My Favorite Things of the Week

Oscar-winning director Damian Chazelle is making a move towards television glory with a new Netflix show, The Eddy. He is not, however, moving away from jazz. The show, like his most recent film, La La Land, centers on jazz musicians. The show came bundled with a new soundtrack with tracks by St. Vincent and Jorja Smith. Both the show and album are available to stream now.

If the show gets renewed for additional seasons, and those seasons get their own soundtracks, be sure to check them out on my Upcoming Releases page!

Kacey Musgraves is amazing, and Mountain Man is amazing. So it stands to reason that the two combined would be amazing. Mountain Man has been on a covers kick lately and their latest is a cover of a track from Musgraves' incredible Golden Hour. They put their own folk twist on "Slow Burn."

Folk-ish band Woods has long been a favorite band of mine, and recently announced a new album, Strange to Explain. They released a new song from the album last week, "Can't Get Out."

Dirty Projectors released an amazing one-two punch of new records in 2017 and 2018. They are embarking on another spate of new releases, this time in EP form. They released Windows Open earlier this year and announced another new EP, Flight Tower, this week. That EP is set for release on June 26.

Also announced this week:

Bibio - Sleep on the Wing (June 12)

Blitzen Trapper - Holy Smokes Future Jokes (September 11)

Bob Dylan - Rough and Rowdy Ways (June 19)

Fontaines D.C. - A Hero’s Death (July 31)

Lady Gaga - Chromatica (May 29)

Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas (July 17)

No Joy - Motherhood (August 21)

My Favorite Things of the Week

The future of live music seems uncertain right now. While numerous tours and festivals are being canceled or postponed and we're dealing with massive companies refusing to refund tickets already purchased, a new type of live concert seems to be emerging, the video game concert. Travis Scott recently performed on Fortnite, and Massive Attack, HEALTH, and Pussy Riot are set for the Block by Blockwest virtual concert sponsored by Minecraft in May.

There are a lot of artists still planning album releases for this year, we'll have to keep an eye out whether any more of them opt for the virtual model for promoting the records.

Self-isolation has continued to be a boon for new covers performed from the comfort of the artists' homes, including more home shows from Ben Gibbard, an entire Nirvana tribute concert from Post Malone, and a variety of karaoke-style covers from Rosalía. My favorite recently came from Bedouine, who covered an artist that I was previously unfamiliar with. The folk artist posted a cover of "The Hum," from Margo Guryan.

Self-isolation has also meant that a lot of new music videos are being filmed and produced by artists at home. There have been quite a few duds, including the video for a John Legend and Kane Brown collaboration, but one recent really stood out for its creative use of web-conferencing software. Thao & The Get Down Stay Down's "Phenom" takes advantage of the grid-view of Zoom to present a cohesive choreographed product.

It's not a brand new song, but Deerhoof's latest single has stuck around in my head since it was released a couple of weeks ago. I've listened to Deerhoof for a number of years, but can sometimes find their music hard to really get into. Occasionally, they make a song that finds the perfect balance of their experimental music and a pop groove. "Future Teenage Cave Artists," from their upcoming album of the same name (out May 29), is just that song!

And finally, here are some albums announced over the past week that I'm looking forward to!

Absolutely Free - Two Cares Due None (April 29)
Brain - The World EP (May 15)
Esther Rose - My Favorite Mistakes (May 29)
GUM - Go Out in the World (June 12)
Kali Uchis - To Feel Alive (out now)
Kehlani - It Was Good Until It Wasn’t (May 8)
Sam Prekop - Comma (July 10)
Thomas Wesley Pentz - Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley Pentz Chapter 1: Snake Oil (May 29)

My Favorite Things of the Week (Ending April 4, 2020)

I know it has been quite a while since I've really posted anything. I will admit that I find it difficult to focus on this, work, and leisure activities. I don't know if I'll ever be able to get back to the pace of posting from my early blogging days, but I will try to check in and post something new every once in a while.

I am maintaining my Upcoming Releases page, check it out here!

Self-isolation seems to have become a creativity boom for many artists, and has led to a large number of new covers. Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie has been posting frequent home concerts with dedicated covers sessions, and Ty Segall recorded an EP of Harry Nilsson covers. The stand-out for the past week, however, is a genre-bending cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" from Amber Mark.

Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy continued their musical partnership this week with a new song, "All in It Together." While available on streaming services, the track is also available for purchase. Proceeds of any purchases will go to My Block, My Hood, My City, which is a non-profit dedicated to helping seniors in Chicago deal with the current coronavirus pandemic. The track can be purchased here.

Fiona Apple has about a six-year album cycle. She released her last record, The Idler Wheel..., in 2012, so we have been a bit overdue for a follow-up. That record is easily one of my favorites from the past decade, and I was overjoyed when she announced Fetch the Bolt Cutters. We don't have to wait long either, the album will be released on April 17!

Also announced this week:

Art Feynman - Half Price at 3:30 (June 26)
Disheveled Cuss - Disheveled Cuss (June 12)
Field Report - Brake Light Red Tide (April 28)
Guided By Voices - Alien Lanes Reissue (August 21)
Headie One and Fred again.. - GANG (out now)
John Carroll Kirby - Conflict (out now)
July Talk - Pray for It (July 10)
Kilo - Maybe We Could (July 17)
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Chunky Shrapnel (April 17)
The Memories - Pickles & Pies (May 29)
Mountain Time - Music for Looking Animals (June 26)
The National - High Violet: 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition (June 19)
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Sideways to New Italy (June 5)
serpentwithfeet - Apparition (April 24)
Trickfinger - She Smiles Because She Presses the Button (June 3)

My Favorite Things of the Week

Good news from the world of '90s alternative rock, John Frusciante is rejoining the Red Hot Chili Peppers! Frusciante has been the on-again-off-again as the guitarist for the group, last leaving the band in 2009. He was replaced by Josh Klinghoffer, who is now departing. I'm excited to see what their next album will sound like with the iconic guitarist back in the fold!

As always, keep an eye on my Upcoming Releases page for new music that I'm excited about!

Lizzo has released several music videos for tracks from her third album, Cuz I Love You. Though she previously released a video for "Good as Hell," she released another video for the track this week. This video sees her joining up with the Southern University marching band in multiple roles; including bandleader, flutist, and dancer. The video brought out some real marching band nostalgia for me!

As beloved an artist as Frank Ocean is, I've heard surprisingly few covers from his contemporaries. This week, Nilüfer Yanya offered her take on "Super Rich Kids," for Triple J's Like a Version series.

Greg Dulli will be releasing a new solo album early next year, and released the album's first single, "Pantomima." The song bodes well for a great album from the artist!

The next album from The Flaming Lips will be a collaborative album with Deap Vally.

brooklynvegan.com

The two bands have formed a new group, called Deap Lips, and will release a self-titled album on March 13. The collaboration is one that is both surprising, and perfectly sensical.

Other upcoming albums:

Alanis Morissette - Such Pretty Forks in the Road (May 1)
Brian Fallon - Local Honey (March 27)
Caribou - Suddenly (February 28)
Cindy Lee - What’s Tonight to Eternity (February 14)
Dirty Projectors - Sing the Melody (out now)
Greg Dulli - Random Desire (February 21)
Halsey - Manic (January 17)
Kaytranada - BUBBA (out now)
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges - Texas Sun (February 7)
M. Ward - Migration Stories (April 3)
The Professionals - The Professionals (January 17)
Swamp Dogg - Sorry You Couldn’t Make It (March 6)
Wrekmeister Harmonies - We Love to Look at the Carnage (February 21)

My Favorite Things of the Week

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We spent it, as usual, visiting family in North Carolina. New music tends to slow down during holiday weeks, but here are some of the things I've found recently and love!

I don't have a favorite cover this week, but instead a remix. Jlin is an IDM and electronic music artist from Indiana, known for a percussion-heavy, rhythmic sound. She has brought that sound to St. Vincent's "Smoking Section," from her most recent album.

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib released a collaborative album, Bandana, back in June. They've released numerous music videos for tracks from the album, most revolving around a drug lord character played by Gibbs. In the latest, for "Gat Damn," he plays a cantankerous 80s-style R&B frontman. What amuses me most about the video is the fictional band's violinist; whether intentional or not, I get a kick out of how he holds the instrument.

Dan Bejar sat out the most recent albums from The New Pornographers but will be returning with a new album from Destroyer in January. He has already released one new song, "Crimson Tide," from the album and returned last week with "It Just Doesn't Happen."

Stormzy announced a new album!

factmag.com

He is a grime and hip hop artist from London. He developed an appeal far beyond his home country with his debut album, 2017's Gang Signs & Prayer. After releasing a handful of songs, he recently announced his follow-up, Heavy Is the Head, which is set for release on December 13.

Some more albums to get excited about!

Avey Tare - Conference of Birds/Birds in Disguise (December 5)
Max Bloom - “Bottle” (out now)
Morrissey - I Am Not a Dog on a Chain (March)
Nada Surf - Never Not Together (February 7)
Nicolas Godin - Concrete and Glass (January 24)
PARTYNEXTDOOR - TBA (January)
Rebecca Foon - Waxing Moon (February 21)
Selena Gomez - TBA (January 10)
The Turning (Original Music Picture Soundtrack) (January 24)

My Favorite Things of the Week

Check out my Upcoming Releases page for more new music!

The soundtrack for Peaky Blinders was released this past Friday and includes new songs from a number of amazing musicians, including Laura Marling, PJ Harvey, and Queens of the Stone Age. It also features a new song from Anna Calvi, "You're Not God." The song doesn't feature her vocals much, aside from audible breaths and growls, but instead focuses on her incredible guitar work.

FKA twigs recently appeared on BBC 1 to perform songs from her new album, Magdalene. In addition to "home with you," and "cellophane," she also performed a cover of Gershwin's jazz classic "Summertime." Despite the song's 85 years as a jazz standard, she manages to bring something new with her distinctive breathy vocals.

Every music video released by Rosalía has been amazing, usually featuring colorful costumes and well-choreographed dance sequences. These don't feel like typical pop videos, though. There's something to the camera work and cinematography, and of course her music, that elevates her videos above the fray.

This week, Moses Sumney announced a two-part album, græ.

stereogum.com

He released an incredible debut album, Aromanticism, in 2017, followed up by the Black in Deep Red EP last year. Based on the first track from the album, "Virile," he is only building on the loose song structure and jazz-influenced vocals that made his earlier work so amazing. Part one of the album will be released in February, and part two and the physical release coming on May 15.



Also announced this week:

Action Bronson - Lamb Over Rice (November 22)
Andrew Bird - HARK! (out now)
Andy Stott - It Should Be Us (out now)
Animal Collective - Ballet Slippers (November 22)
Annie Hart - A Softer Offering (December 13)
Black Lips - Sing in a World That’s Falling Apart (January 24)
C.Y.M. - C.Y.M. (out now)
Camila Cabello - Romance (December 6)
Grimes - Miss Anthropocene (February 21)
Free Nationals - The Free Nationals (December 13)
Hamerkop - Remote (February 7)
The Homesick - The Big Exercise (February 7)
Katie Gately - Loom (February 14)
Lee Ranaldo & Raül Refree - Names of North End Women (February 21)
Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds - Blue Moon Rising (March 6)
Of Montreal - UR FUN (January 17)
Okay Kaya - Watch This Liquid Pour Itself (January 24)
The Rentals - Q36 (June 2)
Rose Cousins - Bravado (February 21)
The Secret Sisters - Saturn Return (February 28)
Tinashe - Songs for You (November 22)
Walter Martin - The World at Night (January 31)
Wiki - OOFIE (out now)
Wolf Parade - Thin Mind (January 24)
Yorkston/Thorne/Khan - Navarasa: Nine Emotion (January 24)

My Favorite Things of the Week

Sudan Archives, aka Brittney Denise Parks, released her debut album, Athena, this week. Also this week, the artist, who I found out is from Cincinnati, sat down with Stereogum to discuss the story behind each of the album's 14 songs.

Vince Staples has a new show, aptly called "The Vince Staples Show," which has served as his vehicle for new music. This week, he released the second single tied to the project, "Sheet Music." As always, his lyrics are amazing.

Sleigh Bells got their start making blown-out, high-octane music, but have reigned it in considerably since their 2008 debut. Their latest song takes on a blues feel, large due to it being a cover of Leadbelly's classic, "Where Did You Sleep Last Night." The song was recorded for The Rhythm Section's soundtrack.

I am somewhat fascinated by Igor, the character Tyler, The Creator, created for his latest album of the same name. The characters has shown up in a couple of interesting music videos already, and last week, Tyler released another video for a track from the album, "I THINK," featuring the character.

stereogum.com

The New Pornographers released a new album just a couple of short months ago. That album was the second that did not feature long-time member Dan Bejar. I assumed his absence was due to him working on the latest album from his other major project, Destroyer, and this week that seems to be confirmed. He announced Have We Met, due on January 31 of next year.

Check out my Upcoming Releases page for more new music to come and see a list of other newly-announced albums below:

Algiers - There Is No Year (January 17)
Amy Klein - Winter/Time (November 22)
Andy Shauf - The Neon Skyline (January 24)
Banoffee - Look At Us Now Dad (February 21)
Ben Watt - Storm Damage (January 31)
Billy Corgan - Cotillions (November 22)
Burial - Tunes 2011-2019 (December 6)
Clams Casino - Moon Trip Radio (November 7)
CocoRosie - Put the Shine On (March 6)
Coldplay - Everyday Life (November 22)
Dan Deacon - Mystic Familiar (January 31)
Dan Mangan - Nice, Nice, Very Nice 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (November 15)
Earl Sweatshirt - Feet of Clay (out now)
Empty Country - Empty Country (February 14)
Frances Quinlan - Likewise (January 31)
Hannah Diamond - Reflections (November 22)
The Innocence Mission - See You Tomorrow (January 17)
Juana Molina - Forfun (out now)
Kesha - High Road (January 10)
Mura Masa - R.Y.C. (January 17)
Pinegrove - Marigold (January 17)
Squirrel Flower - I Was Born Swimming (January 31)
Tame Impala - The Slow Rush (February 14)
TNGHT - II (November 12)
Torres - Silver Tongue (January 31)
Uncut Gems (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (December 13)
Wire - Mind Hive (January 24)

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)

My Favorite Things of the Week

Another decade is coming to a close, which means music sites are posting lists of the best music of the decade. Pitchfork posted their 200 best albums of the 2010s this week. There's still a lot of music to come this year, so check out my Upcoming Releases page to see some of the potentially overlooked records!

Caroline Polachek has an album coming out in just over a week, and released several singles from it well before announcing the record. She released another last week, "So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings," another great showcase for her otherworldly vocals.

Last week, NPR shared video snippets of their Turning the Tables concert, which sought to honor eight influential women who helped shaped popular music. The women recognized were Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Maybelle Carter, Marion Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams, Celia Cruz, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Contemporary females musicians were brought in to cover some of their most notable songs, including an incredible cover of "Strange Fruit" from Lizz Wright.

Finally, when he passed in 2016, Leonard Cohen was working on an album with his son, Adam. Last week, the resulting record, Thanks for the Dance, was announced. The album will include a number of guest musicians, including Beck, Damien Rice, and Feist. The first single, "The Goal," was also released.

Also announced recently:

Anna of the North - Dream Girl (October 25)
The Band - The Band 50th Anniversary Edition (November 15)
Bob Dylan - Travelin' Thru, 1967–1969: The Bootleg Series Vol. 15 (November 1)
Brooke Candy - SEXORCISM (October 25)
Bryce Dessner - Tenebre (October 11)
Caroline Polachek - Pang (October 18)
Cate Le Bon & Bradford Cox - Myths 004 (November 1)
CUP - Spinning Creature (November 1)
Cursive - Get Fixed (October 11)
DaBaby - KIRK (out now)
DJ Shadow - Our Pathetic Age (November 15)
Dry Cleaning - Boundary Road Snakes and Drinks (October 25)
Field Music - Making a New World (January 10)
Frozen 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (November 15)
Georgia - Seeking Thrills (January 10)
Harry Nilsson - Losst and Founnd (November 22)
Hemlock Ernst & Kenny Segal - Back at the House (October 26)
Holy Fuck - Deleter (January 17)
Jimmy Eat World - Surviving (October 18)
Johnny Marr - Single Life (December 6)
Jonathan Fire*Eater - Tremble Under Boom Lights Reissue (October 18)
Josienne Clarke - In All Weather (November 8)
Josh Homme - Desert Sessions Vol. 11 (October 25)
Josh Homme - Desert Sessions Vol. 12 (October 25)
Lee Scratch Perry - Life of the Plants (October 25)
Leonard Cohen - Thanks for the Dance (November 22)
Little Wings - Wonderue Reissue (November 29)
LOOR - Nightland (November 22)
Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas (Deluxe Anniversary Edition) (November 1)
Mount Eerie - Lost Wisdom pt. 2 (November 8)
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Ghosteen (out now)
Nirvana - MTV Unplugged in New York (November 1)
Pick a Piper - Sight (October 18)
Pink Floyd - The Later Years (November 29)
Pluralone - To Be One with You (November 22)
Poppy - I Disagree (January 10)
Robert Glasper - Fuck Yo Feelings (out now)
Robert Plant - Digging Deep (December 13)
Ryuichi Sakamoto - Thousands Knives Of Reissue (November 8)
Smoke Fairies - Darkness Brings the Wonders Home (January 31)
Stars - LaGuardia (December 6)
Sufjan Stevens - The Decalogue (October 18)
Teebs - Anicca (October 25)
Tei Shi - La Linda (November 15)
Ty Segall - Pig Man Lives Volume 1 (November 1)
Van Morrison - Three Chords and the Truth (October 25)
Wished Bone - Sap Season (November 1)

My Favorite Things of the Week

I'm trying something new here. Rather than just a album that was announced during the week that I'm excited about, I will start posting a few things that I've liked from the week. This will include new album announcements, songs, covers, and videos!

Angel Olsen announced her fourth album, All Mirrors, a few weeks back. I'm incredibly excited for it and, yes, I have preordered it (possibly twice, I'm not sure if my first order went through). She already released one amazing track from the new album, but released a second this week, "Lark."

Sleater-Kinney released The Center Won't Hold, their incredible, St. Vincent-produced ninth album, earlier this month. They released a new video for one of the album's tracks this week, "Can I Go On." The video starts out innocent-looking enough, with a pair of older ladies about to enjoy some tea together. Things quickly devolve, however, into a knock-down drag-out bout, complete with stripping and mud.

Lucy Dacus has been releasing one-off singles every few months this year. She's released four so far and her latest is a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark." The cover is dedicated to both Springsteen and Dacus' father.

Finally, in album announcement news, FKA twigs announced her sophomore album, Magdalene!

pitchfork.com

The album follows her incredible LP1 and will feature Future and production from Jack Antonoff, who seems to be becoming one of the biggest names in pop production today (he also produced new albums from Lana Del Rey, Kevin Abstract, and Taylor Swift). She previously released one song from the album, "cellophane," and released "holy terrain" along with the album's announcement. The album will be released on October 25.

Check of my Upcoming Releases page for more new albums!

Also announced this week:

Anyway Gang - Anyway Gang (November 29)
Bishop Nehru - My Disregarded Thoughts (November 8)
Bombay Bicycle Club - Everything Else Has Gone Wrong (January 17)
Bonnie “Prince” Billy - I Made a Place (November 15)
Cigarettes After Sex - Cry (October 25)
Cold War Kids - New Age Norms 1 (November 1)
Danny Brown - uknowhatimsayin¿ (October 4)
David Bowie - David Bowie: Conversation Piece (November 15)
Editors - Black Gold (October 25)
Foxes in Fiction - Trillium Killer (October 18)
Freddie Mercury - Never Boring (October 11)
Jacques Greene - Dawn Chorus (October 18)
Jeff Goldblum - I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This (November 1)
Kanye West - Jesus Is King (September 27)
Kele Okereke - 2042 (November 8)
La Neve - The Vital Cord (October 14)
N.E.R.D. - In Search Of Box Set Reissue (October 25)
Prince - 1999 Remastered (November 29)
R.E.M. - Monster 25th Anniversary Reissue (November 1)
The Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed 50th Anniversary Edition (November 1)
Sudan Archives - Athena (November 1)
Swans - Leaving Meaning (October 25)
Tindersticks - No Treasure But Hope (November 15)
Water from Your Eyes - Somebody Else’s Song (October 25)
Weezer - Van Weezer (May 15)
The Who - WHO (November 22)
Wild Nothing - Live from Brooklyn Steel (September 27)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending August 17, 2019)

Jack White and Jack Black have finally come together for a collaborative song. As we could only hope, they are calling themselves Jack Gray. The song isn't out yet, but a recent episode of Black's YouTube series, JablinskiGames, shows them meeting up at White's Third Man Records in Nashville. If they reconvene for a full-length Jack Gray record, look for it on my New Releases page!

This week, clipping. announced their third album, There Existed an Addiction to Blood.

clipping.bandcamp.com

clipping. is a hip hop trio of rapper Daveed Diggs, and producers William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes. They have been notable for a more experimental approach to the genre and, rather than sampled beats or live instrumentation, utilize found sounds, industrial metal remixes, and static.

They've also been masters of the music video. If you want to fall down a music video rabbit hole, check out their channel.

Daveed Diggs has been making a name for himself as an actor in recent years, writing and starring in last years Blindspotting, and landing a role on the TV series Snowpiercer.

I assumed that Diggs may be taking a break from music to focus on his acting, but was pleasantly surprised when There Existed an Addiction to Blood was announced Wednesday. The announcement came with a new song, "Nothing Is Safe." The album will be released on October 18.

Also announced recently:

Alchemist - Yacht Rock 2 (August 30)
Amy O - Shell (October 25)
Ariel Pink - Odditties Sodomies Vol. 2 (October 25)
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti - Loverboy Reissue (October 25)
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti - Underground Reissue (October 25)
A$AP Ferg - Floor Seats (out now)
Battles - Juice B Crypts (October 18)
The Beatles - Abbey Road 50 (September 27)
Big Thief - Two Hands (October 11)
Cashmere Cat - Princess Catgirl (September 20)
City and Colour - Pill for Loneliness (October 4)
Dinosaur Jr. - Green Mind Reissue (September 27)
Dinosaur Jr. - Hand It Over Reissue (September 27)
Dinosaur Jr. - Where You Been Reissue (September 27)
Dinosaur Jr. - Without a Sound Reissue (September 27)
elbow - Giants of All Sizes (October 11)
Empath - Active Listening: Night on Earth Reissue (October 24)
Guided By Voices - Sweating the Plague (October 25)
Michael Kiwanuka - KIWANUKA (October 25)
Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds - This Is the Place (September 27)
Oasis - Definitely Maybe Vinyl Reissue (August 30)
Omni - Networker (November 1)
Rapsody - Eve (August 23)
San Fermin - The Cormorant (October 4)
Young Thug - So Much Fun (out now)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending August 3, 2019)

I must issue a correction on my post from a couple of weeks ago, I mistakenly referred to Brandi Carlile's new all female country supergroup as The Highwaywomen... that's a different band (also an all-female country group). The new group consisting of Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby is The Highwomen.

They still have their debut album together set to come out in a few weeks, check it out over at my Upcoming Releases page!

This week, The New Pornographers announced their eighth album, In the Morse Code of Brake Lights.

pitchfork.com

The indie rock supergroup has been a consistent presence, releasing new albums every two to three years. Their most recent, Whiteout Conditions, was released in 2017. I've seen no mention yet of whether Dan Bejar will return on this record after sitting out the 2017 album.

In the Morse Code of Brake Lights was announced yesterday along with lead single "Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile." The album will be released on September 27.

Also announced recently:

Allah Lahs - LAHS (October 11)
Angel Olsen - All Mirrors (October 4)
Ariel Pink & Royal Trux - Pink Stuff (September 6)
Black Marble - Bigger Than Life (October 25)
Carla dal Forno - Look Up Sharp (October 4)
Common Holly - When I say to you Black Lightning (October 11)
Dave Monks - On a Wave (October 18)
Death Cab for Cutie - Blue EP (September 6)
Destiny’s Child - The Writing’s on the Wall Vinyl Reissue (November 1)
Devon Welsh - True Love (October 11)
DIIV - Deceiver (October 4)
Foals - Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Vol. 2 (October 18)
Four Tet - Live at Alexandra Palace, London 8th and 9th May 2019 (out now)
Girl Ray - Girl (November 8)
Jason Lytle - Arthur King Presents Jason Lytle: NYLONANDJUNO (August 16)
Jidenna - 85 to Africa (August 23)
The Kinks - Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) Box Set (October 25)
Lana Del Rey - Norman Fucking Rockwell (August 30)
Mikal Cronin - Seeker (October 25)
Molly Sarlé - Karaoke Angel (September 20)
Prince - Chaos and Disorder Reissue (September 13)
Prince - Emancipation Reissue (September 13)
Prince - The VERSACE Experience (PRELUDE 2 GOLD) Reissue (September 13)
Robbie Robertson - Sinematic (September 20)
Third Eye Blind - Screamer (October 18)
Thom Yorke - Not the News Rmx (out now)
Tove Lo - Bad as the Boys (September 20)
Warmduscher - Tainted Lunch (November 1)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending July 20, 2019)

It's been more than two decades since the country supergroup The Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson) disbanded, but their spiritual successors have been arrived: The Highwaywomen, made up of Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby.

No need to wait for an album, they announced one this week, check it out over it my Upcoming Releases page!

This week, Vivian Girls returned with their fourth album, Memory.

stereogum.com

Vivian Girls is an amazing lo-fi band with members Cassie Ramone, Katy Goodman, and Ali Koehler, and also counts former members Fiona Campbell, and Frankie Rose. All of them have amazing solo careers and side projects. Vivian Girls itself disbanded in 2014.

I wasn't expecting any news from the band, but this week, they announced their return and the reunion album. Memory is set to be released on September 20 and includes the lead single "Sick."

Also announced this week:

Anna Meredith - FIBS (October)
Blood Orange - Angel’s Pulse (out now)
Bon Iver - i,i (August 30)
Brockhampton - Ginger (August)
Chance The Rapper - The Big Day (July 26)
Chastity Belt - Chastity Belt (September 20)
Common - Let Love (August 30)
Fitz and The Tantrums - All the Feels (September 20)
The Highwaywomen - The Highwaywomen (September 6)
Iggy Pop - Free (September 6)
Jenny Hval - The Practice of Love (September 13)
Joan Shelley - Like the River Loves the Sea (August 30)
The Lion King: The Gift (out now)
Little Scream - Speed Queen (October 25)
Long Beard - Means to Me (August 30)
Lykke Li - still sad still sexy (July 26)
M83 - DSVII (September 20)
The Music Of Red Dead Redemption II: Original Score (August 9)
One True Pairing - One True Pairing (September 20)
Tegan and Sara - Hey, I’m Just Like You (September 27)
Touché Amoré - Dead Horse X (August 9)
Twin Peaks - Lookout Low (September 13)
Uniform & The Body - Everything That Dies Someday Comes Back (August 16)
Wilco - Ode to Joy (October 4)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending July 6, 2019)

Halle Bailey, one-half of the sister duo Chloe x Halle, was recently cast as Ariel in Disney's latest live action reboot of one of their classic properties, The Little Mermaid. The casting was a surprise, to me at least, but a great choice nonetheless. I'll be interested to hear her voice on re-recordings of some of those classic Disney songs!

There will definitely be a soundtrack for this, so when it's announced, look for it over on my Upcoming Releases page!

Recently, Brittany Howard announced her debut solo album, Jaime.

stereogum.com

Howard is probably best known as the frontwoman the bluesy, soulful roots rock band Alabama Shakes, with which she's released two albums. She's also embarked on a couple of side projects, Thunderbitch and Bermuda Triangle.

Named for her deceased sister, Howard announced Jaime a couple of weeks ago and released the album's lead single, "History Repeats."

Also announced recently:

Belle and Sebastian - Days of the Bagnold Summer (September 13)
Daniel Caesar - CASE STUDY 01 (out now)
Friendly Fires - Inflorescent (August 16)
Hesitation Wounds - Chicanery (August 30)
Joyero - Release the Dogs (August 23)
KAZU - Adult Baby (September 13)
The Lion King Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (July 11)
Nas - The Lost Tapes 2 (July 12)
Oh Sees - Face Stabber (August 16)
Perera Elsewhere - THRILL (September 6)
Saul Williams - Encrypted & Vulnerable (July 18)
Snail Mail - Habit (August 30)
Trentemøller - Obverse (September 27)
The Velvet Underground - The Complete Matrix Tapes (July 12)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending June 22, 2019)

Jeopardy seems to have enough music-related answers that no one on the show gets right that I think I ought to try getting on the show again. This week, it was an answer about The 1975 and their 2016 album. I would have gotten this one right..., but oh well.

As always, you can view a full list of upcoming albums that I'm looking forward to here!

This week, Sleater-Kinney announced their ninth album, The Center Won't Hold.

pitchfork.com

The iconic band reformed in 2014 following an eight-year break and released their first new album in a decade, No Cities to Love, the following year. It was a spectacular return for the band.

Their follow-up to that comeback was produced by another amazing female rock star, St. Vincent. It's a partnership I'm extremely excited to hear the results of. The album announcement came with a new song, "The Future Is Here," though they previously released "Hurry On Home" from the record.

The Center Won't Hold will be released on August 16.

Also announced recently:

!!! - Wallop (August 30)
(Sandy) Alex G - House of Sugar (September 13)
Adam Green - Engine of Paradise (August 28)
Alex Cameron - Miami Memory (September 13)
Amason - Marry Me Just for Fun (August 16)
Angela Perley - 4:30 (August 2)
The Avett Brothers - Closer Than Together (October 4)
BANKS - III (July 12)
Bat for Lashes - Lost Girls (September 6)
The Bird and the Bee - Interpreting the Masters Volume 2: A Tribute to Van Halen (August 2)
BJ the Chicago Kid - 1123 (July 26)
Black Belt Eagle Scout - At the Party with My Brown Friends (August 30)
Blanck Mass - Animated Violence Mild (August 16)
Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Bryce Dessner, Eighth Blackbird - When We Are Inhuman (August 30)
Burial - “Claustro”/“State Forest” (out now)
Car Seat Headrest - Commit Yourself Completely (out now)
Charli XCX - Charli (September 13)
Chelsea Wolfe - Birth of Violence (September 13)
Clairo - Immunity (August 2)
Cornelius - Point Reissue (July 31)
Cross Record - Cross Record (August 2)
CRX - Peek (August 23)
Daphni - Sizzling EP (July 19)
Devendra Banhart - Ma (September 13)
Efterklang - Altid Sammen (September 20)
Emel Mathlouthi - Everywhere We Looked Was Burning (September 27)
Esther Rose - You Made It This Far (August 23)
Fever Ray - Live at the Troxy (August 2)
Florist - Emily Alone (July 26)
Frankie Cosmos - Close It Tightly (September 6)
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Bandana (June 28)
Frightened Rabbit - TINY CHANGES: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit’s ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ (July 12)
Future - SAVE ME (June 7)
G&D - Black Love & War (August 9)
Girl Band - The Talkies (September 27)
Hiss Golden Messenger - Terms of Surrender (September 20)
The Hold Steady - Thrashing Thru the Passion (August 16)
Jay Som - Anak Ko (August 23)
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma - Tracing Back the Radiance (July 12)
Jónsi & Alex Somers - Riceboy Sleeps: 10th Anniversary Edition (August 30)
The Juan MacLean - The Brighter the Light (September 20)
Kindness - Something Like a War (September 6)
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Infest the Rats’ Nest (August 16)
Khruangbin - Hasta El Cielo (July 12)
Liam Gallagher - Why Me? Why Not (September 20)
Lillie Mae - Other Girls (August 16)
Lisel - Angels on the Slope (July 26)
Lower Dens - The Competition (September 6)
Luke Temple - Both-And (September 13)
Maria Usbeck - Envejeciendo (August 16)
Metronomy - Metronomy Forever (September 13)
Michaela Anne - Desert Dove (September 27)
Midsommar: Original Score By Bobby Krlic (July 5)
MUNA - Saves the World (September 6)
The Music of Red Dead Redemption II (July 12)
My Morning Jacket - The Tennessee Fire: Deluxe Edition (August 2)
Pixies - Beneath the Eyrie (September 13)
The S.L.P. - The S.L.P. (August 30)
Sheer Mag - A Distant Call (August 23)
Shura - forevher (August 16)
Slaughter Beach Dog - Safe and Also No Fear (August 2)
Spoon - Everything Hits at Once: The Best of Spoon (July 26)
Swim Deep - Emerald Classics (October 4)
Thom Yorke - ANIMA (June 27)
Tinariwen - Amajdar (September 6)
Ty Segall - First Taste (August 2)
Vagabon - Infinite Worlds (September 27)
Whitney - Forever Turned Around (August 30)
WHY? - AOKOHIO (August 9)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending May 25, 2019)

Something that I learned this week is that, for the more than 20 years since The Verve released their biggest hit, "Bitter Sweet Symphony," the band has not owned the rights to the song. Instead, they belonged to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, due to the use of a sample of an orchestral arrangement of "The Last Time." That was finally reversed this week; Richard Ashcroft announced that Jagger and Richards had transferred their share of the credits back to him!

The drama over those rights did a number on the band, who last broke up in 2008. May this win will see them getting back together, as well. If that happens, keep an eye out for a new album over at my Upcoming Releases page.

This week, Marika Hackman announced her third album, Any Human Friend.

clashmusic.com

Hackman is a singer and songwriter from London who released her previous album, I'm Not Your Man, in 2017. That album came with a memorable video for the single "My Lover Cindy," which involves some interesting fencing injuries.

Any Human Friend was announced on Wednesday with a new song and video for "i'm not where you are." The album is set for release on August 9.



Also announced this week:

Chuck Cleaver - Send Aid (July 19)
IDER - Emotional Education (July 19)
Kaiser Chiefs - Duck (July 26)
Mega Bog - Dolphine (June 28)
Modern Nature - How to Live (August 23)
Tyler Childers - Country Squire (August 2)
Underworld - DRIFT SONGS (October 25)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending May 18, 2019)

To go along with the release of their new album, I Am Easy to Find, The National released a short film of the same name. The films stars Alicia Vikander and was directed by Mike Mills (20th Century Women, Beginners, Thumbsucker). It's an incredible film following a single character through her life and is, of course, accompanied by the music from the album.

As always, you can view a more complete list of upcoming albums over at my Upcoming Releases page!

With a combination of vacation, work, and just trying to find leisure time in-between, I am a few weeks behind on this post. So, instead of highlighting one release in particular, I'll just share the full list below.

Some releases that I am looking forward to include The Black Keys, Bleached, Daughter of Swords (Alexandra Sauser-Monnig of Mountain Man), Ra Ra Riot, and Steve Lacy!

Announced over the last month:

Absolutely Free - Geneva Freeport (June 20)
Africa Express - EGOLI (July 12)
BEAK> - Life Goes On (June 21)
Beast Coast - Escape from New York (May 24)
The Black Keys - Let’s Rock (June 28)
black midi - Schlagenheim (June 21)
Bleached - Don’t You Think You’ve Had Enough? (July 12)
Bob Dylan - Rolling Thunder Revue (June 7)
Brian Eno - Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks - Remastered (July 19)
Dark Morph - Dark Morph (out now)
Daughter of Swords - Dawnbreaker (June 28)
David Bowie - The Mercury Demos (June 28)
Everything But the Girl - Amplified Heart Vinyl Reissue (July 5)
Gauche - A People’s History of Gauche (July 12)
Georgia Anne Muldrow - VWETO II (June 21)
Girlfriend Material - Cool Car (July 12)
Iggy Pop - Zombie Birdhouse Reissue (June 28)
iLoveMakonnen - M3 (June 21)
Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures 40th Anniversary (June 14)
Logic - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (out now)
Mark Kozelek with Petra Haden - Joey Always Smiled (October 11)
Mark Lanegan Band - Somebody’s Knocking (October 18)
Merival - Lesson (August 2)
METZ - Automat (July 12)
New Order - ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So it goes... (July 12)
Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds - Black Star Dancing (June 14)
Of Monsters and Men - Fever Dream (July 26)
Prince - Originals (June 7)
Ra Ra Riot - Superbloom (August 9)
Rhye - Spirit (out now)
Ride - This Is Not a Safe Place (August 16)
Richard Reed Parry - Quiet River of Dust Vol. 2 (June 21)
Roger Daltrey - The Who’s Tommy Orchestral (June 14)
The Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus Remastered (June 7)
Skepta - Ignorance Is Bliss (May 31)
Steve Lacy - Apollo XXI (May 24)
Thurston Moore Group - Spirit Counsel (September 21)
Tool - TBA (August 30)
Two Door Cinema Club - False Alarm (June 14)
Tycho - Weather (July 12)
Tyler, The Creator - IGOR (May 17)
Violent Femmes - Hotel Last Resort (July 26)
Willie Nelson - Ride Me Back Home (June 21)
Wu Tang Clan - Of Mics and Men (out now)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending April 20, 2019)

fka twigs recently announced a 10-city tour. While, of course, none of the dates are anywhere near me, a tour is a decent indication that new music is on the way. It's been five years since her incredible LP1. If a new album is announced, look for it on my Upcoming Releases page!

This week, Beyoncé announced and released a live album, Homecoming.

pitchfork.com

Homecoming was recorded at Coachella, where Beyoncé put on a massive set as the festival's 2018 headliner. Her set featured a marching band, step team, her Destiny's Child bandmates, and her sister Solange.

Netflix recently dropped a documentary covering her Coachella performance, also called Homecoming. That is available to stream now if you have Netflix (or access to someone's account).



Homecoming is out now.

Also announced this week:

Flying Lotus - Flamagra (May 24)
Kevin Abstract - Ghettobaby (out now)
Matt Martians - The Last Party (April 26)
ScHoolboy Q - CrasH Talk (April 26)
The Soft Cavalry - The Soft Cavalry (July 5)
YG - 4REAL 4REAL (May 3)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending April 13, 2019)

The Coachella music festival is currently going on and, as part of his set, Childish Gambino released a new short film, Guava Island, filmed with Rihanna. Maybe we can also get a collaborative album from the two... that would be pretty awesome. On the off-chance something like that ever happens, be sure to look for it over on my Upcoming Releases page!

A couple of weeks ago, The Raconteurs announced their third album, Help Us Stranger.

stereogum.com

The Raconteurs are one of Jack White's many non-White Stripes projects. He is joined in the band by The Greenhornes' Patrick Keeler (also of The Afghan Whigs) and Jack Lawrence, and Brendan Benson, who is primarily known as a solo artist.

White fairly reliably cycles through his various projects (save for The White Stripes) when releasing new material. We got a solo record in 2014, an album from The Dead Weather in 2015, and another solo record in 2018.

It's The Raconteurs turn now, with a new record announced on April 2. A few songs from the record have already been released, including a cover of Donovan's "Hey Gyp (Dig the Slowness)."

Help Us Stranger is set for release on June 21.

Also recently announced:

Aurora - A Different Kind of Human (June 7)
Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated (May 17)
Charlie Cunningham - Permanent Way (June 7)
Crumb - Jinx (June 14)
Hayden Thorpe - Diviner (May 24)
Holy Ghost! - Work (June 21)
Hot Chip - A Bathful of Ecstasy (June 21)
Julia Shapiro - Perfect Version (June 14)
The Lumineers - III (September 13)
Mark Ronson - Late Night Feelings (June 21)
Nearly Oratorio - A Comforting Fact (May 24)
Olden Yolk - Living Theatre (May 17)
Omar Apollo - Friends (out now)
Operators - Radiant Dawn (May)
Palehound - Black Friday (June 7)
Thee Oh Sees - Thee Hounds of Foggy Nation Reissue (May 24)
Titus Andronicus - An Obelisk (June 21)
Yeasayer - Erotic Returns (June 7)
Yohuna - Mirroring (June 7)
Zomby - Vanta (May 17)

Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending March 30)

There were some exciting inductions this year to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, including The Cure, The Zombies, Radiohead, Janet Jackson (who called for more women to be inducted), and Stevie Nicks (who is the first woman to be inducted twice)! Most of the new inductees' careers are still going strong, so we can look forward to more new music from them. The Cure is already teasing their next record!

When that is announced, be sure to look for it on my Upcoming Releases page!

This week, Bedouine announced her sophomore album, Bird Songs of a Killjoy.

Bedouine is Azniv Korkejian, who released a spectacular self-titled debut in 2017. Her sound is a bit of a throwback to '70s folk which, for me, evokes a bit of Linda Perhacs and Joni Mitchell. She released a song and video, "When You're Gone," a few weeks ago before announcing the record, showing that she was not straying far from the sound of her first album.

The follow-up was announced on Thursday along with a second single, "Bird."



Bird Songs of Killjoy will be released on May 31.

Also announced this week:

Angelique Kidjo - Celia (April 19)
Broken Social Scene - Let’s Try the After - Vol 2 (April 12)
Calexico/Iron & Wine - Years to Burn (June 14)
Cate Le Bon - Reward (May 24)
Editors - The Blanck Mass Sessions (May 3)
Flume - Hi This Is Flume (out now)
Hanna: Season 1 - Music from the Amazon Original Series (out now)
Interpol - A Fine Mess (May 17)
Jane Weaver - Loops in the Secret Society (June 21)
Jenn Grant - Love, Inevitable (May 31)
Josephine Wiggs - We Fall (May 17)
Kelsey Lu - Blood (April 19)
Kevin Richard Martin - Sirens (June 7)
Lust for Youth - Lust for Youth (June 7)
Mavis Staples - We Get By (May 10)
Nico Segal - Intellexual (April 12)
Phil Cook - As Far As I Can See (out now)
P!nk - Hurts 2B Human (April 26)
Renata Zeiguer - Faraway Business (April 12)
Rhiannon Giddens - There Is No Other (May 3)
Sarah Davachi - Pale Bloom (May 31)
Tallest Man on Earth - I Love You. It’s a Fever Dream (April 19)