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Yesterday got away from me so it’s a special edition of New Music Friday - this time on Saturday! Let’s not waste any time and get right into it - Here’s what I’m digging this week:
Beyonce - “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Queen Bey surprised everyone with this country crossover that’s been sucked up by country radio. With some support from the fantastic Rhiannon Giddens on banjo and viola, the foot stomping track is a nice turn from the pop/R&B leader. So dust off your boots and get onto the dance floor for a little do-si-do.
Pearl Jam - “Dark Matter”
Even 33 years into the game, Pearl Jam knows how to kick out the jams. The title track off of their upcoming album turns it up to eleven with Matt Cameron’s thundering drums setting the pace. This is the sound of a rejuvenated band - reminding me of the band I loved back in the 90s.
Total Strangers - “Watermarks”
Brought to me by band member and online music friend Mike Wagner, the song is a fantastic blend of rock and funk with will have you nodding along to every beat. The song and the upcoming album are the result of many who used to join in on a Friday Night Hootenanny on Zoom during the pandemic. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys.
Holly Humberstone - “Dive”
Coming off one of my favorite albums of 2023, Humberstone has shared info on a forthcoming EP while sharing this new song. Written back in 2022, “Dive” is a plea to a guy to not get involved with Humberstone - worried that she’d hurt him. The song stays with the formula that made her 2023 release so good. Sweet voiced, shimmering guitars and just enough synth.
Vampire Weekend - “Capricorn”
I’ve always been confused about my love of Vampire Weekend. There are some fantastic tracks and then I can’t quite get into the deeper cuts. But I always come back to them. One of the first tracks off of their upcoming album is a wistful ballad with an acoustic sway at the beginning leading into a more twisted orchestral movement, all supporting lead singer Ezra Koenig’s sweet vocals.
Kaiser Chiefs - “Beautiful Girl”
After releasing a fantastic track back in 2023, co-written with Nile Rogers, the boys are back with a catchy AF track that harkens back to their earlier days of sing-along choruses and driving guitars. It’s a true welcome back to a band I’ve loved for years.
Laura Jane Grace - Hole In My Head
Best known as the founder, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of the punk rock band Against Me!. Grace’s new solo album clocks in at just around 25 minutes and is a piece of pure punk. That’s not to say there isn’t more inspiration found here. The Beach Boy flavored backing vocals on the fantastic “I’m Not A Cop” is a strange but perfect twist. There’s restlessness and regret throughout with lyrics that constantly battle demons and the world. Other highlights include “Dysphoria Hoodie” and “Punk Rock In Basements”.
Gaby Moreno - Dusk
The Los Angeles-based (but native Guatemalan) singer-songwriter combines folk, Latin pop and blues to create a fantastic music palette. It’s a rare combination for an artist - but it works so well. Moreno has found the space to combine music genres without sacrificing one or the other. Highlights include “A Song In My Heart” and “Solid Ground”.
Black Art Jazz Collective - Truth to Power
Born in the early 2010s, the Collective brings together an accomplished ensemble of young African American musicians who felt that it was necessary to celebrate Black culture in a positive way. The group combines their improvisational skills into one fantastic jam and groove. It’s one of the best jazz albums I’ve heard in years. Highlights include “The Fabricator” and “Code Switching”.
Blackberry Smoke - Be Right Here
Southern rock is not dead - not if you listen to what Blackberry Smoke is putting out. Produced by the fantastic Dave Cobb, the album continues on their journey of combining vocal harmonizing with big guitars, organs and thumping drums. You’ll get flavors of Allman Brothers, The Black Crowes and just the right amount of country music. Highlights include “Dig a Hole”, Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Other Side of the Light”.
Royel Otis - Pratts & Pain
Coming off of their fantastic cover version of the Sophie Ellis-Bextor song “Murder on the Dance Floor” and last year’s great Sofa Kings, the Australian guitar-pop duo are back with another set of pure pop rock. There’s riffs galore and working with producer Dan Carey (who did great work with Wet Leg) helps draw out the hooks. Their music takes me back to the early 1990s alternative scene. Highlights include “Foam” and “Velvet”.