What a week it has been. I don’t know about you, but this just felt like the longest week ever. St. Patrick’s Day came and went and a lot of people got their stimulus from “Uncle Joe.” Now that the weekend is here and you’ve got a little more jingle in your pocket, how about checking out some of the new albums released today.
Serj Tankian Elasticity
Last November, the world was given a surprise treat in the form of two new songs from the Armenian-American band System of a Down. The songs, “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz,” were released in response to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and gave hope to System fans that a new full-length album was in the works. Fans are still clamoring for the band’s first album since 2005’s Hypnotize but are one step closer with the release of the bands lead singer Serj Tankian’s new solo project Elasticity.
Elasticity is full of songs written for SOAD, but were ultimately shot down by the other members of the band. The title track is a perfect song that will satisfy the taste buds of fans of the band. It is especially on the odd side of the track with its tiptoeing into electronica and its similarity to The Trashman’s “Surfin’ Bird.”
Never one to shy away from being political in his songwriting, Serj continues his tradition of being vocal about his activism and beliefs. “Your Mom,” which is clearly the song that sounds the most like SOAD on the album is about the need to look deeper into humanitarian issues and to separate the hypocrisy that often hovers around them while “Electric Yerevan” is a love letter to Serj’s homeland that has suffered over the years due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
Fans will have to continue to hold on to hope for the band to reunite as their differences continue, but can get their taste of what-could’ve-been through Elasticity. In addition to the Serj’s new EP, also make sure to check out his documentary Truth to Power, which takes a dive into his journey through music and activism. @serjtankian
Melissa Carper Daddy’s Country Gold
I often long for a time long passed. During my early childhood years, some of my fondest memories were visiting my aunt’s house near Harriman, TN. Harriman sits off I-40 between Nashville and Knoxville and my aunt had a beautiful white home that sat on the side of a mountain with a wraparound porch that I miss so much today. Every morning of our visit, she would get up and make breakfast including biscuits from scratch. On the kitchen counter sat a small transistor radio that was dialed into a local AM station. This station played some of the music that helped define these memories. It was during these summer mornings when I discovered Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Brenda Lee, and so many others.
For years, every time I hear “Crazy” or “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” my mind drifts to those early days of my childhood. I have always longed for music of that era to make a comeback. Melissa Carper is a talented upright bass player that has released a new album, Daddy’s Country Gold, that is sparking the nostalgia I have been in search of.
Immediately you are taken back to a time of yesteryear through her impeccable voice. There is no one in music today with a vocal styling that comes anywhere near Carper’s. Having been compared by her listeners to a bluegrass Billie Holiday and a country Janis Joplin, Carper’s distinct and pure voice has reached a new strength and maturity in Daddy’s Country Gold.
Carper’s new album is a refreshing addition to the landscape of country music and she has done a remarkable job of recreating the music of her heroes and my childhood memories.
Check out these other amazing albums out this week……
- Morgan Wade Reckless
- Benny the Butcher The Plugs I Met
- Jon Batiste We Are
- Loretta Lynn Still Woman Enough
- Lana Del Ray Chemtrails Over the Country Club
Steven McCash is the Music Columnist for SoBros Network, and host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast. He is the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music, in addition to the occasional live show review. Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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