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It’s New Music Friday/Saturday and I’m excited about what’s out today. Here’s what I’m digging this week. I hope you find something you like.
Singles of the Week:
“Machine” by Bird Streets
Bird Streets (basically John Brodeur) makes excellent chamber/power-pop music, similar to Jason Falkner and Teenage Fanclub. I’m excited that he’s got a new album coming out later this year - the debut single, “Machine” came out today. Brodeur was struggling through a divorce when “Machine” was written, and its lyrics are uncomfortably personal at times: “Even though you’re gone, I feel you everywhere/This is not a victory, more like an everlasting sigh/I’m reliving history with a machine of my design,” Brodeur sings. It’s a fantastic song that would fit so well on AM radio back in the 1970s.
“Wonderful World” by Ben Rector
Rector, a family favorite, continues to put out wholesome, feel-good songs and his latest is no exception. The song is reflective about his life and what matters most. There’s a bit of a country slow-jam going on and I’m digging it. If you’ve followed Rector, you’ve grown up with him through his songs. Be sure to watch the muppet video too - it’s sweet.
Albums of the Week:
Sparkle Beings by Angelica Sanchez Trio
Bard Assistant Professor of Music, Angelica Sanchez, continues to churn out amazing jazz music. Her newest combines interpretations of pieces by Mary Lou Williams, Cecil Taylor, and Duke Ellington with collective improvisations. Her piano playing is spectacular and her backing band keeps everything tidy while Sanchez explores different rhythms and styles. Check out the track “A Fungus Amungus”
Ali by Vieux Farka Touré and Khruangbin
The Texas band joined forces with Vieux Farka Touré to bring new life to songs by his father, Ali, for a best of both worlds album. It reminds me right off the bat of Graceland by Paul Simon. A blending of different artists and genres. Vieux's voice, Ali's songs, and the in-the-pocket slink of Khruangbin's style is hard to resist. “I want this album to convey love," adds Vieux. "It is about the love that Ali brought into the world. It is about the love that I have for him and that Khruangbin has for his music.” Check out the track “Lobbo”
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