New Music Friday - 6/9/2023

Another great week of new music. Scroll to read more about what I'm loving:

Singles of the Week:

“Southern Star” by Brent Cobb

Super-producer Brent Cobb delivers his new single and it’s a tasty one. Dripping with a sweet, southern groove, Cobb describes it as funky and sentimental. It’s got an easy flow to it and serves as a reminder that Cobb can deliver the goods when it comes to his own music. His new album is due out in September.

“Who Told You” by J Hus

The UK rapper and Afroswing pioneer is back with a special guest who you may have heard of before…Drake adds a nice touch to this breezy Afrobeat territory. The Guardian has already called it the song of summer. It’s an ode to dancing and the single will certainly get any summer party started the right way.

“Bluish” by Chris Farren

Pop-punk artist Farren has created a catchy, hook-filled track with some help from producer, the great Jay Som. It’s a love song for someone who doesn’t feel they deserve happiness. There’s energy and fire in the single and if this is a sign of things to come from his new album, I’m excited for August when it’s due for release.

“Harbour (Song for Elizabeth)” by Beverly Glenn-Copeland

A stunner of a song from one of the most gorgeous voices out there. Written for his life partner, the song is in honor of the love that a couple has created and held up during every emotional and physical aspect that has come into their lives. It floats over a gentle piano led jazz group and is inspirational.

“Still Getting It Done” by Ghost of Vroom

Fans of Soul Coughing will find Mike Doughty is in his fine, funky form with this tasty tune off the upcoming third album. Produced by Beastie Boys associate Mario Caldato Jr. the smooth delivery from Doughty is his best in years. Throw in some old school hip-hop beats and you’ve got a great track to blast out of your car this summer.

Albums of the Week:

Weathervanes by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

It’s always a good day when Isbell releases new music and his latest, Weathervanes, is a mature, honest look at where he’s at in his life. The songs are full of charm, pain and beauty. Take the first song, “Death Wish” with its opening line “Did you ever love a woman with a death wish…” - a look at someone dealing with their partner’s self-destructive behavior. Brutal and beautiful. “Strawberry Woman” is a sweet song that still ends with only a small amount of hope. Isbell is one of the best storytellers there is and this album feels like a porch-sitting evening. Isbell and his band aren’t afraid of weighty topics (racism in “Cast Iron Skillet” and school shootings in “Save the World”) and the change from optimistic to a narrator ruminating on things not getting better. Another great release from one of the best out there.

The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monae

According to Janelle Monae, it’s time to get sexy, sticky and sweaty this summer. Now that I’ve made you blush, I can tell you that her first album in five years is a 14-track joyride of horny-ass songs that set out to free you and allow you to let it all hang out. Gone is the computer age Monae and in her place, she’s working with Afrobeat legends Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 to create a fantastic mix of reggae, funk, and mellow R&B. “Lipstick Lover” is an island dream that tastes as good as well mixed rum punch. I love the dancehall sounds (and cool horns) in “Champagne Shit” while “Haute” gives a nod to gender ambiguity (Monae recently came out as pansexual and nonbinary). It’s a song that really sets the album into place for Monae stating who they are and announces a great return to music.

Joy’all by Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis has come to the conclusion that joy is paramount. Also, working with Dave Cobb helps. Recorded in Nashville, there’s a nice twang that’s been added to her previous Laurel Canyon sound. The quirky, maturity of the lyrics in my favorite track “Puppy And A Truck” are fantastic. It’s a bluesy/island-y song that begs for a summer playlist. I’m in love with the cool groove of “Cherry Baby” and the breezy west coast pop of “Balcony” is great. Elsewhere, “Giddy Up” brings a little R&B groove in an ode to taking a chance on a new romance. Lewis has settled in so well on establishing herself as one of the great storytellers we have in modern music. Joy’all is another great example in her collection.