Happy Friday. Today brings us the sophomore album from singer-songwriter James Bay. His new album is leaving the folkier sounds behind, an is embracing a more upbeat, pop and 80’s rock sound. I’ve found myself wanting to like what I’ve heard more than I have, but will see how the whole album sits. There’s also a new album from Ray LaMontagne, which is more likely to satisfy those looking for folk music. There’s also a great dose of rock n roll from Low Cut Connie (recently profiled in Rolling Stone), some desert rock from Nigerian guitarist Bombino, Topanga Canyon pop from Family of the Year, and reggae from the most melodic Marley, Ziggy.
One album we missed last week that you should check out this week is the new collaboration between Matthew Ryan and Hammock called The Summer Kills. Their debut album Last Night We Became Swans is an atmospheric, moody piece of beautiful songwriting.
In new singles, classic rockers Cheap Trick have a new one out, as does classic pop songwriter Nick Lowe, and up-and-coming rapper Jay Rock. My 90’s ska-punk favorites The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have a new single, as does songwriter Passenger, pop rockers American Authors, underground rapper Aesop Rock, and reggae-rockers Dispatch.
There’s a glut of new tunes, but hopefully you’ll take some time to give them a listen.
ALBUMS
James Bay – Electric Light
Ray LaMontagne – Part of the Light
The Summer Kills – Last Night We Became Swans
Family of the Year – Goodbye Sunshine, Hello Nighttime
Bombino – Deran
Low Cut Connie – Dirty Pictures (Part 2)
Ziggy Marley – Rebellion Rises
SONGS
Jay Rock – Win
Cheap Trick – The Summer Looks Good On You
Devendra Banhart – Shown and Told
Yungblud – Falling Skies (feat. Charlottle Lawrer)
Alex Da Kid – Go (feat. H.E.R. & Rapsody)
Nick Lowe – Heartbreaker
Protoje – No Guarantee
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – An Air Conditioned Man
Aesop Rock – Klutz
Bob Schneider – Sing About Love
American Authors – Deep Water
Dispatch – Cross the World
Passenger – Hell or High Water
Blue October – Colors Collide
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – Wonderful Day for the Race
The Indy Review 