Hiss Golden Messenger, "Terms of Surrender" (Merge)
The new album by Hiss Golden Messenger is one to play on repeat, immersing in every nuance. It's Americana music with a purpose.
Like the North Carolina band's earlier work, "Terms of Surrender" is built around the talents of singer-songwriter frontman M.C. Taylor. The band's style has always been eclectic, a rangy, highly original mashup of folk, country, rock and soul. That has made radio play somewhat elusive, though the band managed to attract a loyal following through six previous albums.
Still, HGM could be brilliant but inconsistent. On "Terms of Surrender," it feels like they've turned a corner.
Every song sounds sure-footed and driven, from a spirited celebration of teachers to a gently melodic birthday song for Taylor's daughter. The eclectic mix is still there, but the album holds together so much better, even as the pacing shifts between spirited jams and slow-your-roll balladry.
Taylor's lyrics are less discernible than they used to be, delivered in service to the music. That feels like another sign of confidence. In "I Need a Teacher," for example, a song inspired by recent teacher walkouts for better pay, the money line rises above the rest — "Beauty in the broken American moment" — more in artistic celebration than to win a political argument. The music is dynamic and original, the political currents understated.
That's true throughout "Terms of Surrender," which is as good as anything the band has ever done. It's easily one of the best Americana albums of 2019.
ATLANTA (AP) — The game between the San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves on Saturday night was postponed by rain and lightning.
The teams will play a split doubleheader on Monday with a 6:20 p.m. game added to the previously scheduled 12:20 p.m. game.
Officials announced about five minutes before the scheduled first pitch that the start of the game was being delayed by inclement weather in the area.
The four-game series will continue on Sunday night.
Right-hander Yu Darvish had been scheduled to start for San Diego on Saturday night, but has been pushed back to Sunday.
The Padres planned to reinstate right-hander Joe Musgrove (right elbow inflammation) from the 15-day injured list for Sunday's game. Instead, Musgrove's return apparently will be pushed back to the Padres' series at Cincinnati, which begins on Tuesday.
The Padres will have right-hander Dylan Cease and right-hander Randy Vásquez start Monday's games.
The Braves have shifted Saturday night’s planned starter, right-hander Bryce Elder, to Sunday night.
Atlanta plans to have right-hander Reynaldo López and left-hander Chris Sale start Monday's games. López was pushed back one day after originally being listed as Sunday night's starter.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Braves: RHP Pierce Johnson (right elbow inflammation) was reinstated from the injured list. RHP Jackson Stephens was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett. ... C Travis d'Arnaud (head contusion) was available in an emergency situation if Saturday night's game had been played. Manager Brian Snitker says he hopes to rest d'Arnaud again Sunday. ... 3B Austin Riley (left side inflammation) was to miss his fifth straight game but said, “I feel like I'm slowly but surely getting there. ... I'm still feeling it in certain areas with certain movements.” Riley still hasn't taken batting practice.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
A fan moves in Truist Park after baseball game was postponed between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres do to rain, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The rain cover is seen at Truist Park after a baseball game was postponed between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres do to rain, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
A fan dances in the rain before a rain-delayed baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Ground crew watch weather radar before a rain-delayed baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Military aircraft fly over Truist Park before a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Fans dance in the rain before a rain-delayed baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Military aircraft fly over Truist Park before a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
A ground crew member covers the mound before baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
