Showing posts with label Zero 7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zero 7. Show all posts

Thursday, August 14, 2014

New Music Tuesday - August 5, 2014

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

New Full-Length Releases



Bear in Heaven - Time Is Over One Day Old

Time Is Over One Day Old is Bear in Heaven's fourth album overall, and second with the Dead Oceans label. For their latest, the band strove to rid themselves of what they've become over the years and create something new. Of course, they've always done something a little different with each record and this one is no different. There are elements that remain the same; they keep their unique mix of percussion and electronics, mixed with John Philpott's somewhat nasally vocals.

Watch: "Time Between"
Listen: "Autumn"



Owl John - Owl John

Owl John is the new side project of Frightened Rabbit's lead man Scott Hutchison (I guess he likes his woodland creatures). He decided to focus on the solo act following nearly ten years as a part of his main band. With the help of his record label, Atlantic, he was able to avoid the common trap of writing and recording for his primary act after their tour ended. They allowed him to focus on and record this solo album; and do so in such a way that prevented it from sounding too much like his previous work.

Watch: "Hate Music"
Watch: "Red Hand"



Partynextdoor - Partynextdoor Two

Partynextdoor is the stage name of Jahron Brathwaite; one of the latest performers of the indie subset of R&B. He is signed to Drake's record label, OVO Sound; and enlists his help on a few tracks. This is the young performer's first studio album, but with friends in such high places, he's sure to have a good career ahead of him.

Watch: "Recognize" (featuring Drake)
Listen: "FWU"



The Rosebuds - Sand + Silence

The Rosebuds are another act with friends in high places. For this album, they got some help from indie rock's ombudsman Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon), who performs on a track from the record. Think of it as a bump, the indie folk band, who have been performing for well over a decade, are seeing a new level of attention and acclaim for this latest release. Of course, we well know by now that Vernon has a good ear, and this band is worth a listen!

Listen: "Blue Eyes"
Listen: "Esse Quam Videri"



Spoon - They Want My Soul

It's been a little while since we've heard from this iconic Austin-based indie rock band. Spoon released their last album, Transference, way back in 2010. In the time since, lead Britt Daniel released albums with two new bands; 2012's A Thing Called Divine Fits (with Divine Fits) and 2014's Fragmented World (with Split Single). Both of those were great, but it's even better to see him back with his main act and proving that he still has some great work to put out with them!

Watch: "Do You"
Watch: "Inside Out"



Tuatara - Underworld

Of all of the former member's of the now-defunct R.E.M., Peter Buck remains the most active (at least musically). Since the 2011 split of his most-known act, he has released two solo records, and now is putting out a new release with (once-) side project Tuatara. The band also includes members of The Minus Five, Critters Buggin, and the Screaming Trees.

Listen: "Even Demons Fall in Love"
Listen: "Snake Charmer"

Other New Releases



Jessie Ware - "Tough Love"

Jessie Ware released an absolutely incredible solo record, Devotion, in 2012 (2013 in the US). She will be releasing a follow-up in October, but first, we're getting the album's amazing title track as a single release.

Watch: "Tough Love"



Kevin Morby - "My Name"

Kevin Morby seems to be trying to slim things down for himself. He started his career as a member of Woods, which includes three other members. In 2009, he joined up with Cassie Ramone (formerly of Vivian Girls) to form The Babies. Now, it's just him. He released his solo debut, Harlem River, earlier this year.

Listen: "My Name"
Listen: "We Did It All Wrong"



Lil Silva - Mabel EP

Lil Silva is a young, but prolific, producer and musician who has made a name for himself in working with a number of other up-and-coming musicians. Perhaps most notably, he has worked with the vocalist Sampha; but has also lent his work to BANKS, who is featured on a couple of tracks on his latest EP.

Watch: "Mabel"
Listen: "Don't You Feel" (featuring Banks)



Operators - EP1

Britt Daniel's Divine Fits bandmate, Dan Boeckner, has also been busy since the 2012 release of their record. With Daniel presumably busy getting back together with his main act, Boeckner is exploring new avenues (all of his other former bands are broken up). He has teamed up with Divine Fits drummer Sam Brown and Devojka for his latest project.

Listen: "True"



The Secret Sisters - Put Your Needle Down Deluxe Edition

The bluegrass sister act released an incredible sophomore album in April of this year. This deluxe edition includes a couple of extra tracks from the duo.

Watch: "Lonely Island"
Listen: "Black and Blue"



Teenage Fanclub - Manmade Reissue

Teenage Fanclub have been together for twenty-five years and released nine albums. They've been quiet since 2010, but are re-releasing their last two records. Manmade was originally released in 2005.

Watch: "It's All in My Mind"
Listen: "Cells"



Teenage Fanclub - Shadows Reissue

Shadows was the last Teenage Fanclub record, released in 2010. The album was well-received when it was initially released. Perhaps the reissue of their two most recent records means something new is on the way.

Listen: "Shock and Awe"
Listen: "The Fall"



Wild Beasts - "Mecca"

Wild Beasts released their fourth album, Present Tense, earlier this year. "Mecca" is the latest single release from the album. It is accompanied by a few remixes of the track.

Watch: "Mecca"
Listen: "Mecca" (Juan Atkins Remix)



Zero 7 - Simple Science EP

It's been a pretty long while since Zero 7's last album, 2009's Yeah Ghost. They've released a few singles and EPs since. This latest sees them straying a bit from their downtempo roots and going for something more club-ready.

Listen: "Simple Science"

Monday, September 2, 2013

New Music Tuesday - August 27, 2013

New Full-Length Releases



The Dodos - Carrier

One sure way to make sure I will check out a band is for them to have aligned themselves with an artist that I love. The Dodos did just that with their last album, No Color, which featured Neko Case on a few songs. I came to love that album and the band quickly became one of my favorites. As soon as they announced this new album, I pre-ordered it (which is always risky, but I am confident in their work)! I'm anticipating another much-loved album.

Listen: "Confidence"



Franz Ferdinand - Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action

Franz Ferdinand has one of my favorite bands since high school. Nine years and three albums later, they're still making some of my favorite music. Frontman Alex Kapranos recently told The Observer that he considered breaking the band up two years ago, feeling as though he had lost enthusiasm. We should all be happy that he decided to keep going since we get a brand new album with tinges of their first record and a continually evolving sound!

Listen/Watch: "Love Illumination"



Goodie Mob - Age Against the Machine

I first became familiar with Cee Lo Green in the Gnarls Barkley duo. After two albums in that project, he released his third solo album, The Lady Killer, which included the monster hit "F*** You." With those other projects, it's easy to forget where he started, with the hip hop group Goodie Mob. The group, which started in 1990 had been on a recording hiatus since 2004. This is their big return and something to sip on until Cee Lo's next solo release!

Listen/Watch: "Special Education"



King Krule - 6 Feet Beneath the Moon

I tried to get into King Krule a couple of years ago following the release of his self-titled debut EP, which garnered a lot of hype. For some reason, I couldn't really get into it. I decided to give him another try when it was announced that he would be releasing his first album. I listened to the single "Easy Easy" and absolutely loved it. It reminded me of another British musician, Jamie T (who's been off the radar for a few years). I'm glad I gave him a second chance!

Listen/Watch: "Easy Easy"



Naughty Boy - Hotel Cabana

Naughty Boy is a electronic producer and musician who's been working with some of Britain's top singers, including Tinie Tempah and Leona Lewis. This album features vocals from Emeli Sandé and Sam Smith. The Smith song is actually the big reason I'm checking this album out! I really started to enjoy his work after he was featured on another electronic producer's album, Disclosure's Settle. Looks like he's going to be my in for more British music!

Listen/Watch: "La La La"

Other New Releases



Andy Stott - "Anytime Soon"

The Adult Swim single series continues! The latest installment comes from electronic musician Andy Stott. By the way, if you're interested in downloading any of the Adult Swim singles, you can get them here.

Listen: "Anytime Soon"



Babyshambles - "Nothing Comes to Nothing"

About six years since their last record, British indie rock band Babyshambles will be releasing a new album next week! In anticipation, they are releasing a new single.

Listen/Watch: "Nothing Comes to Nothing"



The Beach Boys - Made in California

Although they've recently failed in their latest attempt to reconcile (though it did result in a live album, tour and album), The Beach Boys aren't done with new releases. The latest is a career-spanning box set featuring previously unreleased demos, alternative takes and outtakes.

Listen/Watch: "Surfin' USA"



Belle and Sebastian - The Third Eye Centre

This is another b-sides and rarities release, but from a band that's still together (and a bit shorter than a full box set). This is the second compilation album from the band, the first being 2005's Push Barman to Open Old Wounds.

Listen/Watch: "Your Cover's Blown" (Miaoux Miaoux Mix)



Bob Dylan - The Bootleg Series: Vol. 10

This is the 10th release in The Bootleg Series from Bob Dylan. This one comprises demos and outtakes from his Self Portrait and New Morning albums in 1970.

Listen/Watch: "Pretty Saro"



John Frusciante - Outsides EP

John Frusciante is continuing his extensive solo career with the release of his latest EP. Red Hot Chili Peppers may not be the same without him, but it's great to still be able to hear his work.

Listen: "Sol"



Zero 7 - "On My Own"/"Don't Call It Love"

It seems like it's been awhile since we heard from Zero 7. They were one of my favorite bands in college, but they haven't released an album since 2009. The delay makes this release pretty exciting, it's great to be getting something new from them!

Listen: "On My Own"