Bon Iver wasn't born in a vacuum — it took an 'Epoch' to form

DeYarmond Edison's Epoch revels in the early alchemic triumphs of Bon Iver and Megafaun members. But the box set also reminds us that no moment of creative inspiration takes place spontaneously.

(Image credit: D.L. Anderson/Courtesy of the artist)

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Noname's 'Sundial' pursues a hip-hop revolution

The Chicago rapper and poet is among the greatest lyricists of her generation. In asking tough questions of the art she practices, her third album reveals a fearless and visionary performer.

(Image credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

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After 12 years, pianist Awadagin Pratt rediscovers his sweet spot

Absent from the recording studio for more than a decade, the restless musician has commissioned six composers for his new album.

(Image credit: Rob Davidson/Courtesy of the artist)

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'Verdi Choruses' showcases the impressive variety of a master's choral music

Verdi imagined each of his operas painted with a different tincture. Conductor Riccardo Chailly puts together an exciting new album of Verdi's choruses, from his best known to his most obscure.

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Wayne Shorter, From Here to Eternity

Nearly six months after his death, a tribute concert and a documentary attempt to capture the spirit of the perpetually exploring saxophonist and composer.

(Image credit: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images)

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Becca Mancari fights for their existence with an expanded pop palette

On Left Hand, Mancari positions themselves in the eye of sonic storms to communicate emotional truths with startling clarity.

(Image credit: Sophia Matinazad/Courtesy of the artist)

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'They Live In My Head' is as vital any album the Bush Tetras have ever made

Bush Tetras formed in NYC in 1979, at the height of the punk era. Decades later, the band brings a sustained energy to a new album, an urgency to get things said and to make some different sounds.

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Jazz pianist Sonny Clark gets first-class treatment on a new box set collection

Clark recorded nine sessions with the prestigious Blue Note label between 1957 and '61. A new set featuring his work as band leader for the label showcases his crisp, tuneful creativity.

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From NPR's 'Alt Latino,' a review of Karol G's 'Manana Sera Bonito: Bichota Season'

NPR's Alt Latino host Anamaria Sayre reviews Colombian singer Karol G's second album of the year, Manana Sera Bonito: Bichota Season.

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MeShell Ndegeocello shows off her range and experience on 'Omnichord'

Ndegeocello has combined soul, funk, pop, hip-hop and jazz to create a unique body of work over the course of her more than 30-year career. Now in her 50s, her latest album is The Omnichord Real Book.

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2 Live Crew fought the law with its album, 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be'

In 1989, 2 Live Crew's As Nasty As They Wanna Be became the first album declared legally obscene, and the group's legal battles set a precedent for the rappers that followed.

(Image credit: Raymond Boyd / Contributor/Getty Images / Michael Ochs Archives)

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Eric B. & Rakim change the flow of rap with 'Paid in Full'

With their 1987 debut album Paid in Full, Eric B. & Rakim introduced internal rhyme schemes to rap, and changed the flow of hip-hop forever.

(Image credit: David Corio / Contributor/Getty Images)

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Jessy Lanza's bubbly house music dwells in the moment

On her new album, the electronic artist's hooks are bigger and her palette is brighter, but the void is ever-present.

(Image credit: Trent Tomlinson/Courtesy of the artist)

* This article was originally published here