Ann Powers and Sheldon Pearce listen to the new albums out on Feb. 9 — including Brittany Howard's What Now — and find themselves wondering about the cultural value of virtuosity in 2024.Featured albums:1. Brittany Howard, What Now2. Joel Ross, nublues3. Boldy James & Nicholas Craven, Penalty of Leadership (released Jan. 12)4. Kali Malone, All Life Long5. Sonic Youth, Walls Have Ears6. Usher, Coming HomeOther notable albums out Feb. 9:• Helado Negro, PHASOR• Chelsea Wolfe, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She• Madi Diaz, Weird Faith• Declan McKenna, What Happened To The Beach?• Little Simz, Drop 7 EP• Shygirl, Club Shy EP• Kelela, RAVE:N, The Remixes • Mk.gee, Two Star & The Dream Police• Ducks Ltd., Harm's Way• David Nance & Mowed Sound, David Nance & Mowed Sound• Split System, Vol. 2• The Telescopes, Growing Eyes Become StringLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy