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.

ryan adams CH10. 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.


jez dior

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.


unknown mortal orchestra

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.


panic-at-the-disco-hallelujah-cover

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!’


findlay

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?


august

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.


adam lamberts

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.


yelawolf-changes

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.


brand new

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.


great lake swimmers1. 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.

About The Author

Contributor

It’s no coincidence that Julie shares her name with a famous eighties MTV VJ, as she has shared a similar obsessive love of music and music culture all her life. Often called Downtown for short, Julie prides herself on being able to reference obscure songs from popular artists, and never backs down from a rap battle (unless it’s Eminem). Her favorite concerts include Jay Z & Kanye West’s Watch The Throne tour, and a Bruce Springsteen summer stadium concert in Sweden. Also a lover of world travel, Julie believes in traveling to the same place more than once, and always hanging with the locals.

2 Responses

  1. Leigh

    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!

    Reply
  2. Cathy

    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.

    Reply

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