In his previous life, Josh Tillman was a singer-songwriter who produced above-average but relatively straightforward folk. Five albums deep, the former Fleet Foxes drummer seemed entrenched in his craft. That was until the 2012 album, Fear Fun, when Tillman recast himself as the prophetic rock-god Father John Misty – an outlandish character that, despite serving as an alter-ego, has proven to be thoroughly authentic.

The majority of Father John Misty’s work has been a stark departure from the J Tillman catalog. But with “I Went to the Store One Day” he returns to his quieter folk roots, and with stunning results. In this song, Father John considers the first encounter he had with his wife, Emma (seen smiling at the end), who he approached at random outside a convenience store one day in Laurel Canyon. This chance meeting sets in motion a life planned together – marriage, daughters, old age, death. “I never thought it would be so simple,” he sings.

The new album, I Love You, Honeybear is out this week.

Philadelphia, a musical city known more for soul, R&B, and hip-hop, has been efficiently churning out absolutely stellar alternative rock acts over the last few years – Kurt Vile, the War on Drugs, Dr. Dog, and Strand of Oaks to name a few. Now joining these ranks are relative newcomers The Districts. Discovered in high school after their electrifying single Funeral Beds took off on social media, the Districts are releasing their label debut next week – entitled A Flourish and a Spoil. This album is full of rock played the way rock should we played, confident and energetic. Take a listen now on NPR First Listen.

Futuristic cowboy rocker Lord Huron is back with a new album on the way. His first single is free to download on the album’s website.

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Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors just released their 5th studio album: Medicine. The lead single is great.

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Even with a big band her, Natalie Prass has little trouble holding the spotlight. Go listen to her new eponymous album.

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The new Decemberists album is little underwhelming given the high bar they have set in past work. However the last track strikes the epic tone that this band is so good at capturing.