Crucial Releases: First Half of July

Man, keeping up with summer time new releases has been a challenge! Our oldest graduated from high school near the end of June and we went directly to graduation party, then directly to a week plus vacation in Cape Cod, then directly to a college orientation trip and then a week-long music camp for our musician daughter at Eastman School of Music in Rochester... then to her and her twin's birthday as I am writing this! 😅 I think I need another vacation to recover from all that.

Anyway, as I always say... new music doesn't stop for anyone, so I have a jam packed issue with some really great releases spanning the last three or so weeks. I don't think I can pick one of these as the featured release, so the following seven records (no particular order) will be covered in a little more depth. Each is currently in my top 30 for the year. (Then stick around for the Honorable Mentions, as those are all pretty darn solid too.)

Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse (Listen)
First up is a new Clipse record! Brothers Pusha T and Malice have reunited for their first album in over 15 years... and it's certified fire. Much like their earlier material they've collaborated with Pharrell who certainly knows how to make hit records. This album also has features from John Legend, Kendrick, Tyler the Creator, and Nas. Each of those tracks is a highlight.

Give this album a spin, then head back to Lord Willin' and Hell Hath No Fury. A top notch duo.

Neighborhood Gods Unlimited by Open Mike Eagle (Listen)
Whereas Clipse specializes in drug rap, Open Mike Eagle (also a podcaster and comedian) comes from a very different angle and does it very well. He calls it art rap... which means songs (stories) about pretty much anything over jazzy loops. Like his first job at a shoe store and selling Mephistos ("me and aquil stealing stuff from work".) Records like this are why I like alternative/underground hip hop. (Be sure to check his podcasts too.)

moisturizer by Wet Leg (Listen)
Wet Leg follow up their 2022 self-title debut with a sort of subdued collection of songs, but while they trade in the joke-y vibes of songs like "Chaise Longue", they show off their top notch songwriting chops... and this album is chock full of great songs. A perfect album for this summer.

The Longer This Goes On by Forth Wanderers (Listen)
The Forth Wanderers return! I "discovered" and fell in love with FW after hearing their 2018 sophomore self-titled release on Sub Pop. Shortly after the release of that album the band took a break to deal with mental health issues...

Fast forward to 2025 and the band returns (healthy, thankfully) with their third album, also on Sub Pop, and pick up exactly where they left off. The band perfectly blends angsty guitar with melodies and super heart-felt lyrics. Fans of bands like The Beths, Snail Mail, Land of Talk. Glitterer, and Palehoud should definitely give this a listen.

Headlights by Alex G (Listen)
After 9 indie albums dating back to 2011, Alex G releases Headlights on RCA – his first major label album. Even so he hasn't strayed too far from his indie lo-fi pop roots... still delivering his off-center pop sensibility and personal, intimate lyrics.

I would say moving to a major label means huge things for Alex G, but honestly he's already huge. He can already sell out huge venues and he's one of the few artists my kids like as much as I do...

His last album, God Save the Animals, hit #16 on my year end list. I'm guessing this one will be in the same area, if not higher.

Kiss From the Balcony by Madeline Kenney (Listen)
The fifth full-length album from Madeline Kenney and it's one of her best. I discovered Kenney during my Wye Oak "awakening phase" where I finally gave that band a listen (and now really love)... as Jenn Wasner produced her 2018 release, Perfect Shapes. Kenney has similar vibes (layered dreamy indie pop) to Wasner's Wye Oak and Flock of Dimes, so I was instantly hooked... enjoying her 2020 release Sucker's Lunch and A New Reality Mind from 2023, which made my end of year short list.

Dog Eared by Billie Marten (Listen)
A new-to-me artist this week and so glad I gave this a shot. Every song is so good. Marten is a talented songwriter and "folk prodigy" in the vein of Laura Marling, Kate Bush, and Nick Drake. Dog Eared is her fifth full-length album, so I will definitely be listening to the entire back catalog next.

Honorable Mentions

Near-Death Travel Services by Deadguy (Listen)

Different Talking by Frankie Cosmos (Listen)

Forward by The Swell Season (Listen)

Speedo by Dana and Alden (Listen)

There's Love in This World if You Want It by Higher Power (Listen)

The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 by Lord Huron (Listen)

Who Wants to Talk About Love? by Jade Bird (Listen)

The Emperor's New Clothes by Raekwon (Listen)

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