INDISPENSABLE LISTS
Aaron Frazer
Into the Blue
As winter gets underway, this makes impatient for summer to return. Frazer’s second release is a triumphant neo-soul affair that showcases his lush vocals. It recalls classic 70s soul, and who doesn’t love that?
FEATURED TRACK: “Into the Blue”
Devon Ross
Oxford Gardens
From high-fashion model to indie rocker, Devon Ross is on a fascinating trajectory. Garnering the attention of Thurston Moore, Devon’s demos revealed an exciting new artist and Moore decided to release her debut on his Daydream Library Series.
FEATURED TRACK: "I Don't Wanna"
Orgōne
Chimera
Orgōne released its first album in 2001, but the band’s music seems like it’s been around for decades longer. The sound harkens back to the classic funk of the 70s,
FEATURED TRACK: "Lies and Games"
Coco & Clair
Girl
Coco & Clair Clair are a cloud rap duo from Atlanta, creating caustically funny songs with a hazy vibe. Dreamy, girlish vocals belie the acerbic humor of their lyrics.
FEATURED TRACK: “Everyone But You”
The FMs
Pink + Black
Synth-heavy post-punk rock takes me back to the 80s. But unlike so many current bands visiting a decade they didn’t experience firsthand, NYC’s The FMs write sassy and biting lyrics to accompany their extremely hooky music.
FEATURED TRACK: “We’re All Bad Girls”
David J.
Tracks From the Attic
Bassist and singer David J. (of Bauhaus, Love & Rockets and sometimes Jazz Butcher fame) has released a three CD/LP set looking culled from 20 years of demos. The featured track sums up the feelings I often have listening to new music, jaded person that I am.
FEATURED TRACK: “Oh No! Not Another Songwriter!”
St. Vincent
All Born Screaming
Annie Clark is an American musician/singer who has styled herself as St. Vincent for the last decade. The former member of the Polyphonic Spree has worked with David Byrne, Glenn Branca, and Sufjan Stevens. The mezzo-soprano plays guitar, piano, organ, bass, and theremin on her first self-produced album.
FEATURED TRACK: “Broken Man”
Potato Beach
Dip In
A surf-psychedelic garage band from Vienna? The sound they’ve made would inspire anyone to Dip In the seductive waters of the Pacific. As a lover of surf music, this is irresistible.
FEATURED TRACK: "Please Waste Your Time"
Solar Eyes
Solar Eyes
This Birmingham, UK duo forges a sound that brings elements from different decades to create tunes that get their hooks in you with swirling synths and guitars. After releasing three EPs, Glenn Smyth and Sebastian Maynard Francis have released their eponymous full-length debut.
FEATURED TRACK: "(At Least)Paranoia Loves You"
Eric Hilton
Sound Vagabond
Thievery Corporation’s Eric Hilton has released another solo album of dreamy trip-hop. Calling the record “a sonic travelogue,” the aptly titled is a collection of gently grooving soundscapes. “Sound Vagabond is more a travelogue of the mind." (Closer)
FEATURED TRACK: "Sound Vagabond"