I can’t even believe today is Tuesday y’all. I’m up to my ears in work and lack of sleep. Yes, to be fair, I’m not very tall, so I suppose when piled up, it doesn’t look like all that much — but trust me, I am hurtin’! On to today’s new releases.
The top spot this week goes to an artist who has somehow managed to fly under the radar (even mine at one point) and I have no clue how that is even possible! Her ability to flow so easily between styles and sound just as in command of her sound and persona is what makes her a brilliant artist. Add to this the fact that she is absolutely stunning and it’s like, hello, I have a bone to pick with whoever is in charge of dispensing looks and talent whenever babies are born.
It should come as no surprise that the more dramatic, synthesised songs such as “None the Wiser” are among my favorites on this album, but I absolutely love this release in its entirety. Come, share the wealth with me over at Spinner, where you can stream it all at once.
It’s a little early for my birthday but I am more psyched than ever to have one of my favorite groups back together. They may have missed each other but I’m almost positive I missed them more.
I don’t know if it’s a production trick or what but the sound coming from each song packs a punch! It’s as if they’re saying, “We’re back and you better pay attention!” Well I’m paying attention ladies and I’ve got a huge smile on my face – particularly when your songs include samples or shout outs to other songs from my past. And by the by, in a weird way, the album makes me crave a Missy Elliott/SWV full-length collaboration. Please make this happen.
I still remember taking a girl I dated for a little while in college to a Dar Williams show at the Orpheum Theater in Boston. It’s actually kind of funny because I was about to say I don’t feel like she’s changed a bit, but having that flashback to my college days made me realize she absolutely has. There is a sense of maternal chaos or urgency to her voice and a more complex instrumental arrangement than I ever remember there being.
Fans of Dar’s music won’t be disappointed in this release. For fans of pop-folk singer-songwriters who haven’t heard of Williams before, this has a bit more of a rock element to it than some of her previous work but I don’t think this is a bad beginner album for you to test out.
Honorable Mentions: Neon Trees, Jason Mraz (someone please buy his album so he can buy a razor and a haircut), Our Lady Peace, Evans Blue, Jack Johnson, Horse Feathers, Peasant, Loudon Wainwright III, Battles and Dry the River.
For those of us who weren’t able to get to Coachella this year, here are some sweet performances by Laura Marling, Grace Potter (holy hell, you could even enjoy this with the sound off), St. Vincent and tUnE-yArDs.
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