A new year calls for a New Music Alert. As usual, I’ve stumbled upon these songs, most of them thanks to Sirius XMU radio. Some bands I’ve never heard of, others I’m a little familiar with, and one is a well-known rock artist.
- “On the Floor” by Thus Love – Here’s one for you, punk rockers from… Vermont. Thus Love recently released their second album, All Pleasure. These young musicians pack a punch led by lead singer Echo Mars. The glam and growl combine for a sound way beyond their years. (This discovery was courtesy of Rolling Stone magazine…the actual print mag, that is.)
- “It’s a Mirror” by Perfume Genius – I never thought I’d have this artist in my music posts having only been exposed to him through his guest rapping on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Spitting Off the End of the World.” (see New Music Alert: Five Bands You May Not Have Heard of (and One You Have) Glory is his recent album and he appears to have gone in a new direction, including this song. You could call it euphoric Americana.
“(Tonight) Was a Long Time Ago” by Jack White – Jack White is back shredding and howling with his new album, No Name. There’ll be more on Jack White later this year after I see him at the Santa Barbara Bowl in May.
- “U Should Not Be Doing That” by Amyl and the Sniffers – Before you even listen to this Melbourne band, their name and look evokes some attitude. And after you turn them on, the defiant rockers kick ass led by front woman Amy Taylor’s piercing vocals.
- “Crystals” by Sea Lemon (featuring Benjamin Gibbard) – Seattle singer songwriter Natalie Lew, who performs as Sea Lemon, got her friend from Death Cab for Cutie to accompany her on this shimmering single.
- “Defense” by Panda Bear (featuring Cindy Lee) – Noah Lennox’s side project from Animal Collective has a new full-length album coming out this month. Sinister Grift includes “Defense” with its appealing retro vibe.
- “Chill Out” by Witch Post – This new Scottish duo is a burst of grungy indie rock highlighted by the vocals of Dylan Fraser and Alaska Reid. Think Pixies and Hole.
- “8th Deadly Sin” by MB3 – I loved Piroshka’s “Everlastingly Yours,” the indie supergroup Miki Berenyi formed after the breakup of Lush. Tripla is the upcoming album with her new trio. Echoing guitars and gorgeous melodies. Sound familiar?
- “She’s Leaving You” by MJ Lenderman – MJ Lenderman does it again. I thought including him last year in the New Music Alerts was a one-time deal (New Music Alert: Ten Songs/Bands to Check Out), but this song from his latest album, Manning Fireworks, once again creeps up on you. He’s still in hangdog slacker mode, this time as a twenty-something singing about middle-aged divorce. It’s remarkably catchy.
- “I Want You (Fever)” by Momma – The single off their upcoming 4th album, Welcome to My Blue Sky, continues to showcase the heavy riffs and tight harmonies of Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarter.
Trivia: Jack White has released six solo albums and six with the White Stripes. What are the names of the two side bands he formed, each with three albums?
Trivia: Jack White recorded the title song to the James Bond film, Quantum Solace, along with which singer/songwriter?
Answers below
Answer: The Raconteurs and Dead Weather
Answer: Alicia Keys. “Another Way to Die” became the only Bond theme duet.
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