Albums I’m obsessing over
A month or so ago, I was thinking about bands I hadn’t heard any new music from in a while that I really hoped to make some new tunes this year! Yeasayer is one of them!
It’s been 4 years since the release of their previous album, Fragrant World, and I am happy to share their newest album, Amen & Goodbye.
Florence + The Machine’s third album, How Big How Beautiful How Blue, has been ringing in my ears since the day it was released. Today I received an email from Florence (of course I am a subscriber) featuring their newest music video for Queen of Peace.
A month or so ago I had seen the video for What Kind of Man and St. Jude, but it wasn’t until today that I realized the subtitle, “The Odyssey,” and chapter numbers. After the first few times I listened to the album, I kept thinking, “What’s the story behind this? What’s the meaning?” Well folks, here it is in sequential order.
I’ve been long awaiting Alabama Shakes’ new sophomore album, Sound & Color, and it has finally arrived! I wanted to listen to the album a few times before I said anything about it and I can’t stop listening! Listen for yourself so you won’t be disappointed that you missed out on what everyone is talking about.
I think this album really showcases Brittany’s vocal talent and the band’s wide range of musical ability. You can hear inspirations of Bowie, Jazz and Blues, and even punk rock. Sit back and put on Don’t Wanna Fight – then skip forward Future People and then to Miss You. Holy emotional rollercoaster, Batman! Someone had quite the relationship this year…all of the best albums are about relationships.
The New Basement Tapes is a collaborative project that began with Bob Dylan 47 years ago. Today it has flourished into a full-length album recorded with many voices to Dylan’s lyrics.
I stumbled across their song Kansas City on WXRT Radio one afternoon on my way home from work. The song features the lead singer from Mumford and Sons. It struck me because I knew Mumford had split and thought maybe they reconciled and were putting out new music. I Shazammed it and saw that it was The New Basement Tapes. So I looked them up on Spotify to see and listen to some of their other material. Come to find that the band also features Elvis Costello, and Jim James from My Morning Jacket! Take a listen, you might recognize some other voices:
You thought the Beatles were trippy in the 70s? The Flaming Lips’ With a Little Help From My Fwends is like the Beatles on acid. The best part is their friends featured on the album: Grace Potter, Miley Cyrus, My Morning Jacket, Tegan & Sara, Moby, and many more. I must say, I am a fan of this release. I know some people who would say The Beatles’ music is untouchable, but I think it was tastefully done and will leave you speechless, it’s so good. I hope you agree.
Tove Lo’s premiere song Habits caught my attention on the radio about a month or so ago. I liked it. Then one morning I caught a short interview about the music video for Habits on VH1 and proceeded to watch the video. I thought it was a little sad and kind of depressing, but the song grew on me.
Her album, Queen of the Clouds dropped last week and I picked a few songs I thought I would like. Silly me, I should start from the beginning and listen to the entire album start to finish. This 19-track album had me on an emotional roller coaster right along with her. She is so genuine and relate-able to any woman in her 20’s. From the initial feeling of falling in love to the uncontrollable love-hate when you are mad at the one you love, to the inevitable break-up/realization that nothing lasts forever, but to enjoy the present moments you share.
I think the songs I love the most are My Gun, Talking Body, Time Bomb, Moments (my most fav), Got Love, Not on Drugs, and Habits.
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this day to come for months now – the day that Alt-J released their second album, This Is All Yours.
If you thought their first album was strange and liked it, then you’re in for a treat because the second album is even more strange. It starts slow and calm, then progresses with more upbeat harmonies and intricate beats. The music tells a story, although I need to listen to the album a few more times before I understand the entire story. I can tell you that my favorite songs are Every Other Freckle, Left Hand Free, Hunger of the Pine, The Gospel of John Hurt, Leaving Nara (Getting to Nara wasn’t as exciting), and the bonus track Lovely Day.
The entire show was an experience to remember! The dress code was formal/costume. There were a lot of masquerade-type costumes, some really out there costumes, and others just dressed to impress. Even the band was dressed up!
Prior to the show we were treated to the musical stylings of DEVO and digital composer between sets. As we were patiently awaiting the band to take stage, we took notice of all the mirrors on the ceiling and giant balloon drop. I also noticed cannons for confetti! I knew it would be a good show! Arcade Fire was introduced by a man in a reflective disco-ball suit with light refracting in all directions leading to the opening song Reflektor. They went on to play several songs from Suburbs with Reflektor songs generously sprinkled throughout the set. I knew Arcade Fire had been doing a different cover song for each city they played in. I came rushing back from a bathroom break to find MAVIS STAPLES on stage! I was pleasantly surprised, and kind of shocked that not many people in the audience around me knew her name. Do your self a favor and Google her name if you aren’t familiar.
Anyway, I have more photos to upload, but here are a few pics for you to check out.
I can remember my grandparents hearing the music I used to listen to and they would complain that “They don’t make music like they used to in the good ole days.” My grandmother would reminisce about jumpin’ and jiving, doing the jitterbug or cuttin’ a rug with my grandpa.
A couple of years ago I heard JD McPherson’s “North Side Gal” on WXRT radio and needed to hear more. Turns out the album Signs & Signifiers is chalked full of classic 1950’s rock and roll tunes. Hopefully we will hear some new music from JD McPherson soon!
Check out what JD McPherson is up to on jdmcpherson.com
or Sample his music below.
My album came in the mail, and I’ve finally had the chance to go through my rituals of opening a brand new LP. First of all, even box the LP is shipped in is designed with the iconic “Third Man” stripes. OK – I’m impressed.
After peeling off the plastic, and sliding out the vinyl sleeve and other inserts, I carefully remove the record from the sleeve. At first, I was slightly disappointed that there was no Angelic 3D hologram on the vinyl like it’s featured in this video. Until I was picking up my dining room table and noticed a little leaflet that had a note saying you might need to shine a spotlight over Side-A to see the hologram! YES! The Ultra LP is everything they said it would be!
Jack White’s new album, Lazaretto, is set to be released in June. It’s being referred to as an Ultra LP. Let me tell you, this is monumental in the history of vinyl records. Nothing like this has ever been done before. Jack White and Third Man Records achieved not one, but SIX new features. Please watch this video to see for yourself – prepare to have your mind blown!
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