INDISPENSABLE NEW MUSIC PICKS
July 2023
Kristine England
Aug 1, 2023
PJ Harvey
I Inside the Old Year
PJ Harvey’s 10th album is based on a book of poetry she released last year, Orlam. Inspired by the mythology of her native Dorset, England, this is her first album since 2016. Joined again by long-time collaborator John Parish (who shares production duties with Flood and Rob Kirwan. Irish actor Colin Morgan contributes backing vocals on two songs, including the title track.
FEATURED TRACK: “I Inside the Old I Dying"
SkyeChristy
The Summer I Lost My Lover
Sisters Georgia Christy and Sophie Skye Edwards grew up immersed in the LA music scene, which could explain part of their precocious talent. Their parents being songwriters and producers could explain a bit more. But their innate talent is what matters and how they work beautifully together as a duo. In the song “Prime Years’ they lament lost time, but it’s a good bet their best years are ahead of them.
FEATURED TRACK: “Prime Years”
Citizen Cope
The Victory March
Singer, songwriter, producer Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope, released his latest album, The Victory March, on his Rainwater Recordings label. Known for his blend of rock, soul and blues, he’s also a gifted songwriter whose work has been covered by Richie Havens, Carlos Santana, Dido, and others. Greenwood has described his record as “embracing the gift of life.” It’s definitely another compelling entry into his oeuvre.
FEATURED TRACK: “Ms Prado”
Lo Village
Yellow Brick Road
Lo Village began as a hip-hop duo comprised of childhood friends Kane Tabiri and Charles Tyler. Kane’s sister Ama was invited to join as a vocalist, adding an R&B dimension to their sound. The trio’s first release came in 2016, and it looked like they were on their way, adding two more works to their catalog. Then Ama was diagnosed with MS, and music took a back seat for a while. But now they are back, renewed and closer than ever, with each of the vocalists taking a turn on the center stage.
FEATURED TRACK: "Cudi"
Sam Burton
Dear Departed
The follow-up to Burton’s critically-acclaimed 2020 debut, Dear Departed is inspired by his travels through the American southwest and a return to his native LA. With strings and some steel guitar layered in, once again, critics are enthralled, with the descriptor “lush” ascribed to the record in more than one review. The Belfast Telegraph hails it as “an accomplished album of melancholy ballads that perfectly sums up an era.”
FEATURED TRACK: "I Don't Blame You"
Peace Flag Ensemble
Astral Plains
The Canadian free-jazz collective has released its second album, with a title that is perhaps a nod to the band’s native Saskatchewan’s vast grasslands. The music is experimental but it shouldn’t seem too daunting to fans who like their jazz open and free-ranging.
FEATURED TRACK: "The Work"
Hailey Whitters
I’m In Love
Ah yes, music can be fun! Classic country sounds and wry lyrics. Even before you get to the chorus of the featured track, written by Nicolle Galyon, Lee Miller, and Cameron Bedell (“Two bottles into a bottle of wine”), you’ll find yourself tapping your toes along to the jaunty tune and thoroughly enjoying it. The small-town girl from Iowa makes music that’s cute as a button and perfect for summertime.
FEATURED TRACK: "I’m In Love"
Locate S,1
Wicked Jaw
More than one reviewer mentioned the influence of Christine McVie. A comparison to the late Fleetwood Mac songbird is no small feat. Loud and Quiet hails Georgia’s singer/producer Christina Schneider’s third album as “one that tries on all manner of stylistic hats but is rooted at its core in hooks, melody and a breezy lightness of touch” while The Line of Best Fit praises “the sublime melodies on display throughout.”
FEATURED TRACK: "You Were Right About One Thing"