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Happy New Music Friday everyone! Let’s get to it - Here’s what I’m digging this week:
Iron & Wine w/Fiona Apple - “All in Good Time”
The second single off of Iron & Wine’s upcoming album finds Sam Beam teaming up with the amazing Fiona Apple. It’s a gorgeous song with swooning strings and the waltz-like song is all about learning to be okay on your own.
Mt. Joy - “Highway Queen”
The rootsy indie rockers are back with a rollicking song about being in love with someone you see a bit of yourself in. It’s a song that has been built off of their earlier, lo-fi sounding tracks. The band sounds full and energetic. Be sure to roll the windows down in your car when listening to this one.
Jon Foreman w/Joy Oladokun - “In Bloom”
Switchfoot lead singer Foreman has a new solo album coming out later this year and the first single with Oladokun is a sweet meditation of searching for hope and allows Foreman to step back from the heavier sounds of his band. It’s
Kamasi Washington - “Prologue”
It’s been six years since Washington’s last album and “Prologue” combines the best of what Washington has already produced (incredible jazz music) with the music he’s latched onto lately (hence the guest list of Andre 3000, George Clinton and Thundercat). Washington has said that the new album and music was inspired by dance - how it connects to you through movement and expression.
Mickey Guyton - “Woman”
While there’s been a ton of talk about Beyonce’s dip into country music, Mickey Guyton has been breaking barriers and hearts for a while now in the country music circle. Here, she’s celebrating International Women’s Day with her latest single, a pop-infused country track that highlights her incredible vocals.
Cinema Hearts - “Kinda High School”
The fantastic indie rock artist from DC is back with a cool surf rock anthem about summer love. I’ve really liked her music and have always wanted to check her out live (she’s playing DC later this month). The new song is catchy as hell and worthy of adding to your weekend listening playlist.
Jade Bird - “You’ve Fallen In Love Again”
Break-up songs happen all the time - Bird’s latest song is more about the next step, the fear of finding yourself back in an unhealthy relationship. Bird's voice shines over a cool bass line and some trippy guitars. She’ll be on tour this spring - check her out if she comes to your town.
New Kids on the Block - “Kids”
It’s been over ten years since we’ve had new music from the boys from Boston. The new song is a reflection back to their younger days and how they’ve retained their youthful spirit in the present day. It’s a poppy, danceable track that will have so many shaking and grooving this summer.
Judas Priest - Invincible Shield
I may not cover metal music much on my blog, but the latest album from the legendary Judas Priest is in fact, epic! There are some twists and turns with the songs this time around, allowing a little bit of prog rock into the mix, but don’t be fooled, this is metal all the way. On a number of tracks, I feel like we’ve been transported back in time to the 70’s. Check out “The Serpent and the King”, “As God is my Witness” and “Sons of Thunder”.
Bleachers - Bleachers
The lead single from Bleachers latest album, “Modern Girl” is a modern-take of a Springsteen song and it’s the highlight of the album. The rest is a mix of indie pop and indie rock with changes in tempo from song to song and sometimes within each track. Overall, I find it quieter than previous Bleachers albums. Check out the soulful, “Call Me After Midnight”, and the slow burn of “We’re Gonna Know Each Other Forever”.
Norah Jones - Visions
It’s been 22 years since Jones burst on the scene with her Grammy-winning, debut album Come Away With Me. While there are still shades of that album on her latest, Jones has found in those years, inspiration from so many artists and grabbed onto them in her new work. She’s taken to a more rock-based sound with some garage-soul sounds that compliment her still perfect voice. Check out “Queen of the Sea”, “I Just Wanna Dance” and “Alone With My Thoughts”.
Moor Mother - The Great Bailout
Camae Ayewa, known as Moor Mother is a new artist to me. The Philadelphia poet and singer-songwriter’s new album takes on British history and the 1835 Parliamentary Act that granted 46,000 former slavers monetary reparations, which the government funded through a loan repaid through taxes collected through 2015. The songs here are haunting and in your face. With such heavy material, Moor Mother delivers an incredibly powerful album. Check out “COMPENSATED EMANCIPATION”, “SOUTH SEA” and “GUILTY”.
The Hanging Stars - On A Golden Shore
The UK band have fully embraced “Cosmic Americana” and Gram Parsons throughout their career and on their latest they’re more focused on tight melodies and harmonizing. There’s plenty to like here. Check out “Sweet Light”, “Raindrop in a Hurricane” and “Disbelieving”.
Chris Potter - Eagle’s Point
Saxophonist and composer Chris Potter has assembled an all-star line-up on his latest jazz album. Working with John Patitucci on bass, Brian Blade on drums and Brad Mehldau on piano, the quartet blows through a fantastic mix of high energy, bouncy tracks to slow, swaying, soulful ones. Check out “Cloud Message”, “Other Plans” and “Horizon Dance”.
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