We’re smack-dab in the middle of the sweet spot of summer, a traditionally slow time as the recorded music industry takes a break before diving headlong into Q3 and Q4. But that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to report for New Music Friday.
Singles
1. Collective Soul, Bluer Than Blue (Fuzze-Flex)
This is the second single from the band’s Here to Eternity album, a big double album that was released in conjunction with Collective Soul’s 30th anniversary as a band. The band is currently on a summer tour that will bring them to the Budweiser Stage in Toronto on September 8. Fun fact: This record was made at Elvis Presley’s estate in Palm Springs.
2. Snail Mail, Tonight Tonight (Matador)
Yes, it’s cover of the Smashing Pumpkins song–and only slightly less orchestral, too. Must be the banjo. Snail Mail is actually Maryland guitarist Lindsey Jordan who has a couple of albums to her credit. This, however, is a one-off, a contribution to the soundtrack of the film I Saw the TV Glow (Lindsey has a tiny part in the movie). This never made the official soundtrack release so Snail Mail has put it out on her own.
3. STUNNED, Twighlight (Jimmybsachem)
STUNNED sure makes a lot of noise for just two guys. The group, consisting of Jimmy Banning on lead vocals and drums and Denis Mongeau on guitars and bass, is based in Montreal. This single–one of two out at the moment–is riffilious.
4. The Wilderness, Strangers I Used to Love (The Wilderness Band)
More Canadian music, this time from a six-piece group from Kingston. They’ve been road dogs since 2015 (600+ DIY gigs) and are readying a new album entitled Strangers I Used to Love was a collaborative effet that included contributions from Brett Emmons (The Glorious Sons) and Chris Koster (ex-Glorious Sons).
Albums
1. Jack White, NO NAME (Third Man Records)
Last Friday, people dropping into the three Third Man record stores (Nashville, Detroit, London) found that something extra has been slipped into their shopping bags: a strange album with NO NAME on the label. That was it. Turns out that this was a secret surprise album from Jack White. After fans ripped the vinyl and posted the songs online (totally approved by Jack), the record has now been officially released in both physical and streaming forms. We also have song titles, too. If you downloaded a rip, track three, That’s How I’m Feeling, is the official single.
2. Smashing Pumpkins, Aghori Mhori Mei (Marth’s Music/Thirty Tigers)
The 13th Pumpkins album has arrived as the band plays some big dates with Green Day. This follow-up to last year’s Atum (an album with 33 songs) has just ten songs. It’s also the first Pumpkins albums since longtime touring guitarist Jeff Schroeder left the group. If you want to be correct with your pronunciatio, it’s “Agory Mori May.”
3. Tones & I, Beautiful Ordinary (Elektra)
Toni Watson (that’s her real name) busted out of Australia with a worldwide hit single in the form of Dance Monkey. She’s finally ready with her second album, which follows her debut by about three years. Four of the sixteen songs have already been released as singles. This is the latest.
4. X, Smoke & Fiction (Fat Possum)
X has been a mainstay of the American punk/alternative since since they were formed in LA back in 1977. The groups discography includes just nine studio albums, including this one, which they say will be their final record. They’re currently on a farewell tour which will run until sometime in 2025.
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