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SEPTEMBER 2025 (2)

INTRO: Thoughts on a few more new releases before September comes to an end. Check them out and enjoy!

Mary Chapin Carpenter / Personal History
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s seventeenth studio album is nothing less than a master class in exquisite songwriting. These intimate wonders—recorded with pristine clarity at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios—are deep personal explorations, often presenting a somber, reflective tone. Yet, in these confessional and heartfelt creations there is profound beauty and moving emotions. The musical arrangements are subtly restrained, leaning heavily on acoustic instruments and spacious production, and perfectly match the many moments of quiet insight. This collection confirms why Carpenter has long been one of my favorite songwriters. Though she has weaved through folk, Americana, and more pronounced country stylings, it has always been her exceptional songwriting that has made her stand out, and she is an artist I am always eager to hear new music from. More than that, she penned “Grand Central Station” in the aftermath of 9/11, a song I hold as one of the finest narrative works I’ve ever heard. Though seven albums have been released since that classic, I have to admit she had, unexplainably, sort of fallen off my radar. I was glad to come across this new collection. This is definitely one of those albums that demands concentrated focus—you don’t want to miss a thing. There is a clear throughline of looking back, taking stock, and leaning on wisdom gained, a theme powerfully encapsulated by the album title itself and felt deeply in tracks like "What Did You Miss?". More than just a welcome return, Personal History confirms Carpenter’s enduring mastery. Though my admiration for her skills seemed complete, this album has definitely raised the bar and will be one I return to often. Standout Tracks: “What Did You Miss?”, “The Saving Things”, “Bitter Ender” - Thumbs Up and a Grade of A.

The Hives / The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives
The Hives’ seventh album is an economical dose of gut-punch, no frills rock, with deep classic punk roots. I was surprised to learn they had so many albums. They didn’t come across my radar until their fourth, The Black and White Album, with its unstoppable track “Tick Tick Boom.” And though I enjoyed that album as well as other tracks I’ve heard, I have to admit, I was never fully called to be a deep fan. Their music always hit the spot in the moment, given the mood for kick in the crotch rock that didn’t take itself too seriously. This album is more of the same—33 minutes of pure adrenaline and catchy rock. Though my favorite tracks stick closely to the punk formula that first attracted me, I did appreciate the more New Wave-ish influences folded in here and there, most successfully on the late in the album track “Path Of Most Resistance." Queue it and turn up the volume! Standout Tracks: “Enough Is Enough” & “Roll Out The Red Carpet” - Thumbs Up and a Grade of C+.


Curtis Harding / Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt
I have a deep love of this particular on-target fusion of soul & rock. The foundation of these songs is built on a clear, deep respect for soul masters like Marvin Gaye and Al Green. This devotion is the album's magic, lending it an authentic, timeless quality. There is always a risk with such clear foundations making themselves apparent that the music can get lost in comparisons, but Harding does not merely recycle these deep influences; he explores them with a fresh, contemporary view. The result is a collection of tracks executed with surgeon-like precision—many of which, simply put, are bad motherfuckers. It's perfectly fair to draw comparisons to his contemporary, Michael Kiwanuka, particularly in the way both artists tap into this particular genre with such skill and clarity. Where Harding truly elevates the material is in the personal touch he applies. These tracks are both aloofly cool and instantly inviting, built on infectious grooves that deliver undeniable funk and alluring emotion. From the assertive swagger of "There She Goes" to the contemplative depth of "Time," Harding has championed a uniquely crafted artistic gem. Departures & Arrivals is a most impressive layer of modern soul with classic DNA. Standout Tracks: “There She Goes”, “Time” & “The Power” - Thumbs Up and a Grade of B.

David Byrne (& Ghost Train Orchestra) / Who Is The Sky?
My devotion to David Byrne’s artistic spirit runs deep; his catalog, from Talking Heads through his solo and collaborative projects, has gifted my life with treasured musical accompaniments. This history sets high expectations for each new album. To be honest, my first few listens of his latest release—a collaboration with the Ghost Train Orchestra—didn't fully click. But this album has deep charms that can’t be denied. Given additional time, subsequent listens ensured that I was fully tapped in. Each return to the collection gifted a rewarding discovery of another layer or touch. The union of Byrne’s world music rhythms and the Ghost Train Orchestra—a jazz ensemble devoted to modernizing 1920s and 30s swing—seems like strange bedfellows, yet the combination works wonders. The musician arrangements fit squarely into the vast canyon of musical exploration Byrne has mined since his Talking Heads days, but there's a new, mature mellowness that pulls everything together with assurance. GTO provides a sophisticated, syncopated pulse, anchoring Byrne's rhythmic inclinations with warm, articulate brass and string arrangements. The collection is filled with robust songs that bustle with infectious energy and humor. This is best exemplified by the joyous clamor of the standout track “Everybody Laughs,” which uses a driving, almost manic brass line and lyrics that twist everyday anxieties into a wry joke. Byrne has always been a quirky lyricist, and yes, there are a few 'dad joke' inclusions (“My Apartment Is My Friend”), but at 73, he really delivers the goods in not taking reflection too seriously. The pulse of the album is pure Byrne, but the layers are intriguing at every turn: baroque pop strings, mariachi horns, and locked-in grooves—they all find a landing place. The album's maturity is palpable in Byrne’s lower, more contemplative vocal register, particularly on the highlight “When We Are Singing,” where lush strings provide a contemplative counterpoint to the insistent beat. Crucially, Byrne saves room for pure artistry alongside the more palatable tracks, embracing the experimental on numbers like “The Avant Garde.” This added texture and variety prevent the album from settling into predictable territory. Who Is The Sky? is a real gift and a seriously fun listening experience that rewards patience.  Standout Tracks: “Everybody Laughs”, “When We Are Singing” & “I’m An Outsider” - Thumbs Up and a Grade of B+.