Hi, everybody! We made it through another week together, and boy, am I glad to see you. As expected, we have a little quieter week in New Music picks. I have two singles and five albums for your listening and dancing pleasure today. Let’s hop right to it!
I never thought I would be recommending a single from Macklemore. He seemed too bland and commercial. This week, the Seattle MC released a single that captures the zeitgeist of the moment, and a show of support, not only the protesters on the US university campuses, but for the liberation of Palestine. I don’t like being political, but I just wish that we would stop killing each other. Hinds’ Hall lays it all plain, with cutting rhymes and painful truths.
Macklemore – Hinds’ Hall
Musician and carpenter Eyal el Wahab grew up in Tel Aviv, and is now based in Berlin. His group El Khat – القات is a trio, and their 2022 album Albat Alawi Op.99made the Shortlist for the New Music Jason Prize. They have a new album coming in September, and they’ve just teased us with a single. Tislami Tislami features instruments that el Wahab built himself, along with soulful unison vocals. The song is a celebration, in the face of adversity and pain.
To Italy now, where we find Composer and Bass Player Rosa Brunello. OnSenseless Acts Of Love, she is joined on horns by Jazz greats Tamar Osborn and Yazz Ahmed. Brunello’s Bass is front and centre on ten tracks, as it dances around Dub-inspired grooves and tricky rhythms.
Brooklyn Soul singer Yaya Bey has a warm and rich alto voice that burrows into your soul on her new album Ten Fold. The sixteen tracks run the gamut from downtempo burners to dancefloor bangers.
Manchester, England has long been a hotbed for exciting new Music, from The Cure and Joy Division, to The Smiths and Oasis. I’m glad to see that trend continue with an exciting duo. The Empty Page has been active for nearly a decade, and has just released their second album. Imploding takes Riot Grrl influences through a thrashy Pop paradigm, with wailing guitars and confident vocals.
There appears to be a bit of a renaissance in North African Desert Rock lately, with new releases from M’dou Moctar and others. Bab L’ Bluz is a quartet from Morocco that is led by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Yousra Mansour. Their second album, Swaken, is a vibrant and enchanting journey that displays Mansour’s powerful voice and instrumental prowess.
Producer and Engineer Sisso (Mohamed Hamza Ally) is a local legend in the Dar Es Salaam Music scene, with his studio helping dozens of up and coming Artists. His latest project is a collaboration with fellow Tanzanian Maiko, who plays keyboards and synth drums on Singeli Ya Maajabu. It is filling the dancefloor of My Imaginary Nightclub with Afro-House, techno and footwork and is my Feature Pick.
Hello, my friends! I hope you’re having a wonderful week. Not only is it Good Friday, it is a great Friday, with some excellent Music to share. I found eleven titles that fit the bill, so let’s dive in!
Bristol, England is bursting with so many talented Artists. Not content with just being the birthplace of Trip-Hop, it also hosts a burgeoning Rock scene. Cosmit is a five-piece from Bristol that has just released their third EP. Still Cosmitbegins with an upbeat bass groove and a wash of guitars. Lead singer Jerry Tadros oozes personality and is backed perfectly by Erica Freas and Kay Stanley on vocals.
A trio from Iran released an exciting four-song EP this week that’s exploding with energy. The group consists of Arif Mirbaghi on bass, guitar and keys, Farhad Asadi on percussion, and, on divine flute, Artashesh Grigorian. Tantalize your earbuds with Saba Biar Nasimi Ze Khak-e Shiraz’m.
An EP of a completely different sort has me pogoing through the kitchen while I make Jambalaya. Molbo is a four-piece Punk combo from Oslo. Crunchy guitar, insistent drumming and guttural vocals are prominent and satisfying on Rettferdighetens Ridder.
It really is the best time in human history to be a Music Fan. The easy access to Music from every studio, bedroom and garage is unprecedented. For instance, a Split EP from Philadelphia would never have made it beyond a few handmade cassettes, and I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of recommending it. Siltbreeze Records has put out a three-song EP, featuring three anonymous bands, called Sub Verse, Petticoats and Sole Sister. Scaling Triangles LP is “Name Your Price” on BandCamp and will twist your wee little mind with a ten-minute journey through Post Punk and Synthwave.
An Artist from London that I recommended last May has come back with a follow-up EP. Saya Gray’s QWERTY IIis a captivating combination of Indie Pop and R&B, with tasty production and charming vocals.
Guitar-based Music is still well and safe in the arms of the next generation of Artists. A Country Western is a band from Philadelphia, PA that inhabits the soul of early REM and slacker rockers like Pavement. Life on the Lawn is their most recent album and it is alive with vibrant guitars and marvellous twists.
I found a few Hip-Hop records to tantalize the senses. UK MC Matt Herbert has long been known in Underground Rap circles as Junior Disprol. His newest album, Def Cult, is self-produced, and includes features from DJ Jaffa and Roughneck Jihad. Skrewed beats and trippy samples make this a fun ride.
Shabazz Palaces is an Experimental Hip-Hop Artist based in Seattle. Active for nearly fifteen years, his new album, Exotic Birds of Prey, is my first experience with him. Awash in Bass, it is filled with heady flights of fancy that hit you in the gut. Released by the legendary Sub Pop Records.
A duo from LA has assembled a great group of players to create their new album. Shabaka Hutchings, Billy Woods, and Portishead’s Adrian Utley guest on Real Bad Man & Lukah’s Temple Needs Water, Village Needs Peace.Downtempoand chill, it conjures West Coast Hip-Hop and Trip-Hop with winning effect.
Also from Los Angeles, but of a completely different musical ilk, is a Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist named Fabiola Reyna. With her band Reyna Tropical she has released an expansive, twenty-track debut album. Malegria. Upbeat and charming Latin Pop and Electronic beats will have you on your feet.
My Feature Pick is tearing the walls down at My Imaginary Sweaty Rock Club. Sahra Halgan is a political refugee from Somalia who has been in Europe for over thirty years. Her latest album HIDDO DHAWR is steeped in desert guitar, traditional unison vocals, and swirling organ. Euphoric.
If you have some extra days off this week, I hope you are able to relax and enjoy yourself. And you know that you need to take great care of yourself. We’ll talk again soon!
It’s already the end of March, and this week sees the first major release of 2024. There’s been a lot of chatter (and casual racism) surrounding Beyoncé and her new album, which sees her pursuing her Country side. It’s bound to sell very well, and even though I may or may not recommend it, I hope she shuts up the idiots.
Beyoncé – TEXAS HOLD ‘EM
There are a fair amount of known Artists also releasing New Music this week, including Sum 41, Trippie Redd, Ride, Sheryl Crow and Enrique Iglesias.
RIDE – Monaco
There’s a healthy helping of titles from Artists I’m curious to hear, including Alejandro Escovedo, Texas & Spooner Oldham, fanclubwallet, The High Llamas, Ed Harcourt, and Saya Gray.
Alejandro Escovedo – John Conquest
My BandCamp Wishlist is sitting with seven releases on tap for this week. My highlight is Seattle Experimental Hip-Hop Artist Shabazz Palaces’ new record, Exotic Birds of Prey. Intriguing beats and rhymes make this a promising release.
Hello! We’re already at the end of October, and the New Releases keep a-coming. Double digits again this week, with eleven recommendations to plop down in front of you. Plop!
A one track single that came down the turnpike this week comes from Richmond, Virginia’s James Goodson. As Dazy, he released one of my favourite records of the year last March. Dazy is back with Forced Perspectiveand Goodson’s knack for a catchy hook is still in full force. One of the great writers working in Pop today, and deserves way more recognition.
Seattle’s venerable Sub Pop Records has a proper Singles Club that releases 7” vinyl records containing one song on each side. Their November release comes from local SynthPop band led by the duo of Alexander Attitude and Kendra Cox. Telehealth’s Mindtrap b/w Bitter Melodyis upbeat and lively NerdPop. The A-side features catchy wordplay and energetic drums whilst the flip side is a midtempo lyrical gem that speaks to the search for validation in these disassociated times.
Olympia, WA, duo Odor Eater is a Synth-based unit led by the enigmatic vocals of Harley Moore. Their second EP, Fairytale, which is released by St. Louis label Rotten Apple, has the cool detachment of early 80’s SynthPop. Think Gary Numan/Tubeway Army or early Depeche Mode, if they were fronted by PJ Harvey.
Rocket is a new quartet from Los Angeles that has been releasing singles these last few months. They’ve compiled their first five, and added two more, to their debut EP, Versions Of You. Uplifting guitars and the warm voice of Alithea Tuttle makes for a euphoric experience.
My BandCamp Wishlist is batting at an MVP level this week, with many of my recommendations coming from this handy little folder. Baton Rouge, Louisiana is where the duo known as SPLLIT is from and their latest album, Infinite Hatch is a Zappa-influenced weirdness, with challenging time signatures and progressions, mixed with straight Pop wonder.
Another entity that bats above league average (musically speaking) is the country/continent of Australia. You can always rely on the Aussies to come through with great Rock & Roll. One such Aussie is Jake Robertson. As Alien Nosejob, he is of the Bedroom Producer, multi-instrumentalist variety. Less than a year ago, I was introduced to him via his album, Stained Class. He’s back already with another full-length. The Derivative Sounds Of…Or…A Dog Always Returns To Its Vomittakes its Kinks-infused Poppy wonder through 80’s College Rock on thirteen tracks.
If I am not very much mistaken, the next recommendation is my first to be from the Northwest Territories in Canada. PIQSIQ is a duo of female First Nation throat singers that incorporate looping and layering of vocals to create a mysteriously idyllic sound. Spectral Harmonies is nine tracks of new compositions using nothing but my favourite instrument, The Human Voice. Immerse yourself in the gorgeousity.
Also coming from my homeland is French Singer/Songwriter Klô Pelgag. Hailing from Montreal, the Chanteuse is following up her successful 2020 album Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurswith a four-song EP. Sieste sur l’oreille droite is a delicately beautiful collection of mesmerizing melodies..
Not much this week from the Hip-Hop world, but I do have this one that needs to be shouted out. Uber Magnetic is the duo of Roughneck Jihad and Junior Disprol, and they share the mic on their self-titled full-length debut. Conscious rhymes and terrific production, paired with terrific turntablism from DJ Jaffa, DJ Krash Slaughta and Sir Beans OBE make this a winner.
One of my favourite male voices in the world today is Bristol’s Joe Yorke. His smooth and soulful falsetto brings to mind Jimmy Somerville, and his fierce honesty shines through on his most recent album, Hopeless. It’s a terrific follow-up to his April album with The Co-Operators, A Distant Beat. Lead-off single Man is a Rocksteady bop that takes the gender to task; “I don’t want to see another sister suffer at the hands of a man, no more. ‘Cause I am not a man, if that’s what a man is.” Young’s soaring voice takes you to the highest highs.
My Feature Pick for this week comes from an Artist I discovered last year and she becomes the first Artist to be chosen more than once as my Feature Pick. Marina Herlop is a pianist, vocalist, composer and producer from Barcelona. Her 2022 album Pripyat was a big success, and her newest, Nekkuja is a luscious collection of seven tracks incorporating Herlop’s gorgeous voice, harp, and ambient Electronics. Delicious.
I’m told that there will be a new song coming from The Beatles’ camp next week. In fact, it’s a very old song that has been given fresh life, thanks to film producer Peter Jackson.
One of my guiding principles, while writing about New Music, is to stay away from Posthumous releases, based on the notion that “Dead people can’t make New Music.” As such, you won’t find a recommendation from me for this “new” song. I’ll listen to it, probably once. But I feel nauseous about the whole thing.
I’m going to take care of myself. I’m hoping you all are doing the same. Talk soon!
The New Music, it keeps on a-flowin’ at a torrential pace this week, along with some very big Artists reissuing their Old Music (for monetary reasons).
You know, this whole “re-recording your music because you don’t own the originals” didn’t start with Taylor Swift. Ripping off musicians is a time-honoured tradition, and I’m pleased to see her get her bag. Also, Nirvana’s swan song, In Utero is getting its 30th anniversary release. That record holds a special place with me, as I was able to receive it the weekend before it was officially released, thanks to the kind owner of Collingwood’s 91 Discs who cared not about Street Date Embargos. They’re closed now, of course.
Nirvana – Milk It (Live In Seattle 1/7/94)
Leading the pack for New Music this week are Australia’s resident weirdos King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Future, Poppy, DJ Shadow, Sigrid and my favourite New Romantics, Duran Duran.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Theia/The Silver Cord/Set
Looking beyond the headlines, we have a panoply of Artists pitching their wares. I’m curious to hear the new sounds from Black Pumas, Sigrid, Mariah the Scientist, The Gaslight Anthem, Taking Back Sunday, Marina Herlop, James Blunt and Mayer Hawthorne.
Black Pumas – Ice Cream (Pay Phone)
My BandCamp Wishlist is sitting with nine titles that are due for release by week’s end. Today I’ll spotlight a duo from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Known as SPLLIT, they make Mathy ElectroRock with punchy angular stabs. Hope the new album, Infinite Hatch stands for itself when it comes out on Friday.
One more album I want to call out is coming from an Artist I love, and left us far too soon. Not enough people know about the amazing singer Kirsty MacColl, so I’m happy to be able to recommend a Career-Spanning collection due for release this week. See That Girl comes out Friday, and you should do yourself a favour.
Kirsty MacColl – England 2, Columbia 0 (Live At The Jazz Café, London, UK, 12th October, 1999)
Be a dear, if you’re back this way again and are in the market for some New Music; check out my weekly picks every Friday. Say, about noonish?
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.
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!
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.
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. Lstis 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 Arepois 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 Lahaithat is just as rich. Sampha’s voice soars with confident falsetto, and plenty of heart. My FeaturePick for the week.
Greetings friends! I hope everyone is happy and healthy. I’ve got ten active and healthy New Music picks ready to go!
I was unable to find a single to adequately start this week’s findings, but an EP from a new artist I just noticed this morning. Toronto-born Saya Gray has just released her sophomore effort; a seven-track release called QWERTY. Arpeggiated piano dissolves into wonky Drum & Bass beats, which greet Gray’s soft and inviting voice at the top of the record. This is a mini-adventure of challenging beats and disjointed aural candy.
American West Coast Hip-Hop Producer Mon$rock caught my ear back in October and has returned. Joining him is MC Mattie Bush on FOH, a banger of a ten-track album, with literate and sharp rhymes, and slapping production.
Arlo Parks’ second full-length My Soft Machinewas released this morning. It is a triumphant follow-up to a promising debut that demonstrates the confidence of the young writer and musician. Pop bumps into bedroom poetry in full blossom.
The country of Brazil has won my heart with their consistently terrific Musicians and Artists. One such Artist is Iara Rennó. The Grammy-nominated Singer/Songwriter and Producer has released a new album that sparkles and shines. Orí Okàn is eleven beautiful tracks that spotlight Rennó’s versatile and provocative voice. If someone could invent the Babelfish so I could understand what she is singing, I would appreciate it.
IzangoMa is a fifteen-piece ensemble comprised of musicians from Mozambique and South Africa. Their debut album, Ngo Ma, is eleven tracks steeped in rhythm and unidentifiable sound that conjure jungle imagery. Jazz meets the unknown.
An interesting clash of styles meets you on the new full-length from an anonymous Artist from The Netherlands. Coconutsby ThorHighHeels brings together wailing shoegaze guitars with Hip-Hop beats and samples. And it rocks.
Kassa Overall is a Musician, MC, and Producer from Seattle. His new album, ANIMALS, merges Jazz and Hip-Hop in a wholly future-forward soundscape. Includes a feature from my man Danny Brown.
A duo from Brooklyn has caught my attention this week. Releasing their first album for Matador Records is Water From Your Eyes. Everyone’s Crushedfeatures the dry and direct vocals of Rachel Brown, atop high quality Electronic production.
Stuck is a quartet from Chicago that tangle with New Wave-inspired angular beats and fascinating vocals of a David Byrne ilk. ‘Sweaty bar’-ready with mosh-friendly bops is what you’ll find on Freak Frequency.
My Feature Pick for this week comes for an Artist that’s new to me, but comes with a major heavyweight in his corner. Clark has been performing and recording Electronic Music for over twenty years, I’m told, and has released ten albums for Warp Records. His latest, Sus Dog is “Executive Produced By” Thom Yorke of Radiohead and The Smile. Clark’s voice reminds me of Yorke’s falsetto, but the production is unique, from Rave to Chillout Room. Brilliant.
I do hope you’ve found something to your liking. I try so hard. I know of your demands for satisfaction, and I can only try my best to find the Music that I love, and pass it on to you in the spirit of giving.
As the rain washes away what is left of our snow, a kind of peace has permeated the atmosphere. Try not to smile when the flowers blossom from the ground, and you’re surrounded with only the finest in New Music.
It’s been a grand week in New Music, and I’ve been lucky to find thirteen titles to share. It’s a Baker’s Dozen of sonic delights!
A single to start the week’s findings, and to get you primed for the musical celebration ahead. I recommended Maral’s most recent album back in October. The LA Producer and DJ is back with a new single. Wondering Dubis captivating Downtempo Instrumental Hip-Hop, with pounding bass and garbled samples.
All three of the Mainstream Indie Artists that I noted on Tuesday came through with winners this week, each in their own way. Singer-songwriter trio boygenius is comprised of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker. Their second album, the recordestablishes the group as a fully-functional unit, joined by the love to create beautiful melodies with sumptuous harmonies.
The San Francisco Rock quartet Deerhoof was involved in a collaboration that I am still enjoying called Congotronics International, so I was curious to hear how they sound on their own. Their new release, Miracle Levelis a bit of an oddball, in that all the lyrics are sung in Japanese, set to an adventurous Rock sound. It’s easy to get lost in their otherworldly surroundings.
Twenty years before boygenius were the ‘Supergroup du jour’, Solo Artist Neko Case, AC Newman of Superconductor, Dan Bejar of Destroyer, and several others formed The New Pornographers. Throughout the last two decades they’ve gone through lineup changes, but have now made ten albums together. Continue as a Guestis their latest, and Newman’s gift for writing a hook is no less diminished over time, and Neko’s voice is sublime. Favourite lyric, from track two Pontius Pilate’s Home Movies: “Now you’re clearing the room just like Pontius Pilate, when he showed all of his home movies, all of his friends yelling, ‘Pilate, too soon!’”
OK Party People, My Imaginary Nightclub is the place to be. Setting the mood is my literal House DJ, VitaminD. The turntablist and Producer from Seattle has been on the ones and twos since ‘89, and has worked with Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent, among others. On his latest, Ultimate Broken Beats, D has a master’s touch. He cuts up samples, both unknown and easily identifiable, taking them beyond their original paradigm, across 16 tracks.
I’m happy to be hearing from one of Danny Brown’s Bruiser Brigade. This crew of Detroit MC’s has been mostly quiet as of late, and I’m eager to hear more from a couple of these guys. One who hasn’t been quiet is Zelooperz. After a single back in January, he’s back with a new full-length. Microphone Fiend showcases the unique wordsmith’s original sing-song delivery, and steady flow of clever rhymes. Most of the sixteen tracks are produced by Dilip.
A collaboration that I have been enjoying between London Experimental Percussionist Valentina Magaletti and multi-instrumentalist Al Wootton, known as Holy Tongue, has turned into a trio with the addition of bassist Susumu Makai. Their first full-length, Deliverance And Spiritual Warfare, is ten tracks of Dubby exploration.
Louis VI is an acolyte of the London Jazz scene, a rapper, drummer and singer. His debut, Earthling, is fourteen sparkling tracks that showcase the artist’s considerable vocal skill and thoughtful lyrics.
If you need a rest, why not pop over to the Imaginary Chillout Room? Smoke the hookah and dig NY’s Avant Garde Jazz Drummer Bob Moses (Ra Kalam). He has been recording and performing since the late 1960’s, and performed with Roland Kirk as a teenager. He’s still out there, aged 75 and pushing boundaries. His latest project is a collaboration with Dutch Composer and Performance Artist Jaap Blonk and American Bassist Damon Smith. Rune Kitchenis four long-form tracks of exploratory Music, devoid of form, and full of surprises.
Another album that I plugged on Tuesday that I was excited to hear also came through for me. Trip-Hop legend Tricky has found a new ingénue. Polish vocalist Marta Złakowska has taken the reins in performing Tricky’s lyrics, and When It’s Going Wrong is among the best production work of his career.
Another album that I gave an anticipatory shoutout to on Tuesday has exceeded my expectations. London Brew is the collaborative effort of many of the mainstays in UK Jazz. The self-titled debut album is made in reverence of Miles Davis, and his musical explorations. It’s a deep dive!
Another debut comes to us from North and East Africa, via Geneva, Switzerland. Yalla Miku is a fusion of European Electronic Music and Moroccan and Algerian string instruments. The self-titled album will get your feet moving and your senses soaring.
Katie Gately is a Producer and Songwriter from Pasadena, California. In her time she has worked with Serpentwithfeet and Björk while eking out a career of her own. Her fourth album, Fawn/Brute, was created during her first pregnancy, and delves into the emotions she experienced, both beautiful and ugly. Experimental Pop of a higher level, this is my Feature Pick for the week.
Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you are all happy and healthy, and you’re getting a chance to relax.
As expected, it has been a quiet week in New Music, though I was able to find four titles to add to my life.
An unusual choice to start this week’s findings. I’ve always respected Taylor Swift for her songwriting skills and her ability to ride the waves of insane stardom. She seems to have her proverbial shit together. While I am not a fan of her production choices, for the most part, she sure can write a catchy song that is able to transcend. Case in point: Former American Idol contestant Josiah Leming has formed Josiah & The Bonnevilles, an acoustic-driven band that treads on Folk and Americana floorboards. The lead single for his new album is a cover version of Swift’s latest single, Anti-Hero. Here, he strips the song down to its core, with a jaunty Dylanesque harmonica. This holds up to repeated listens for me, and does more for my estimation of Ms. Swift than I previously considered. But I think I’m the problem. Hi.
Josiah & The Bonnevilles – Anti-Hero
The lone title I had remaining on my BandCamp Wishlist due to be released today (12/16), has yet to be uploaded in full, at the time that I type these words. I don’t want to let the moment pass, so I am going to recommend the new self-titled album from Climax Golden Twins, having only heard two songs. The band is a duo from Seattle, and this is their first new music since 2006. The new album purports to be eighteen tracks featuring Electronics and Found Sound. The track Fifty Bucks Worth has terrific drums with bleeps and bloops, and Asleep Forever incorporates vibraphone and positive vibrations.
An Egyptian Musician and Producer who resides in Chicago has released an interesting mashup of Eastern and Classical instruments. Karim Nagi specializes in traditional Arabic Music. However his latest release Arabized melts and reimagines the Music of Mozart and Vivaldi into something that succeeds in being instantly familiar and completely new.
A Post-Punk trio from Spain grabbed me by my ugly sweater and shook me to attention. Led by vocalist Jose Guerrero, Chavalan has a drum-and-two-bass approach to their sound design. Their debut album Semilla de los deseos is ten tracks of high-energy songs that fits just as easily on the Dancefloor of My Imaginary Nightclub as in My Imaginary Permanent Moshpit. It is my Feature Pick for this week.
Happy Tuesday to all my friends! I hope everything is tickety-boo where you sit, and you are basking in happiness.
The year is coming to an end, and so are the scheduled New Releases for 2022. This week’s posting of Upcoming New Releases will be the final of the year, and will return on January 2.
In terms of Music coming out between now and the end of December, there are a few Hip-Hop artists bubbling under with some acclaim, and some indie and unknown acts. I’m looking forward to hearing from The Alchemist and Your Old Droog on the 16th, and MIKE on the following Wednesday (12/21)
MIKE – Stop Worry! (feat. Sister Nancy)
Also coming out on the 21st is Weezer’s latest addition to their SZNZ: series of releases (as it’s the official First Day Of Winter.
Weezer – I Want A Dog
As it turns out I do have one title remaining in my BandCamp Wishlist due out before the end of the year. Climax Golden Twins is a duo from Seattle with an Experimental electro-acoustic vibe. Their new album is released this coming Friday (12/16).
Climax Golden Twins – Fifty Bucks Worth
I hope you have some time off to relax with the people you love. I’ll be back here on Friday. Until then, take good care of yourself, and I hope to see you around the punch bowl!
New Music Jason’s Picks 