Massachusetts – New Music Jason’s Picks

2023 New Music Jason Prize Shortlist

*2023 New Music Jason Prize* – not sponsored by SmokeCartel.com

As we reach the conclusion of another year, it’s time to take stock of all we’ve gained and lost. Moreover, it’s a time to anticipate all that the New Year promises. Will there be an orderly US Election in 2024, or will they dive headlong into Civil War? More importantly, what is Taylor Swift going to do next? Enquiring minds want to know.

2023 in New Music was a grand exploration of many different moods and mindsets. What touched my soul most vividly are the following five albums. These are my five favourite albums of 2023, in contention for the highly-coveted New Music Jason Prize. Once again they will be listed in chronological order, based on their Release Dates.

Stephanie Lamprea – 14 Récitations

Released: February 10, 2023

My Shortlist begins with the most unorthodox album among all my favourites of the year. Stephanie Lamprea is a Colombian-American Soprano vocalist based in Glasgow, Scotland. Composed in 1977-78 by Greek composer Georges Aperghis, 14 Récitations is series of pieces written for solo voice. Imagining the Sheet Music for these works, while Lamprea inhabits the Music, is a giddy pleasure of the listening experience. If someone wants to gift me a copy, I’d be ever so pleased. She performs as though her voice is not doing what she wants it to do. She halts and stutters while the realization overcomes her, and with it you can hear the fear, the anger, the sadness, and ultimately the despair and madness. Some of the most challenging passages (mostly wordless, but for some broken French) I’ve ever heard are performed with confident bravura. Touches me as a person who lives with Multiple Sclerosis, having experienced the frustration of my body not working properly.

Rahill – Flowers At Your Feet

Released May 12, 2023

This album is the Dark Horse, among all my favourites. Iranian-American Singer/Songwriter Rahill Jamalifard’s debut album Flowers At Your Feet has quietly endeared me to its lyrical charms, having missed it on my Mid-year List. A mostly Downtempo affair, Rahill paints a vivid picture of a young woman trying to make sense of life on her own terms. Family is important to Jamalifard, and she gives reverence, particularly on Ode To Dad. But the album is not without its hooks, from the bouncy “doo-doo” singalong of I Smile For E, to the call-and-response (featuring Beck, inexplicably) of Fables. Not a bad one in the bunch.

Big Blood – First Aid Kit

Released June 9, 2023

South Portland, Maine’s Big Blood is a Family Band, which already feels like it has a weird smell to it. Historically, Family Bands have been created by domineering parents in search of Fame and Glory. I can’t say for certain that Caleb Mulkerin isn’t forcing his life partner Colleen Kinsella, or his daughter Quinnissa to write and sing their latest album, First Aid Kit. My assumption is that it’s a happy arrangement with well-adjusted humans. And the star of the show is thirteen year-old Quinnissa. The voice chimes with ringing clarity right from the start of In My Head. There’s a Ronnie Spector precociousness to her sound as she sings of the teenage frustration of being unable to talk to her crush on 1000 Times. There’s a tonal purity when Quinnissa and Colleen harmonize. When the elder takes the lead, such as with the haunting Makes Me Wonder (for Ma’Khia Bryant) the emotion is just as pure.

Justice Cow – my dad died

Released September 5, 2023

Families are a funny thing. They can be the backbone of who you are as a person. Sometimes in spite of themselves. Jessica Kion’s father taught her how to play piano. As Justice Cow, she has gone on to create the most tear-inducing album of the year. my dad died celebrates the life, and mourns the premature death of her father, due to alcoholism. I don’t know what it would be like to be raised by a parent with such a crippling disease, but I imagine the emotions are mixed, and deep. Kion lays her emotions out in full view right from the start of the record. Waiting For A Haunting imagines a ghostly conversation with her father. Unrelenting lays bare the hardships endured because of her father’s illness, before gloriously dissolving. On Read The Room she regrets the time she lashed out at her father when he was beyond control. On Just Like You, she lists the many things that her father gave her. Despite his downfalls, she endears to be like her old man. Jessica’s voice cuts right to the heart. Devastating.

Sampha – Lahai

Released October 20, 2023:

I referred to the Rahill album as the “Dark Horse” of the year, but what’s great about 2023 is how many of my favourites are of the “creeper” variety, in that it took some time to realize the hidden greatness within. Take Sampha’s Lahai: it was released in late October, but it wasn’t until quite recently (after seeing his NPR Tiny Desk Concert six weeks later) that my ears truly opened. Lahai is a delicate masterpiece, with multiple moving parts that work in consort with each other. Nothing overwhelms Sampha’s warm-toned voice, and the vocal arrangements are rich and nuanced. Glorious.

Who will take the Prize? Check back next week, Sunday, December 31 for the presentation of the 2023 New Music Jason Prize at 9 am EST.

The New Music I’m Listening To Egregiously This Week, November 11 – 17, 2023:

Wooohoooo! What a tremendous week in New Music! A glorious mix of “Hotly Anticipated,” and “New Surprises” to get my endorphins flowing.

We have fifteen(!) titles to deeply dig. No walls, only the bridge. My supper dish, my succotash wish! Sing it, baby!

A single to start this week’s findings comes from MC and Producer Deca. The NYC Artist preaches on the frustration of life during wartime on War. Who’s going to get peace, when they’re still getting a piece?

Deca – War

The week began with raised eyebrows at the news of an album from former OutKast member André 3000. The notoriously strange person has indeed dropped a new album, but it’s not what you’d expect. The completely instrumental New Blue Sun features Dre’s newfound love; his big wooden flute. Featuring production from Carlos Niño, the ninety-minute album contains 7 tracks featuring lengthy, expository titles like, “That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control…Sh¥t Was Wild”. New Age/Ambient, and quite meditative.

A multi-instrumentalist based in Iran has amassed an ensemble to create a lush and nuanced album. Arif Mirbaghi’s Mutual Occultation breathes new life in the household, with Chromatic Harmonica, flute, and Accordion providing much of the lead. Textured Production offers the listener much to explore, and begs for multiple listens.

Nicole Brady is a pianist and composer that is from Australia, but is based on Vancouver Island. Her debut album, Lost Palace, was made in conjunction with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The eight tracks are a delicious blend of Classical and modern beat-making.

*Nicole Brady, Royal Scottish National Orchestra – Lost Palace*

Directly from my BandCamp Wishlist, but more accurately from the swinging City of London, duo VÄLVĒ has released their sophomore album. On Tiny Pilots Chlöe Herington provides lead vocals along with an arsenal of instruments, whilst Emma Sullivan brings backing vocals and bass. It’s a very agreeable journey, where harp twists and turns around tight harmonies. Brilliant.

To Detroit we go now, to meet up with Zoos Of Berlin. The Indie quintet has released Busy With People; an eleven-track album that harkens to early New Wave with deep bass and Dance grooves.

The City of Barrie, Ontario was the closest City to where I was growing up, a 40-minute drive away. It was where you would move if you were too intimidated by Toronto, but wanted to assert some independence. My sister works at the McDonald’s in the Walmart. If you’re in town, say hi to Lorri. Meanwhile, check out this compilation from Barrie Label Tarantula Tapes. Tracknaphobia Vol. 3 contains twenty-four bands from Ontario, including Peterborough’s Garbageface, Newmarket’s Bilious, and Barrie’s own Angry Spells. Spanning sounds from Garage Pop, Hardcore Punk. Hip-Hop and beyond.

Alex Walton is a Songwriter and Producer from Boston, Mass, with a brash confessional streak. The Artist wears her heart on her sleeve throughout the twenty-three tracks of I WANT YOU TO KILL ME. Don’t let the title scare you away, because first of all, it rocks and requires full volume. Secondly, the album ends with the anthemic I Don’t Want To Kill Myself Anymore.

A band from Chicago that I recommended back in February is back with another EP. Cel Ray is a feisty Punk combo that is riling up the pit at My Imaginary Sweaty Dive Bar. Piss Park is four tracks, eight minutes, no messing around!

If you were to ask me to name a country that I think is cool, I would immediately respond Czechia. I’ve never been there, and it probably has its downside, but it seems to have, per capita, the largest population of forward-thinking and unique Artists and Musicians in the world. You can give thanks for that impression, in part, to the excellent Independent Label Korobushka Records. It’s not merely the home to my favourite living Artist, Petr Válek, but it seems that every release is inspired, and just to the left of normal. Take this week’s release from Brno’s sinks. born into this only to get through this is nine tracks of punchy, crooked guitar and catchy hooks. Vocals have a slightly Emo, and oddly American sound to them. Slightly like early U2, if Jonny Greenwood played guitar. Don’t sleep on the Czech Republic!

*sinks – born into this only to get through this*

An Artist and Producer from Baltimore has been releasing a series of remixes and mashups called his Trash Series. J.Robb’s sixth volume released this week and it runs the board in terms of style and substance. Jungle beats mix with Downtempo flips of current Club hits. #NoSampleSnitching

It’s an excellent week for conscious, intelligent and experimental Hip-Hop. Including André 3000, four of my favourite MCs are back to rock my world, and I’m also discovering new Artists that fit that mould. From Ninja Tune side-label Big Dada, H31R is a duo based in Brooklyn and New Jersey. Producer JWords and rapper/vocalist maassai combine to create the terrific HeadSpace. Positive courageous vibes.

Also from NYC is a Producer and DJ known as Blockhead. The reason I’m excited for The Aux, aside from the excellent Production, is the many featured MCs. Aesop Rock, Open Mike Eagle, Billy Woods, Danny Brown and Bruiser Wolf are just a few of the great rappers making their presence known. Drop the needle!

Brooklyn’s own Homeboy Sandman has been rocking my world these last few years. His ingenious rhymes and singsong delivery place him well above his peers. His work pace is also prolific, and evidenced by his new release. Last year, Sand released a collection of tracks that he’s unable to monetize for various reasons. This week, I Can’t Sell These Either follows it up, and if you don’t know, now you know.

*Homeboy Sandman – I Can’t Sell These Either*

No surprises here, but my Feature Pick for this week is Danny Brown’s new album. Quaranta. After I discovered Brown, via his features on his Bruiser Brigade label, I’ve been eagerly anticipating a new solo album. Danny is a very astute and funny MC, with a twisted view of life, and this album has him grappling age and sobriety with his trademark sense of humour. Also featuring is the mighty Bruiser Wolf, who could use a new album himself.

Groove is in the heart! And I truly couldn’t ask for another. What about you, friends!

Take care of yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To Unceremoniously This Week, October 28 – November 3, 2023:

Holy Sheep Shit! Such a tremendously girthy Release Week, you need two hands to hold it properly. And you may need to sit down. I have fourteen recommendations this week. Buckle up!

Oh! And I listened to what is purported to be “The Last Beatles Song” so you don’t have to. Please take this from a huge Beatles fan: Don’t waste your time. It’s a great big NothingBurger. For heart-stopping emotionality, I recommend Derek Stevens’ The Lady I Know. For mediocre banality, Now And Then might be for you.

Derek Stevens Audition

I think that my first pick for this week is my first to come from Asbury Park, New Jersey. You would expect the home of Bruce Springsteen would have scads of Garage Bands who were inspired by The Boss to live a life of poverty through Music. NYLON is one of the few, I suppose. The quartet’s new single, PC VIOLENCE/SUSPECT is a furious one-two punch of snappy guitars and unrestrained vocals. Pogo while you work!

An Artist from the great collegiate city of Athens, Georgia that I recommended back in January is back again with a new EP. On PIN PRIK FUK YU ! Rubber Udder has gone from a solo operation to a full-fledged Rock & Roll combo. Starting off with the only kind of ‘Intro’ song I want to hear (3 seconds. Long enough to say the album title.) the band go through some short punchy Punk, before an extended instrumental jam at the midpoint. After Ethiopia, they return to their noisy and dissonant haze, with mad distorted vocals. Feel the power!

A Power-Punk trio from London is gripping my ears by their trunks and shaking them furiously. Girls In Synthesis have been recording since 2017, and their latest EP Die Leere finally has my attention. Four tracks of energetic and noisy Rock driven by thunderous bass and synth. The vocals brings a sense of foreboding to the backdrop of Industrial Noise.

I love Punk Bands. There’s such an earnestness to the ethics of being in a proper Punk Band. It comes to a point where it can get exhausting, which is why it’s important to maintain a sense of humour. London band RITES OF HADDA refers to their style as “Sax ‘n’ drag and rock ‘n’ roll.” They began at a weekly jam session that was held at a North London squat and they’ve gone on to release their debut album. OCCULT SEX WORKER. The seven-piece shine on ten tracks, lovingly adorned with charming out-of-tune saxophone. Vocalist Wasp is Peter Murphy/Lux Interior levels of Gothic Punknicity.

Korobushka Records is a label straight outta Czechia that releases Music by left-of-centre Artists, including my favourite living Artist, Petr Válek. This week, another solo Artist, of whom I believe Petr would approve, is Bedroom Rock Musician Nichi Mlebom. He’s released his Bear Tape, vol. 2 EP and it is five songs that showcase his slightly detuned vision of radio-friendly Pop. The EP is sliced n the middle with the instrumental and ponderous Cassettery, but picks right back up with Breakfast at McDonald’s, which is lofi Bee Gees at its finest.

Valentina Magaletti is a Percussionist and Composer from London who I’ve featured in the past, both as a Solo Artist, and in cohort with others, such as her Holy Tongue project with Al Wootton and Susumu Mukai. Better Corners is her collaboration with former Wire member Matthew Simms, and member of Kim Gordon’s band Sarah Register. Continuous Miracles, Vol. 2 is a six-track full-length that nods to sonic inspiration from Kim Gordon’s other band Sonic Youth. Atmospheric and gentle with crashing electronics and Ambient waves. Time for Deep Thought.

*Better Corners – Continuous Miracles, Vol. 2*

Wayne Grim is a Composer and Sound Artist from Richmond, California who has worked with many Artists in the past, including Kronos Quartet. His new album, Electric Space Gardeners is inspired by Poet Jovi Schnell’s piece of the same name, and features quotes from the original. The Music is wondrous and ponderous, with the magical voice of Majel Connery there to comfort.

Steven Lee is an Indie Outsider Hip-Hop Artist from LA. He has made a name for himself at quangou, but after getting to know Beastie Boys keyboardist Money Mark, the instrumentalist bestowed Lee the nickname steebee weebee. On his new album puer aeternus Lee demonstrates what the kids used to call ‘mad skills on the mic’. He has a melodic flow to his rhymes, without the aid of Autotune. Lee brings an updated boombap production, though it be the lowest of fi. Don’t sleep on this one, beatheads!

*quangou aka: steebee weebee – puer aeternus*

Animal Hospital is the name for Experimental Musician Kevin Micka, from Cambridge, Massachusetts. The multi-instrumentalist and composer has released a new four-song LP, titled Shelf Life. These longer songs are hypnotic, and fully immersive. Think: the instrumental meanderings of Kid A/Amnesiac, with a prolonged sense of purpose. The Main Course is the sixteen-minute His Amazing Friends, with it’s first taste of human voice, humming through the drone before succumbing to dirty Synth punches, leading to the drums. Choon!

My Imaginary Nightclub is having an African Week in The Main Room. Warming up the imaginary masses is a White Label from Uganda. WULFFLUW XCIV is an anonymous DJ AND Producer recording for HAKUNA KULALA Records. The skittish and refined beats on Toxica take Afrobeat and thoroughly abuse it with harsh Electronics. Highlight is Kluck, with its flute loop and pounding Bass, and abrupt stops and starts.

The Headliner in The Main Room is a Collective from West Africa that was amassed by Gianna Greco and François R. Cambuzat. Ndox Electrique features member of Cape Verdian n’döep community. Tribal voices and drums meld with guitar and tasteful electronics on Tëdd ak Mame Coumba Lamba ak Mame Coumba Mbang. The troupe will surely be a big hit when they play the Main Stage at My Imaginary Festival next Summer.

*Nox Electrique – Tëdd ak Mame Coumba Lamba ak Mame Coumba Mbang*

I haven’t watched a TV Show or Movie in years. I’d rather spend my time listening to Music, and as you can see, it never ends! And from time to time I can enjoy a new movie in the most vicarious of ways; by listening to its Score. Rye Lane is a new British RomCom, and the Music from it is worth your time. The Musician behind it is London Producer kwes. and his Original Score is a slice of life in the city, which I assume ties to the movie. Sampha and Tirzah make a couple of appearances.

With it being the beginning of the month, it still means (for the time being) that BandCamp Friday is still a thing. I hope you’re taking advantage of it while we still have the chance. I didn’t really need my Wishlist to find ample New Releases to talk about this week, but it still came through. As I mentioned on Tuesday, Marnie Stern has returned to her de facto Solo Career, after establishing herself as the Guitarist for Seth Meyers House Band. I’m pleased she’s returned with such a great record. The Comeback Kid is an energetic Indie Rock record that leans on Stern’s athletic guitar skill. Her voice isn’t anything to sleep on either.

London trio bar italia have been steadily making a name for themselves via steady gigging and their successful debut album, Tracey Denim, back in May. They’ve already followed up with a new full-length, and The Twits is a great demonstration of their winning hooks and boy-girl vocals. It’s my Feature Pick for this week.

Are you okay? Did I overwhelm you with awesomeness? I’m sorry for party rocking, it’s just the man I am. Drink a Gatorade, you’ll be fine. You have to take care of yourself! Be good, Possums!