In like a lion, out like a lamb — March music releases brought a range of big feelings to our quiet foothills hamlet. From the country-fried tenderness of Waxahatchee to the latest lachrymose masterpiece from Adrianne Lenker, here’s what last month sounded like in the People’s Republic. (And before the BeyHive comes for us: This vinyl sales data from Paradise Found Records and Music does not include Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, which hits retail stores April 12 and will likely dominate next month’s rankings.)
1. Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
2. Sierra Ferrell – Trail of Flowers
3. Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future
4. Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well
5. Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine
6. Norah Jones – Visions
7. The Jesus and Mary Chain – Glasgow Eyes
8. Bleachers – Bleachers
9. Kim Gordon – The Collective
10. Chicano Batman – Notebook Fantasy
STAFF PICK: Channeling the fuzz-rock stylings of power-pop pioneers like Thin Lizzy and Cheap Trick, Playing Favorites by Philly DIY heroes Sheer Mag is a masterclass in melody and mayhem. The band’s Third Man Records debut finds the four-piece at the height of their powers, amplifying a tradition of big guitars and bigger hooks that won’t leave your head for weeks. Don’t miss a Boulder Weekly interview with vocalist Tina Halladay ahead of their upcoming show at Hi-Dive on April 21. – Jezy J. Gray, arts and culture editor