Stax, 2008
Otis Redding, "Nobody's Fault But Mine," The Immortal Otis Redding, Stax, 1968
Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble, "Keep Your Mind Free (feat. Ben LaMar Gay)," Now, International Anthem, 2021
Duke Ellington, "Afrique," The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse, Fantasy, 1971
Richard Thompson, "Beeswing," Mirror Blue, Capitol, 1994
Janet Baker, "Ich bin die welt abhanden gekommen," Janet Baker Sings Mahler, EMI, 1967
Dawn Richard, "Boomerang," Second Line, Merge, 2021
Björk, "Stonemilker," Vulnicura, One Little Indian, 2015
Art d'Ecco, "Tv God," In Standard Definition, Paper Bag, 2021
Brian Eno, "Needles In the Camel's Eye," Here Come the Warm Jets, Island, 1974
Songs: Ohia, "Farewell Transmission," The Magnolia Electric Co., Secretly Canadian, 2003
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