It’s been a few weeks since we’ve seen any big album releases, which isn’t the worst thing considering all of the year-end lists that were published in the past month. It is refreshing, however, to be back on track with a week of new records to be excited about. And any time anything Pavement-related is released into the world, that’s reason alone to be pumped for music. Here’s what’s new today.
If you’re looking for some audio accompaniment as you read about these albums, Perry Eaton chatted with RadioBDC’s Adam12 about a few of them on the radio (along with some “Twin Peaks” chatter):
| 1. | Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – “Wig Out at Jagbags” |
The Pavement frontman and one of the great songwriters in indie rock history teams up with his backing band The Jicks for a sixth album. Malkmus continues with his signature brand of enigmatic but curiously surreal lyricism, while pledging allegiance to guitar-riddled jams as always. Pavement brats should be into this effort, but two years living in Berlin has also equated to certain small changes in Malkmus’ style that are exciting to hear. He and the Jicks will be at The Paradise on Feb. 25.
| 2. | John Newman – “Tribute” |
If you aim to catch the new wave of pop music pre-popularity, you made a mistake missing British youngster John Newman at Brighton Music Hall last night. The interesting breed of soul that this crooner conjures has already been recognized in the success of his first single “Love Me Again” and now his entire debut effort is available today.
| 3. | Peter Gabriel – “And I’ll Scratch Yours” |
The former Genesis vocalist and longtime pop music sensation released an album of covers in 2010 called “Scratch My Back,” featuring reworkings of songs by Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, and more. Now, with “And I’ll Scratch Yours,” those artists return the favor. Paul Simon, David Byrne, Randy Newman, and more try their hand at Gabriel’s deep catalog.
| 4. | Del the Funky Homosapien – “Iller Than Most” |
One of the most interesting alt-rappers of our time, the man behind the chilling concept album “Deltron 3030,” and frequent Gorillaz collaborator Del the Funky Homosapien released a new album on Soundcloud over the weekend, pretty much out of nowhere. The album, listed under the artist “Zartan Drednaught COBRA,” is futuristically produced by Del himself, but lyrically stays true to his old school, sly vibe.
| 5. | Patterns – “Waking Lines” |
Manchester quartet Patterns finds ways to blend trends of yesteryear, like the always lovely, but semi-trite surf pop resurgence, with more cutting-edge styles, like the growing fascination with early shoegaze. It makes for a relevant and easily-digestible first taste of this band, and definitely doesn’t phone it in for the sake of retaining pop appeal.
| 6. | Sampha – “Too Much” b/w “Happens” 7″ |
Drake’s latest, “Nothing Was the Same,” was an incredible release, but may not have seen the same success without the help from British vocalist Sampha on “Too Much.” Now Sampha, known widely as part of SBTRKT, as well as for his collaborations with Jessie Ware and Solange among others, is releasing his solo version of “Too Much” on a 7-inch with “Happens” as its b-side.
| 7. | Self Defense Family – “Try Me” |
Cohoes, N.Y., post-punk collective Self Defense Family has been releasing albums since 2004 under the name End Of a Year, but “Try Me” is the band’s first record under its new moniker. The album has been streaming on Spotify for some time now, but today gets its official release on Deathwish Records.