Music Reviews
April Smith and the Great Picture Show's "Colors" is at least as much a ballad of heartfelt yearning as it is a stomp-and-swagger jam. Eric Ryan Anderson hide caption
'Colors' by April Smith and the Great Picture Show
In the appropriately titled "Detroit Loveletter," Jose James sounds smart, sexy and soulful. courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Detroit Loveletter' by Jose James
Jimmy the Lock is the edgy, intelligent debut from L.A. rapper Nocando. courtesy of the artist hide caption
The Rev. Lonnie Farris at home in 1980. His recording of "Peace in the Valley" opens Fire In My Bones. Mark Weber hide caption
In "College," the fifth-grade MCs in 3 Titans unleash a charmingly clever and upbeat jam. courtesy of the artist hide caption
Joanna Newsom's new Have One on Me taps into myths of the American West and the open road. Annabel Mehran hide caption
Josh Thompson's Good Ol' Country Debut
Fresh Air
Life Of Leisure EP
"Let's Write a Book" stretches Field Music's indie-pop aesthetic to its outer limits, delving into electronica and funk. Ian West hide caption
'Let's Write a Book' by Field Music
Hot Chip formed in 2000 around the core duo of Alexis Taylor (second from left) and Joe Goddard (far left). Bevis Martin and Charlie Youle hide caption
As a solo singer, Tillman releases a hushed and respectful hymn for a modern age. courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Year in the Kingdom' by J. Tillman
On the compilation Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti, Cumbia Moderna de Soledad covers Fela's "Shakara," and shares with it a common bloodline. courtesy of Stone's Throw Records hide caption
'Shacalao' by Cumbia Moderna de Soledad
Cameroonian saxophonist and vibraphone player Manu Dibango performs the title track of Africa Boogaloo. Michael Ochs Archives/Stringer/Getty Images hide caption