(Today we present another monthly collection of reviews by Daniel Barkasi, who focuses his attention this time on albums released during May 2026.) I began writing this reflecting on what was another incredible edition of Maryland Deathfest and preparing for my flight over the pond to attend and cover the mighty Fortress Festival. Well, with […]
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Author Richie Unterberger’s new Velvet Underground history Do What You Fear The Most is out this week. It surely contains many superb factoids, but one in particular will be of special interest to VU heads.
The post Previously Unknown Velvet Underground Song Revealed In New Book appeared first on Stereogum.
Portland noise-sludge trio HISS arrive with some ugly credentials already baked in. The band may be new, but its members have been grinding through the Pacific Northwest heavy underground for years: guitarist/vocalist Robert Comitz and bassist/vocalist Kirk Evans previously played together in Still/Form, while drummer Chase Hall also logged time with Comitz in Marriage + Cancer. Put another way, HISS are not a clean break from those bands so much as the heaviest, most hostile pieces dragged into a new room and left to rot.
On debut album A Cheapened Crown, Hiss lean into sludgy, heavy noise rock that refuses to settle neatly into metal, post-hardcore or noise-rock orthodoxy. The guitars scrape and lurch with the same kind of disturbing, jarring tension that made Marriage + Cancer feel so unstable, while the low-end heft recalls the more crushing side of Still/Form. But HISS are less interested in genre lineage than in impact: driving heaviness, ugly riffs, punishing rhythms, and Comitz’s raspy vocals add an extra layer of unease over the whole thing.
“‘100% Wool’ is about how people will do anything to get a lick of the boot,” Comitz tells Decibel. “Like, they want to lick it… they need to lick it.”
Recorded at LoRent Studio, mixed by Bob Cheek and mastered by Carl Saff, A Cheapened Crown sounds carefully built without losing its sense of physical damage. It is heavy in the old-fashioned way: not over-slick, not over-explained, just dense enough to make the floor feel questionable.
A Cheapened Crown is out August 21 as a three-way release between Diptired Records, Hex Records and the band. Stream the full album below and pre-order it via Hex Records or Diptired Records.
The post Album Premiere: HISS – <i>A Cheapened Crown</i> appeared first on Decibel Magazine.
London alt-pop outfit Exploring Birdsong have announced their forthcoming debut album, Every House We Built, set for release on June 26 via Long Branch Records. Featuring previously released tracks “42” and “Romanticise,” the record sees the band turn inwards, drawing from lived experiences to explore the complexities of relationships spanning friendships, family and romance. Using houses as a central metaphor, the album reflects on how connections are carefully built with intention yet can unexpectedly collapse, leaving behind the lingering weight of something once thought permanent.
On the podcast, we talk about their new album Every House We Built, showing Paul McCartney their music, how they came up with the band name & more.
Check out the podcast on these services:
Apple • Spotify • Amazon • PodBean • YouTube
EVERY HOUSE WE BUILT TRACK LISTING:
“Archipelago”
“42”
“Romanticise”
“Footprints”
“Arrhythmia”
“Spy In The House Of Love”
“I_You”
“The Warning”
“You Like It Best When It Hurts”
“Cartography”
“Every House We Built”
“Meadowlands”
Exploring Birdsong will embark on a headline UK tour this September, playing their biggest headline shows to date. The run of dates will see the band kick things off in Glasgow on September 23, before heading south for shows in London and Bristol and wrapping up the tour with a final date in Manchester on September 26. Get tickets here.
EXPLORING BIRDSONG ON TOUR:
9/23 — Glasgow, Scotland — Classic Grand
9/24 — London, England — Islington Assembly Hall
9/25 — Bristol, England — Strange Brew
9/26 — Manchester, England — Gorilla
EXPLORING BIRDSONG ARE:
Lynsey Ward — Vocals + Piano
Jonny Knight — Bass + Synthesizers
Matt Harrison — Drums + Percussion
The post Exploring Birdsong (Interview) – Every House We Built appeared first on The Prog Report.
Right now, onetime pop-rap hitmaker Jack Harlow is on an absolutely historic run of doing silly shit. He made a neo-soul album. He explained that neo-soul album’s existence with an endlessly quotable line that he “got Blacker.” In order to facetiously prove that he knows how to read, he bought books for throngs of strangers. Now, he’s helping sell some augmented-reality nerd glasses that cost $2,195.
The post Fashion Icon Jack Harlow Helps Launch Snap’s Goofy $2,200 AR Glasses appeared first on Stereogum.
Blues rock has produced some of the most influential musicians, unforgettable songs, and iconic guitar performances in music history. Drawing from the deep emotional well of the blues while embracing the power and energy of rock and roll, the genre has remained a favorite among music fans for decades. From the pioneering British blues movement of the 1960s to modern artists who continue to carry the torch, blues rock has consistently delivered albums that stand the test of time.
While every fan could make a compelling case for a different collection of records, certain albums have earned their place as essential listening. Some changed the direction of guitar playing. Others introduced new generations to the genre. A few simply represent blues rock at its absolute best. Whether you’re building a collection from scratch or revisiting old favorites, these are ten blues rock albums every fan should own.
Before Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa, and countless others carried the blues-rock torch, Albert King helped create the blueprint.
Born Under a Bad Sign remains one of the most important albums ever released by a blues artist and a record that would influence generations of guitar players. Backed by Booker T. & the M.G.’s and the Memphis Horns, King delivered a collection of songs that balanced grit, groove, and unforgettable guitar work.
The title track is one of the defining songs of electric blues and remains instantly recognizable nearly six decades after its release. Elsewhere, tracks such as “Crosscut Saw,” “The Hunter,” and “Laundromat Blues” showcase King’s distinctive phrasing and remarkable ability to communicate emotion through his guitar.
What makes the album so essential is its influence. Eric Clapton studied it. Stevie Ray Vaughan borrowed heavily from King’s style. Jimi Hendrix admired him. Gary Moore often cited him as an inspiration. The fingerprints of Born Under a Bad Sign can be found throughout the history of blues rock. Every serious fan of the genre eventually traces the roots back to Albert King, and this album is the perfect place to start.
In the late 1990s, blues rock desperately needed young artists capable of introducing the genre to a new audience. Jonny Lang answered that call in spectacular fashion.
Released when Lang was just sixteen years old, Lie to Me stunned listeners with its maturity and confidence. His guitar playing was already impressive, but what truly separated him from many of his peers was his voice. Lang possessed a gritty, soulful vocal style that sounded decades older than his age.
The title track became a breakout hit and remains one of the defining blues rock songs of its era. Songs such as “Still Rainin’” and his cover of Tinsley Ellis’ “A Quitter Never Wins” further demonstrated his ability to blend contemporary blues rock with traditional influences.
For many younger fans, Lie to Me served as a gateway album. It proved that blues rock wasn’t simply music from a previous generation. It was a living, evolving genre capable of producing new stars. The album still sounds fresh and remains one of the most important blues-rock releases of the 1990s.
Few blues-based albums have reached a mainstream audience as successfully as El Camino.
By the time The Black Keys released the record, the duo had already established themselves as one of rock’s most respected acts. However, El Camino elevated them to an entirely different level. The album’s combination of infectious riffs, memorable hooks, and stripped-down production helped create one of the biggest rock records of the twenty-first century.
“Lonely Boy” became a cultural phenomenon, while songs such as “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Little Black Submarines” further demonstrated the band’s ability to craft songs that connected with both casual listeners and dedicated music fans.
At its core, the album remains deeply rooted in blues traditions. Dan Auerbach’s guitar playing draws heavily from classic blues influences, even as the band pushes the music into a modern context. Rather than simply recreating the past, The Black Keys built upon those foundations and introduced blues-inspired rock to millions of listeners worldwide. For a generation of younger fans, El Camino became their introduction to blues-based rock music.
Some albums are remembered primarily for a single song. While “All Right Now” remains one of the most recognizable rock songs ever recorded, Fire and Water offers far more than its signature hit.
The album captures Free at the peak of its creative powers. Paul Rodgers delivers one of the finest vocal performances in blues rock history, combining soul, power, and effortless control. Alongside him, guitarist Paul Kossoff created some of the most emotional and expressive guitar work ever recorded. Unlike many guitar heroes of the era, Kossoff rarely relied on speed or flash. His brilliance came from his touch, phrasing, and remarkable vibrato. Every note feels deliberate and emotionally charged.
Songs such as the title track, “Mr. Big,” and “Don’t Say You Love Me” reveal a band that understood the power of restraint. Rather than overwhelming listeners with complexity, Free focused on groove, feel, and songwriting. Fire and Water remains a masterclass in blues rock.
Few albums have done more to introduce modern audiences to blues music than Gary Moore’s Still Got the Blues.
After finding success in hard rock and metal, Moore returned to his blues roots and created a record that would define the rest of his career. The result was an album that balanced traditional blues influences with contemporary production and soaring guitar work.
The title track remains one of the most emotional guitar performances ever recorded. Moore’s sustain, phrasing, and melodic instincts combine to create a performance that continues to inspire guitar players around the world.
The album also features appearances from blues legends Albert King and Albert Collins, as well as George Harrison. Despite the impressive guest list, Moore remains the focal point throughout. His passion for the music is evident in every note.
For many listeners, Still Got the Blues was the album that sparked a deeper appreciation for blues music. Its influence continues to be felt throughout the blues-rock world today. Joe Bonamassa has notably covered “Midnight Blues.”
It is difficult to overstate the impact of Are You Experienced. When Jimi Hendrix released his debut album, the guitar world changed forever. His revolutionary approach to tone, effects, feedback, and improvisation expanded the possibilities of the instrument in ways that still influence musicians today.
“Purple Haze,” “Fire,” “Foxey Lady,” and “Hey Joe” became instant classics, helping establish Hendrix as one of the most innovative artists in music history. Yet beyond the technical innovations lies a deep connection to the blues.
Hendrix often spoke about the influence of blues musicians on his playing, and those influences are present throughout the album. While the record incorporates elements of psychedelia and hard rock, the blues remains at its foundation.
More than half a century later, Are You Experienced remains one of the most important albums ever released and an essential part of any blues-rock collection.
Few albums did more to bring blues rock back into the mainstream during the 1990s than Trouble Is…. Released in 1997, the record transformed Kenny Wayne Shepherd from a promising young guitarist into one of the genre’s biggest stars.
The album struck a balance between traditional blues influences and radio-friendly songwriting, helping it reach listeners who might never have otherwise explored blues rock. “Blue on Black” became one of the defining songs of the decade. Other notable tracks include, “Slow Ride,” “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway,” and “Everything Is Broken,” which demonstrated Shepherd’s growing confidence as both a guitarist and songwriter.
What made the album particularly important was its timing. Alongside Jonny Lang’s Lie to Me, it helped introduce an entirely new generation to blues rock at a time when the genre was largely absent from mainstream radio. Its success proved there was still a substantial audience for blues-based guitar music.
Nearly thirty years later, Trouble Is… remains one of the most successful and influential blues-rock albums of the modern era, making it an easy choice for any list of essential records.
Many fans consider At Fillmore East the greatest live album ever recorded. It is difficult to argue otherwise. Captured during a series of performances in New York City, the album showcases The Allman Brothers Band at the height of its powers. Duane Allman and Dickey Betts formed one of the greatest guitar partnerships in rock history, creating a level of musical chemistry that remains virtually unmatched.
The performances of “Statesboro Blues,” “Whipping Post,” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” have become legendary. Each song demonstrates the band’s remarkable ability to balance structure with improvisation, creating performances that feel both spontaneous and purposeful.
Unlike many live albums that merely document a concert, At Fillmore East elevates the material beyond its studio counterparts. The energy, intensity, and musicianship captured on these recordings continue to impress listeners more than fifty years later.
If a blues-rock collection includes only one live album, this should be the one.
When discussions turn to essential blues-rock albums, Texas Flood is almost always near the top of the list. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s debut album arrived during a period when blues music had largely disappeared from mainstream attention. With one record, Vaughan helped change that.
From the opening moments of “Love Struck Baby,” it becomes clear that listeners are hearing something special. Vaughan’s combination of technical brilliance, emotional intensity, and unmistakable tone immediately set him apart from his contemporaries.
The title track remains one of the defining recordings of modern blues. Meanwhile, songs such as “Pride and Joy” and “Dirty Pool” showcase the chemistry between Vaughan and Double Trouble.
What continues to make Texas Flood so compelling is its authenticity. Vaughan respected the traditions of the blues while bringing enough energy and personality to make the music feel entirely his own.
No album on this list has had a greater impact on the development of blues rock than the Beano Album. Released in 1966, Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton helped ignite the British blues explosion and changed the course of rock music. Clapton’s guitar tone became legendary almost overnight, inspiring generations of musicians to chase the same sound.
The album features a collection of blues standards and originals performed with remarkable intensity and confidence. “All Your Love,” “Hideaway,” and “Steppin’ Out” showcased a level of guitar playing that few listeners had ever encountered.
What makes the record so important is its influence. The Beano Album helped establish the foundation for the British blues-rock movement that would eventually produce Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Free, Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, and countless others. For fans of the genre, owning the Beano Album isn’t optional. It’s essential.
The post 10 Blues Rock Albums Every Fan Should Own appeared first on Blues Rock Review.