STACK #207 Jan 2022

MUSIC FEATURE

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of 2021

It’s time to make like the prodigal son and return to the biggest and best records of 2021 – our ‘choice cuts’ – by way of impressive stats, STACK reviews, and from STACK ’s conversations with the artists themselves.

yearning of Frank Ocean, the meticulous detail of Steve Lacy, the ethereal sensibilities of Cliff Martinez or the echoes of the soul tradition where Bridges began amongst these tracks, its sophistication isn‘t borrowed from anywhere at all – it‘s utterly Bridges‘ own, and it‘s completely irresistible.” (Sony) ZKR

The Killers Pressure Machine IN REVIEW

“The comparisons to Bruce Springsteen‘s Nebraska could be made ten times over... the stark, foreboding landscape Springsteen created nearly 40 years ago would find itself

Tones and I Welcome to the Madhouse IN REVIEW “[Tones and I] is not afraid to share her innermost thoughts – and the record is all the better for it – but instead of being a downer, the album soars with undeniable pop hooks and a savage sense of humour... . It‘s a potent piece of pop, both playful and paranoid... Yep, Welcome to the Madhouse is a triumph for Tones and I, silencing the doubters who tipped she‘d be a One Hit Wonder. As she sings, “Welcome, let the song take you away.” (Sony) JJ Leon Bridges Gold-Diggers Sound IN REVIEW “Bridges has created an album continually

Gurrumul The Gurrumul Story IN CONVERSATION – MICHAEL HOHNEN, GURRUMUL‘S COLLABORATOR, SPOKESPERSON, CONFIDANTE “He grew up on an island where a lot of singing is outside, on the ground… around the fire, on the beach, or in the church. He was used to harsh environments. Whenever we performed, he always wanted the best of what was there. His ultimate was a really big PA system and competent tech people, to fully justify the effort he would put into performances – which from his perspective, was always the best he could possibly do... he loved Carnegie Hall in NewYork!” (Decca) ZKR

an easy home amongst [Brandon] Flowers‘ conflicted longing for his hometown... The Killers‘ best work has always come from a place of introspection, and in their most engaging material

since Sam‘s Town , they find their glory in the desert of Utah.” (Universal/Island) JP

textured and tactile, with an in-studio feel... Though you might hear the poignant

32 JANUARY 2022

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