Big Red Machine readies us for autumn, and a novelist leads us into the wild within.

The Killers dial down the sound and up the pressure.

Foxing lassos the moon, and poet Maggie Smith keeps humming.

Yola stands up for herself and Torres perpetuates her own thirst.

Leon Bridges makes that “Gold-Diggers Sound” and one of our great soul singers honors Nina Simone.

Drive back in time with Drive-By Truckers and ride hard into the New Old West with “Outlawed.”

The Wallflowers enter through Exit Wounds, and Nick Cave further blurs the lines between art and life.

Gin Blossoms get specific, and one writer holds a wolf by the ears.

The Mountain Goats get dark, then Lightning Bug offers a little help.

H.E.R. takes listeners along for a journey on a great week for music.