Yeah Yeah Yeahs cool it down, while The Bad Plus plays it hot.

Beth Orton creates quiet, stormy symphonies while Nikki Lane gets high and low.

Iron and Wine offers a bit of consolation, and a chance to peer into Joan Didion’s notebook.

Joshua Redman more than gets by with the help of his friends.

The Gaslight Anthem charges on, and an Irish author vacillates between “Haven” and hell.

Ezra Furman’s “Flames” burn bright, while Katie Gutierrez examines the many lives within one person.

Sylvan Esso rewrites the ‘Rules’ while Pale Waves make themselves wanted.

Lee Bains + the Glory Fires take listeners to the Deep South, and The Dead Tongues shake off the “Dust.”

Maggie Rogers calls listeners to “Surrender,” and Joe Pug writes the hymns I need to hear.

Ben Harper keeps his musical line going, and Dawes exercises the head and the heart.