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“The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message”
Just a random quote found with a quick Google search, but it’s how I feel every Friday when new music comes out. It’s time to share it with my friends and family and maybe something catches your ear…and you’re hooked. So let’s get to it. Check out new music from the following:
- Sufjan Stevens – His latest combines the best of both his worlds, delicate folk and electronica. Check out the track “Landslide”
- Public Enemy – Back with a fierce release (after returning to Def Jam) filled with powerful lyrics talking about how the world is in a disorderly state. Check out the track “Smash the Crowd”
- Nappy Roots – One of hip-hops finest delivers a solid release of smart tracks dipped in their traditional southern rap style. Check out the track “Do Better”
- Deftones – A bleak, dark record from the metal band, but what did you expect? Sunshine and roses? Check out the track “Urantia”
- Lydia Loveless – The 30-year old singer combines country with a touch of pop music creating a tremendous album. Check out the track “Never”
- Bob Mould – It’s like listening to Zen Arcade all over again. Mould channels the anger that we all have about our society and delivers an incredible release. Check out the track “American Crisis”
- The Band of Heathens – The American rock band out of Austin, Texas have produced a beautiful, accessible album. Check out the track “South by Somewhere”
- Blitzen Trapper – They’ve always reminded me a bit of Crosby, Stills and Nash and their latest delivers a cool mix of modern Americana and gentle harmonies. Check out the track “Requiem”
- Diana Krall – The timeless jazz singer and pianist is at her finest with her latest release. Check out the track “Almost Like Being in Love”
- Fleet Foxes – Like a warm sweater or blanket as the seasons change, the Foxes wrap you up in their dreamy tunes. Check out the track “Can I Believe You”
- Idles – The British post-punk band is loud and brash and a welcome sound to the trying times we’re in now. Check out the track “Grounds”
- Sylvan Esso – The American electronic pop duo play catchy tunes that remind me of Yaz (remember them?). Check out the track “Ferris Wheel”
- Tems – The Nigerian R&B singer has a fresh sound that grooves easily. Check out the track “Damages”
Today’s featured artist is the duo The War and Treaty. Born in Washington, DC, Tanya Blount was first noticed in the movie Sister Act 2 where she performed with Lauren Hill. After floundering a bit with her solo R&B career, she teamed up with her husband Michael Trotter (after he served in Iraq) to form The War and Treaty.
Their mix of soul, gospel, and country is breathtaking with the two trading lead vocals and then diving into perfect harmonizing. With some solid guests (Jason Isbell and Jerry Douglas) their latest is like a drive down a windy country road (with the windows down) with no cares in the world. Let their music take you away from whatever you’re dealing with in your life.
As Michael says, “It’s a record of revelation and realization, our attempt to unify people, something that’s so needed today. You have to give it in order to get it. It’s the sound of our love and our attempt to spread a message about the need to unify the human race.”
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