C'mon

Minnesota’s Low are one of the finest groups to navigate their way into the 21st century. Their slo-core roots, where every note took a lifetime to resolve into the next, have been spiked and expanded to allow for additional colors and approaches. Their ninth album, C’mon, was co-produced and mixed by Matt Beckley, whose name has appeared on recordings by Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry. Beckley brings brightness and dares Alan Sparhawk to bring his vocals to the front of the mix. “Witches” is phenomenal. The bass guitar is deep and sturdy. The guitars are shiny and metallic as they jangle into space. And Sparhawk sings with a newfound conviction. Additional musicians, including Wilco’s Nels Cline and violinist Caitlin Moe, create a plusher sound for tracks such as “Done” and the sweetly harmonic “Try to Sleep.” The naked ache of “Nothing But Heart” is reminiscent of the Byrds’ Gene Clark’s solo work. “Something’s Turning Over” throws over slo-core for a Mamas and Papas-type pop vocal ensemble piece. The album is a new career highpoint.