This selection was picked by Gen X dad.

Gen X dad says… This is the 13th album from Baltimore-based Arbouretum since 2004 and their seventh release on Chicago’s venerable Thrill Jockey label. Their appealing mix of folk, rock, psychedelia, country, and blues (as well as a tinge of Krautrock on the epic title track) sounds both familiar and new. There’s honestly not a bad track on the album, though the relatively brief instrumental Night Theme on side one doesn’t add much. At nearly 12 minutes, the title track kicks in with a driving, Motorik-ish groove and builds steadily from there, ultimately ending in some just-under-the-self-indulgent-line guitar soloing. The closing track, High Water Song, is a rolling, piano-driven number with some nice, subtle horn work on the climax. If you are a fan of the Mountain Goats recent work this is probably something to check out.

Gen Z son says… While Wikipedia lists Arbouretum as an “Alternative” band, on their 2020 record, Let It All In, they make music that proves otherwise. In a span of just 8 tracks, this album draws influences from many genres, from 50’s rock and indie folk, to dream pop and punk rock, with the title track, a lengthy, fast-paced burst, containing all 4. Dave Heumann’s lyrics are also very poetic, and tell intriguing tales of misery and hope. Overall, Let It All In, most definitely, does not disappoint.