From J Dilla to J Mascis, there is something for everyone this week in new releases! While the Dilla self-releases his 40-track The King of Beats’ Ma Dukes Yancey Collector’s Edition Box Set, Mascis shares his latest solo release, which KEXP's Music Director Don Yates describes as "another strong acoustic-oriented set featuring some gorgeous finger-picked acoustic guitar along with occasional fuzzy electric guitars accompanying his drawling vocals, wistful melodies and bittersweet lyrics."
Yates has nothing but rave reviews for the latest from Ty Segall, calling it "his cleanest, most polished recording, and it’s also his best, expertly blending elements of glam-rock, psych-rock, power pop, ‘60s garage-rock, ‘70s hard rock, grunge, punk and more into 17 knockout rock songs with fiery guitar work, occasional organ and strings, tight, muscular rhythms, pristine harmonies and stuffed with catchy song hooks."
Yates is also enthused by the latest from Canadian supergroup The New Pornographers, calling their sixth album (and first in four years) "a strong comeback record of exuberant, hook-filled power-pop. It’s the group at their most cohesive and confident, combining crunchy guitars, bright synths, punchy rhythms, stacked, soaring harmonies and effervescent melodies into sparkling pop gems."Longtime KEXP faves Shovels and Rope return with their third album, "another gritty, heartfelt blend of roots-rock, folk, blues, country and gospel, combining a raw, ramshackle sound with the duo’s rough-hewn harmonies and poignant lyrics." Staten Island's Cymbals Eat Guitars release "their most diverse and powerful release to date of ‘90s-influenced indie-rock. Frontman Joseph D’Agostino pays tribute to his late friend and musical collaborator Benjamin High, who passed away seven years ago just as the band began recording, while also expressing belief in the power of music on consistently strong songs ranging from raucous uptempo rockers, anthemic pop-rock and knotty prog to melodic psych-rock epics and plaintive ballads." And UK dance duo Basement Jaxx share their seventh album, Junto (read an extensive review of that release on the KEXP Blog here).
Holiday weekends are never the most robust for new releases, but some exciting albums did make the schedule this week. KEXP's Music Director Don Yates points out the third release from Sinkane, a project of Sudanese-born, Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist/vocalist (and former Yeasayer/Caribou/Of…
After a blistering in-studio session at KEXP, young Benjamin Booker has released his self-titled debut album, which KEXP's Music Director Don Yates calls "a powerful blend of energetic garage rock and postpunk with gritty blues and soul, featuring a variety of visceral songs with explosive guitar r…
