Asking “What Now” with Brittany Howard and reveling in new Brandon Taylor fiction.

High notes of modern jazz, and a Last Dinner Party that feels like a beginning.

Going back in time with Punch Brothers and bending notes with The Smile.

Sleater-Kinney goes to hell and back, plus learning to live alongside our neighbor, the deer.

Getting strange with Kim Gordon and turning the pages of “Comedy Book.”

Reveling in the Deftones catalog, and taking a path straight to Stax Records soul.

Staying with The Hotelier, and making the best of it alongside Kay Ryan.

Hiss Golden Messenger is faithful to the holidays, and Giant Sand sounds desert transmissions.

Hotline TNT executes a near-perfect ‘Cartwheel’ and readers come as they are to Nirvana (again).