For more than a decade, I've made it a tradition to compile my favorite albums of each year come January, using the months prior to revisit and reevaluate hundreds of albums. Though the pandemic cut live music out of the picture, there were still so many incredible new recordings to help music fans get through...

By: Ryan MannixIt took Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National four years to record and compile Day Of The Dead, a massive undertaking and sprawling tribute to the works of The Grateful Dead from friends and associates, most of which wouldnt be typically associated with the jam scene.  Four years later, were revisiting...

Thundercat - It Is What It IsBassist, producer and songwriter Thundercat has consistently stunned listeners with his unabridged creativity and originality, and his follow-up to 2017s Drunk is no different. It Is What It Is, co-produced by frequent collaborator Flying Lotus, spreads an incredible amount of sounds and ideas across 15 songs, but still flows cohesively....

Pearl Jam - GigatonIts always a noteworthy album release day when Pearl Jam drop a new record. Gigaton, their first record since 2013s Lightning Bolt, adds another set of 12 fiery alternative rock tracks to the bands ever-growing discography. The high-energy, riff-driven tracks are led by Eddie Vedders politically-charged lyrics and intense vocal delivery. Outside of...

Circles Around the Sun - Circles Around the SunSupergroup Circles Around the Sun return with their third full-length record. The self-titled album marks a stylistic shift for the band, leaning harder on funk and dance music to create their most fun work yet. The record also contains the final recordings of guitarist Neal Casal, made...

By: Alex WoodSeeing Bob Weir & Wolf Bros offers a rare, isolated look at the distinct style and incredible talent of the Grateful Deads rhythm guitarist.Backed by Don Was on upright bass and Jay Lane on drums, the trio performed their first of two shows at Chicago Theatre on Wednesday. Though the venue wasnt...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekStarting at the end? If you missed our prior coverage, check out Day One,  Day Two, Day Three and Day Four.Ok, we made it.This post covers the bittersweet final day of Jam Cruise. Your mind is saying, "I can do this...

Jonathan Wilson - Dixie BlurMulti-instrumentalist Jonathan Wilson returns with Dixie Blur, a new studio album of lush folk-rock tracks that cement the artist as one of the most exciting songwriters in the scene today. Produced by Wilcos Pat Sansone in Nashville, the record boasts a Southern sound, leaning on a vaguely country backing throughout. Delicate,...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekOf course, this isn't the first day...  Here's Day One,  Day Two and Day Three.Day four was the trip's other destination day and we woke up docked in Costa Maya. The first scheduled music of the day wasnt until 6:00, so cruisers had the option of...

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekNot caught up?  Here's Day One and Day Two.Day three brought us to the first of two Days at Sea. By this time, fellow travelers are becoming familiar. You may have shared a ledge for Pigeons, or hung out next to each other on the stairs at Ivans...