THIS WEEK'S KEY RELEASES
Paul Weller _ "A Kind Revolution"
Is "A Kind Revolution" Paul Weller's response to living in the age of Trump and Brexit? Perhaps, although he's reluctant to refer to it as a "political" album. It avoids specifics, and Weller has gone on record as saying it's more "pro-human" than anything else. "A revolution of kindness" is what Weller's hoping for during these turbulent times, and his new album provides the ultimate soundtrack. _ Chris Ingalls
Pokey LaFarge _ "Manic Revelations"
I read the news today. Oh boy. Not Pokey La Farge. He knows that it's all bad, even when it's not awful. That doesn't mean LaFarge doesn't stay current. Several songs on the Missouri denizen's latest release, "Manic Revelations," concern topical subjects such as riots in the street, the dangers of city life, and such. He would just prefer to live in a place where he doesn't have to hear the noise. _ Steve Horowitz
!!! (Chik Chik Chik) _ "Shake the Shudder"
DragonForce _ "Reaching Into Infinity"
Erasure _ "World Be Gone"
Linkin Park _ "One More Light"
The Mountain Goats _ "Goths"
T.Raumschmiere _ "Heimat"
Snoop Dogg _ "Neva Left"
Vince Staples _ "Big Fish Theory"
Wavves _ "You're Welcome"
NOW HEAR THIS
The Builders and the Butchers _ 'The Spark' (album stream)
Folk rock band the Builders and the Butchers spent 2007-2012 touring heavily and they built a stellar reputation as high-energy, consummate live performers, playing festivals like Sasquatch and Lollapalooza. Since then the group has been slowly crafting a new set of songs, with their latest album taking five years to write as the members carefully labored over the material. Now, at last, the world gets a new Builders and the Butchers LP this Friday entitled "The Spark." The Builders and the Butchers' versatility is impressive and The Spark couldn't be more aptly named as all of these songs crackle with energy and sublime musicianship. "The Spark" is one of the best folk rock records of the year so far. _ Sarah Zupko
(http://popm.at/2pUrUze)
Luther Dickinson _ "Moanin' at Midnight"
To celebrate the significant legacy of Sun Records, Bobby Rush, Valerie June, Luther Dickinson, Jimbo Mathus, Amy LaVere, and others combined their talents to produce "Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records" releasing June 16th via Americana Music Society. All proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars co-produced the record and here he channels the spirit of the great Howlin' Wolf on this cover of the legendary bluesman's song. _ SZ
(http://popm.at/2rn6ZFb)
Fabriq _ "Electric Flow"
Fabriq (Daniel Davila and Cooper Bell) is a new dance pop/funk duo from Los Angeles who blend live instrumentation with programmed electronic beats in an effort resurrect '70s disco and funk sounds. The result is pure dance magic. "Electric Flow" is the group's first single and it's an instantly memorable dance pop confection, all full of glittery disco balls, slinky funk guitar, and beats that just don't quit. However, "Electric Flow" is thoroughly contemporary and fresh with its electropop sheen. Los Angeles is ground center these days for artists re-imaging funk and disco with the venerable Dam-Funk looming large over the LA scene. _ SZ
(http://popm.at/2qwrovm)
WATCH THIS
Tenelle _ "Set Me Free"
Los Angeles' Tenelle mixes reggae, soul, and tropical sounds in her upbeat, sunny music and her latest video "Set Me Free" proves what an alluring sound that is. Setting the video in the warm beach climes of Hawaii, Tenelle's song lures one to want to play and love, not toil and work. It marks the promise of the coming summer and better days to come, plus it's a wonderful love song. "The song tells a story about a girl in love for the first time and the reality of being locked by the love she is ' ... wishing on every star' to be hers," Tenelle says.
(https://youtu.be/0KsvVXkVelQ)
