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It’s been a while since I brought you some new music to check out, so let’s do it! It’s New Music Friday and here’s what I’m digging this week. I hope you find something you like.
Singles of the Week:
“Love For Sale” by Carbon Leaf
New music from one of our favorites - Carbon Leaf has been a staple in our household for years. Their December shows at The Birchmere are tradition for myself and my daughter. Their new single is a fantastic blend of their rock sensibilities and their rootsy sound. They seamlessly combined a more modern rock sound with their previous work, layers of music with fantastic guitar work along with Barry Privett’s vocals (and the harmonizing from the rest of the band) that build to a beautiful end.
“My Mind & Me” by Selena Gomez
A lot of us know Gomez from the fantastic show “Only Murder In The Building” and from her early pop work. Gomez has a new documentary coming out that explores the singer’s struggles with her physical health, mental illness and celebrity. The song is an accompanying piece to the documentary and is a tender, two-minute recognition of the struggles she’s been through and where she’s heading. It’s both heartbreaking and inspiring and worth hearing.
Albums of the Week:
Palomino by First Aid Kit
There’s a shift in the latest from the Swedish duo and it’s a welcome change. Incorporating a more pop sound into a number of songs. Sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg still bring the folk sounds that drove their previous releases and their harmonizing is once again spot on. This is the first time since their debut that they recorded in their home country, there’s a freshness about the new release. There’s hints of Fleetwood Mac tied into their Americana sound. The title is appropriate as palomino breeds aren’t usually born with their famed golden coats, rather the hue develops with age - just like the music of First Aid Kit. Check out my favorite track, “Turning Onto You”.
If I Ever Get There by Brittney Spencer
Baltimore native Brittney Spencer has signed with Elektra Records and is poised to take the country music world by storm. If her three-song EP is any indication, we’re in for a real treat! Having worked with heavyweights Maren Morris, Willie Nelson and everyone in between, Spencer has shaped a fantastic country sound, classic with just enough of a modern twist. Check out my favorite track, “Better As Friends”.
Lagoon by Bird Streets
On his 2018 release, John Brodeur (the main man behind Bird Streets) brought along power-pop great Jason Faulkner to help create a fantastic album of smart pop songs. Faulkner is gone for this go round, but Bird Streets has plenty of firepower of his own/their own, along with some fantastic guests. The vibe is darker this time around, but the melodic tunes and sweet vocals are still there. Lyrically, he’s dealing with divorce, depression and doubt. Not the uplifting lyrics you want? Trust me, stay for the complex and frankly, gorgeous music that accompanies it all. With Aimee Mann, Ed Harcourt and Big Star’s Jody Stephens, Brodeur has created a subdued power-pop release that will resonate with many. Check out my favorite track, “Unkind”
Where I’m Meant To Be by Ezra Collective
Don’t put Ezra Collective in a corner and don’t try to define their music. Ezra Collective have been on an upwards trajectory since debuting in the mid/late 2010s. Their songs blend jazz, hip-hop, reggae, Afrobeat, funk, R&B and so much more. Their latest makes sure you can’t naturally put it in a category, which harkens back to days of past. Their musicianship is top notch and between the regulars in the band and the guests (including the great Emeli Sande), Ezra Collective has dropped one of my favorites of 2022. Check out my favorite track, “No Confusion”.
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