Music Reviews

Gang of Four isn't reinventing anything in "Never Pay for the Farm," but its members have a blast with their second lease on life. courtesy of the artist hide caption

Violinist Lisa Batiashvili grew up hearing her father play Shostakovich's music. Courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon hide caption

In "Kusmi," the members of Minks disguise their broken hearts and put a happy face on their yearning. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Jacob McNaughton prefers to promote his musical project Galapagos by collages of childhood photos because he says it's more interesting. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

The High Highs' "Open Season" is an immediately endearing slice of indie-pop, lending itself to fuzzy late-'90s nostalgia. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

The Souljazz Orchestra's "Negus Negast" sounds like a collaboration between Fela Kuti and the Modern Jazz Quartet's Milt Jackson. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

On Bird Songs, Joe Lovano looks for new ways into Charlie Parker's material. Courtesy of Jimmy Katz hide caption

Hayes Carll portrays downtrodden characters against a country backdrop on KMAG YOYO and Other American Stories. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

A Seattle sextet with a flair for warm gentility, The Head and the Heart oozes good-natured winsomeness in "Winter Song." Kyle Johnson/Courtesy of Sub Pop Records hide caption

Teddy Thompson. Raphael Sagher/Verve hide caption

Ella Mae Morse. courtesy of Bear Family Records hide caption

Radiohead onstage in California last year. John Shearer/Getty Images hide caption

In "Time of My Own," The Woggles' members re-create the Nuggets era with a timeless ode to freedom and hope. Courtesy of the artist hide caption