‘Only Good Nites,’ Johanna Rose
Since 2006, Cullah has released a full-length album for pretty much every birthday, and that commitment has become a gift that keeps on giving, to listeners, and to himself, with Cullah sharpening, and broadening, his skills. “Cullahtivation” is his most colorful effort, that like its immediate predecessor “Spectacullah” last year, explores psychedelic pop, symphonic electronica, Appalachian-inspired folk, church-rafter-rattling gospel and other styles, sometimes in the same song. The full “Cullahtivation” album is currently only available to stream on Cullah’s website.
‘How Did We Get Here,’ Grace Weber
Rose has been in plenty of local bands in recent years, most recently Nickel & Rose, but with “Only Good Nites” she has her first official solo effort, although some of her talented colleagues lend a hand. “The One That I Call” is a smitten waltz lifted by Rose’s roommate Chauntee Ross on violin and Rose’s brother Will’s simple drum shuffle. “Only Good,” the sparse folk duet set over sweet fiddle by Chicken Wire Empire’s Ernest Brusadaris IV, has Rose and Hughes Family Band’s Connor LaMue singing some pandemic-appropriate lyrics: “If I could hold you close to me/Babe you know I would/but I’m not holding anyone till it’s gone for good.”
‘Peas,’ 1-800-Hug-Me
the band’s sophomore effort “Rubicon.” That was three years ago, but “Positively Space Raft” was worth the wait. The album’s a blast, with the band scaling back on the extended jams, and polishing up their pop rock hooks to a glistening sheen.
‘Selfie,’ Lauryl Sulfate and Her Ladies of Leisure
Definitely not to be confused for the Chainsmokers’ vapid hit single from 2013, Sulfate brings her signature, inspiring cries for inclusivity to the dance floor, and turns the typically narcissistic association of a selfie into an infectious testament for self-love.
‘Unplugged (From Reality),’ LMNTylst