New Music Tuesday - July 15, 2014

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

New Full-Length Releases

Antemasque - Antemasque Antemasque is a new band made up from the members of the now-defunct bands At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta, with a little help from Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They formed earlier this year and wasted no time in putting together their debut album. Flea may not be an official member of the group, but has lent some signature elements of his style to this new band. Listen: "4AM" Listen: "Drown All Your Witches"

Bleachers - Strange Desire Bleachers of the solo act of fun.'s Jack Antonoff. He began working on the project over the years of being on the road with him main act, officially announcing it in February with the release of this first single. He enlists some help from both newer and established indie performers; Yoko Ono and Grimes are both featured on the release. Watch: "I Wanna Get Better" Watch: "Shadow"

Fink - Hard Believer Fink is the performing name of English singer and songwriter Fin Greenall. He has been an active performer for more then 20 years. He's released some incredible albums with my introduction (and favorite) being 2006's Biscuits for Breakfast. He makes deep, brooding music, which seems to emanate from inside and builds on itself as the songs progress. He's been able to lend his style to other artists like Banks and John Legend, but really shines on his own. Watch: "Looking Too Closely" Watch: "Hard Believer"

Landlady - Upright Behavior Landlady is an New York-based band who have been inspired by some established favorites; Talking Heads, TV on the Radio, Dirty Projectors. They take those influences and create a percussive, experimental indie rock. Listen: "The Globe"

Morrissey - World Peace Is None of Your Business To promote his tenth record, Morrissey took a slightly different approach than is typical. While he did release videos for a number of the album's tracks, the audio for the videos featured spoken word renditions of the lyrics (I erroneously thought that the record was spoken-word through and through). He released almost no tracks in the form in which they appeared on the record, aside from some early live recordings. Watch: "The Bullfighter Dies" Watch: "Earth Is the Loneliest Planet"

Puss N Boots - No Fools, No Fun Puss N Boots is a side project of Norah Jones, joining up with Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper. Though two of the three members became known for singing jazz-style music, this record is all country. The group began performing together in 2008, but this is their first album. Listen: "Don't Know What It Means" Listen: "Always"

Richard Reed Parry - Music for Heart and Breath Richard Reed Parry is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who has become pivotal in defining Arcade Fire's sound. As a solo artist, though, he errs on the same classical side as bandmate Sarah Neufeld. For Music for Heart and Breath, he composed the tracks, but enlisted other performers to record the songs to the beat of their own bodies (hence the album name)! Listen: "Duet for Heart and Breath"

Sébastien Tellier - L'Aventura Tellier may have just released his fifth album, Confection, in November of last year, but he's quick with the follow-up. Where that previous record came from a place of pain, it was inspired by the death of his grandmother, this one is lighter, inspired by Brazil. He brings in elements of Brazilian-styles of music to complement his own French pop/new wave style. Watch: "Aller vers le soleil" Watch: "L'adulte"

United Nations - The Next Four Years United Nations is a "scream" supergroup made up of members of Thursday, Glassjaw, and Acid Tiger, along with a few other bands. This is just their second album together following about nine years together. Listen: "Serious Business" Listen: "United Nations vs. United Nations"

Other New Releases

Anna Calvi - Strange Weather Anna Calvi follows up her amazing 2013 album, One Breath, by teaming up with David Byrne for a covers EP. The singer and guitar virtuoso shows that she's equally inspired by those who have come after as well as before her. The album includes tracks originally performed by Connan Mockasin, FKA Twigs, and Byrne himself. Watch: "Strange Weather" Listen: "Papi Pacify"

Break Line The Musical It was reported way back in 2009 that Yeasayer's Anand Wilder was working on a musical with pianist Maxwell Kardon. Now, it's revealed that there may not be a musical per se, but a collection of songs written and compiled by the duo telling one cohesive story. Listen: "Wedding Day" Listen: "I'm to Blame"

Cowboy Jack Clement - For Once and for All "Cowboy" Jack Clement was a singer and songwriter who passed away last year at the age of 82. He was a prolific songwriter who wrote and produced hits for Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Ray Charles. His final record includes collaborations with some old friends, Emmylou Harris and John Prine; as well as some newer folks like The Secret Sisters and Dan Auerbach. Listen: "Got Leaving on Her Mind"

Kelis - Friday Fish Fry EP Kelis released her hunger-inducing sixth album Food, earlier this year. "Friday Fish Fry" is one of the tracks from that record, which is now getting released with a number of remixes of the track to go along with it. Listen: "Friday Fish Fry" Listen: "Friday Fish Fry" (Maribou State & Pedestrian Remix)

My Brightest Diamond - None More Than You EP My Brightest Diamond (aka Shara Worden) will be releasing her fourth album later this year. Before that, though, she is putting out a short EP of new music. Just something to give everyone a little taste of what is to come! Listen: "Dreaming Awake" (Son Lux Remix)

Speedy Ortiz - "Bigger Party" "Bigger Party" is the sixth installment in the 2014 Adult Swim singles series. The song is performed by indie rock band Speedy Ortiz, a follow-up to their 2013 debut album Major Arcana. Listen: "Bigger Party"

Wish I Was Here: Music from the Motion Picture Ten years ago, Zach Braff made a mixtape that changed how movie soundtracks were released. The soundtrack for his little indie film, Garden State, won a Grammy and made some of the featured artists big(-ish) names, especially The Shins. Zach is back and trying to recreate that magic with the soundtrack for his new film, Wish I Was Here. The Shins are, again, featured on the soundtrack. Listen: The Shins - "So Now What" Listen: Bon Iver - "Heavenly Father"

New Music Tuesday - June 03, 2014

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

New Full-Length Releases

Brian Reitzell - Auto Music Brian Reitzell is musician, composer and producer who has become known for compiling and composing music for film soundtracks, including The Bling Ring, Stranger Than Fiction and Marie Antoinette. He is also a member of the band TV Eyes. Auto Music is his debut solo album. For the record, he has teamed with Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine and Jim James of My Morning Jacket. Listen: "Last Summer"

Clap You Hands Say Yeah - Only Run Clap Your Hands Say Yeah came in on a mid-2000s upbeat indie pop/rock wave that didn't produce many lasting artists. CYHSY has managed to stay on the radar. Despite a sophomore-album lull, they have maintained a solid fanbase and advanced their sound without losing elements that make their music so much fun to listen to! Watch: "As Always" Listen: "Coming Down"

Echo & The Bunnymen - Meteorites Echo & The Bunnymen are one of those classic '80s post-punk bands who have managed to hang on through many changes in the music landscape. They formed in 1978 and, discounting a three-year break in the '90s, have been together ever since. 1984's "The Killing Moon" may remain their best-known and -loved song, but they've continued to make great music throughout their 12 studio albums. Listen: "Market Town" Listen: "Burn It Down"

Fucked Up - Glass Boys Fucked Up is, at its base, a hardcore punk band with a name and sound that would scare any Midwestern housewife. Looking a little deeper, though, it's easy to see a band that stands out greatly from others in the genre. With each album, the music around Damian Abraham's screaming vocals is somewhat softer and more melodic, supported with sweet backing vocals from Sandy Miranda. Their music is a fascinating exploration in contrast. Watch: "Sun Glass" Watch: "Paper the House"

Hamilton Leithauser - Black Hours The Walkmen's last album, Heaven, was a marked departure in the sound of the band. Now, perhaps, we see where that new sound was going. Hamilton Leithauser, lead singer of the currently-on-hiatus band, is the second member to release a solo album this year. His debut album brings to mind many of the sounds and subject matter present on Heaven. I'll miss The Walkmen until they (hopefully) come back, but he shines as a solo act and I'm loving this just as much. Watch: "Alexandra" Watch: "I Retired"

Parquet Courts - Sunbathing Animal Parquet Courts were one of the biggest acts of 2012 following the release of their breakout sophomore album, Light Up Gold. This follow-up was written while the band was on tour in support of that sophomore record. The music and lyrics were inspired by the mix of freedom and captivity that can exist for a young band on the road. Watch: "Sunbathing Animal" Watch: "Black and White"

Peter Murphy - Lion Peter Murphy was the frontman for the band Bauhaus, who contributed their own iconic song to the post-punk movement, "Bela Lugosi's Dead." They broke up in 1983, but have had intermittent reunions in the '90s and 2000s. Murphy has been active as solo artist for nearly that entire time, he released his debut in 1986. His latest finds him experimenting with disparate genres, with influences ranging from opera to The Beatles. Watch: "Eliza" Watch: "Hang Up"

Other New Releases

Andrew Bird - Things Are Really Great Here, Sort Of... Andrew Bird covered a song from The Handsome Family on 2003's Weather Systems. Here, he is revisiting his love of that band's music with a full album of covers. Listen: "My Sister's Tiny Hands"

Julianna Barwick - Rosabi EP Musicians may often find some sort of inspiration in beer, but probably none in the way that Julianna Barwick has. Her latest release is in collaboration with Dogfish Head Brewery. Some of the music is made up of sounds gathered from the brewing process. In tandem with this EP, Dogfish Head has also released a new beer, also named Rosabi, which is an IPA. Listen: "Meet You at Midnight"

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin Reissue The first three albums of the legendary classic rock band Led Zeppelin's discography are getting the remaster and reissue treatment this year. The first was originally released in 1969. Listen: "Good Times Bad Times" Listen: "Communication Breakdown"

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II Reissue The second Led Zeppelin album getting re-released was also first released in 1969. This album was the band's first to hit number one in both the UK and the US. Listen: "Moby Dick" Listen: "Whole Lotta Love"

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin III Reissue Led Zeppelin's third album was released in 1970. The album was a move towards a folkier sound, which didn't result in much commercial success at the time, but has made it one of their most highly-regarded records of their repertoire. Listen: "Immigrant Song" Listen: "Hey Hey What Can I Do"

Moby - "Rio" Recently, Duran Duran released an album with their songs covered by other artists. Moby was one of the contributors to the compilation. His cover is getting its own single release. Listen: "Rio"

Morrissey - Vauxhall and I Reissue Morrissey has been a prolific solo artist since the demise of The Smiths in 1987. His fourth album, released in 1994, is getting re-released. He will be releasing a new solo album, World Peace Is None of Your Business, in July! Listen: "The More You Ignore Me the Closer I Get" Listen: "Hold on to Your Friends"

Palo Alto: Music from the Motion Picture Palo Alto is a new movie, based on a book of short stories by James Franco. I've read the book, it's alright, but I'm excited about the names behind the film and its soundtrack! The film is directed by Gia Coppola, the latest director in the legendary Coppola family, and features new music from Devonté Hynes (aka Lightspeed Champion aka Blood Orange). Watch: Blood Orange - "Champagne Coast" Listen: Devonté Hynes - "Palo Alto"

SBTRKT - Transitions III This is the final piece in the Transitions project from SBTRKT. While there's some indication that a follow-up sophomore album is in the cards for 2014, Transitions represents an album's-worth of new material from the musician. Listen: "High & Lows"

New Music Tuesday - February 25, 2014

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

New Full-Length Releases

Beck - Morning Phase It's been awhile since we've gotten a full-length album directly from Beck. In late 2012, he released original sheet music, Song Reader, and put out a series of singles last year. Morning Phase is his first album in six years. The sound of the album is promised to be more akin to 2002's Sea Change than to his last album, Modern Guilt. Listen: "Blue Moon" Listen: "Waking Light"

Damaged Bug - Hubba Bubba Thee Oh Sees officially disbanded late last year (though they still have an album coming out in April of this year). John Dwyer is already moving onto his next project, though. The sound should differ from that of his most-known band, with a style Dwyer has described as "hand-made electronics." Listen: "Photograph" Listen: "Eggs at Night"

SchoolBoy Q - Oxymoron SchoolBoy Q started his career as the hype-man for fellow rapper and label-mate Kendrick Lamar. He released his first album, Setbacks, in 2011. This is his third album and first on major label Interscope. He caught my ear with the Lamar-assisted "Collard Greens," but I've enjoyed the other tracks I've heard from the album, as well! Watch: "Collard Greens" (featuring Kendrick Lamar) Watch: "Man of the Year"

St. Vincent - St. Vincent It may be early in the year, but this was one of my own personal most anticipated releases for 2014. St. Vincent has truly been one of my favorites for several years and I love each of her albums. She expands her sound even more on this self-titled release. On certain tracks, you can really hear the influence from her 2012 collaborative album with David Byrne. Watch: "Digital Witness" Listen: "Birth in Reverse"

Other New Releases

Eternal Lips - Eternal Lips EP Tell me you're working with one of my favorite artists and you'll definitely get me in the door! I'm wasn't familiar at all with Eternal Lips, but I heard that they recorded a song with the incredible Sharon van Etten. I gave the song a listen and even liked the parts that weren't her! Watch: "Dream Hesitate" (featuring Sharon van Etten) Listen: "Voice" (featuring Kyp Malone)

Fadeaway Records 10: Friends Fadeaway Records has been on hiatus for about ten years. The founders parted ways to pursue other projects, but regrouped this year. Friends is the first new release from the label, including both covers of songs from artists who were signed to the label as well as some new tracks! Listen: Kevin Devine - "Kings Crossing" Listen: Andy Hull - "Back of Your Old Church"

The Field - Cupid's Head Remixe II The Field released Cupid's Head in October of last year. As has become standard, songs from the record are getting their own remix treatment. This remix EP features contributions from John Tejada, Tim Hecker and TM404. Listen: "No. No..." (John Tejada Mix)

FKA Twigs & inc. - "FKA x inc." FKA Twigs has risen to prominent recently for her peculiar brand of pop and R&B (and a voice that reminds me of Grimes'). She is partnering up with the band inc. for a new single! Watch: "FKA x inc."

Jon Hopkins - Collider Remixes Jon Hopkins released his latest album, Immunity, in June of last year, which featured the track "Collider." That track is being released along with some remixes of the song, including Karenn, Pangaea and Objekt. Watch: "Collider" Listen: "Collider" (Karenn Remix)

Making Patterns Rhyme Making Patterns Rhyme is a new tribute album from Duran Duran. It features covers of their songs by artists such as Liars, Crocodiles and Moby. Proceeds from sales of the album will go to benefit Amnesty International. More info: Duran Duran website

Morrissey - Your Arsenal Reissue Your Arsenal was Morrissey's third album, originally released in 1992. This latest reissue comes remastered and includes a DVD of Morrissey's 1991 concert in Mountain View, California. Listen: "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday" Listen: "You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side"

New Music Tuesday - 01/28/2014

New Full-Length Releases

The Autumn Defense - Fifth The Autumn Defense is the side project of Wilco's John Stirratt and Pat Sansone. They formed in 1999 and this is the fifth album from the duo. The group was initially formed to provide a 1960s pop sound, but has since broadened in their sound and become a unique group in their own right. Listen: "None of This Will Matter" Listen: "August Song"

Dum Dum Girls - Too True For their third album, the Dum Dum Girls are pulling away slightly from the bedroom-pop sound that they became known for (and that I fell in love with them for). The progression is a fairly natural one and the music is still great. There's still a certain seductiveness to their music that keeps it intimate even as they expand their sound. Watch: "Lost Boys and Girls Club" Listen: "Rimbaud Eyes"

Hospitality - Trouble Hospitality released in incredible self-titled debut in 2012, which I discovered for myself early last year. They got a lot of positive press for that release, but I don't think they'll suffer a sophomore slump. Early listens to this album prove that it's a great one as well! Listen: "I Miss Your Bones" Listen: "Rockets and Jets"

Other New Releases

Morrissey - "Satellite of Love"/"You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side" Morrissey has become somewhat known for his cover of Lou Reed's "Satellite of Love," which garnered even more attention following Reed's death last year. The cover is now getting its own release as a single, backed by "You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side." Listen: "Satellite of Love" Listen: "You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side"

The Presets - "Goodbye Future" The Presets released their latest album, Pacifica, in September of 2012. To follow up, they announced that they would be releasing a series of singles throughout 2014. The first track is here and proves that we may have some great stuff to look forward to! Listen: "Goodbye Future"

Simian Mobile Disco - "Snake Bile Wine" It's been a little while since Simian Mobile Disco released their last album, Unpatterns, in 2012. They've released a number of singles recently, though, that seem to be, at least in name, related to their 2010 Delicacies compilation. "Snake Bile Wine" is the latest delicacy that's lent its name to one of their tracks. Watch: "Snake Bile Wine" Listen: "Balut"