Okay, I won’t lie. Aside from the massive seventh studio album from Kanye West, there aren’t many big names dropping records this week. But that’s okay! There are several smaller artists as well as up-and-comers who really have something to bring to the table. Dance punks You Say Party (they lost the We Say die!) are back with their first record in seven years, Houston soul group The Suffers make their major debut after years of touring and buzz, and HBO’s huge ’70s rock homage Vinyl drops its official soundtrack. Oh, yes, and also Kanye West.
Here are the albums you need to hear this week.
You Say Party – You Say Party
It’s been seven long years since we’ve had any new material from the masters of dance punk You Say Party. Following the sudden passing of their drummer in 2011, they shortly thereafter decided to go on hiatus. But now the group is back with a bit more gravity to their sound. Lead single “Ignorance” shows they still have the origins of dance, however, the album swoons and moves with more flourishes of post-punk. Their self-titled return isn’t a morose affair, just maybe a sign of when you get older, you don’t party like you used to, but that doesn’t mean you still don’t have fun.
The Suffers – The Suffers
Gulf Coast soul stars The Suffers have been grinding for years. In fact, we’ve been telling you to check them out for the longest time. Well now, their first full-length album has finally arrived in all its funky glory. Kam Franklin, Suffers’ lead vocalist, has an arresting presence, and it’s nearly impossible to not give yourself over to the stabbing horns, strutting guitar strums, and wavy organs of the 10-piece southern outfit. It’s really a gift that we are in somewhat of a soul renaissance right now and The Suffers happen to be one of its brightest artists.
Various Artists – Vinyl: Music From The HBO Series, Vol. 1
If Martin Scorsese is involved in a project, you can bet that the soundtrack is going to be top-notch. His current TV series, Vinyl, premieres on Sunday, Feb. 14, but the soundtrack to the show debuts today with a mix of old favorites and new music to match the ode to the debauched ’70s rock scene. David Johansen, of the New York Dolls, appropriately wrote some new tracks for the LP as well as hot up-and-comer Sturgill Simpson, who composed the show’s theme. Others featured here are Otis Redding, The Meters, and Dee Dee Warwick.
Here are the rest of the week’s releases:
Future – EVOL (wide release)
The Jezabels – Synthia
Junkie XL – Deadpool Original Soundtrack
Wynonna & The Big Noise – Wynonna & The Big Noise
The Record Company – Give It Back To You
