Uncommon Weather

Recording under the name the Reds, Pinks & Purples, Glenn Donaldson has perfected the fine art of writing sad songs about love where the pain is tempered by exquisite melodies and delivered in measured, thoughtful tones. He doesn't wallow in heartbreak and loneliness, he turns it into songs one is likely to find themselves humming at odd hours. Uncommon Weather is focused and melodic, sounding like a greatest-hits collection as song after song digs deep below the surface of heartache to uncover yet another painful memory or feeling. Donaldson appears just about ready to give up on the concept of love, and possibly everything else, too -- at least songs like "I Hope I Never Fall in Love" and "A Kick in the Face (That's Life)" lean heavily in that direction. He hasn't forsaken melodies or hooks though, and one would be hard pressed to find a catchier indie pop album, either from 2021 or anytime from the mid-'80s on. The uptempo songs like "The Biggest Fan" or "I'm Sorry About Your Li