Crucial Releases: June 6 edition
Hey there, friend!
After pretty much failing you all in May, I'm back with a fairly on time collection of albums from last week. I've got four albums below that I really liked, as well as another album of Broken Social Scene covers. I generally don't like to include cover albums, live albums, or EPs... but I occasionally make exceptions and since BSS is one of my favorite bands, this one qualifies.
Anyway, let's jump into my featured album from last week: NEVER ENOUGH by Turnstile (Listen)
I first heard Turnstile on a ride home from Toronto in 2015 after seeing my friends' hardcore band Longest War play a show... Nonstop Feeling just came out earlier in the year and it was my first time hearing it. They had released two EPs prior to their debut full length and the folks I was with that day were adamant their EPs were better...
Ten years later, that's definitely become a pattern with every Turnstile release since Nonstop Feeling. The last one was better, the newest one isn't hardcore, etc. But Turnstile keeps moving forward and most folks eventually come along for the ride. Because Turnstile are talented and talent usually wins.
And as you can see in the video below, at the record release show for Never Enough in Baltimore, many people agree with me:
Never Enough live in Baltimore
Turnstile, at this point, have pretty much created their own sub-genre of hardcore, incorporating electronic music, flutes, synths, 80s radio rock, club beats, you name it. They preach "be yourself"... and they follow it up by making music that lives that ethos, regardless of critics.
I for one am enjoying the ride. After listening to hardcore for more than 32 years, I now spend more time trying to find bands in the genre that experiment and do things a little differently. There are only so many youth crew or 90's metallic hardcore bands you can listen to, though I do enjoy reminiscing every once in a while.
Anyway, enough with the words... Turnstile Summer starts now.
"Never Enough" by Turnstile
"Seein' Stars / Birds" by Turnstile
Honorable Mentions
Lotus by Little Simz (Listen)
The sixth full length album from Little Simz, most of which have received significant critical acclaim... this one will be no different. She is one of the most creative and quality artists in hip-hop today.
"Flood" by Little Simz
Ripped and Torn by Lifeguard (Listen)
Two of the three members of Lifeguard used to be in Horsegirl, who are also on Matador Records and released their own Phonetics On and On earlier in the year. A very young band, with the youngest member being only 18... they do the early 80s art punk thing very well.
"Like You'll Lose" by Lifeguard
A Thousand Years In Another Way by Activity (Listen)
Very impressed with this band and release... definitely get an early Radiohead and Blond Redhead vibe, which is amazing. Apparently they have 6 other full lengths out and I even had their 2020 release Unmask Whoever in my library already, though I don't remember listening to that one... anyway, check them out. Super good!
"In Another Way" by Activity
Anthems: A Celebration of Broken Social Scene's You Forgot it in People by Various Artists (Listen)
Hovvdy, Toro y Moi, Hand Habits, Mdou Moctar, Maggie Rogers, Sylvan Esso, Middle Kids, Spirit of the Beehive, and more cover this classic album.
MERCH PARTY!
The Crucial Tracks merch store just launched. We have shirts, hoodies, hats, sealed new vinyl, and much more for sale. EVERY purchase goes to paying the bills to keep Crucial Tracks going.
And, since it's Pride... 25% of June proceeds will go to The Trevor Project. I will also match the first $50!
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