This week was a little different. Nothing came out that was massively anticapated like LCD last week, but there were some good singles that make some upcoming album releases pretty exciting, plus a great look into some Neil Young masterpieces. Lastly, we lost a legendary musical pioneer, Holger Czukay. Anyway, onto some new (and old) tunes… for you.
LPs to listen to this week
THE BUTTERTONES – GRAVEDIGGING
I may be a little late to the party with this one as this album dropped on March 31st, but I first heard of The Buttertones this week after receiving an email that they were coming to my local music venue, The Shacklewell Arms in London last week. I decided to give them a listen and was not disappointed. They bring a good blend of surf rock and psychedelia together to bring you a revamped throwback sound. I strongly advise you give them a listen.
This was one hell of a recording session on the 11th of April in 1976 at Indigo Studios in Malibu, California. Armed with his harmonic, acoustic guitar, a piano and his genius Neil Young laid down these 10 tracks with longtime collaborator David Briggs. It a great peek into the past and no one quite does minimal folk music like Neil Young. It’s a treat to hear the early versions of some classic Crazy Horse tunes in their rawest incarnations.
Okay, this isn’t new by any means, but the incomparable Holger Czukay, founder of Can, passed this week. If you don’t know who he is, you should. He’s likely influenced something you’ve listened to in the last week whether you or the musician is aware of it. He was the pioneer of sampling for starters. He’s ecclectic, he’s weird, he’s fun, and it’s always enjoyable. Post-Can, which I also suggest you listen to, he worked with a number of great musicians in addition to his solo work, including David Sylvian, Brian Eno, U.N.K.L.E., and more. His contributions and flair for music will be sorely missed.
Singles worth your time
It’s been a long, long time since we’ve had a new album from Charlotte, 7 years to be exact, but she’s back with the lead single off her upcoming album. This track features Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk co-producing and the album is set to feature many more including, Paul McCartney when it drops in November. This track is absolutely beautiful and relaxing, as the name implies. Here’s hoping an extensive tour comes along in the next few months.
St. Vincent, Annie Clark, has had an exciting summer. First she announced she’ll be making her feature film directorial debut with an exciting new adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.. She followed that up with a great single, New York, an album announcement and the second new track from that forthcoming album, Los Ageless. It’s a much different feel than its predecessor featuring a synth pop/electro feel. This album is shaping up to be a good one. MASSEDUCATION, is out October 13th.
One to skip
LANGHORNE SLIM – NEVER BREAK EP
In all fairness, there is nothing truly wrong with this 3-track EP from Langhorne Slim. It’s just not his best work. All of the same elements are still present, it’s just a bit lacking. Feel free to give it a listen, but if you’ve never heard his take on the traditional sounds of down home country, blues, and folk, don’t rely on this as your only benchmark. Go back into his catalogue and really dive into the sweet sounds of banjo and acoustic guitar with his vocal stylings.
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