Wait, it’s already the end of February? It’s been a busy month at work and I’ve also been working hard with finishing off the latest go-round with Queen Ophelia’s War (and prepping myself for the new version of Theadia), so it’s a miracle that I’ve also been able to keep up with the new releases dropping lately! But I’ve been making an effort to connect with these new releases (and occasionally revisit some old ones). This month has given us some surprises!
Billy Joel, “Turn the Lights Back On” single, 1 February. His first new song in forever, and he hasn’t lost his musical touch at all. A stirring ballad of wondering whether or not you’ve been away from the spotlight for too long, what you’ve missed, and what you remember with older and more mature eyes and heart. A lovely surprise.
Paul McCartney & Wings, Band On the Run Underdubbed Mixes, 2 February. These were the rough mixes created before the orchestra and final overdubs had been added, and it’s a fascinating listen. Some tracks (like “Jet”) reveal only minimal differences, while album closer “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five” really spotlight Paul’s masterful piano playing and the sheer oddness of the track.
Kula Shaker, Natural Magick, 2 February. After the wild psych-folk (and the welcome return) of their previous album, the band chooses to return to what they’ve always done extremely well: a hybrid of British pop influenced by India grooves. It’s a fun album that doesn’t set out to prove anything other than to have fun and occasionally say what might be on their minds.
Ducks Ltd, Harm’s Way, 9 February. This band follows in the path of twee pop like Belle and Sebastian with a little bit of early Cure as a secondary influence, which makes them sound unique and a little bit unsettled, but it’s a super fun listen.
Brittany Howard, What Now, 9 February. The Alabama Shakes singer has always been fearless in her loud, funky and bluesy style, and this new solo record is full of all of that. Definitely worth checking out.
Omni, Souvenir, 16 February. I mentioned this trio just recently, and yes, I do love that they’ve fully embraced that Wire-influenced ‘angular’ post-punk sound, and they pull it off really well without sounding like copycats. Even their songs embrace that tight late 70s/early 80s style, right down to the lengths, most of which are under three minutes. An intriguing listen.
IDLES, TANGK, 16 February. I’ve been a fan of this punk band for quite a few years now, and I love that they are not afraid to try out different styles, even when they veer perilously towards pop. Nor are they afraid to touch on different subjects and say what’s on their mind. Always a fun band to listen to loud.
Geographer, Got It Wrong, 23 February. We saw this local singer at Outside Lands once and I’ve been a fan ever since. His music tends to be calming and warm, but it can often go in really interesting directions, sometimes dark and sometimes light.
Real Estate, Daniel, 23 February. This Jersey indie band has been around for ages but I’ve only recently gotten around to paying attention to them, and I’m sold on this new one. It reminds me of the meandering laid back college rock I used to listen to back in the day!
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Coming soon in March: new tunes by Yard Act, Liam Gallagher & John Squire, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Elbow, and Ride!