Sunflower Bean’s third album, Headful of Sugar, is a psychedelic head rush made to be played loud with the windows down. Laden with catchy basslines, punk energy, and vocals that alternate between gritty and divine, the record marks a new freedom for the indie rock trio. “We weren’t precious about anything, there was a gleeful […]
Sunflower Bean’s third album, Headful of Sugar, is a psychedelic head rush made to be played loud with the windows down. Laden with catchy basslines, punk energy, and vocals that alternate between gritty and divine, the record marks a new freedom for the indie rock trio. “We weren’t precious about anything, there was a gleeful […]
Local musicians Michael Clem and Andy Thacker team up for an afternoon of bluegrass and folk jams. Clem, known for his songwriting and multi-instrument talent, is also a member of Eddie From Ohio, has his own trio, and hits the stage with a number of other bands. Clem’s recent solo release, Rivannarama, features five new […]
After years of pandemic-forced confinement, indie-rock trio Stray Fossa is ready to reemerge. Its sophomore album, Closer Than We’ll Ever Know, examines the intricacy of distance—which is no surprise considering the band was split across two continents during the album’s creation. “These songs have an urgency to them, as if they are on the brink […]
Travel buddies Acclaimed country musicians Brent Cobb and Hayes Carll are on the road for a special run of collaborative concerts. “We’re gettin’ together to give ourselves, as well as the crowds, something that I believe we’ll all talk about for a while,” says Cobb, who performs his new gospel album, And Now, Let’s Turn […]
Spirited youth Albemarle Symphony Orchestra presents a program of contemporary and classical works at its Fall Concert for Youth. Conductor Philip Clark, who has played for the queens of England and Holland, will lead the orchestra through compositions from Harry Potter, Moana, Ghostbusters, Bach, and more. The evening also features a mystery emcee to keep […]
Loving a legend Celebrate the life and music of the late Grammy-winning folk legend John Prine at a live performance of All The Best …From 6 Feet Away: A Charlottesville Tribute To John Prine. The album, produced by Jeff Sweatman, features 21 local artists’ unique take on Prine’s songs, including “Speed of the Sound of […]
Landing it Gary Clark Jr. tells it to you straight on his third studio album, This Land. “Fuck you, I’m America’s son. This is where I come from,” he sings on the titular lead single, a song that arose from an encounter with a racist neighbor at his ranch “in the middle of Trump country” […]
Listen with caution: Canadian punk band PUP’s name may be an abbreviation for “pathetic waste of potential,” but don’t let that fool you—its fourth album, THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND, marks a clever new marriage between melody and chaos. And according to lead singer Stefan Babcock, chaos is where PUP feels most at home, saying “there […]
We love you, Willie: With a career spanning seven distinguished decades, 89-year-old Willie Nelson is still at the top of his game—writing, singing, and playing with the signature wit and wisdom that comes from a lifetime on the road. In recent years, Nelson’s released four albums, received his 5th-degree black belt in GongKwon Yusul, and […]
Can’t touch this: Michael Bisio is one of the most prolific bassists working today—he’s composed over 100 works, appears on more than 100 CDs, and can jump from classical poise to jazzy fervor in a heartbeat. His 2022 release, Inimitable, is an album of solo bass improvisations that showcases the range of the bass, from […]