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It’s New Music Friday (on Saturday) on Dave’s Mixtape and it’s full of great new stuff from artists like Red Kross, Willow, The Lemon Twigs and so much more. Here’s what I’m digging:
Singles:
Madlib - “Reekyod”
It’s been 20 years since Madlib’s classic Madvillainy came out and while he’s released a number of albums since and produced for other artists, it’s great to hear new stuff from one of the greats. Working with two generations of rap talent (The Roots Black Thought and the Ukrainian-American rapper Your Old Droog), the new track from Madlib is a fierce piece of work that focuses on artistic freedom with each rapper trading beautifully - a true triple threat.
Aluminum - “Everything”
The San Francisco-based band’s new single is pure indie-pop with hints of shoegaze and power-pop and it’s real ear candy. The sound is tighter than previous releases with lush effects and production all while Ryann Gonsalve lets their vocals surf gently over the fuzz.
Ra Ra Riot - “The Wish”
The indie-pop veterans first release of new music in five years is a folksy-acoustic track that was influenced by artists like Judy Sill and Fairport Convention. Later in the track there’s some cool use of a Hammond B3 organ while the harmonizing vocals harken back to the 1960s.
Redd Kross - “Candy Coloured Catastrophe”
The punk-pop-rock veterans (they formed in 1979 when the McDonald brothers were only 15 and 11) are back with a double album set for release later this year and the first single is heavy bubble-gum rock. Full of hip-shaking, crunchy guitars and some Beatle-inspired hints (the album was partially inspired after watching the Beatles documentary Get Back), it’s a welcome return.
Albums:
Frank Turner - Undefeated
Frank Turner writes hooks and his new album is full of them. He’s settled in nicely to combine his punk past with his poetic prowess. In one minute he can lament about lost youth and then kick down the doors in a blast of defiance. Always a favorite of mine, this one will be on repeat throughout the year. Highlights include “Girl From The Record Shop”, “East Finchley” and the tongue-in-cheek “Never Mind the Back Problems”.
Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
I really liked Dua Lipa’s album Future Nostalgia (it made my Best of for 2020) so I was excited to hear new stuff from the British superstar. There had been talk that Lipa was inspired this time around by Primal Scream, Massive Attack and Gorillaz - I just don’t hear it. The songs are certainly catchy - sounding more like disco-based modern music. The closest you’ll get is the catchy “Anything For Love” which is a true bop. Other highlights include “Illusion” and the funky “Houdini”. Don’t think this will make my Best of for 2024, but it’s a decent mix of catchy tunes.
The Lemon Twigs - A Dream Is All We Know
I dig what The Lemon Twigs have been putting out for years. The nostalgia just drips off the speakers. You’re taken back to the 60s and 70s with the gorgeous harmonizing (Beach Boys) and the musicality of artists like Todd Rundgren, The Raspberries and Big Star. It’s my dream combination! Their albums continue showing great maturity in their songwriting and their latest is no exception. This is one of my favorites of 2024. Highlights include “My Golden Years”, “They Don’t Know How to Fall in Place” and “Rock On (Over and Over)”.
Willow - empathogen
Speaking of favorite albums - Hello Willow! On her 6th album at just 23 years old, Willow focuses on influences like Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, all while incorporating complex music and syncopation. I also hear shades of early Fiona Apple. She’s showing great maturity in the songwriting and production. She’s also brought in some heavy current influences to work with on the album (Jon Batiste and St. Vincent). Highlights include “symptom of life”, “between i and she” and “pain for fun”. Throw some headphones on and dive fully into this one!
Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement
While most will classify Washington as a jazz artist - and there is certainly a reason for this with heavy influence from Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy and others, Washington has veered into more of a complex R&B artist creating his own sound that melds everything together. Working with some fantastic guests (Andre 3000, Thundercat, George Clinton), the album is full of rich and versatile tracks. Highlights include “Computer Love”, “Dream State” and “The Garden Path”.
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