One of the album’s highlights, and probably a top 10 song penned by Simpson himself, is the sprawling, desolate “Jupiter’s Faerie.” The song begins with sparse instrumentation as Simpson mundanely describes looking up an old friend. As the rest of Johnny Blue Skies join in, they echo the narrator’s heart wrenching discovery that his friend […]
The Story Behind Every Song On Jake Xerxes Fussell’s New Album When I’m Called
When I’m Called is Jake Xerxes Fussell’s fifth album, but it exists in a stream of musical consciousness that began practically with his birth. Raised by folklorist parents in Columbus, Georgia, the singer and guitarist was inculcated in a social circle that included luminaries like George Mitchell and Art Rosenbaum, the latter of whom took […]
Orville Peck – “Death Valley High” (Feat. Beck)
In May, Orville Peck released the first volume of Stampede, a duets album, which featured Elton John, Willie Nelson, and more. The second installment is slated for Aug. 2, and the country eccentric is back today with “Death Valley High” featuring Beck. The music video stars drag queen Gigi Goode and actress Sharon Stone. Beck […]
Hear Water From Your Eyes Cover Adele, Third Eye Blind, & Al Green On New EP
Earlier this week, Water From Your Eyes announced a covers EP titled MP3 Player 1. The indie-pop weirdos unleashed their rendition of Chumbawamba’s “The Good Ship Lifestyle,” and now the EP is out in full. Along with “The Good Ship Lifestyle,” MP3 Player 1 has Adele’s “Someone Like You” in the style of the Cure, […]
Good Luck, Palaye!
Mark McGuire – “Soaring”
Last year, Mark McGuire reissued his 2009 double album A Pocket Full Of Rain. Today, the former Emeralds guitarist is back with the aptly titled song “Soaring,” an eight-minute electronic sprawl that ascends into bright, vibrant territory. “Soaring” exemplifies the ambient flourish that the Cleveland musician is known for. It was recorded in 2022 and […]
Voxtrot – “Esprit de Cœur”
Since September, Voxtrot have released the songs “Another Fire,” “New World Romance,” and “My Peace.” Today, the indie pop group is back with “Esprit de Cœur.” “Esprit de Cœur” comes with a music video, about which bandleader Ramesh Srivastava said: In a rather meta way, my character struggles to come up with a concept for […]
Polaris Music Prize 2024 Shortlist Includes Cindy Lee, The Beaches, Allison Russell, & More
Last month, The Polaris Music Prize, which is awarded annually to the best album by a Canadian artist, announced its longlist. Today, the 10 finalists have been revealed, all of which were released within the eligibility window between April 1, 2023 and May 1, 2024. It includes Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee, which landed at #3 […]
Big Thief Part Ways With Bassist Max Oleartchik
A big change for Big Thief: Bassist Max Oleartchik is no longer in the band. “This change was made for interpersonal reasons with mutual respect in our hearts,” the band writes in the announcement on their social accounts. It’s a pretty significant shift for a group where every member’s contributions really seemed to matter. Here’s […]
Kelly Lee Owens – “Love You Got”
Not only was Kelly Lee Owens’ sophomore LP Inner Song one of the Best Albums Of 2020, it also provided us with one of the best Radiohead covers of the early pandemic days. That’s a high bar to clear. Owens has another very good song out today called “Love You Got,” the lead single from […]