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I’m finally able to get to my laptop to write about new music that’s out this week. So there’s no time to waste, let’s check out what I’m digging this week:
- AJ Tracey – There’s something I love about British rappers and Tracey is one of them. Songs touch on going through tough times and putting your best foot forward. There’s an odd Michael Jordan connection – the title of the album is a reference to Michael Jordan’s flu game vs. the Utah Jazz in 1997. Check out the track “Little More Love”
- London Grammar – The latest from the UK electronic-pop trio is cinematic in its sound and I love lead singer Hannah Reid’s gorgeous vocals. They continue to grow as a band and despite some missteps, it’s an overall solid release. Check out the track “Lose Your Head”
- Sharon Van Etten – A favorite of the blog, the album includes her original 2010 breakthrough, plus front-to-back covers by Lucinda Williams, Courtney Barnett with Vagabon, Fiona Apple and others. Check out the track “Peace Signs”
- Conway the Machine – A second release in 2021 from the Buffalo rapper. With great producers and collaborators, it’s another stellar release from Conway. It’s soulful and funky and worth a listen. Check out the track “Clarity”
- Charlotte Jane – A cool EP from the singer from the UK. Solid production gives Jane a canvas to let her voice shine – and shine it does. The 5 songs leave me wanting more tracks from her in the future. Check out the track “Down Days”
- Greta Van Fleet – There will always be that Led Zeppelin comparison and while it’s fair, it’s not all that this band is about. There’s a richer sound from what they’ve previously released, touching on some prog-rock and dives into shades of Rush (from “2112”). Many will still scoff at the band, but thankfully they’re still pumping out rock music. Check out the track “Broken Bells”
- Cory Hanson – Breaking away from his band Wand, Hanson’s second solo release is sort of a sonic-cowboy –psychedelic mix. It’s a cool blend and something new to me. Check out the track “Angeles”
Today’s featured artist: Merry Clayton
What a tremendous story for Clayton. For those not familiar, Clayton performed the iconic background vocals of the 1969 Rolling Stones song "Gimme Shelter." But despite the fame and success of the record, Clayton remained largely anonymous. Until she was featured as one of the backup singers in the 2014 Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet from Stardom.” Beautiful Scars is her first album in over 25 years and features gospel songs and songs about overcoming. It's also her first album since she was in a car accident seven years ago, an accident that resulted in the amputation of both her legs from the knees down. I heard an interview with her a few weeks ago on NPR and was blown away by her positivity and bravery. You’ll be blown away by her voice – With the amazing Lou Adler at the board, this album is one to treasure.
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