Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders – GarciaLive Vol. 15: Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders, May 21st, 1971
The newest installment of the archival Jerry Garcia shows finds the legendary guitarist performing with keyboardist Merl Saunders in ‘71. The loose jam session features the two backed by drummer Bill Vitt and saxophonist Martin Fierro, an eventual member of Legions of Mary. The 10-song set features some of fans most beloved covers of his solo career, ranging from Elvis Presley to The Band.
Khruangbin – Late Night Tales
It’s possible that no artist is better suited for the fittingly-titled and long-running compilation series Late Night Tales than Texas trio Khruangbin. Not only is their laid-back, instrumental style perfect for the concept, but their initial worldwide recognition began with Bonobo’s inclusion of their track “A Calf Born In Winter” on his own curated collection within the series in 2013. The mix boasts an eclectic combination “global grooves,” as well as a new track from the band.
Death Cab For Cutie – “The Georgia EP”
Indie-rock staples Death Cab For Cutie return with a five-song covers EP on Bandcamp, with proceeds donated to voter’s rights organization Fair Fight Action. The album finds the band performing songs from an eclectic mix of Georgia-based musicians, ranging from obvious choices like R.E.M. and Neutral Milk Hotel to the more unexpected TLC.
The White Stripes – The White Stripes Greatest Hits
Today marks the (somewhat surprisingly) first ever greatest hits collection from essential garage-rock revivalists The White Stripes. Spanning the band’s 14-year career and offering an even spread from their six full-length studio albums and various singles, the compilation is a reminder of the raw power the duo exuded, and the plethora of great songs they created.
The Infamous Stringdusters – Dust The Halls: An Acoustic Christmas Holiday!
Prolific bluegrass favorites The Infamous Stringdusters lend their talents to a set of holiday songs just in time for Christmas. Featuring instrumental takes of ten classic Christmas songs, the Stringdusters recorded the album remotely in quarantine, with guitarist Andy Falco mixing and mastering the record from home.
Arctic Monkeys – Live At The Royal Albert Hall
Infectious alternative-rock pioneers Arctic Monkeys have released a full 2018 recording of their performance at the historic Royal Albert Hall. As was true of the initial show, proceeds from the album will go to UK children’s charity War Child. The energetic 20-song set captures many of the Monkeys’ most beloved songs, while still offering a diverse spread from throughout their discography.
The Postal Service – Everything Will Change
In addition to Ben Gibbard’s Death Cab For Cutie covers EP, the songwriter released a live set from his beloved electronic indie band The Postal Service. Recorded on the band’s 2014 reunion tour in Berkley, California, the 15-track set was previously only available in a concert film of the same name. Given that the band only released one record, the track list may feel rather predictable if it weren’t for unexpected covers of Beat Happening and Dntel, in addition to the inclusion of multiple non-album b-sides.
Calexico – Seasonal Shift
Calexico return today with their “cross-cultural seasonal celebration” of a holiday album, Seasonal Shift. Ranging from covers of Tom Petty and John Lennon’s Christmas songs to Mexican, Portugese and Arizona inspired songs. It’s a refreshing take on a holiday album, and finds the band as creative and talented as ever.
The Milk Carton Kids – Live From Symphony Hall
Long-standing California folk duo The Milk Carton Kids shared Live From Symphony Hall, a set recorded in Atlanta in 2015, as a ‘name-your-own-price’ Bandcamp release. Recorded around a single microphone in the stunning music venue, the set captures the beauty of the band’s songwriting and vocal harmonies, with all proceeds donated to national voting rights organization “Fair Fight.”
Sigur Ros – Odin’s Raven Magic
As if Iceland post-rock visionaries Sigur Ros couldn’t stretch far enough into the unknown, the iconic band released a previously unheard recording from 2002 that features a full orchestral interpretation of a poem from the 14th or 15th century. With eight tracks in 70 minutes, Odin’s Raven Magic is as ethereal and moving as anybody could expect from both the concept and the band.