Josh T. Pearson – The Straight Hits!
An ironic title from the Texan although, after a seven-year gap this could turn into great commercial as well critical success. He now leaves behind the bearded slow acoustic ‘geetar’ style of 2011’s acclaimed Last of the Country Gentleman, for a more faster more upbeat, rock’n’roll and country recording, brimming with energy. And as the title of the the lead single, filled with “bar brawl, a high-speed chase, an army of robots, reincarnation, lots of explosions and kickass motorcycle moves” suggest, it might even by a self-fulfilling prophesy. Out on Mute.
Josh T. Pearson – Straight To The Top!
The Damned – Evil Spirits
Captain Sensible, Dave Vanian and co return with their first studio album for a decade, and are riding high on a greatest hits tour backed by their old bass player Paul Gray. This album reminds us that, while they were foremost punk band back in 1977, The Damned have never been stuck entirely in that style, with pop, rockabilly, heavy rock, and even elements of prog present. Still able to deliver a great live show, and as this album shows, a real diversity of styles. Out on Spine Form.
The Damned - Standing On The Edge Of Tomorrow
Laura Veirs – The Lookout
After a period of working as backing vocalist for Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, and collaborating with Neko Case and k.d.lang, the Portland singer-songwriter returns with her first solo album since 2013’s Warp and Weft. Musically sparse over several songs, without percussion, it’s a mesmeric psych-folk work, with insightful, intelligent melancholic lyrics.
Laura Veirs - Everybody Needs You
Slug – HiggledyPiggledy
Almost impossible to define or than broadly indie, this north-east England eccentric second release by Ian Black, after previously working with Field Music’s Brewis Brothers, can remind you of anything from XTC to Prince, The Residents, John Carpenter, Don Cherry and Masahito Sato. Out on Memphis Industries.
Slug – No Heavy Petting
Daniel Avery - Song For Alpha
Engaging ambient electronica with a touch of early rave from Avery’s second album after a five-year gap since his debut, with a bigger range. Definitely best for the chill-out small hours. Out on Phantasy.
Daniel Avery – Projector
Hinds – I Don’t Run
Spanish quartet of Carlotta Cosials, Ana Perrotte, Ade Martin and Amber Grimbergen return with their second album, still very much in the garage rock style in the mould of The Strokes (sharing their producer Gordon Raphael). Their unison singing can grate a little, but their still remain a refreshing, vibrant presence on the indie scene. Out on Mom+Pop.
Hinds - The Club
Wiley – Godfather II
East London’s senior figure in grime (he’s now 39 and this is his 12th album), brings out this fine follow-up to 2017’s Godfather with a selection of slick rhymes and orchestral backing and unusual instrumental, and clever, rapid rapping, referencing everything to the music industry to his mum. Other tracks to check out including Bar, featuring Scratchy D Double E).
Wiley - Remember Me
Derek Smalls - Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing)
Harry Shearer, voice artist on The Simpsons,writer, comedian, all round good egg, and of course the actor who plays the titled This is Spinal Tap bass player, he of the ‘jazz odyssey’ and many other classic rock moments, brings us an ageing growler rocker album of hilarious cringeworthy and brilliant titles, such as She Puts the Bitch in Obituary, all about getting older. There’s no David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel here, but he is joined by a stellar cast of collaborators, including Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen, David Crosby, RHCP’s Chad Smith, Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins, Peter Frampton, Paul Shaffer, Yes’s Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Dweezil Zappa, Jane Lynch, and many more. His singing voice sounds a little bit like Otto the school bus driver, unsurprisingly.
Derek Smalls - It Don’t Get Old
This week's selection is by The Landlord.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
This is only a selection, not a catalogue of releases. Feel free to recommend more and comment below.