New Music Friday - March 25, 2022

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

Essential Full-Length Releases

	Aldous Harding - Warm Chris Watch: "Lawn" Watch: "Fever"
	Denzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your Future Watch: "Zatoichi" (featuring slowthai) Watch: "Walkin"
	Ibibio Sound Machine - Electricity Watch: "Protection from Evil" Watch: "Electricity"
	Kilo Kish - AMERICAN GURL Watch: "DEATH FANTASY" (with Miguel) Watch: "AMERICAN GURL"
	Phife Dawg - Forever Watch: "French Kiss Trois" (featuring Redman & Illa J) Watch: "Nutshell Pt. 2" (featuring Busta Rhymes & Redman)

Other Full-Length Releases

Anand Wilder - I Don’t Know My Words Watch: "Fever Seizure" Watch: "Delirium Passes"

Barrie - Barbara Watch: "Quarry" Watch: "Concrete"

Bellows - Next of Kin Watch: "McNally Jackson" Watch: "Rancher’s Pride"

Buddy - Superghetto Watch: "Wait Too Long" (featuring Blxst) Watch: "Hoochie Mama"

Camp Cope - Running with the Hurricane Listen: "Jealous" Listen: "Running with the Hurricane"

Destroyer - Labrynthitis Watch: "Tintoretto, It’s for You" Watch: "June"

Ginla - Everything Watch: "Carousel" (featuring Adrienne Lenker) Watch: "You"

Guerilla Toss - Famously Alive Watch: "Cannibal Capital" Watch: "Famously Alive"

Kevin Devine - Nothing’s Real, So Nothing’s Wrong Watch: "Albatross" Watch: "How Can I Help You?"

Maren Morris - Humble Quest Watch: "Circles Around This Town" Watch: "Background Music"

Nigo - I Know Nigo Watch: "Hear Me Clearly" (with Pusha T) Watch: "Arya" (featuring A$AP Rocky)

P.E. - The Leather Leon Watch: "Blue Nude (Reclined)" Watch: "Tears in the Rain" (featuring A. Savage)

Walter Martin - The Bear Watch: "The Bear" Watch: "Hunters in the Snow"

Young Prisms - Drifter Watch: "Honeydew" Watch: "Outside Air"

Singles, EPs, Soundtracks, etc.

Cadence Weapon - Parallel World Deluxe Edition Watch: "SENNA" (Remix) (featuring Logan & Jacques Greene) Watch: "Play No Games" (Harrison Remix)

Emma Ruth Rundle - Orpheus Looking Back Listen: "Pump Organ Song" Listen: "Gilded Cage"

Fucked Up - Do All Words Can Do Listen: "Do All Words Can Do" Listen: "What Would You Do"

The Killers - Pressure Machine Deluxe Edition Watch: "Quiet Town" Watch: "The Getting By II"

Tinariwen - Amassakoul Reissue Watch: "Taskiwt Tadjat" Listen: "Amassakoul N’Ténéré"

Tinariwen - Radio Tisdas Sessions Reissue Listen: "Zin Es Gourdemen" Listen: "Nar Djenetbouba"

Weezer - SZNZ: Spring Watch: "A Little Bit of Love" Watch: "Opening Night"

My Favorite Things of the Week

Bob's Burgers is one of my favorite shows on TV, it's unexpected collaborations with some of my favorite musicians makes it even better. The National has been a constant presence on the show, but Fiona Apple has now lent her voice for this year's Halloween episode! There have already been Bob's Burgers albums released, so when we inevitably get the next edition, check it out on my Upcoming Releases page!

Omni has a sound characterized by jangly, precise guitar work. They will be releasing their third album, Networker, next month. They've previously released two songs from the records and released their latest, "Courtesy Call," this week.

A lot of covers make some sort of sense, artists cover other musicians that have inspired their sound in some evident way, or they cover contemporaries. Others seem to come out of nowhere, like (Sandy) Alex G's recent cover of Shania Twain's "You're Still the One."

Aldous Harding's videos find a way to be both strange and straightforward at the same time. Her latest video, for "Zoo Eyes," is no different, featuring the singer lip syncing her lyrics, but in a variety of outlandish costumes and epic makeup.

thesoundofvinyl.com

Jack Peñate is a British musician who released his most recent album, Everything Is New, back in 2009. Last week, he announced his first album in over a decade, After You. He's released two songs and videos for the album, "Prayer" and "Murder." The album will be released on November 29.

Also announced recently:

Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto - TWO: Live at Sydney Opera House (November 15)

Atlantics (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (November 15)

Beach Slang - The Deadbeat Bang of Heartbreak City (January 10)

The Beatles - The Singles Collection (November 22)

Beck - Hyperspace (November 22)

Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman (January 24)

Emily Yacina - Remember the Silver (December 6)

Fever Ray - Plunge Remix (December 13)

The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin: Live at Red Rocks (November 29)

IDLES - A Beautiful Thing: IDLES Live at Le Bataclan (December 6)

Jonsí & Alex - Lost & Found (out now)

Jorge Elbrecht - Gloss Coma - 002 (December 10)

Lucy Dacus - 2019 (November 8)

Marcus King - El Dorado (January 17)

Mary J. Blige - HERstory, Vol. 1 (December 6)

Matty & Leland Whitty - TBA (November 1)

Mount Kimbie - WXAXRXP (November 15)

Nina Kraviz - MASSEDUCTION Rewired (December 13)

Queen & Slim (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (November 15)

Peter Bjorn and John - Endless Dream (March 13)

Poliça - When We Stay Alive (January 31)

Rata Negra - La Hija Del Sepulturero (November 1)

Robin Richards - Castel (December 6)

Upset - Upset (November 22)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending February 23, 2019)

The Oscars air tonight, and I have officially watched all of the Best Picture nominees prior to the ceremony (I think for the first time ever). I capped off the Oscar film viewing last night with A Star Is Born, which I think was very good, though not my pick for Best Picture. However, there were some exciting cameos in the film that made my music-obsessive heart flutter for a moment, including Lukas Nelson, Brandi Carlile, and Marlon Williams!

Go to my Upcoming Releases page for a full list of new music that I'm excited for!

This week, Aldous Harding announced her third album, Designer.

brooklynvegan.com

I single out Aldous Harding for this week not just because she's an incredible newer artist, but also due to her personal and professional connection to one of the cameos I mentioned above. She has previously dated and often recorded with Marlon Williams, both being native New Zealanders. Both have a similar style, rooted in folk, but in contrast to Williams' crooning vocals, Harding displays more of an avant-garde bent to her music.

I first found out about her when I saw her open for Deerhunter a few years back. I was enthralled with her music and immediately checked her out when I got home. At the time, her only record was her debut, Aldous Harding, though she soon released an incredible sophomore album, Party, in 2017.

She announced the third album this past Tuesday, along with the video for "The Barrel."

Designer will be released on April 26.

Also announced recently:

2 Chainz - Rap or Go to the League (March 1)
Alex Lahey - The Best of Luck Club (May 17)
Bruce Hornsby - Absolute Zero (April 12)
Damien Jurado - In the Shape of a Storm (April 12)
Drugdealer - Raw Honey (April 19)
Filthy Friends - Emerald Valley (May 3)
Gesaffelstein - Hyperion (March 8)
Good Cop Bad Cop - Good Cop Bad Cop (March 29)
Guards - Modern Hymns (May 22)
Ioanna Gika - Thalassa (April 5)
Justin Townes Earle - The Saint of Lost Causes (May 24)
Kate Bush - The Other Sides (March 22)
Kehlani - While We Wait (out now)
Lydia Ainsworth - Phantom Forest (May 10)
Marina - Love + Fear (April 26)
More Pain - More Pain (April 19)
Norah Jones - Begin Again (April 12)
Quelle Chris - Guns (March 29)
Sad Planets - Akron, Ohio (April 19)
Sam Cohen - The Future’s Still Ringing in My Ears (May 17)
Tim Hecker - Anoyo (May 10)
Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride (April 22)
Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising (April 5)
Yoko Ono & John Lennon - Wedding Album Reissue (March 22)

New Music Friday - May 19, 2017

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

Essential Full-Length Releases

Aldous Harding - Party My first exposure to Harding was back in September, when she opened for Deerhunter in concert. I was immediately blown away both by her music and her unique stage presence. It took a little while for me to find her self-titled debut album on vinyl. Not long after, she announced her follow-up. She's already worked her way up from a New Zealand-based label (she's from the country) to one of the more major of the British indie labels, 4AD. Her first outing with them is spectacular! Watch: "Imagining My Man" Watch: "Horizon"

Casey Dienel - Imitation of a Woman to Love Casey Dienel is better known as White Hinterland, but first released music under her given name. She released her first album, Wind Up Canary, in 2006 before becoming White Hinterland. She's taking on multiple roles in her return to her name, serving as the singer, writer, producer, and engineer on this record. Listen: "High Times" Listen: "Thrasher"

Land of Talk - Life After Youth Land of Talk is a Canadian band fronted by Elizabeth Powell. They first formed in 2006, but have not released new music since 2010's Cloak and Cipher. The band started teasing their return two years ago on their website. Their first album in seven years features vocals from Sharon van Etten on several tracks. Watch: "This Time" Watch: "Inner Lover"

The Mountain Goats - Goths The Mountain Goats have long been well-known for John Darnielle's highly-conceptual lyrics. The singer-songwriter often references his loves in his music; including songs about heavy metal, and an entire album, 2015's Beat the Champ, devoted to his love of professional wrestling. Their latest is inspired by his teenage love of music by 80s goth bands like The Cure, Bauhaus, and Joy Division. Listen: "Andrew Eldritch Is Moving Back to Leeds" Listen: "Rain in Soho"

Other Full-Length Releases

!!! - Shake the Shudder Watch: "Dancing Is the Best Revenge" Watch: "The One 2"

(Sandy) Alex G - Rocket Watch: "Sportstar" Watch: "Proud"

The I.L.Y.’s - Bodyguard Watch: "Gargoyle”/“Bobo" Watch: "I Love You Man"

Wavves - You’re Welcome Watch: "Million Enemies" Watch: "Stupid in Love"

Singles, EPs, Soundtracks, etc.

Danny L Harle - 1UL Watch: "1UL"

The Kooks - The Best Of… So Far Watch: "Be Who You Are" Watch: "Forgive & Forget"

Kurt Vile - So Outta Reach EP Reissue Listen: "The Creature" Listen: "It’s Alright"

Kurt Vile - Square Shells EP Reissue Listen: "Ocean City" Listen: "The Finder"

MC Buddy & Kaytranada - Ocean & Montana Watch: "World of Wonders" Listen: "Love or Something"

Yung - Yung

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending April 1)

A few weeks ago, I wondered if Chance The Rapper may be harboring some nascent political aspirations. This week, he did something that made me realize his desires are more altruistic than political (at least for now). Following his less-than-fruitful meeting with Governor Bruce Rauner discussing education, he's stepped up in a big way. He's donated $1 million to Chicago Public Schools, raised an additional $2.2 million for the school system, and started the New Chance Arts and Literature Fund. Pretty impressive for the young artist; an amazing musician and generous philanthropist!

As always, my list of anticipated albums can be seen at my Upcoming Releases page!

This week, New Zealand artist Aldous Harding announced her sophomore album, Party.

brooklynvegan.com

Though I'd heard a couple of her songs before, my first real exposure to Harding came when she opened for Deerhunter on their fall tour last year. I caught the show in Covington, Kentucky and was transfixed by the musician, both by her music and her stage presence, which was odd to say the least, but still amazing to watch.

I looked for the LP of her self-titled debut at the show's merch table after the show, but it did not seem to be available. I purchased it online instead and waited several excruciating weeks for it to be restocked. It was worth the wait; it truly is a spectacular record.

So soon after that debut got its American release, I was surprised to be getting such a quick follow-up. She signed to 4AD earlier this year and is wasting no time in putting out her first record on the label. Party was announced on Wednesday, along with a new single, "Imagining My Man."

Party is set to be released on May 19.

Also announced this week:

Dan Auerbach - Waiting on a Song (June 2)
The Kooks - Best Of… So Far (May 19)
The Secret Sisters - You Don’t Own Me Anymore (June 9)
Sparks - Hippopotamus (September 8)
Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell Live (April 28)
Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly, James McAlister - Planetarium (June 9)

New Music Friday - September 30, 2016

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

Essential Full-Length Releases

BANKS - The Altar BANKS had a break-out album with her 2014 debut, Goddess. The record charted respectably and earned her praise from a number of music critics. She's looking to continue the magic on her sophomore follow-up. It's a more personal affair, as she lays herself bare. So far, the album has charted fairly well, though it hasn't yet hit the same level as her debut. Watch: "Fuck with Myself" Watch: "Gemini Feed"

Bon Iver - 22, A Million It's been a little while since we last heard from Justin Vernon in the form of his Bon Iver project; five years have passed since the last record, though there have been one-off songs and shows since. Vernon has focused on other projects including The Shouting Matches, Volcano Choir, Jason Feathers, and a new label, Chigliak. With 22, A Million, he returns to the project that made him famous, with a collection of oddly-named, but still spectacular, songs. Watch: "33 ‘God’" Watch: "00000 Million"

Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition Danny Brown is a bit of a hip-hop outlier. His style, influences, and personality makes him stand apart from his contemporaries, but he has flow to rival any of them. His fourth record, and first for Warp Records, has him rejoining with producer Paul White. He mines influences like Talking Heads and Joy Division (the album is named for one of their songs), but works with other celebrated hip-hop artists like Earl Sweatshirt, Kelela, and Kendrick Lamar. Watch: "When It Rain" Watch: "Really Doe" (featuring Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, & Earl Sweatshirt)

Regina Spektor - Remember Us to Life Regina Spektor may always be best known for her 2006 single, "Fidelity," but she was an active and consistent artist before and has remained so after. Remember Us to Life is her seventh album. The record doesn't see her straying far from her distinctive voice and sound, though she does record for the first time with a full orchestra. Watch: "Small Bill$" Listen: "Bleeding Heart"

Solange - A Seat at the Table Following the release of this third album from Solange, the Knowles sisters made history. Both released number one albums this year. Beyoncé topped the charts with Lemonade in April, an album with immensely personal subject matter. Solange went number one last month with this record, one that is at times deeply personal and at other, taking on broader themes. Both sisters have released spectacular work this year. Watch: "Cranes in the Sky" Watch: "Don’t Touch My Hair"

Other Full-Length Releases

Aldous Harding - Aldous Harding Watch: "Stop Your Tears" Watch: "No Peace"

Bob Weir - Blue Mountain Listen: "Only a River" Listen: "Lay My Lily Down"

DJ Mustard - Cold Summer Watch: "Want Her" (featuring Quavo & YG) Listen: "Party" (featuring Young Thug & YG)

Emma Ruth Rundle - Marked for Death Watch: "Real Big Sky" Listen: "Marked for Death"

EZTV - High in Place Watch: "Racing Country" (featuring Jenny Lewis) Listen: "Reason to Run" (featuring Martin Courtney)

The Growlers - City Club Watch: "Going Gets Tough" Listen: "City Club"

Itasca - Open to Chance Listen: "Buddy" Listen: "No Consequence"

Jenny Hval - Blood Bitch Watch: "Conceptual Romance" Watch: "Female Vampire"

Kestrels - Kestrels

Machinedrum - Human Energy Watch: "Tell U" (featuring Rochelle Jordan) Watch: "Celestial Levels" (featuring Jesse Boykins III)

Mr. Oizo - All Wet Watch: "Hand in the Fire" (featuring Charli XCX)

Nicolas Jaar - Sirens Listen: "No" Listen: "Three Sides of Nazareth"

Pixies - Head Carrier Watch: "Tenement Song" Watch: "Classic Masher"

Tycho - Epoch Listen: "Epoch" Listen: "Horizon"

Van Morrison - Keep Me Singing Watch: "Too Late" Listen: "Keep Me Singing"

Singles, EPs, Soundtracks, etc.

~j~ - Will2Change

Alex Frankel - Negative Space Listen: "Negative Space" Listen: "Get Back"

Blonde Redhead - Masculin Féminin Listen: "Slogan Attempt" Listen: "Not Too Late"

Cashmere Cat - "Trust Nobody" Listen: "Trust Nobody" (featuring Selena Gomez & Troy Lanez)

Cut Copy - January Tape

Fucked Up - The Mother Forever

La Sera - Queens EP Listen: "I Really Need an Angel" Listen: "Queens"

Low - The Exit Papers Reissue Listen: "Untitled 1" Listen: "Untitled 4"

Marissa Nadler - Bury Your Name Listen: "The Best You Ever Had" Listen: "Give Me Your Gun"

Moses Sumney - Lamentations Watch: "Lonely World" Listen: "Ascension"

Pional - When Love Hurts Listen: "The Way That You Like It" (featuring Empress Of) Listen: "Casualty"

Wyclef Jean - J’ouvert Watch: "Hendrix"