Despite the ongoing pandemic, lots of great new music continues to be released. In our second edition of 5 New Albums You Should Listen to Now, I offer up a quick overview of notable new releases available on streaming services. This week's list includes new albums from Stuck on Planet Earth, CeeLo Green, The Manvils, Japandroids, and MIKE.
Stuck on Planet Earth: Beautiful Nowhere
[Anthem Entertainment LP]
The long wait is over. After thirteen years Stuck on Planet Earth's debut album, Beautiful Nowhere is here.
The Toronto alternative rock band's ten-song album includes previously released tracks including their current top 40 hit, Higher Than the Drugs, and Ghosts On The Radio.
"To us, Beautiful Nowhere is the idea that we all want to know what's beyond this place, especially with the chaotic, anxiety ridden backdrop of the current times, while projecting the notion that we're all stuck here, and in this together.''
Delivering themes of love, lust, loss, self-identity, perseverance and empowerment the album is full of great energy, guitar riffs and clever lyrics. It was worth the wait.
CeeLo Green: Is Thomas Callaway
[Easy Eye Sound under exclusive licence to BMG Rights Management]
CeeLo Green continues to build on his past successes with his latest project, CeeLo Green Is Thomas Callaway. The album marks his first release in five years, and it features the five-time Grammy Award-winning singer teaming up with the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.
The twelve tracks were written over a period of six months in Nashville, and recorded with a stellar live band including keyboardist Bobby Wood who's played with Elvis, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette, as part of one of the famous 827 Thomas Street Band, one of the most successful studio bands. As well as, Gene Crisman on drums who's played with Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Dusty Springfield. Dave Roe, bass player for Johnny Cash, and Russ Pahl, guitarist for Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift.
It's an easy listen, with sweet vocals and a feel-good sound.
The Manvils - Reaction Arrow [Manvils Music/AMP]
The Manvils are back with the 10-track album, Reaction Arrow.
The album was written and dedicated to the loss of several family members in unimaginably quick succession after the band relocated to Toronto in 2011.
It's understandably an emotional album. It opens with Sudden News, and I have to admit the guitar riff from this song is stuck in my head.
"The emotive energy throughout Reaction Arrow is bonded, quite literally, with the initials of beloved family members, as well as Sandbag Records founder, the late Richard Eusebio, memorialized in an engraving on the vinyl's edge.
Much of the album was produced by John Akred and recorded over a span of 3 years in Redwood City, California at John's secluded and historic Melody Hunting Lodge (est. 1879). Additional songs were produced and recorded in Toronto by Lorne Hounsell and Stephan Di Mambro.
Reaction Arrow 's deeply personal storyline is contrasted by fuzzed-out, sonic thunder that echoes the unprecedented era we've entered globally. An album that, at its core, speaks to the universal nature of grieving-from the agony of loss to the heroism of survival. In between are revelations on life's highs and lows, all guided by a conviction that does not waver." - Mikey Manville
I'll be chatting with Mikey Manville later this week, and we'll have a more in-depth interview coming soon.
Japandroids - Massey Fucking Hall [Japandroids Recording Inc under exclusive license to Arts & Crafts Productions Inc.
Massey Fucking Hall is the first live album from Canadian rock duo Japandroids. Recorded almost three years ago during the Live at Massey Hall series, the 16-track collection offers up tunes from 2009's Post-Nothing, 2012's Celebration Rock, and 2017's Near To the Wild Heart of Life.
Massey Hall is a venue on many bands' bucket lists, and while we might prefer to see this band in a small sweaty club, they deliver a whirlwind journey through their catalogue.
Massey Fucking Hall is a reminder of all the cool things we're missing. Energy, enthusiasm, real-time moments, banter and togetherness.
MIKE - Weight of the World [2020 10k]
It's been a year since Bronx rapper MIKE released Tears of Joy. He marks his return with Weight of the World. Produced mostly by MIKE using his alias DJ Blackpower, he collaborates with familiar names like Earl Sweatshirt, Jadasea, Darryl Johnson, and KeiyaA contributing to the sound.
The album takes from his life including the death of his mom and his dad worrying about him. Each track has it's own unique sound, never feeling repetitive. The album reminds me of M.F. Doom. It's a great listen, and I hope the process has helped him work through his loss.
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