New Music Tuesday
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For his second album, DFA Records heavyweight Juan Maclean teams up with LCD Soundsystem vocalist Nancy Whang to make fantastically indulgent disco. Between quoting Human League melodies and sampling Kraftwerk beats, the duo make it clear that they're well schooled in synth-pop history, but their visual aesthetic and actual melodic ability are all 2075. Make sure to check out the last track, a 12+ minute epic that the New York Times calls "near-perfect."
For fans of: LCD Soundsystem + Yaz + Hercules & Love Affair
War Tapes, who describe their music as "heart-quaking doom-pop," make angsty, urbane new wave with emotional male-female vocals. Their pretty sublime "Dreaming of You" was chosen by Carson Daly as music for his New Year's Eve show, and starts their debut album off on the right foot; Filter points out the album's "stellar" production and says Interpol fans "will likely have The Continental Divide on their rotation for a few weeks."
For fans of: Editors + Interpol + She Wants Revenge
Icelandic singer/songwriter Lovisa Elisabet Sigrunardottir, whom Lucinda Williams called one of the best new artists she'd heard in years, combines blues, folk, and a bit of country twang for a charming, beguiling debut. Fans of tell-it-like-it-is singers like Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline will find a lot to like here, as Lay Low adds a down-home flavor to eclectic Scandinavian folk.
For fans of: Emilíana Torrini + Patsy Cline + Regina Spektor
Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens
Alabama gospel singer Naomi Shelton has spent her life between church choirs and New York soul clubs, and her extraordinary voice shines on her full-length debut. With horn stabs from the Dap-Kings and backing vocals from the Gospel Queens, What Have You Done, My Brother? is the real deal: NPR says "she wields her blunt voice with no-nonsense passion, marking her as an heir to the late gospel great Dorothy Love Coates."
For fans of: Wilson Pickett + Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings + Aretha Franklin
New York electroclash and performance art duo Fischerspooner are back with their third album, featuring what NME describes as "Pong-like kicks, Kraftwerk-get-fruity synth trills and alien sex temptress mating-calls." Produced by Jeff Satzman, who also did The Killers' debut, Entertainment is a sleek, fashionable soundtrack for any night you're feeling feisty.
For fans of: Ladytron + Pet Shop Boys + The Killers
Two seconds into Vespertine Live you'll realize this is no ordinary live album. Instead of cheers or muffled stage banter, this recording opens with the tiny music-box sound of "Frosti," followed by the triumphant, orchestral "Overture" -- just a hint of the grand emotion and stylistic variety of this legendary Icelandic musician. We've also got live versions of Post, Homogenic, and Debut, so even longtime fans can experience these albums anew.
For fans of: Sigur Rós + Massive Attack + Radiohead
Various Artists
A posthumous tribute to roots musican Chris Gaffney, this album includes covers of his fine music by country/Americana greats like Los Lobos, Calexico, and Dave Alvin. Gaffney was a co-founder of the Hacienda Brothers, and was described by the LA Times as "a peer of Alvin, Los Lobos, X and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in chronicling the life of Southern California." All proceeds from this album will benefit the non-profit group Hungry for Music and the surviving members of Chris' family.
For fans of: Dwight Yoakam + Dave Alvin + Lonesome Strangers
EP+6 collects the first three EPs from Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, recorded around the time of their unparalleled debut in 1997. Featuring the superbly wistful "Stanley Kubrick," this is mood music for the end of the world. Anyone looking for an introduction to this influential band, or just nostalgic for the Young Team years, can luxuriate in this release for over an hour.
For fans of: Dwight Yoakam + Dave Alvin + Lonesome Strangers
Eastbourne singer James Yuill has many peers in the folktronica movement, but that doesn't diminish the grace and sonic ingenuity of his debut album, which combines acoustic confessionalism and lovely driving electronica. Turning Down Water For Air shows Yuill bruised by his past and still hopeful, making rich, thoughtful laptop pop. The Guardian says "with a rich vein of rejection as inspiration... Yuill is promisingly individual."
For fans of: The Album Leaf + David Gray + The Books
Out of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Sophia Brown sings chilled-out, sunny reggae music. A collaboration with dub producer Mad Professor brought her attention, acclaim, and a record deal, leading to her biggest single yet, The Spotlight's "Love You Pure." Pack up your winter clothes, open up the windows, and enjoy this album!
For fans of: Barrington Levy + Shabba Ranks + Lady Palma
