For this New Music Friday report, we’re heavy on singles as we’re about to hit the window for spring releases, which begins next week. There are many familiar names of this list.
Singles
1. Tori Amos, Shush (Fontana)
This is the latest advance single from her upcoming concept album, In Times of Dragons, which might be the most political thing she’s ever done. To recap, the album sees Amos adopt a fictional personality who happens to me married to a “danger, power-hungry billionaire” who uses his money and influence for evil. Sound familiar?
2. Autumn Kings, Gone Gone, Gone (Hopeless Records)
Born in LaSalle, Ontario, but now relocated to Detroit, Autumn Kings have toured with Bush, Pop Evil, Sublime with Rome, and Hollywood Undead. Their songs have also been heard on Football Night in America and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. They’ve got a Toronto gig at the Mod Club on April 29.
3. Elephant Stone, Everything is Evil (Independent)
Montreal’s Elephant Stone is now 2o years into a career that merges elements of Madchester with the sounds of India. This time, it’s a blast of punk and psych that’s over in less than two minutes. An album entitled ASHA (named after leader Rishi’s late mom) will be out this summer.
4. Dee Lav, Rock and Roll is Dead, feat. Danko Jones and Big Sugar (Independent)
Dee is actually Dmytro Lavereniuk, a Kyiv-based rocker and former bassist for a group called Cardinal Birds. Thanks to the magic on online collaborations, he has this new rockabilly-ish track that features guitar from Danko Jones and Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson on drums. The inspiration is the memory of his dad giving him two tickets to Deep Purple when he was 16.
5. Mumford & Sons (with Chris Stapleton), Here (Glassnote)
Another collaboration which, I confess, I might have missed earlier, but it’s only now being serviced to radio as a single. Country and folk seem to be living together these days, so this combination isn’t as strange as it might seem. Mumford & Sons have crossed over into country recently, performing with Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, and Sierra Ferrell. It was only a matter of time before one of the biggest names in country was brought in on a song.
6. Softcult, Not Sorry (Easy Life Records/Orchard)
Softcult is nominated for JUNO this weekend, so the release of this single is good timing. Mercedes and Phoenix just wrapped up a North American tour with Lights and the reviews for their debut album (like this one) have been spectacular. This is the latest single from their album, When a Flower Doesn’t Grow. They might be my favourite new Canadian band right now.
7. Sublime, Until the Sun Explodes (Atlantic)
Yes, that Sublime, but this time with original frontman’s son, Jakob doing the singing. This is the title track of the band’s first album in nearly thirty(!!!) years and first with Jakob out front. They describe the project as “rooted in the band’s classic sound while opening a new chapter.” Watch for the album’s released on June 12.
Albums
1. Courtney Barnett, Creature of Habit (Mom+Pop Music)
I’ve been a fan since her first album came out in 2015. She’s quirky, smart, articulate, and very honest. This album, her fourth and first in five years, was written and recorded after moving from Australia to LA. See if you can pick out all the references to change throughout the album.
2. Flea, Honora (Nonesuch)
In the 40-plus years the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been together, the only solo albums have come from John Fruisciante–and they sounded nothing like the Peppers. Same thing with this debut solo album from Flea. Not only does he play bass, but he goes back to the trumpet, the very first instrument he learned to play. Guests include Thom Yorke and Nick Cave. Looking for something different his week? Here you go. This single with Yorke is both slithery and funky.
3. New Pornographers, The Former Site Of (Merge)
There’s a new drummer for their 10th album (please don’t ask what happened to the old one). This album was supposed to be out almost three years ago, but Neko Case was unavailable due to various contractual commitments. Then came the drummer issues, so all the sessions had to be scrapped and re-recorded with a session player. Love the quantum physics reference in this single. Fun fact: New guy Charley Drayton is who we hear on Love Shack by The B-52’s.
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