Idles crawls through the mire, and a look at 2021 books from one of my favorite readers.

Achtung Matt Nathanson! And a lovely remembrance from the pen of Susan Orlean.

Patty Griffin always shines, and Louise Erdrich gathers a number of perfect sentences.

Courtney Barnett takes her time, and a deep dive into the powerful “Procession.”

Snail Mail sends an early “Valentine,” and Nathaniel Rateliff sees “The Future.”

The War on Drugs lives inside my head, and words from an abundance of poets.

Dave Hause tunes to “Blood Harmony,” and La Luz shines yet again.

Pokey LaFarge keeps blossoming, and Starflyer 59 pens a welcome letter.

Lilly Hiatt continues a hot streak with “Lately,” and several favorites offer new books.