Rancid, Ben Folds, & Something for Kate
The week in new music and Dig Me Out podcast
1 Minute Reviews
New Releases
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Council Skies
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🎧 Apple Music
MOJO describes "Council Skies," as "his best post-Oasis album," while The Big Issue hails it as "his most personal album in decades." UNCUT declares that Noel hits his solo stride, and Rolling Stone UK praises it as featuring some of the best songs of his post-Oasis career. Record Collector even awards "Council Skies" with their Album of the Month, stating that it is exactly the album Gallagher should be making to remind people how good he can be. Produced by Noel and Paul 'Strangeboy' Stacey, "Council Skies" is the band's fourth studio album and is widely regarded as Noel's most complete solo statement. The album's release coincides with a 26-date USA tour, co-headlining with Garbage, followed by UK outdoor shows and headline festival performances. The band will also take a full UK arena tour in December 2023. "Council Skies" is available in various formats, including CD, heavyweight vinyl, LP picture disc, digital versions, and a Dolby Atmos spatial audio edition. The album features three tracks with Johnny Marr, adding to its musical prowess.
Ben Folds - What Matters Most
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🗳 Bandcamp | 🎧 Apple Music
The album features 10 songs that explore heavy aspects of modern life with Folds' insightful and witty lyrics. Folds describes the album as a cohesive experience, carefully structured with a specific sequence and arc. After achieving success as part of Ben Folds Five in the 1990s, Folds pursued a solo career and engaged in various artistic endeavors. However, music remains his primary focus, and he has embarked on an extensive tour spanning the US and Europe. "What Matters Most" includes guest contributions from Dodie, Ruby Amanfu, and Tall Heights, and it was co-produced by Folds and Joe Pisapia. The album's first single, "Winslow Gardens," was released prior to the album. Fans can now enjoy the full album, which showcases Folds' songwriting prowess and introspective storytelling.
Louise Post - Sleepwalker
Although she has been a constant member of Veruca Salt, Post started writing a collection of songs during the pandemic that felt more personal and different from the band's previous releases. The songs flowed effortlessly, often coming to her during the transitive state between sleep and consciousness. With the help of producer Matt Drenik, Post carefully curated 11 songs out of three albums' worth of material for "Sleepwalker." She played guitar, bass, and piano herself, collaborating with other musicians to create the rich sonic textures complementing her expansive songwriting. The album showcases a range of styles, from mesmerizing and moody tracks like "Queen Of The Pirates" to electronica-infused pop in "All Messed Up" and the guitar-driven grandeur of "Guilty." While incorporating modern influences from artists like Billie Eilish and Post Malone, the album has an underlying darkness and haunting quality that aligns with Post's conceptual vision. The album serves as a means of processing her experiences as a sleepwalker and delving into her sensitive nature, offering a bold and introspective departure from her band's sound. Post also felt a responsibility to address injustices in relationships, feminism, and politics through her music, and she hopes to connect with her devoted fanbase on a deeper level through her words and melodies. "Sleepwalker" represents a significant creative and personal endeavor for Post, allowing her to reclaim a part of herself and make a positive impact in a world that often leaves her feeling sensitive and desolate.
Cowboy Junkies - Such Ferocious Beauty
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🎧 Apple Music
The album encompasses the band's vintage sound that fans love while exploring new sonic dimensions. It is a rumination on aging, loss, mortality, and finding meaning amid life's challenges. Written in early 2021 during a time of existential dread, with the ongoing pandemic and personal struggles, lead singer Michael Timmins reflects on the fragility of life and the importance of respecting the things we hold dear. Timmins and his sister Margo spent more time working on the songs for this album, allowing her interpretations to settle before entering the studio. The band aimed to create dynamic tracks with denseness and carefully chosen tones contributing to the album's themes. The first radio single, "Hard to Build. Easy to Break," reflects on appreciating what we have and the effort it takes to create versus the ease of destruction. Cowboy Junkies, formed in 1985, gained recognition with their second album, "The Trinity Session," and have continued to captivate listeners with their unique blend of blues, country, folk, rock, and jazz. With a loyal and dedicated audience, the band's reflective and quiet intensity has remained constant throughout their nearly 40-year career, with each album adding to their critically acclaimed body of work.
Buckcherry - Vol. 10
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🎧 Apple Music
Produced by Marti Frederiksen, the album features ten new Buckcherry originals and includes a bonus track, a cover of Bryan Adams' classic hit "Summer of 69." The album was recorded at Sienna Studios in Nashville. "Vol. 10" is now available for purchase and streaming worldwide. It is released by Round Hill Records in North America, Sony Japan in Japan, and Earache Records for the rest of the world. Fans can enjoy the album's high-energy rock sound and captivating lyrics. The first single from the album, "Good Time," was released along with a music video directed by Tom Flynn and Mike Watts, showcasing the band's dynamic stage presence. After an impressive 238-show run in support of their previous album, "Hellbound," Buckcherry is ready to hit the road once again for an extensive tour in support of "Vol. 10." The tour, co-headlined with Skid Row, kicks off on March 9 in Bowler, WI, promising fans an unforgettable live experience filled with the band's signature rock anthems.
Don't Sleep - See Change
🗳 Bandcamp | 🎧 Apple Music
DON'T SLEEP's highly anticipated second full-length album, "See Change," is now available worldwide. Led by punk rock legend Dave Smalley, the band delivers a powerful, melodic hardcore sound that combines their punk roots with a contemporary edge. The album, released through End Hits Records, features eight original tracks and a stunning cover of Tom Petty's "Runnin Down a Dream." "See Change" showcases the synergy and energy of the five band members, creating a unique and purposeful sound. Vinyl and CD versions of the album are available, with the CD edition offering an expanded tracklist of seventeen songs. Fans can choose from various exclusive vinyl editions, including seafoam, Pacific blue, gold, purple, carrot, and yellow. The album can be purchased now, and shipping is underway for all pre-orders.
Foo Fighters - But Here We Are
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🎧 Apple Music
Foo Fighters have released their highly anticipated album, But Here We Are, via Roswell Records/RCA Records. The album is a powerful response to the losses, introspection, and remembrances the band experienced over the past year. With courageous honesty and emotional depth, But Here We Are has ten tracks that navigate emotions from rage and sorrow to serenity and acceptance. Produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, the album represents a new chapter in the band's life while paying homage to their musical roots. Pre-orders of the album include an instant gratification track, "Rescued." Despite the tragic loss of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, Foo Fighters found solace in their music, resulting in a therapeutic and compelling album that showcases their maturity and growth. But Here We Are has already garnered critical acclaim and is set to be a standout release in the band's extensive discography. Foo Fighters are also embarking on a busy live schedule, including festival appearances and headlining dates with support from The Breeders.
Rancid - Tomorrow Never Comes
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🎧 Apple Music •
Produced by Brett Gurewitz, guitarist for Bad Religion and founder of Epitaph Records, the album continues Rancid's legacy of delivering high-energy punk rock. The title track, released as the lead single, showcases their signature wailing guitars, punishing rhythms, and infectious sing-along choruses. Known for their melodic hooks and memorable anthems, Rancid's latest offering proves their enduring ability to create captivating music. "Tomorrow Never Comes" marks their first album since 2017's "Trouble Maker," fans can now enjoy the raw energy and powerful sound of Rancid's newest release. The album is available for purchase and streaming on various platforms, and the band is scheduled to embark on a tour supporting the album.
Rufus Wainwright - Folkocracy
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🎧 Apple Music •
Rufus Wainwright unveils his latest project, "Folkocracy," an anthology of covers produced by Mitchell Froom. This album significantly shifts Wainwright's career, showcasing his first official foray into folk and Americana music. In an interview, Wainwright reflects on his past aversion to the folk genre, the inspiration behind his decision to embrace his family's musical legacy, and the challenges of balancing original material with covers. "Folkocracy" arrives just weeks after the anniversary of his debut album, adding a symbolic touch to this new chapter in his career. The album features collaborations with artists such as Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, John Legend, and Nicole Scherzinger, further elevating the diverse and vibrant nature of the project. As Wainwright continues evolving creatively, he remains committed to honoring his influences while carving out his distinct sound and musical identity.
Ben Harper - Wide Open Light
📦 Vinyl & CD | 🎧 Apple Music
Singer-songwriter, musician, and producer Ben Harper released his new studio album, WIDE OPEN LIGHT, via Chrysalis Records. Following the success of his GRAMMY-nominated record, BLOODLINE MAINTENANCE, Harper shares the album's first single, "Yard Sale," featuring his long-time collaborator Jack Johnson. WIDE OPEN LIGHT presents a collection of thematically connected songs with a deliberate minimalist production approach. Harper expresses his excitement about returning to the time when the strength of their songs solely defined albums. To celebrate the release, Harper is embarking on a summer 2023 tour, joining The Chicks on select dates before launching his extensive US tour. The tour includes performances at festivals like Oceans Calling Music Festival and Sound on Sound Music & Arts Festival. Harper can also be seen in the AppleTV+ series "Extrapolations," showcasing his acting skills alongside an impressive ensemble cast. With three GRAMMY wins, Harper's genre-crossing music and collaborations with renowned artists have earned him international acclaim. Experience the captivating sounds of WIDE OPEN LIGHT and catch Harper's electrifying live performances on his tour.
New 90s Podcast
Something for Kate - Beautiful Sharks
On their sophomore album, Something For Kate, dial down the distortion in favor of a more nuanced post-grunge approach on Beautiful Sharks
Many years ago, we checked out the 1997 debut album Elsewhere For Eight Minutes by the Melbourne, Australian trio Something For Kate. Thanks to a Patreon patron we checked out their 1999 sophomore follow-up Beautiful Sharks to hear the band's evolution. Whereas the debut offered up some catchy alt-rock, Beautiful Sharks is a more subdued yet intricate album, putting new bassist Stephanie Ashworth on display as the guitars back off to allow more space for lead singer/guitarist Paul Dempsey to weave intricate vocal and musical melodies. The end result is a unique combination of alt-rock that forgoes volume for dynamics and speed for tension. Special Guest: Jason Pan - Dmo Union
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