New Music Friday - May 25, 2018

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

Essential Full-Length Releases

Aisha Burns - Argonauta Aisha Burns is a violinist from Texas who contributed to the Balmorhea ensemble before going solo in 2013 with Life in the Midwater. On her sophomore record, she deals with both loss and love. Listen: "Must Be a Way" Listen: "We Were Worn"

CHVRCHES - Love Is Dead This third album from the Scottish trio is their first not to be self-produced, and probably their "poppiest" outing. Interestingly, though representing the band at their most pop, the sole feature on the record comes from the frontman for an established indie band, Matt Berninger of The National. Watch: "Get Out" Watch: "Miracle"

Tracyanne & Danny - Tracyanne & Danny Tracyanne is Tracyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura; Danny is Danny Coughlan, also known as Crybaby. The two are close friends, but joined up for a new project following the death of Camera Obscura's Carey Lander from a rare form of cancer in 2015. Her main act is on hiatus, but this album provides the 60s-inspired guitar pop that Campbell has become known for. Watch: "Alabama" Watch: "It Can't Be Love Unless It Hurts"

Other Full-Length Releases

Michael Feuerstack - Natural Weather Watch: "Nobody Knows" Watch: "Love Is All Around"

Pusha T - DAYTONA Listen: "Infrared" Listen: "What Would Meek Do?"

Wand - Perfume Watch: "Pure Romance"

Zaytoven - Trap Holizay Listen: "Back on It" (featuring Offset & Young Scooter) Listen: "Show It" (featuring Kodak Black, T.I., & Offset)

Singles, EPs, Soundtracks, etc.

Destroyer - City of Daughters Vinyl Reissue Listen: "School, and the Girls Who Go There" Listen: "No Cease Fires! (Crimes Against the State of Our Love, Baby)"

Destroyer - Thief Vinyl Reissue Listen: "The Temple" Listen: "Thief"

Hatchie - Sugar & Spice Watch: "Sugar & Spice" Watch: "Sure"

Jenny Hval - The Long Sleep Watch: "Spells" Listen: "The Long Sleep"

New Music Friday - December 18, 2015

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

Essential Full-Length Releases

Cage the Elephant - Tell Me I’m Pretty Cage the Elephant's fourth album was produced by Dan Auerbach. His influence seemed obvious upon the release of the album's first single, with fans noting similarities to the style of Auerbach's main band, The Black Keys. The comparisons, and the attendant criticism, waned a bit once more songs were released, displaying a broader range of styles than the blues rock the record's producer is known for. Watch: "Mess Around" Listen: "Trouble"

Pusha T - King Push - Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude Pusha T had been teasing a new album, King Push, for most of 2015. This is not that album; which is currently slated for release in July. This album is a bit of a prequel to that highly-anticipated record, but is a fully flushed out release in its own right. The album was preceded by a new short film from Pusha, entitled Darkest Before Dawn. Watch: "Crutches, Crosses, Caskets" Watch: "Untouchable"

Other Full-Length Releases

Stephen O’Malley - F**k Fundamentalist Pigs

Taylor Bennett - Broad Shoulders Listen: "Broad Shoulders" (featuring Chance The Rapper) Listen: "Dancing in the Rain" (featuring Donnie Trumpet, Shay Lewis, & Brandon Fox)

Singles, EPs, Soundtracks, etc.

30th Century Records Compilation Volume 1 Listen: Sam Cohen - "Use Your Illusion" Listen: The Arcs - "Fool’s Gold"

Ariana Grande - Christmas & Chill Watch: "True Love" Listen: "Wit It This Christmas"

The Avett Brothers - Live, Vol. 4

East India Youth - REMIX EP

Jehnny Beth & Julian Casablancas - "Boy/Girl" Watch: "Boy/Girl"

Lil Durk - 300 Days, 300 Nights Watch: "My Beyoncé" (featuring Dej Loaf) Watch: "Ride 4 Me"

Thomas Fekete - Burner Listen: "Pick Up the Things That You Need" Listen: "Treason"

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending November 28)

While you're all working through your food comas and lazing around your parents' house, be sure to spend some of your Internet browsing time over at my Upcoming Releases page!

Surprise albums seem to be, annoyingly, the popular thing to do these days. Ever since Beyoncé and her self-titled 2013 album, everyone is trying to get into the game. However, it's usually less "surprise" and more "I'm releasing an album, but I won't tell you when." Pusha T is one of those artists; he's been promising King Push, his follow-up to My Name Is My Name, since July of 2014, even setting an estimated release timeframe of spring 2015 for its release (that obviously did not happen).

This week's announcement from him was not that, King Push still does not have a release date (though it should be out sometime next year), but Pusha T has another album ready for the world, Darkest Before Dawn. The album will serve as a "prelude" to King Push, which we still don't have a release date for.

pitchfork.com

In addition to the album, Pusha will release a short film, also titled Darkest Before Dawn. The pair will be released on December 18.

Also announced this week:

The Avett Brothers - Live, Vol. 4 (December 18)
The Coral - Distance Inbetween (March 4)
Jehnny Beth & Julian Casablancas - “Boy/Girl” (December 18)
Underworld - Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future (March 18)
Wild Nothing - Life of Pause (February 19)

Pusha T - "Nosetalgia" (featuring Kendrick Lamar)

Pusha T released one of my favorite albums of 2013 (list is forthcoming) and "Nosetalgia" was probably my favorite track on the album. The video for the song is a simple single shot of the rapper walking down the street, showing his swagger. Also, he may be the best gesticulater in the rap game...just look at those hands go. For his verse Kendrick walks up to him from the other side of the street and shows of his distinct, but complementary West Coast-flair.



Pusha T's debut solo album, My Name Is My Name was released in October.

New Music Tuesday - 10/08/2013

New Full-Length Releases

Anna Calvi - One Breath While I started listening to Anna Calvi following the release of her eponymous debut album in 2011, it wasn't until I heard the early singles off this release that I really started to fall in love. Though she already had a strong, independent vibe going, it felt even stronger leading into her follow up. I've had a couple of weeks to listen to this album and to absolutely fall in love with it! Listen/Watch: "Sing to Me"

Cage the Elephant - Melophobia Cage the Elephant burst onto the scene in 2008 with their raucous and rebellious self-titled debut. Unfortunately, their follow-up, Thank You, Happy Birthday, didn't have quite the same magic. They sounded like a band that wanted to grow their sound, but didn't know how. I think they've figured it out with this one. While it still maintains much of what made their music so much fun in the first go-around, they also sound a bit more mature. Listen/Watch: "Come a Little Closer"

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - The Speed of Things This band has such a deceptive name. On paper, you think you're going to get something incredibly silly, or really country. While some of their songs, and definitely most of their music videos, do have a certain silliness to them, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. may be one of the most talented  pop/indie rock bands out there. They demonstrate great lyrics, harmonies and melodies. All this, and they're still a lot of fun to listen to! Listen/Watch: "If You Didn't See Me (Then You Weren't on the Dancefloor)"

The Fratellis - We Need Medicine As I said last week, I thought that this band was done for. Like with Cage the Elephant, they released an awesome debut and followed it up with something very disappointing. And, like Cage the Elephant, the latest is a bit of a return to what they do well. I'm pretty happy to see The Fratellis return to form. They had released what was probably one of my favorite (and the most fun) albums of the British indie rock surge and they are nearly back to that sound here. Listen/Watch: "Seven Nights Seven Days"

Frog Eyes - Carey's Cold Spring The announcement of this latest album from Frog Eyes also came with some tragic news; frontman Carey Mercer had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Because of this, the band may not be touring in support of the record. Whatever happens in the bands future, and I'm sure all are praying for a successful recovery, they've put out a great record here. Listen/Watch: "Claxxon's Lament"

Glasser - Interiors I wasn't sure of how big a name Glasser really was. I stumbled across her debut album, Ring, a couple of years ago, but it didn't seem like I saw her name in very many places. I was scared I wouldn't know when she released a follow up. Thankfully, her name seemed to be everywhere when this album was announced. She's one of the few great experimental female artists, and I'm excited to see how she's grown on this follow up! Listen/Watch: "Design"

Lee Ranaldo and the Dust - Last Night on Earth All former members of Sonic Youth seem to be keeping themselves pretty busy, and Lee Ranaldo, the band's guitarist is no different. He released Between the Times and the Tides last year, and wasted no time in releasing this follow up. In contrast to the music put out by his former bandmates, his music is relatively lowkey; the others have maintained a closer tie to the band's punk aesthetics. I like it when artists step away from their bands and release something completely different. Listen: "Ambulancer"

of Montreal - lousy with sylvianbriar of Montreal are the purveyors of crazy, eclectic music accompanied by crazy album covers and even crazier live shows. For their latest offering, they home recorded on a 24-track tape machine (for a more vintage vibe) and have taken on a slight country sound. So, making their music even more eclectic than it already it. They're consistently one of the weirdest and most fun bands to listen to and this album should be no different! Listen/Watch: "Fugitive Air"

Pusha T - My Name Is My Name My self-education of hip hop continues! I first became familiar with Pusha T on last year's Cruel Summer compilation from GOOD Music. His was one of my favorite voices on the release and I decided that I wanted to hear more. It feels like I've been waiting for forever for this album, though. I heard the first single (below) way back in March and have been on pins and needles ever since. It's finally here and I think I might have a new favorite rapper! Listen/Watch: "Numbers on the Boards"

Sleigh Bells - Bitter Rivals When Sleigh Bells released their first album, Treats, in 2010, they seemed a bit like they would be a flash in the pan. Sure, they released something that was fairly unique, but it didn't seem like it would be a sound people would be interested in past one album. But they proved me wrong; they successfully grew their sound into a follow up, Reign of Terror, and again here. They've maintained the loud, feedback-heavy guitars, but there's enough else there to give them some longevity. Listen/Watch: "Bitter Rivals"

Other New Releases

Albert Hammond, Jr. - AHJ EP Throughout the releases of the last two Strokes albums, I've really been wishing for more side work from its members. Well, here's the first release since the band released 2011's Angles and thank God (my hopes for their return was not matched by the output)! I can only hope this means more solo work from the other members, especially Fab Moretti's Little Joy! Listen/Watch: "St. Justice"

How I Live Now Soundtrack How I Live Now is a 2013 film about a neurotic US teenager sent to live with family in the UK in the midst of war (that's about all I know about it since I've only seen a trailer). In true fashion for British cinema, it has what promises to be an incredible soundtrack, provided by electronic artist Jon Hopkins. It also includes tracks from Amanda Palmer and Natasha Khan (aka Bat for Lashes). So yeah, pretty awesome! Listen/Watch: Natasha Khan & Jon Hopkins - "Garden's Heart"

Parquet Courts - Tally All the Things That You Broke EP I jumped on the Parquet Courts bandwagon a little bit late. They released their second full-length, Light Up Gold, last year, but I only started listening this year. It's good punk music, though. This is their follow up to that critically successful album. Listen/Watch: "You Got Me Wonderin' Now"

Passion Pit - Constant Conversations EP Passion Pit released a pretty decent sophomore album, Gossamer, in summer of last year. "Constant Conversations" was one of the singles from that album and now it's getting the inevitable remix treatment. The EP features a remix from Dillon Francis and a pair of new tracks. Listen/Watch: "Constant Conversations"

RED HOT + FELA Red Hot is an organization which promotes AIDS awareness. Over the 23 years, they have released compilation albums, always featuring a diverse selection of artists performing songs with a particular theme. This album features musicians such as tUnE-yArDs, Sinkane and My Morning Jacket performing covers of songs by the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Listen: tUnE-yArDs, ?uestlove, Angelique Kidjo, Akua Naru - “Lady”