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It’s been over one month without new music on the old blog, so here we go. What do I like over the last month? Let’s get to it!
Singles:
Margo Price (feat. Billy Strings) - “Too Stoned To Cry”
A croony, country classic already. What a fantastic blend of voices with Price and Strings trading sad lyrics with the right amount of slide guitar guiding the way. Price has wanted to record this one for years now - so glad she finally did.
Franz Ferdinand - “Audacious”
With a new album on the way and working with a familiar producer, the band Ferdinand released their first single which holds back just a bit, while still containing catchy, jangly hooks and adding in a bit of Bowie in the lyric delivery.
Soul Asylum - “High Road”
One of the best alternative rock bands from the 1990s is back with a rocking new track. It’s a rough and ready rock song with peppy guitars and a driving rhythm section. It’s short and sweet and will sound great coming out of your car speakers.
Nilufer Yanya - “Just A Western”
The final single released before the whole album drops is about facing your fate and Yanya’s vocals float over a sparse instrumental track with soothing guitars and a mix of keyboard sounds and percussion. Can’t wait to hear the whole album!
Jesse Malin & Bruce Springsteen - “She Don’t Love Me Now”
If you’re not familiar with Malin, time for you to get caught up. In 2023, he announced he suffered a rare spinal stroke so a bunch of musicians got together to record his songs to help raise money for his medical bills, including this bluesy groove from The Boss.
Verboten - “No More Indecision”
Jason Narducy’s early-80’s punk band is back together for a fiery, guitar driven, defiant political track that screams for change from politicians that are slow to do anything. It’s a preview of things to come from the band that will release its first ever album next month.
ZZ Ward - “My Baby Left Me”
Ward brings some a sweet blues/rockabilly groove to her latest single. There’s a real rock star quality to the song and Ward’s aggressively gets in your face with an incredible soul.
James Bay - “Up All Night”
Getting some assistance from The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, this boot stomping, acoustic jam is about dealing with what keeps us up…all night, the weight of everything. And if you play this one real loud, you’ll keep everyone up all night.
Allen Stone - “Can’t Explain This Love”
A pastor’s son, who listened to gospel growing up, becomes one of the most soulful, funky singers of our time. Stone’s goal with his latest was to write a song that makes you move and if you don’t while listening to this, check your pulse.
Albums:
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings - Woodland
They’re personal and professional partners and they’re produced another incredible album full of songs that tell long-form stories, sometimes leading into longer tracked songs. But they’re a job to listen to as they bounce vocals and lyrics off one another impeccably. If you need to know what you’re getting into, try Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. Highlights include “Empty Trainload of Sky” and “Hashtag” where Rawlings takes the lead.
Nada Surf - Moon Mirror
It’s been 30 years since Nada Surf released their debut single. I’ve loved each and every album by them. They continue to combine catchy power pop hooks with layered vocals, this time adding more melodic arrangements than previous work. Highlights include “In Front of Me Now”, “New Propeller” and “X Is You”.
The Heavy Heavy - One Of A Kind
“Happiness”, the lead single from The Heavy Heavy has been in…well, heavy rotation on the SiriusXM stations I listen to in the car. The 70’s vibe is strong with this band. Gorgeous harmonizing tied to the shining guitar driven folk-rock songs. I dig it and you should too! Other highlights include “One of a Kind” and the slightly funky “Feel”.
Foushee - Pointy Heights
I suppose the new album from the New Jersey singer-songwriter would be put in the R&B section of Tower Records, but it’s so much more than that - She incorporates bedroom pop, dreamy ethereal sounds and so much more to accompany her beautiful voice. It’s a mix that works so well together. Highlights include “War”, “Closer” and “Still Around”.
Miranda Lambert - Postcards From Texas
Lambert has been on a roll with her past few albums and is one of the most honest singer-songwriters out there. It’s traditional country and a tip of her cowboy hat to her home state. She has a knack for words and painting pictures you’ll want to stare at for hours. Highlights include “Dammit Randy”, “Santa Fe” and “Alimony”.
MJ Lenderman - Manning Fireworks
Lenderman continues his streak of writing great songs that focus on the mood of many characters and he clearly can identify with all of them. He’s toeing the line in between Neil Young and Pavement - slacker country? Whatever you call it, it’s solid and worth your listen. Highlights include “Joker Lips” and “She’s Leaving You”.
Sun Heat - Carefree
The Los Angeles-based alternative band share a passion for fuzzy guitars and pop vocals and it’s all on display on their latest album. Adding the right amount of synth pop finishes the trifecta of enjoyable sounds coming from the duo. They remind me a bit of The Score. Highlights include “Welcome to the Good Life” and “You’re Gonna Love It”.
LL Cool J - The Force
Do ladies still love cool James? We’re about to find out with the newest album from LL Cool J. Produced by Q Tip, LL is clearly still a force in the rap and music industry. He’s still spitting out these tracks with the same power he did years and years ago. Highlights include “Saturday Night Special” and “Murdergram Deux”.
Fontaines D.C. - Romance
The new album from the fantastic Dubliners is big, brash and full of emotion. There’s elements of punk, 80’s alternative Brit-rock and so much more. The guitars are on fire with Grian Chatten’s vocals soaring. There’s touches of dream pop/shoegaze as well in the most complete album from the band. This should crack my “best of” for 2024. Highlights include “Starburster” and “Bug”.
The Crane Wives - Beyond Beyond Beyond
I found this band because of my daughter. She loves the band and introduced me to their eclectic mix of alternative and folk music. The self-produced album reminds me of theatrical pop with a hint of The Decemberists. The Crane Wives are telling you stories that go beyond the time limit of each song. Highlights include “Scars” and “Arcturus Beaming”.
The Cactus Blossoms - Every Time I Think About You
More retro grooves from the Blossoms. You’ll automatically hear The Everly Brothers, but the new album expands on that sound. There’s a bigger sound with some blues-rock numbers and a theme of leaving weaved throughout. Highlights include “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” and “There She Goes”.
Shallow Planet - Real Forever After
I discovered Shallow Planet thanks to the Rockin’ The Suburbs podcast when they featured the band at a live taping of their show. Loved what I heard and am excited about this new album. There’s a mix of prog rock and AOR friendly rock from the trio. Highlights include “Subconscious Queen” and “Strike a Match”.
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