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I'm really excited about exploring new artists and new music this year. I think in years past, it's been easy to find new music by artists I've loved rather than expand my horizons. This week is a good example of a mix - some of my favorites along with something shiny and new (to me...and maybe you). So let's get to it.
Singles of the Week:
“Emily I’m Sorry” by boygenius
Let’s rejoice - one of music’s great supergroups is back! boygenius (Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker) delivered three songs this week with the standout track being “Emily I’m Sorry”. A beautiful love song that captures all sides of love. The pull of love, tugging at you amid hopes of stability and a relationship. The joining of voices at the chorus by Bridgers, Dacus and Baker gave me chills. The full length release comes out later this year.
“Weightless” by Arlo Parks
A favorite of this blog, Arlo Parks is back with her new single. The London-based singer sings about caring about someone who doesn’t give anything in return. “It’s about suddenly realizing that a person has dulled your edges and embarking on the slow journey back to being a brighter version of yourself.” With just enough funky beat and a dreamy keyboard, the song sets the stage for something really special and not a sophomore slump.
“Easy Now” by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Step back in time with the new track from Noel and his band. Really reminds me of old school Oasis. Sweeping sounds that crescendo to a fantastic sing-along chorus. Gallagher is reclaiming his past and paying homage to his Manchester roots. There’s a daydream feeling to the new track and of course a Beatles feel to it. I’ve always thought Noel was the more talented of the brothers and this track cements that to me.
Albums of the Week:
Wrong Side of Paradise by Black Star Riders
Famously born from the 21st century incarnation of Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders deliver a shot of pure rock and roll with some fist pumping tunes along with some hints of funk. In a time when so many rock bands dip their toe into the remix world, the Riders stay tried and true to what got them here. Favorites include the politically charged “Green and Troubled Land”, “Better Than Saturday Night” featuring Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and “Wrong Side of Paradise”. Turn this one up to eleven.
The Power and the Glory by The Bad Ends
When Five Eight frontman Mike Mantione was writing new music, he ran into a good friend in Athens, Georgia - it just happened to be former-R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry. The duo recorded some tunes, eventually adding a few more people, a created/recreated that Athens jangly-guitar that we grew up listening to with bands like R.E.M., Pylon and so many others. The theme is dying - yeah, that kinda sucks, but with favorites like “The Ballad of Satan’s Bride”, “All Your Friends Are Dying” and the beautiful “Left To Be Found”, it makes growing old(er) a bit easier.
To What End by Oddisee
DC-based rapper-producer Oddisee is back with his first album in six years. Drawing on the music of DC, go-go, Oddisee has written about his mental health and family (things that he’s focused on in the last six year). The layers of sounds and music all create something thought provoking and funky. Favorites include “Already Knew”, “Ghetto to Meadow” and “All I Need”.
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