This week’s new music list hosts a whopping 64 songs, with new stuff across the board, ranging from Armin van Buuren, The Tallest Man on Earth, a re-remix of iSHi’s latest, and Dej Loaf.
For those of you who have to insist on hearing it all yourself, head over to Spotify before next Tuesday. For those of you who like the cliff notes, read on.
10. My Wrecking Ball – Live at Carnegie Hall by Ryan Adams
In what could win Best Song featuring a Wrecking Ball Metaphor (sorry Miley), Ryan Adams delivers a great rendition from a Carnegie Hall performance last November. It’s a ‘wish you were there’ performance; at times you can pick up on the vastness of the beautiful venue, other times it feels as intimate as a coffeehouse.
9. The Line by Jez Dior
Jez Dior may very well be headed towards becoming indie rap’s new king, who clearly has found his niche with a sound inspired by Drake, but maintains an individualistic vibe overall.The song itself an ode to a relationship in limbo – ‘I left it on the line’ – and adding to his next of heir persona; his father is legendary 70’s rock guitarist, Steve Dior of The Sex Pistols.
8. Can’t Keep Checking My Phone by Unknown Mortal Orchestra
With a quirky subject and funky bass line, I can’t help but label this one weirdo rock. The slightly mumbled lyrics and a psychedelic ‘Hustle’ in the background and extras (hey are those maracas? You really are an orchestra!) only increase the classification. Just as Lady Gaga declared ‘Stop calling Stop calling I don’t want to talk anymore’ its chorus brilliantly takes on the modern dilemma of wanting to be connected but not an attachment to a phone.
7. Hallelujah by Panic! At The Disco
Everything about Hallelujah contains the magic formula that has made Panic! At The Disco songs work; easy for a crowd to sing a long to (catch them on tour through July in the U.S.), a fast beat, and clever lyrics. A hedonistic toe tapper, Hallelujah delights in its naughtiness, declaring in its opening ‘a moment you’ll never remember and a night you’ll never forget!’
6. Wolfback by Findlay
A fun and hip track, this one pulls you in with its funky blend of electric soul. Power comes in the for of Findlay’s lead singer Natalie Findlay, who is constantly praised for her powerful and magnetic voice. Be forewarned: you may have a lingering issue after a listen in the form of a question….what exactly is a wolfback?
5. Hip Hop by August Alsina
Don’t let the title fool you, August Alsina’s latest is really a R&B love song about some of hip hop’s greatest songs. There’s lots of references easily recognizable (“Living Better Now, Gucci Sweater Now.”) Super chill and set adrift on musical memory bliss, Hip Hop is fit for reminiscing and cherishing the spirited and diverse genre.
4. Ghost Town by Adam Lambert
Whether you file him under a guilty pleasure or you’re a blatant admirer, there’s a mix of everything sprinkled throughout Ghost Town (cue SNL’s Stefon: this song has everything!): decidedly nihilistic lyrics in the chorus, a pop ballad spirit, and clubesque beats in the chorus. Perfect for your every day angst or dancing to the beat in the club.
3. Change by Yelawolf
Yelawolf weaves a pensive tale of cherishing his Alabama raised roots while battling unavoidable feelings of literal ‘Change’ and growth. Always wearing his heart on his tattoo sleeve, Yelawolf’s raps pick up towards the end, travelling at a warped speed and shouting commands before the song ends with an impactful abrupt end.
2. Mene by Brand New
6 years has felt like an eternity for Brand New fans, as it has been and felt too long since the band’s last album, Daisy, in 2009. Mene (not to be misread as Meme) comes out hard and fast, with lines that both read like a love letter “all the tides are married to moon, all I want is for my heart to be as true” and evoke a sense of apathetic emptiness with the repetition of “we don’t feel anything” in its chorus. A highly enjoyable track, I kept this one on repeat, with an overwhelming urge to head thrash.
1. Zero In The City by Great Lake Swimmers
Just in time for the week of Earth Day, Great Lake Swimmers have released a gorgeous album, A Forest of Arms, that according to the band’s website zeroed in on themes of beauty in nature and exploration of close personal ties, like in Zero In The City. The banjos, rhythm section and violin work together to create a vigorous and robust sound, while the vocals remain purely light. The effect is like looking out over a sparkling (Great) lake.
Hi – thanks for the shout-outs – liked the UMO track. Fav for me by far was Lambert’s Ghost Town – from the feedback he’s been getting it’s apparently made a big impression. Hadda laugh at the “guilty pleasure” thingee – nothing guilty about it – just pure pleasure – lol – best male singer in pop today – happy to see he’s putting out an album – if it’s as good as the single going to be exceptional – looking forward to it – thanks again!
Adam Lambert is my guilty pleasure! Saw him with Queen in Detroit, screamed uncontrollably and cried like a 13 year-old at a Bieber concert. True story.