Start here. That’s what I’m now able to tell people who ask for an entry point into the avant-jazz that constitutes a large part of my music consumption. Suggesting Nels Cline’s new album Consentrik Quartet is an ideal gateway for beginners isn’t intended as an insult. A sturdy bridge between uncompromising indie-rock and skronky free jazz, Consentrik Quartet will almost certainly stand as one of the most consequential albums of 2025. It doesn’t hurt that it possesses the caché of the Blue Note Records imprint. Furthermore, Cline is already known as Wilco’s freaky guitarist. When I heard saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Tom Rainey perform in 2014 I never imagined they’d play with the relatively conventional finesse they display on "Down Close". Bassist Chris Lightcap connects the two realms on tracks like "The 23". The second step for neophytes is more imposing. Released the same day at Consentrik Quartet, the Erik Satie-influenced dissonance Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson showcase on the brilliant Bone Bells is going to be a tougher sell.
Catching Up: Overlooked Albums and Songs of 2021 (so far)
Rather than compiling a conventional mid-year best-of ranking, I’m acknowledging albums and songs I initially overlooked or previously underappreciated in the first six months of 2021. Many of the selections are obscure, but millions of people were tuned into songs and albums like “No More Parties” and En Contra De Mi Voluntad long before I caught up.
Top Ten Overlooked and Underappreciated Albums of 2021 (So Far)
1. Marianne Faithfull and Warren Ellis- She Walks in Beauty
Pure poetry.
2. Jaimie Branch- Fly or Die Live
Angry improv.
3. Lambchop- Showtunes
4. Susan Alcorn, Ingrid Laubrock and Leila Bordeuil- Bird Meets Wire
Hung up.
5. Jimmy Edgar- Cheetah Bend
6. La Arrolladora Banda el Limón- En Contra De Mi Voluntad
Stupendous big band.
7. Silicone Prairie- My Life On the Silicone Prairie
Space junk.
8. Michael Wollny- XXXX
Progressive Euro-jazz.
9. Birds of Maya- Valdez
Unfiltered scuzz.
10. Elizabeth Chang- Transformations
Kirchner, Sessions and Schoenberg.
Top Ten Overlooked and Underappreciated Songs of 2021 (So Far)
1. Coi Leray- “No More Parties”
Curfew.
2. Moby, Mark Lanegan and Kris Kristofferson- "The Lonely Night"
Hurt.
3. Celeste- "Tonight Tonight"
Undeniable pop.
4. Karol G and Nathy Peluso- “Gato Malo”
Discussion on the In My Headache podcast.
5. Armand Hammer, the Alchemist and Earl Sweatshirt- "Falling Out of the Sky"
Crash.
6. Roman Alexander and Ashley Cooke- “Between You & Me”
Closing in.
7. Anitta- "Loco"
Crazy-good.
8. Ana Lélia- "Meu Cantinho"
Gentle breeze.
9. Cuee and Joel Leoj- “Ain’t Going Back”
Amen.
10. Sir the Baptist and Anthony Hamilton- "Jesus in the Ghetto"
Can’t tell Him nothing.
My previous monthly rankings of albums, songs, concerts and films are here.