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We’re only a few days away from Election Day and while it’s critical to keep focused on what’s important, be sure to take time for your own self-care. Maybe that’s a long walk, a good bottle of wine or some good music. That’s where I come in – Let’s see what tasty tunes there are this week:
- Sam Smith – The English singer’s third release is, as he describes it, his first “proper heartbreak” record. Smith’s voice is at its best along with some great guest appearances from Burna Boy, Labrinth and others. Check out the track “Love Goes”
- Busta Rhymes – It’s been eight years since we’ve had new music from Busta. The star-studded release was a labor of love for Rhymes who took his time and focused on doing something different and enjoyable. It’s a good thing to have new music from Busta. Check out the track “Look Over Your Shoulder”
- Ane Brun – A singer-songwriter from Norway releases her first or two albums this fall. Brun ended a creative dry spell after the death of her father in 2016 and delivers emotional lyrics over a mix of pop music and electronic beats. Check out the track “Fingerprints”
- Common – Surprising fans with this release, Common delivers an amazing group of songs that uplift, heal and inspire listeners dealing with racial injustices as well as other social injustices. Check out the track “A Riot in My Mind” (featuring Lenny Kravitz)
- Nothing – The Philly rock band delivers a buzz worthy release of crunching, sonic songs with layered guitars creating a heavy shoe-gazing sound. Check out the track “Say Less”
- Elvis Costello – Always happy to hear new music from Mr. McManus. Always a chameleon, Costello doesn’t just sit back and do the same thing over and over again. This time around, Costello finds space between modern and classic ranging from sampling sounds to Randy Newman. Check out the track “Hetty O’Hara Confidential”
- Cam – The country-pop singer returns with a strong release of non-classic country, although her soaring voice would soar in The Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry. Check out the track “The Otherside”
- 38 Spesh – No, it’s not anything connected to the southern-rock .38 Special. The rapper-producer has put out a special album of strong lyrics over minimal music and samples. Check out the track “Stand Up”
- Andrew Bird – While known for his gorgeous violin playing, Bird’s beautiful tenor of a voice is pure, bright but hushed. Check out the track “Alabaster”
- Creature Comfort - The band’s sound, which mixes elements from rock, folk and psychedelic pop, is deeply rooted in and influenced by their home state of Tennessee. Check out the track “Black Cat”
- King Khan – The Canadian musician/producer delivers his first ever jazz album with help from members of Calexico and the Sun Ra Arkestra. You hear touches of Sun Ra along with Ornette Coleman and many others who paved the way. Check out the track “Mister Mystery”
- Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche – The mother-daughter duo have produced a gorgeous folk album with rich harmonies and tender, lilting music. Check out the track “Ruins” with background vocals from The Indigo Girls.
- Eels – The quirky alternative band returns with their 13th album full of melodic, emotional and personal tracks (leader Mark E is recently divorced). Check out the track “The Gentle Souls”
Today’s featured release is from Joni Mitchell and while it’s not necessarily new music from her, it’s a beautiful journey back to discover the gentle folk sounds that launched an amazing career.
The 5-disc collection, Archives Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967), is the first archival release from her vault. It’s a collection of folk club tapes, radio broadcasts and home-made demos from her pre-recording-artist years.
Every song, no matter who wrote it, becomes a Joni song. Hearing some of the introductions before she breaks into song extends the story-telling aspect of Mitchell.
The release comes on the heels of a rare interview she conducted with Cameron Crowe where she touches on life before fame, the correct way to sing her songs – and her long struggle to walk and talk again after an aneurysm.
We’re reminded through the music and interview what a gift Joni Mitchell was and is. In the interview she states “The words to the song are your script. You have to bring the correct emotion to every word. You know, if you sing it pretty – a lot of people that cover my songs will sing it pretty – it’s going to fall flat. You have to bring more to it than that.”
Mitchell brings more to every song – take the time to dive into this collection. It’ll take you a while, but it’s worth it.
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