Crucial Releases: October 10
This week's new releases had the usual 10-15 albums in my queue, but in the end only five made the final cut. Two of which stood out to make my featured releases for the week. The other three are very solid and worth your time, though. So please read to the end!
First up is the new Flock of Dimes record...
The Life You Save by Flock of Dimes (Listen)
Flock of Dimes is Jenn Wasner and The Life You Save is her third full length under that name. Wasner is known for Wye Oak (with Andy Stack), as well as working with artists like Bon Iver, Dijon, and Madeline Kenney.
Between Wye Oak and Flock of Dimes, I think Wasner is one of the most unique and talented songwriters going today. She has a way of communicating emotion through her lyrics, voice, and music that not many can match.
Musically she combines folk with indie rock, adding touches of electronic music and orchestral elements... with absolutely beautiful results. Start here, then head to her other Flock of Dimes records... and then to Wye Oak (Civilian, The Louder I Call, the Faster it Runs, etc.) You won't be disappointed.
Favorite tracks: Keep Me in the Dark, Close to Home, River in My Arms, Pride, I Think I'm God
Belong by Jay Som (Listen)
Jay Som is the stage name of Melina Duterte and Belong is her fourth full length album under that name. I was introduced to Jay Som through her 2017 sophomore album, Everybody Works, which is excellent. Belong, though, is so full of confidence and strong songwriting –it's her best work to date, weaving bedroom and dream pop with indie rock hooks. This album is well worth your time.
Favorite tracks: What You Need, Past Lives, Drop A, Float, Want It All
"What You Need" by Jay Som
Honorable Mentions
Infinite by Mobb Deep (Listen)
The good songs on this album are up there with Mobb Deep's classics. I think Prodigy (RIP) would be proud of this collection... featuring unreleased vocals from Prodigy, features from Clipse, Nas, Jorja Smith, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and H.E.R., and four tracks produced by The Alchemist. Worth your time if you are a fan of hip hop.
"Down for You" by Mobb Deep ft Nas and Jorja Smith
s/t by Long Fling (Listen)
Pip Blom is one of my favorite bands that not many Americans seem to know about... they don't seem to play much outside of the Netherlands and England, so that doesn't help. Anyway, they are rad. Long Fling is Pip Blom and Willem Smit (Personal Trainer) doing art pop that's closer to early Pip Blom than their recent more dance-y material (which is still good!) Anyway check them out, this is a fun record.
"Cool Bottle Water Park" by Long Fling
Fatal Optimist by Madi Diaz (Listen)
Madi Diaz is just a great songwriter. An excellent collection of tracks here – she's certainly a star on the rise.
"Fatal Optimist" by Madi Diaz
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