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It’s New Music Friday (on Saturday) on Dave’s Mixtape and while the focus this week is on Taylor Swift’s new double album, there’s other great music out from Pearl Jam, Nas, Lucky Daye, Fontaines D.C. and much more. Here’s what I’m digging:
Singles:
Lucky Daye - “HERicane”
The R&B hitmaker has put out a fantastically funky track with some sexy guitars and vocals from Daye and producer D’Mile. It’s a song about being grounded in chaos - whether that’s a relationship or professionally - not being afraid to be yourself. Daye has consistently put out fresh tracks and this one is no exception.
Nas w/DJ Premier - “Define My Name”
On the 30th anniversary of his iconic debut album Illmatic, Nas is back with a taste of what’s to come in 2024 - a full album. The bass thumping track has Nas looking back at his legacy and his name in the rap industry. It’s long overdue that we get fresh music from Nas - can’t wait to hear more.
Joy Oladokun - “Questions, Chaos & Faith”
The latest from a favorite here finds the singer contemplating the death of a friend and the exploration of grief and religion and everything in between. With stacked vocals sitting atop acoustic guitars, it’s another fantastic track from the immensely talented singer-songwriter. And we all can agree with her lyrics “Nothing is certain, everything changes.”.
Fontaines D.C. - “Starburster”
The post-punk band delivers a cool, creepy and innovative song from their upcoming album. With drums that head more into trip-hop and some creepy guitar and synth sounds, it’s a step in another direction for a fantastic band. The song came from a panic attack suffered by lead singer Grian Chatten and the sharp inhales throughout the song give an added dash of stress.
The Mavericks w/Sierra Ferrell - “Moon & Stars”
I remember first hearing The Mavericks back in 1994 with their ultra-cool album What A Crying Shame. Their Latin-flavored, country sound is still fresh and Raul Malo’s voice is spot on as always. Adding to the lead single is backing vocals from the fantastic Sierra Ferrell. It’s a gorgeous combination that makes you want to sway along under the moon and stars.
Albums:
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology
Okay - let me get to the point - I like the latest from Taylor - It’s got some really great songs. However…I feel like she took what she created on her last three albums and spit this out. We all know the story. The first 16 songs came out at midnight, then Swift released the second part of The Anthology - another 15 songs. After a full listen yesterday, I’ll go on record as saying I like the additional 15 songs more than the first 16 (although “Florida!!!”, “So Long, London” and “loml” are really strong). Dip into the later songs like “So High School”, “The Prophecy” and the Kim K diss “thanK you aIMee” for some of her strongest work. I’m not going to touch on who songs are written about - just that I hope that Taylor’s next step is to step back for a bit and maybe dip into something different for her - listen to some Paramore or Beach Bunny and come back with something a little riskier.
Pearl Jam - Dark Matter
Pearl Jam have been releasing albums since 1991 and their latest is easily in the top 5 of theirs all-time. Working with producer Andrew Watt, the band finds new energy in the songs that are crisp and fresh. The sound is that of a band that feeds off one another in the studio. The title track bursts with fierce guitar play and “React, Respond” has such a killer rhythm section driving the song that you can’t help but bop along. As for Eddie Vedder, his vocals are still dark yet powerful. Other highlights include “Upper Hand” and “Wreckage”.
Wyatt Flores - Half Life
He’s one of the best songwriters in country music that you’ve never heard of - and it’s time you do. Flores’ new EP is full of love, life and death and finds himself fully into the highway lane of Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan. He’s the type of singer I hope can come in and help save country music with so many other talented artists from the bro-country and pop crap that has dominated the radio and charts for so long. Highlights include the title track, “Milwaukee” and his cover of “How to Save a Life”.