Allegory of the Cave: Nick Cave returns to his Bad Seeds for the first time in five years, issuing the ominous and restrained Push the Sky Away (Playing Saturday, 16th at the Ryman)
The Polarizing Rise of ∆: High praise begets harsh criticism for art-rock Brits Alt-J (Playing with Hundred Waters Monday, 18th at Cannery Ballroom)
All-Time Punks: How Bad Religion transcended the ages of American punk rock (Playing Wednesday, 20th at War Memorial Auditorium)
In The Spin: Freakin’ Weekend IV at Exit/In and Local Honey, Caitlin Rose’s release show at Mercy Lounge
Plus Critics’ Picks on Nashville Symphony’s Red Violin, Bart Walker’s release, Ana Popovic, R. Stevie Moore, James King Band, Tim Chad and Sherry & Co. at The End, DiscoFace, El Rick Haun, Helado Negro, Local Natives, The Howlin’ Brothers, Dawes and more