Body Count, Kim Deal, Ratt & Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Catch up on the week in new music & Dig Me Out podcasts
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Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Let Love In | 90s Rock Revisited
New Releases
Body Count - Merciless
Ice-T’s rap-metal powerhouse, Body Count, returns with Merciless, their eighth studio album. Known for their no-holds-barred approach to heavy music and socially charged lyrics, this album pushes their ferocious sound to new extremes. Standout moments include collaborations with heavyweights like Cannibal Corpse’s Corpsegrinder and Max Cavalera of Sepultura, and a daring reinterpretation of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb. The record reflects their signature blend of horrorcore lyricism and razor-sharp riffs, underscoring their continued relevance in addressing modern political and social issues.
Dean & Britta and Sonic Boom - A Peace of Us
Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips, the indie dream-pop duo behind Galaxie 500 and Luna, team up with Sonic Boom (aka Peter Kember of Spacemen 3) for A Peace of Us, a richly atmospheric holiday album. The record blends nostalgic ’60s pop, electronica, and haunting synths to reimagine classic holiday tunes and original compositions. A highlight is their emotive cover of Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper, delivered as a moody duet set against pulsing synths. Another standout is Snow Is Falling in Manhattan, penned by the late David Berman, which Wareham calls a future holiday classic for its bittersweet reflection on loss and memory.
Boys Life - Home Is A Highway
This comprehensive 4xLP box set from Kansas City’s Boys Life chronicles the band’s influential run as pioneers of Midwest emo from 1993-1997. Titled Home Is A Highway, the collection includes their landmark albums Departures and Landfalls and their self-titled release, as well as singles, live recordings, and rare demos. It offers 36 tracks alongside a 24-page annotated book. Known for their heartwrenching blend of punk and power-pop, Boys Life captured the anxious energy of the DIY circuit during their era. A standout inclusion is their live set from Washington D.C.’s Black Cat in 1997, capturing the raw intensity of their performances.
Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City: B-Sides
Bloc Party celebrates their landmark 2007 album A Weekend in the City with a special 2024 release highlighting its B-sides. Known for their blend of post-punk and indie rock, the collection captures the band’s evocative storytelling and experimental soundscapes. Fans will rediscover tracks that explore themes of urban isolation and personal introspection, infused with Kele Okereke’s distinctive vocals and angular guitar work. This release offers a fresh lens on the band’s mid-2000s creativity, cementing their status as one of the era’s defining acts.
Papa M - Ballads of Harry Houdini
David Pajo, revered for his groundbreaking work with Slint and as a multi-genre solo artist under the moniker Papa M, returns with Ballads of Harry Houdini. This marks his first album in six years and a shift back to electrified soundscapes. The six-track release, spanning expansive instrumentals and introspective melodies, was recorded entirely by Pajo himself. Tracks like “Ode to Mark White” showcase his signature intricate guitar work, blending experimental rock and contemplative themes. The album, steeped in enigmatic charm, nods to Houdini only in title, inviting listeners into a sonic escape rather than a literal one.
Theis Thaws - Fifteen Days
Theis Thaws, a collaboration between Tricky and Parisian producer Mike Theis, presents Fifteen Days, an album rich in glacial electronic textures and haunting melodies. Released under Tricky’s False Idols label, the project features notable collaborations with Rosa Rocca-Serra, Lucy La Dusk, and Run Red Rambo. Tracks like “The Machine” and “Fly to Ceiling” showcase a blend of minimalist beats, moody synths, and emotive vocals, creating an immersive listening experience. This record captures Tricky’s signature dark atmospheres, incorporating fresh voices and sonic experimentation.
The Coward Brothers - The Coward Brothers
Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett reunite under their satirical alias The Coward Brothers for a delightfully quirky new album and accompanying Audible series, The True Story of The Coward Brothers. The album, featuring 20 tracks such as “Always” and “Like Licorice,” blends sharp humor with a range of folk, rock, and Americana influences. Released alongside the comedic audio drama directed by Christopher Guest (This Is Spinal Tap), the project narrates the fictional exploits of two “half-brothers” navigating the absurdities of the music industry. It’s a multimedia experience showcasing Costello’s lyrical wit and Burnett’s production finesse.
