Crucial Track for February 21, 2026

"JCMF" by Alan Sparhawk

Listen on Apple Music

Your browser does not support the audio element.

This new Alan Sparhawk track, released the day before Ash Wednesday, is perhaps the closest contemporary analogue to a biblical imprecatory psalm I’ve ever heard. It literally sounds like a howl from the depths of despair, furious and invoking God’s vengeance on the wicked. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a deeply affecting piece of art and I can’t stop thinking about it. I’ll be sitting with this one for a while.