Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear (Bella Union)
Why you should listen: Under his Father John Misty moniker, ex-Fleet Foxes drummer Joshua Tillman releases a second album of string-laden, decisively ironic songs about love and modern irritations. For a little more on the musician, read his recent interview in the Guardian’s Saturday pop culture supplement the Guide.
It might not be for you if… You find it tiresome when musicians try to be so lyrically clever that you can’t enjoy the songs they’ve made.
What we said: “There are moments when, if you’re listening closely, the constant lyrical shifts from caustic irony to plaintive declarations of love can really knock you for six, not least on the title track,” wrote Alexis Petridis, in his lead review for the Guardian. Kitty Empire handed the album four stars, in the Observer.
Score: 5/5
Nikki Lane – All or Nothin’ (New West)
Why you should listen: Lane, often compared to Loretta Lynn, crafts a collection of Americana-meets-country music, propelled by deft lyricism and centred on her husky and expressive voice.
It might not be for you if… You refuse to listen to country music, or songs with a country music influence. Otherwise, on an album with this much potential, there’d be few other reasons to pass up All or Nothin’.
What we said: “[A] sense of mischief and carefree abandon floats through most of All or Nothin’, centred on the tingles of newfound love, searing heartbreak and impulsive casual sex,” ran the Guardian’s review.
Score: 4/5
Duke Garwood – Heavy Love (Heavenly)
Why you should listen: Garwood, whose past collaborators and admirers include Josh T Pearson and Mark Lanegan, has enlisted the help of Lanegan and Queens of the Stone age affiliate Alain Johannes to round out this album of blues-inspired guitar work.
It might not be for you if… You’re a blues purist, and never too keen on tunes like this.
What we said: “The London-based musician’s approach to [blues music] is not the kind of dedicated study that forbids exploration: the title track, for instance, benefits from the ghostly backing vocals of Savages’ Jehnny Beth, and some guitar work reminiscent of Tuareg band Tinariwen”, wrote Tim Jonze, in the Guardian. Kitty Empire also gave the album four stars, in her Observer review.
Score: 4/5
The Unthanks – Mount the Air (Rabble Rouser)
Why you should listen: On their first studio album in four years, the folk trio focus on orchestral arrangements – steered by producer and percussionist Adrian McNally – rather than solely on vocal performances by sisters Becky and Rachel Unthank.
It might not be for you if… What? Orchestras and instrumentals? Bring back the singing.
What we said: “It’s a lush, often exquisite set”, wrote Robin Denselow, in the Guardian. Phil Spencer reckoned the album deserved three stars, in his Observer review.
Score: 4/5
The Dø – Shake Shook Shaken (Wagram)
Why you should listen: The Franco-Finnish duo, comprised of Olivia Merilahti and Dan Levy, make emotive electropop on this relatively stripped-back third album.
It might not be for you if… You prefer your duos of the more high-octane, guitar riff-wielding variety, a la Sleigh Bells, White Stripes or Black Keys.
What we said: “Despite its awkward title, third album Shake Shook Shaken offers a refinement of their sound, the ramshackle percussion of old replaced by warm synths and laptop beats,” wrote Michael Cragg, in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Will you be giving any of these new albums a go this week? Tell us the tunes you’re excited to listen to, in the comments.
