If you are a huge music fan like myself, then you understand the excitement I get every week awaiting new releases. But sadly, gone are the days of running to the local record store every Tuesday to see what new albums were out. Now, due to piracy, record companies have moved releases back a few days to Fridays and because of the internet, there’s no longer a need to race to Tower Records or Sam Goody. Nevertheless, someone needs to bring the new sweet jams to the masses and by god, that’s what I am going to do. Here are some of the exciting releases for you to check out and add to your weekend playlist.
Dermot Kennedy – Without Fear
One has to feel really good about themselves as they prepare for the release of their major label debut when the reigning Queen of Pop Taylor Swift gives props to your songwriting ability. Ireland’s answer to Ed Sheeran, Dermot Kennedy, spent the last two years touring across the world making stops at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Coachella while writing and developing Without Fear. Listen to his powerful voice and romantic songwriting and it’s easy to understand the David Gray and Ray LaMontagne influences. Dermot returns to middle Tennessee to play the Ryman February 23rd and this show promises to be a hot ticket in Music City. @DermotKennedy
Estiva – Metamorphoses
Netherlands DJ extraordinaire Estiva returns with his new album Metamorphoses. Estiva continues his blending of trance and melodic techno in his follow up to 2018’s Spectacle and early singles Eclipse and Carousel show that 2019 will be the biggest year of Estiva’s 13 year career. @estivamusic
Girl Band – The Talkies
Fairly silent for the past 4 years, Irish Post-Punk band Girl Band returned to the scene this summer with new single “Shoulderblades” and new album The Talkies following this week. After the success of their debut album Holding Hands With Jamie four years ago, let’s hope fans don’t have to wait that long to hear new music again. @girl_band
Jon Pardi – Heartache Medication
Capitol Records country star Jon Pardi returns with his third album, Heartache Medication. Jon came to Nashville via Dixon, CA and already has charted 9 songs on the Hot Country charts. The album’s first single debuted back in May after his appearance on the finale of American Idol. Pardi is a throwback to some of the great country artists of the ‘90s and drinking sing alongs seem to be a staple of Heartache Medication. “Tequila Little Time” and “Me and Jack” are sure to keep the dance floor packed. Don’t miss Jon Pardi with special guest Riley Green at the Ryman October 1st and 2nd. @JonPardi
Marc E. Bassy – PMD
Upon first listen to the opening track on PMD, you may think you’re listening to G-Eazy, but please don’t confuse San Francisco’s Marc E. Bassy with the “Me, Myself and I” rapper. The two have collaborated numerous times, but Bassy is determined to find his place at the table with his follow up to 2017’s Gossip Columns. The relaxing smooth Save Me is the type of song you envision listening to while driving with the windows down on a fall day. Fans of Post Malone and Ed Sheeran should really add PMD to their collection. @MARCEBASSY
Moon Duo – Stars Are The Light
Portland based psychedelic rock band Moon Duo return with their seventh full length album Stars Are The Light. Guitarist Ripley Johnson and keyboardist Sanae Yamada take you on a journey filled with dub step, hints of disco and funk, plus a taste of ‘90s acid house. Fans of Portishead, Massive Attack, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre will really appreciate the job Sonic Boom of Spacemen 3 did producing Stars Are The Light. Be sure to cop the limited edition red vinyl for your record collection. @moonduo
The New Pornographers – In The Morse Code of Brake Lights
The Morse Code of Brake Lights is the latest release from Canadian indie rock favorite The New Pornographers. Morse Code marks the band’s first new music since 2017’s Whiteout Conditions and is a return to the classic sound fans fell in love with over 20 years ago. Neko Case’s melodies soar above the rhythms of the album while band leader Carl Newman’s vocals are very calculating and slick. Morse Code still finds The New Pornographers giving it their all over 20 years into their career. @TheNewPornos
Steel Panther – Heavy Metal Rules
If you were a fan of glam metal growing up, then boy do I have a treat for you because Steel Panther is back with a new album and they’re just looking to party. Lead single “All I Wanna Do Is Fuck (Myself Tonight)” was released in July along with a music video while singles “Always Gonna Be A Ho” and “God’s of Pussy”, my wife’s favorites, followed later this summer. Micheal Starr, Satchel, Lexxi Foxx and Stix Zadinia might be the last four left in the world to know that glam is dead, but please no one tell them so. If you long for simpler days of tight leather pants, bandanas, and the smell of AquaNet in the air, then Heavy Metal Rules is a perfect listen while reflecting to a time long gone. Panther hits you in the face with 10 hard rocking songs in the fastest 36 minutes you’ll ever experience. @Steel_Panther
Sturgill Simpson – Sound & Fury
No one really blinked an eye when Taylor Swift said she was leaving Nashville to be a pop star. Truth be told she already was one. Outlaw country star Sturgill Simpson is definitely leaving the genre that made him famous for what he calls “sleazy, steamy rock ‘n’ roll.” Sound & Fury serves as the soundtrack to the anime Netflix original sharing the albums name. Maybe his more traditional country fans will be downright angry with this turn, but like the title of a song on Sound & Fury, it’s clear Sturgill is here to “Make Art Not Friends.” Catch Sound & Fury on Netflix beginning September 27th. @SimpsonSturgill
Sui Zhen – Losing, Linda
Experimental pop musician Sui Zhen explores post humanism on her latest project Losing, Linda. Sui claims the album is about missing people who are gone but also the loss of memory and information. Losing, Linda makes it very obvious that the separation of the human world and digital world is impossible as she believes we are so addicted to data storage and the other versions of ourselves. @BeckySuiZhen
Tegan and Sara – Hey, I’m Just Like You
Indie pop darlings Tegan and Sara have been making catchy pop singalongs for over 20 years now and their newest album Hey, I’m Just Like You picks up right where they left off. The album’s title track is very infectious and it’s hard not to connect with it with lyrics like “Sometimes we get so tired of pretending like you’re so strong.”
The twin sisters have also just released their debut memoir, High School, and die hard fans of the Quin girls would be hard pressed not to pick up both. Hey, I’m Just Like You pairs perfectly with High School as it is filled with re-recordings of demos the duo recorded as teenagers. Tegan and Sara make their return to Nashville October 29th when they play the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. @teganandsara
-Steven McCash (Twitter)
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