Detroit – New Music Jason’s Picks

The New Music I’m Listening To Expeditiously This Week, February 10 – 16, 2024:

Good day to you and yours. I hope your sky is bright and sunny, and the winds are quiet enough to enjoy some New Music with me. It truly is a big week in releases, and I have twelve titles to recommend. Hopefully you can find something that clicks with you!

If you had “Beyoncé releases a Country Album” on your 2024 Bingo Card, congratulations. It comes out at the end of March. She released two teaser singles this week, and I’d like to draw your attention to 16 CARRIAGES. It’s a track that begins tenderly, giving Bey a chance to demonstrate her perfect vocal control, as it grows in intensity. It piques my interest for an Artist who is still showing all her tricks.

Beyoncé – 16 CARRIAGES

If you’re a regular reader of my words, you may know that I’m a big fan of Brooklyn MC Homeboy Sandman. His flow tickles my neuroreceptors, and I’m down for anything he releases. On the weekend he put out a new single. How is it? Real Good.

This next single blew my tiny little mind. Fatboi Sharif is an MC from New Jersey, and there are bars on Something About Shirley. Solid bars. But it is the production work of Roper Williams on this ten-minute track that verges on Avant Garde audio collage. At time’s unsettling, others exhilarating. Smoke a bowl and immerse yourself.

*Fatboi Sharif & Roper Williams – Something About Shirley*

Portland, Oregon has long been a Sanctuary City for artistic misfits. It is, not coincidentally, the home of Electronic Producer and Vocalist abbymachines. Her latest EP, AB, is SynthPop and Dance, with Spanish and English vocals. Do you wanna ride with me is filling the dancefloor in My Imaginary Nightclub.

The dancefloor is full and it is getting sweaty for a DJ and Producer from Buenos Aires, Colombia. Carlos Quebrada performs as Genosidra. His latest album, Haxan Tek, is seven instrumental tracks of unique beats and turnarounds, keeping your ears flexing and your body moving.

Mohammad Syfkhan is a Kurdish/Syrian Singer and Bouzouki player who lives in Ireland. His new album, I Am Kurdish is uptempo and joyful, and designed for dancing and celebration. Masterful musicianship.

Nathalie Joachim is a Brooklyn-born Haitian-American and is also a flutist, composer and vocalist. On Ki moun ou ye her vibrant voice is joined by drums and electronics, along with strings to create a rich tapestry.

Irish Producer Jacknife Lee has a knack for choosing interesting Artists to work with. This week finds him at the helm of a new record from a female quartet from Mali called Les Amazones d’Afrique. The two entities combine the traditional vocals with Electronic beats on Musow Dance. Exhilarating.

A bizarro Country singer from Montreal got my attention back in November, and he’s already returned with a new collaboration. On Tandoori Knights, Bloodshot Bill is joined by fellow Underground legend King Khan. Classic Rock & Roll and Rockabilly with universal themes such as the love of bacon and soiling one’s pants. Does humor belong in Music? Only if it’s funny.

*Bloodshot Bill & King Khan – Tandoori Knights*

Detroit, Michigan is thriving, with multiple Music Scenes creating a vibrant Arts community. One band that is bubbling up and due their flowers is the three-piece Shadow Show. Their second album, Fantasy Now!, is a shiny self-produced collection of Garage Pop, bright harmonies and bubblegum hooks.

I’ve mentioned before that there is a genre of Music out of the UK that’s like to call “Lad Rock.” It features a frontman that talk-sings the woes of living in Post-Brexit England. It’s quite catchy if done well, but it’s a little One Note. One such band is Bristol’s IDLES, and on their new album TANGK, there is notable growth from the tired old tropes. Perhaps co-production from Nigel Godrich helped broaden the aural tapestry. Vocalist Joe Talbot has definitely grown nuance and depth to his delivery; less geezer, more singer. Solid.

Deep Search Collective is an assemblage of Artists in San Francisco, California. Among them is Poet and MC Jun Dax aka Quiet. She’s released her debut album, The Ten Doors Of February, and it is a gem of a release. Throughout the ten tracks Dax drops confident and thoughtful rhymes, with brilliant downtempo production from JusOneOh. Recommended if you like A Tribe Called Quest or Digable Planets. It hits the heart hard, and is my Feature Pick this week.

I should mention that I have been posting New Music as I find it throughout the week on BlueSky, and now that it’s open to all, you can find me at New Music Jason. Maybe I’ll see you there. Say hi!

The New Music I’m Listening To Aeronautically This Week, January 6 – 12, 2024:

Well, hi there! I hope everyone is doing well and taking good care. I, for one, am in such a great mood. I’ve got more than a handful of New Music to swim around in. Eight titles, of many styles. The temperature is perfect, won’t you join me?

A single to start this week’s findings comes from the Post-Radiohead unit known as The Smile. They are set to release their sophomore record at the end of the month, and their third teaser from the album is Friend Of A Friend. A thoughtful midtempo track in a jaunty 5/4 led by bass and piano and ornamented with horns and strings. Thom Yorke’s falsetto vocals dissolve into disorienting double-tracking at 1:45 that send the listener into Dream World.

The Smile – Friend Of A Friend

Another single this week comes from Toronto’s Wax Valley Records and it’s a burner🔥. DJ Joshua Carpenter brings Soca rhythms and mashes them with fiery guitar samples on Mr. Fete. Autotuned vocals and ecstatic drumming give it all a sense of urgency.

In the last couple of years I’ve been quite taken with a Subgenre of Punk that is known as Egg Punk. It’s essentially high-energy Synth Punk that uses vintage instruments in a gritty, lo-fi setting, sometimes utilizing vocal effects. Last year’s NMJ Prize Longlister Super Snööper from Nashville’s Snooper is a great example. So, too is the latest EP from Schleswig, Germany’s KLINT. Stark jumps out of the starting gate with Before New Dawn with its jittery beats and synth arpeggios. Six energetic tracks follow to get down to some serious but friendly moshing. Don’t forget to pick up your comrades when they fall.

My steady stream of Polish Egg Punk continues, thanks to the great microlabel Syf Records. BZDET is a band I’ve recommended a couple of times over the last couple of years and they’re back again with a new album. W PRACY is twelve tracks with bubbling guitar at the fore, and synthesized vocals. Funky bass riffs are making it a surprise hit with the Goth Kids who used fake ID to get into My Imaginary Nightclub.

A band from Leeds, UK (in fact, the “best band in the world, based in Leeds”) got my attention this week. A cassette Label from Leeds called Devil Town Tapes has just re-released Lots Of Hands third album, fantasy, which apparently came out last July. Nevertheless, I’ve found it now, and I’m glad. The thirteen tracks reveal a melancholy tone, with jangly guitar. Shiny production elements such as the incorporation of strings and synthesized elements make this a rewarding listening experience.

A dreamy Pop outfit that skews Experimental from Atlanta, Georgia has caught my ear. The introspective and wryly humorous human who goes by the name Burnout leads Psaltery’s EP Burnout Gets The Blues!. Through the four tracks you’re treated to gentle dissonant tones, 60’s-style Bubblegum, and Folky guitar work, all with creative melodies.

A Baltimore duo that doesn’t seem to have any interest in being easy to find online is back with an EP. @ follows up last years debut with five SynthPop songs. The title track of Are You There God? It’s Me, @ begins with the voices of Victoria Rose and Stone Filipzak lamenting, “I can’t feel you anymore, as long as you hide away I can’t see you in my dreams anymore.” Inventive harmonies make this a charming listen.

I’m pleased as punch to be woken up this morning with a new album from Detroit’s Bruiser Wolf. As part of Danny Brown’s Bruiser Brigade, the former Big Wolf is back with his second full-length. Wolf’s unique delivery is resplendent on My $tory Got $tories. With features from Brown, as well as Zelooperz (who also provides the cover art), Trinidad James and Fat Ray, Bruiser guides you through his street life with an earnest sense of humour. Feature Pick? You know it is.

Feels good, doesn’t it? Music is magic! Talk again soon!

(I’m Not Your) Upcoming New Releases – Week Ending Friday, January 12, 2024:

Greetings, my great good friends! I hope everyone is doing well and taking good care of themselves. Although this may be the Post-Holiday doldrums, and the weather may be terrible, we remember that we are connected to a community of humanity that serves to love and loves to serve each other. If you’re feeling low, reach out to someone. And if you’re thinking of someone that may need help, you can be that help.

New Music can always be a helping support mechanism, and it keeps churning. Still not quite at full capacity, but the schedule for New Releases is a little more meaty.

Hip-Hop is still the Top Story this week, with new titles from Kid Cudi and 21 Savage.

American Dream: The 21 Savage Story Official Trailer

Looking further down the list I see enticing New Releases from Folly Group, The Vaccines and Boldy James. Most excitedly I see Detroit rapper Bruiser Wolf has New Music that I can’t wait to check out.

Bruiser Wolf – DOPE BOY

My BandCamp Wishlist is sitting with only one title again this week, before the tide comes in. Baltimore duo @ is following their full-length debut from last February with a new EP. Are You There God? It’s Me, @ is out on Friday.

@ – Soul Hole

If you’re back around these parts, make sure you check in to see what New Music I have on the stove. There’s always plenty to share! Stay warm!

2023 New Music Jason Prize Longlist

As the Roman calendar nears its end for another lap around the cosmos, it’s time to take stock of all of my favourite Music for the year.

The New Music Jason Prize is a non-prestigious award that recognizes my Favourite Album released in a given year. Its second year of existence brings a strong list of contenders ranging from Hip-Hop to Classical and Country. To Soul and Punk, to Pop and Reggae, and even to gut-wrenching Singer-Songwriters. Have your fill!

The Longlist is a list of my twenty favourite albums of the year, compiled by a panel of one bearded Music fan, and listed in chronological order. Links to the original posts are embedded in the dates, and the albums are linked accordingly.

Week Ending Friday, October 20, 2023:

Sampha – Lahai

Week Ending Friday, October 27, 2023:

Alien Nosejob – The Derivative Sounds of… Or…A Dog Always Returns to Its Vomit

Week Ending Friday, November 17, 2023:

Danny Brown – Quaranta

Week Ending Friday, November 24, 2023:

Bloodshot Bill – Psyche-o-Billy

The Shortlist of the five finalists for the 2023 New Music Jason Prize will be announced on Sunday, December 24.

The presentation of the 2023 New Music Jason Prize occurs on Sunday, December 31 at 9 am EST.

For the 2022 New Music Jason Prize Longlist, Click Here.

For the 2022 New Music Jason Prize Presentation, Click Here.

Upcoming New Releases (No More Love On The Run) – Week Ending Friday, November 17, 2023:

Now that the Holiday gift-giving Season is in full swing, the New Releases are starting to slow down. But not before we get one or two sure-fire gift ideas. I’m looking in the direction of Living Saint Dolly Parton, who has enough guest stars on her new Rock album to stage another Live Aid.

Dolly Parton – Let It Be (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr)

There really isn’t a ton of Big Name Artists putting out New Music this week (metric or Imperial). The most anticipated in many circles, including me, is the new Danny Brown album. My favourite MC is back, not long after his fantastic collaboration with JPEGMAFIA. I hope this release harkens the return of the rest of the Bruiser Brigade.

Danny Brown – Jenn’s Terrific Vacation

Scratching the surface of the Release schedule, there is plenty to sink your ears into. Not the least of which comes from André 3000(?!?), Kurt Vile, Sabrina Carpenter, The Polyphonic Spree, Iron & Wine and Lil Wayne with 2 Chainz.

2 Chainz, Lil Wayne – Presha

My BandCamp Wishlist began with fifteen titles, but I’ve since pruned it down to a more manageable eight. Today I’ll highlight the London duo of Emma Sullivan and Chlöe Herington. As VÄLVĒ, they create Electronic AvantFolk. I just made that term up, which is my right as a music journalist. Their second album, Tiny Pilots, comes out Friday.

VÄLVĒ – Gertrude’s List

Make sure y’all come on back on Friday so I can share with you all that I’ve discovered. It’s bound to be a big week. Talk soon!

The New Music I’m Listening To With Wild Abandon This Week, October 14 – 20, 2023:

I warned y’all that we had a bustling New Release Week in our stead. I have a smorgasbord of New Music to put in front of you for your edification.

Twelve titles in all, though a few of them are of the single or EP sort, so not as big an investment of time as one might suspect. Strap up!

I discovered something this week that isn’t New Music, but gave me more joy than anything I’ve experienced in quite a long time. I heard of this App called Be My Eyes and when I heard what it was, I downloaded it immediately. How it works is, if you’re vision-impaired and require help navigating a situation (reading a label, shopping etc.), you can place a camera-phone call through the app, and a volunteer, who is sighted, will pick up and assist them. Currently there are about 600,000 people who use this service, and about 7 million volunteer helpers. With these numbers, I wondered if I’d ever receive a call, but not 24 hours later, I received my first call. It was Karen from the West Coast of Canada, who is Diabetic, and needed assistance setting her insulin IV. With a little work, I was able to make sure she was putting the monitor where I could read it, and help her with that very basic task. So easy for me, but what a rush of adrenaline. I’m going to float on this for days.

To start off this week’s findings, Kassa Overall is a renowned Drummer, Producer and MC from Seattle. He’s achieved a modicum of notoriety and acclaim, but on his latest single, 2 Sentimental, Kassa laments, “I’m backstage with my eyes on the free snacks. I brought some Ziplocs, ‘cause I’ma need that.” He paints a glum picture of the reality of the life of a working artist, over Guaraldi-esque Piano lines, “hoping I get my advance before I get evicted.” Excellent, honest Wordplay.

Kassa Overall – 2 Sentimental

On Tuesday, Detroit’s finest MC Danny Brown (fight me, Marshall!) announced his new album, Quaranta, which is due for release in mid-November. He’s teased it with his new single, Tantor. The idiosyncratic track begins with the sound of someone dialing into Cable Internet, like it’s 1997. As you’re connected, the bass-and-drum groove begins immediately, with Danny’s instantly recognizable voice chirping in, with enigmatic effect. Check!

Danny Brown – Tantor

Another single that knocked my socks off comes from the almighty Ninja Tune Records, and Electronic wunderkind Floating Points. The Artist’s (name: Sam Shepherd) new song Birth4000 has been making Summer Festivals, including Glastonbury bounce in unison. Beginning with harsh Electronic Noise it finds finds its latitude, like early Moog patches. Soaring Synths join before dissolving with disembodied handclap into THE DROP. Hope you brought your glow sticks!

It’s not often that I find New Music from Bulgaria, and I have no clue what qualifies as Popular Bulgarian Music in Bulgaria. What qualifies as Popular Bulgarian Music in my house is a new collaboration between friends. Abu Ama and BedouinDrone have recorded together before, and there is a sophisticated easiness to Dalwat Lībiyyā. Ethnic Tribal samples ring out among the pounding beats and thunderous bass on the seven tracks. My Imaginary Nightclub is in negotiations for an extended stay in The Main Room.

*Abu Ama + BedouinDrone – Dalwat Lībiyyā*

In fact I’ve been looking at many Artists vying for time in The Imaginary Main Room. Lots of Electronic Dance Music on this very busy release week. Next up is an Artist from France that I first discovered early last year. Julien Chastagnol is Ruby My Dear, and he’s released a new four-song EP. Lst is energetic Breakbeats paired with piano arpeggios and distortion. It’s a very distinctive path he has forged for himself, and I, for one, approve.

A DJ and Producer from Georgia in the Southern US first caught my attention last year with her “beet tape.” She has been releasing Music steadily since then,and I’m happy to bring to your attention her new mixtape. i used to cry about it first gets your attention with an evocative photograph of a young boy, looking like he is holding a handgun for the first time in his life. quinn’s music contained within is just as evocative. Twisted beats and screwed samples make for some uneasy listening.

A label from Uganda called Nyege Nyege Tapes has been releasing consistently unique and dazzling Electronic Music. This week it’s the debut album from “punk ethnomusicologist” Julien Hairon. As Judgitzu, he is exploring his Celtic heritage, and its relation to Tanzanian Dance Music. Sator Arepo is dark and energetic, with thundering bass and field recordings used in looping fashion.

For some reason that I can’t quite fathom I find myself drawn to the many different musical styles out of Brazil. Continuing that trend this week. is Txana Reu Keneya. They are a group of “guardians and messengers of the Amazon Forest,” and of the Hunikuin Indigenous Peoples. Their five-song self-titled album is simply strummed strings, drums and unison voices. There is a plaintive sense of sadness in their gorgeous melodies.

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’m lacking in the essential nutrients that Rock Music provides. A band led by Vancouver multi-instrumentalist Patrick McEachnie has just released a new EP via German label Turbo Discos. On their new 7”, Pack Rat takes the raw energy of Garage or shouty Punk with Poppy choruses among the four tracks of BITE MY TONGUE. Yes, this should do just fine.

A band that has been getting a lot of buzz currently in the UK (or maybe it’s just the NME being its usual blathering self) is HotWax. The trio from Hastings is finely tuned, with smoking bass, fierce guitar, and snarling vocals on their second EP Invite me, kindly. I love Grrl Gang Rock.

Wanna get weird? Let’s get weird. I’ve found a fantastically fucked-up One-Man Band. Brian Chippendale is the mastermind behind Black Pus. The musician from Providence, RI uses drums, harsh electronics and furious babbling on IMPROVISED CURSES. It’s fist pumping, life affirming anarchy.

Back in June I heard a track that I, of course, recommended, from London’s Sampha, and I’ve been singing it around the house ever since. The Mercury Prize-winning vocalist (not me) has returned with his new full-length. I fell in love with Sampha’s rich baritone, and the Production on Lahai that is just as rich. Sampha’s voice soars with confident falsetto, and plenty of heart. My Feature Pick for the week.

It’s a lot, I know. And I couldn’t be happier about it. How about you?

Be kind to yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To Superciliously This Week – September 16 – 22, 2023:

It’s a wonderful day, and I hope that everyone is feeling happy and comfortable.

Another great week of New Music is upon us, and I have another nine titles for you to take into your bosom.

A single to start this week’s findings comes from Brazil. Ana Soares is a new Songwriter and vocalist that is gearing up for her debut full-length release. Sozinha Pra Casa has been released in advance, and I’m thrilled by the introduction. The track begins with tentative bass and atonal electronics. Soares begins singing and is accosted by snarling guitar and crashing drums. A simmering groove develops where the singer is able to draw you in. The trombone that accompanies is a delightful touch.

Ana Soares – Sozinha Pra Casa

Roughly a year ago I recommended Loraine James’ Building Something Beautiful For Me. I’m pleased to see this terrific Electronic Producer has returned. Gentle Confrontation is imaginative and thought-provoking.

A Downtempo Hip-Hop duo from Spain caught my ear this week. Chicoes3 is DJ Taktel and Cómodo, and Safary is a luscious fourteen tracks to nod your head to. The Soundscape is vast, with smart samples and traded rhymes that flow with ease.

Radian is a trio from Vienna who use guitar, bass, drums and electronics to create fascinating aural textures. Distorted Rooms is six tracks that verge on Ambient, were it not for the fragmented and disjointed samples cutting in and out, seemingly at will. Delicious Ear Candy.

A new EP arrived this week via the legendary Electronic and Dance-adjacent Label Ninja Tune. I recommended Little Dragon’s new album back in July and they’ve quickly followed-up with a new four-track collaboration with Washington DC duo April + VISTA. The two acts met when Little Dragon was touring the US and they ended up spending a week in-studio together. The end result is Slipping Into Color; a shimmering and warm vibe with beautiful voices connecting to tricky rhythms and sub-bass.

*Little Dragon & April + VISTA – Slipping Into Color*

Luzmila Carpio is a Singer/Songwriter and Producer from Bolivia. Spanning over fifty years, her career has made her one of the most prolific Indigenous singers of South America. Her newest album, Inti Watana – El Retorno del Sol beats with the heart of the Andes. Flutes, strings and drums punctuate Carpio’s voice, which plays with forward-thinking Production.

*Luzmila Carpio – Inti Watana-El Retorno del Sol*

Germany is the birthplace of SynthPunk, so I’m happy to recommend Berlin’s Das Kinn. Their new five-track EP Die Kanten incorporates the angular dexterity of Kraftwerk with the vocals of German Viagra Boys.

Mello Music Group is a Hip-Hop Label that has gathered a roster that looks like an legendary Old-Timer’s team. Artists including Kool Keith, Joell Ortiz and Pete Rock all record for Mello, and now Detroit MC PARADIME has joined the senior circuit. PERIOD. is the first album from the Artist, born Frederick Beauregard, in over twelve years. He doesn’t seem to have missed a step, and the years have given him perspective.

Last month, Aussie solo “Egg Punk” act Billiam released a three-song EP that I recommended. Turns out it was a teaser for a brand new full-length album. Corner Tactics contains eleven more new songs that highlight Billy Twyford’s frenetic style of lo-fi Pop-Punk. Distorted vocals and charming guitar, with a twisted sense of humour make this Artist a great big star in the world of my design, and my Feature Pick for the week.

May your weekend, and your life in general, be filled with joy. I’ll be back again soon.

Upcoming New Releases (And I Feel Fine) – Week Ending Friday September 22, 2023:

Howdy Doody, kids! Is everyone feeling comfy and cozy?

We have a pretty solid release week ahead of us, high in protein and low in saturated fats. Drake has gone back into the lab to complete his masterpiece so no new album from Aubry this week. If you’re looking for Mainstream Hip-Hop, look no further than Doja Cat. I’ll be checking her out.

Doja Cat – Demons

A wide array of Artists have projects coming out this week that I’m eager to listen to, most notably Kylie Minogue, Chai, Arkells, Jenny Owen Youngs, Mouse On Mars, and Loraine James.

Loraine James – Déjà Vu feat. RiTchie

I have a lucky seven titles on my BandCamp Wishlist. I’ll spotlight an underground Hip-Hop figure from 90’s Detroit. PARADIME is an MC with a storied past that includes writing for Kid Rock, and Eminem’s posse D-12, but he achieved no greater than Local Legend status. After hanging up the mic and starting a family, Paradime has returned, with the assistance of Producer Apollo Brown. His first album in twelve years, PERIOD. comes out Friday.

PARADIME – PERIOD.

I’ll get back to you on Friday with some tasty musical treats. Stay real.

The New Music I’m Listening To With Gūsto This Week, July 15 – 21, 2023:

A glorious and blissful Friday to all! Hope you are doing well, and that you’re able to give love to the reflection in the mirror.

It’s another fairly quiet week, with a total of seven titles to enjoy and share. Let’s just get right down to it!

A single to start this week’s findings comes from a Singer/Songwriter from Tallahassee, Florida. Ethel Cain has been recording under various aliases before her debut in 2022. Her latest single, Famous Last Words (An Ode To Eaters), also credits New York fashion line 1017 ALYX 9SM for reasons that I can’t quite discern, but the song is deep, dark & beautiful, with Cain’s lovely voice front and centre.

1017 ALYX 9SM & Ethel Cain – Famous Last Words (An Ode To Eaters)

Sculpture is a five-piece group from London. They were formed in 2021 to flesh out demo recordings of Singer/Songwriter Ted Mair, but have since become a proper “collaborative entity.” Their debut EP Lichtenberg Figure is four songs that showcase Mair’s plaintive and melancholic falsetto, set to piano, cello, clarinet, bass and drums. Easy comparison eludes me, which is usually a good thing.

A collaboration of a noisier sort comes from a U.S. Avant-Garde Artist known as TELFORD!, and Argentinian Experimental Musician EL ZOMBIE ESPECIAL. Their seven-track album, La fiesta continua, is a twisted take on riff-heavy Rock, with garbled voices and synths. Rates high on the Adventure Scale.

*TELFORD! y EL ZOMBIE ESPECIAL – La Fiesta Continua*

An Electronic Musician and Producer from Colorado who I discovered this past August called Erothyme has returned. However, unlike his previous album Dear Earth People, his new full-length, Outta Bobby Experience is seemingly more personal. The Artist, who’s real name is Bobby West shows off his maad production skills and bares his soul through Electronically-altered vocals. Did I mention that the bass is pumping? It is. It really is.

Detroit’s Curtis Clark is a Rapper and Producer who is known as Black Milk. He’s been performing and recording for over twenty years, and in his latest, Everybody Good? he calls in some heavy hitters for assistance. After BM establishes his flow and his vibe, the album is backloaded with strong features, including Quelle Chris, Karriem Riggins, and Raphael Saadiq. The track featuring Saadiq (No Wish) is heartbreakingly honest.

Yahael Camara Onono is a Djembe player and bandleader from Senegal who is now based in London. He is the founder of the 26-piece Balimaya Project, an ensemble from West Africa. Their second album, When The Dust Settles is a meditational groove that reckons with the deaths of both his young child, and his older brother when Onono was a young boy. Beautiful and redemptive.

*Balimaya Project – When The Dust Settles*

My Feature Pick comes directly from my BandCamp Wishlist, and from my deep past. Who here remembers the song from the early nineties called Piss Bottle Man? It featured the lead singer of The Lemonheads, Evan Dando, but it was released by the Bass player of 80’s greats Minutemen, Mike Watt. It wasn’t really a hit, but I always loved it as a young man, as it seemed a very strange subject matter. The very strange Mr. Watt is back with a collaboration with Iowa Artist Samuel Locke Ward. The result is Purple Pie Plow, a twenty-four song album that strikes a joyous tone. Joining the two on the album are members of The Dead Milkmen to fill out the sound.

Hope you found something you like, and that you’re treating yourself with kindness. I’ll talk to you soon. Take care!

The New Music I’m Listening To Egregiously This Week – July 8 – 14, 2023:

Good Friday to all! It’s a beautiful day around these parts. A perfect day to relax and slide into the weekend feet first.

It’s one of the quieter weeks in terms of New Music. In fact, with two singles, two EPs and one full-length album to recommend, it may be the quietest week I’ve written about since I came to WordPress early last year. It’s a total of twenty-five songs this week, adding up to an hour and fifteen minutes of joy, tears,and pogoing.

The first single comes from UK Rock outfit Yard Act. They are steadily increasing their status in Popular Music as one of the most interesting and authentic Bands around, and I talked about their single from last year, 100% Endurance, after their debut at the beginning of 2022. Their first New Music since then has just been released, in the form of an 8-minute single, The Trench Coat Museum. Starting off with ‘Sympathy For The Devil’-esque yelps and percussion, leading into a dirty filthy bass line, leading the drums into retro synths and scratching (?). Lyricist and Vocalist James Smith then educates about the history and many practical purposes for the noble Trench Coat. Plan your Weekend Getaway!

Yard Act – The Trench Coat Museum

The next single comes from the Soundtrack to the upcoming Barbie Movie. I feel all sick and cOMmErCiAl about it. But Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For? is a beautiful four-minute ballad that gives Eilish a chance to flex her understated, yet emotionally-charged vocal skills. The lyrics also give Billie a chance to inhabit the soul of a toy, who’s just learned that she is a toy. Heady stuff. Keep tissues handy.

Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For

Emily Hopkins is a prominent YouTuber that I follow. As a talented Harp player, she demonstrates various effects pedals on her channel, with dazzling and sometimes hilarious results. This week she has released a collaboration with vocalist and Sound Artist Courtney Swain. The five tracks on Tournesols are explorations in live Sampling and effects, with just Voice and Harp. It’s contemplative and warm, and will bring you to a place of calm. Divine.

*Emily Hopkins & Courtney Swain – Tournesols*

One new trend in New Music is that thing where an Artist will release a new album, and then will re-release it two months later as a “Deluxe Edition,” and then add a few songs to the end of the album. To tell the truth, I will usually ignore these releases, using the logic, if they were any good, the would be on the album in the first place. So far, it has served me well. But if Artists were more like JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown, they would release tracks separately, so as to not cloud the impact of the initial release. These two have released a new four-track EP that expands from their collaboration on March’s Scaring The Hoes. Scaring The Hoes: DLC Pack is a solid addendum to the 2023 New Music Jason Prize-hopeful. No dip in quality here.

*JPEGMAFIA x Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES: DLC PACK*

My Feature Pick for this week is the lone LP that is on my radar. Nashville band Snõõper has just released their full-length studio debut with Jack White’s Third Man Records. Super Snõõper is an energetic and lively fourteen tracks that will have you bouncing all over the place. Long live Rock!

Have a terrific weekend! Hope you’ve found something that tickles your fancy!

Be kind to yourself!