Lightromm 12

If We Stayed Alive is the first LP from legendary Minneapolis band 12 Rods - and presents their first new music in twenty-two years. It’s an excellent introduction to one of the most acclaimed, talked-about bands of the turn of the century, and what some have called one of the best indie bands of the ‘90s. Pitchfork raved about Gay? and Split Personalities, and a collaboration with Todd Rundgren, 2000’s Separation Anxieties, followed. Bandleader Ryan Olcott wrote, recorded and played everything you hear on If We Stayed Alive. “To be honest,” he says, “I think it’s the best material I’ve had to offer so far.” Its sound, themes, mood are evergreen. It’s 12 Rods. It’s new. It’s everything we’ve waited for.

Thirteen years ago, reviewing the opera Albert Herring at the Royal Academy of Music, I wrote of “the bright promise of Mary Bevan”. It’s cheering to find that a critic’s predictions sometimes prove right, for a British soprano who concocts and delivers an album as enjoyable and refreshing as Visions illuminées is obviously of serious worth.

AUTorophy is a 2016 album by Italian artist Giacomo Cioni, who goes by the name of 12+. This was released on the Aut label.

All you need to become an expert and get the most out of the newly-launched iPhone 12 series is right here!