New this week: Brandi Carlile, Fischerspooner, Belle and Sebastian, and more
Searching for something to listen to this weekend? Yahoo Entertainment has you covered with a rundown of some of this week’s biggest and buzzing releases from artists including Brandi Carlile, Fischerspooner, Belle and Sebastian, and more. Check back every Friday for a fresh list of albums to help fuel your weekend playlists.
Brandi Carlile: By the Way, I Forgive You (Low Country Sound/Elektra). On Carlile’s sixth album, which was co-produced by Shooter Jennings and Dave Cobb, the singer-songwriter explores a complex mixture of themes rooted around the concept of forgiveness. The result is much less saccharine than it sounds on paper, anchored by a regally accomplished range of sonic genres.
Fischerspooner: SIR (Ultra). This marks the band’s first album since 2009; and a standout feature is the production from R.E.M. mastermind Michael Stipe. Guests include Holly Miranda, Caroline Polachek, Johnny Magee, and Andy LeMaster.
Belle and Sebastian: How to Solve Our Human Problems (Merge). The Scottish band returns with another plateful of its greatest strengths: witty, melodic tunes that touch upon odd matters you’d never really thought of before but suddenly realize you had in the back of your mind all along. It’s also the third EP in their Human Problems trilogy.
Superchunk: What a Time to Be Alive (Merge). This is the band’s first album in more than four years; it serves as a cathartic response to the 2016 election. Guests include a variety of interesting vocalists: Stephin Merritt, Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee, David Bazan, Sabrina Ellis, and Skylar Gudasz.
Dita Von Teese: Dita Von Teese (Record Makers). She’s already well known for her groundbreaking career in burlesque, as well as forays into modeling and fashion. Now, Von Teese is venturing into music, and her debut album sounds just the way you’d think it should — a bit exotic, fluid, and groovy; thanks to a well-appointed collab with French singer-songwriter Sébastien Tellier, who wrote and produced the 10-track record.
Glass Tiger: 31 (Halo Entertainment/Warner Music Canada). This release features 11 Glass Tiger hits reimagined with traditional acoustic instruments. Two brand-new songs round out the fun, and guests Julian Lennon, Johnny Reid, Véronic DiCaire, Susan Aglukark, and David R. Maracle keep things even more interesting.
Michael W. Smith: A Million Lights (Rocketown/The Fuel Music). Contemporary Christian stalwart Smith takes on the issues of communication in troubled times in his latest release. Sonically, he experiments with modern pop touches, calling up comparisons to such acts as Maroon 5. Jordan Sparks makes a memorable appearance for one ballad duet.
Senses Fail: If There Is Light, It Will Find You (Pure Noise). This band has been around for some 17 years now and has dipped in and out of various influences frosting their core emo sound. Their 2018 output sees them settled in a post-hardcore, direct, and personal direction which is nostalgic of their earliest releases.
Nipsey Hussle: Victory Lap (All Money In No Money Out/Atlantic). The rapper’s official major-label debut is a cool dose of West Coast style that should stand the test of time. The set also benefits from appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, and YG.
Lee DeWyze: Paranoia (Shanachie). The former American Idol winner’s seventh album is an ethereal, electronic work which meanders and flows in a minimalist, alternative/indie vein. The overall feel is emotional but mature.
U.S. Girls: In a Poem Unlimited (4AD). Art-pop singer-songwriter Meg Remy, aka U.S. Girls, experiments with retro touches on her latest album, employing such vibes as ’70s disco licks, funky grooves, saxophone blasts, and heavy breathing.
Laurie Anderson & Kronos Quartet: Landfall (Nonesuch). Anderson offers up descriptions of Hurricane Sandy, set to strings and electronics. Her delivery careens from controlled to free-association style, which works well, given the overall theme of the collection.
