As fun as it is to complain about “music these days,” and how it’s all been downhill since The Chronic came out, it’s even MORE fun to listen to — wait for it — good music. Every Tuesday, a.k.a. Music Release Day, we’ll highlight five albums worth (legally) downloading or driving to the local Best Buy (lolz) for.
Today, we’ve got albums from Antony and the Johnsons, Redd Kross, and more.
Researching the Blues by Redd Kross
Mature power-pop from a band that’s been together for so long, they opened for Black Flag in their very first gig. Researching the Blues is Red Kross’ first album in 15 years, but the group didn’t overthink things during that time and there’s not a trace of filler; it’s just 32 minutes of wonderfully chunky riffs and urgent melodies.
Between the Ditches by Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
August is a slow month for new music. For instance, G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Summer was originally supposed to come out today, but it got pushed back to September, joining new releases for the xx, Grizzly Bear, Bob Dylan, Animal Collective, and many other big names. So to get through the late-summer doldrums, why not try an album that’s just pure dirty, scowling, stomping, washboard-assisted fun, like the barked-out Delta blues of Between the Ditches?
Cut the World by Antony and the Johnsons
To describe Antony and the Johnsons is to over-describe Antony’s ethereal voice, so for this live album, recorded with the Danish National Chamber Orchestra in 2011, let’s say: Anthony’s quivering vocals soar, as if trapped in the wind, but the orchestration keeps him grounded. How’s that? And if nothing else, check out the music video above with William Dafoe.
Antibalas by Antibalas
A contemporary Afrobeat group that sounds like an Afrobeat group from the days of old, and I mean that as a compliment.
All The Nations Airports/White Trash Heroes by Archers of Loaf
Tougher to love than Icky Mettle and Vee Vee, and grittier with its experimental indie-punk leanings, but no less necessary and extraordinary. Few bands went out on such as high as Archers did with White Trash Heroes.
