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It’s hard simply to focus on new music today. And in no way will the songs and albums from these amazing artists change what the Supreme Court has done. But maybe the songs and albums can at least give us a minute to appreciate something good.
Not to put away our anger and outrage. But music can be fuel for humans - so let’s hope it can inspire and ignite all of us. Check out new music from these powerful women.
Singles of the Week:
“Angel” by First Aid Kit
The sister duo are back with their first single from their upcoming album. “Angel” takes what we love from the band. Gorgeous harmonies and folk music at its finest. The horns and upbeat tempo are a lovely change in what we’ve heard before and plays off the lyrics that focus on being kinder to ourselves - a song that as they describe, “something you can cry to and dance to as well.”
“Angry Woman” by Ashe
A great combination of indie and folk pop drives the new single from Ashe. A fierce performer, her new album is out in October and if this is a preview of what’s to come, it’ll be worth the wait. Ashe describes the song as “being fed up with the abuse of power and that it sometimes takes a little righteous anger to make a change.” Listen and get angry.
“It’s My Fault” by Willow
Get ready to rock with the latest single from Willow. She once again leans into the pop punk sound that spews emotions, channeling her frustrations into a heavier sound by the end of the song. It’s a song about being ourselves and being able to fully process our feelings without shame. Shortly after the arrival of the new song, Willow was among those to speak up against the overturning of Roe v. Wade on Friday. “The U.S government continues to fail us time and time again. I am speechless at the level of ignorance and political violence that the overturning of Roe v Wade signifies.”
Albums of the Week:
Home, before and after by Regina Spektor
The indie-pop goddess is back with ten perfect songs. Sophisticated and quirky, Spektor’s songs and singing soar with confidence. Following a six-year span between albums, Spektor wrote songs that were less somber than her previous release and focused on funny, heartbreaking stories. “One Man’s Prayer” is a glossy soft-rock song that satirizes the ways people disappoint each other. “Loveology” is a song Spektor has been playing live for years, she’s finally found a home for it on this release. It’s a complicated song about pining for an absent or former lover. My favorite track is “Raindrops” a piano-driven song that tackles longing. Spektor has always written novels for songs. She’s a storyteller who deserves our “not worthy” feelings. She’s a gem who continues to make amazing music.
Spur by Joan Shelley
The Louisville folk singer/songwriter touches on her past while looking at her current life - picking yourself up, dusting off and moving forward with life. Amid tender guitars, Shelley’s timeless voice shines like Joni Mitchell. Newly married life and the birth of her daughter drive part of the new album, but the songs are never far from the worry. “When the Light Is Dying” touches on nature's beauty with humanity's darkness as she drives across the plains listening to Leonard Cohen's "You Want It Darker." The brief “Between Rock and Sky” is as tender a song as you’ll find in her collection. Favorite was tough to pick, but “Home” is a reflection on the joys of domesticity. It’s an ambling song that shines with beauty and grace.
Sometimes, Forever by Soccer Mommy
An influence to many in her short time as an artist, the artist known as Soccer Mommy (Sophie Allison) shoegazes her way into our hearts once again. She’s added layers to her music thanks in part to her working with producer Daniel Lopatin. The opener “Bones” is an instant classic. It’s as mainstream and poppy as you’ll get from her. That’s not to say it isn’t gloomy - because it is. As one reviewer put it, the new album could be the feel-bad hit of the summer. But we all could use that, right? The grunge-like “Don’t Ask Me” is a fuzzy (not warm) tonal jab at your eardrums. One of my favorites is “Shotgun” which not only serves as a love song, but the possibility of looking down the barrel. They’re connected in a Soccer Mommy song, taking the crunchy with the smooth.
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