THIS WEEK'S KEY RELEASES
Father John Misty _ "Pure Comedy"
"Pure Comedy," his third album under the Father John Misty moniker, continues Tillman's privileging of words. His lyrics throughout aren't reducible to simply being words meant to be sung, but as thoughts _ each song could be seen as a thesis and explication _ to be considered. Paring down the more varied music approach of "Honeybear," Tillman delivers these songs with either a guitar or piano as main accompaniment and a retro-analog recording style for all the other instruments. _ Tanner Smith
The New Pornographers _ "Whiteout Conditions"
The New Pornographers have been so good for so long that it's getting hard to avoid trotting out the superlatives every time. The absence of Bejar on "Whiteout Conditions" is definitely noticeable and takes some getting used to, but the increased reliance on synths is keeping the band from sounding stale, and Joe Seiders' willingness to play around on his drums certainly helps the beats stand out more this time. _ Chris Conaton
Future Islands _ "The Far Field"
Often in the right hands, the self-imposed limitations of a strict framework offer unexpected discoveries or amplify an artist's creativity. By confining themselves within the framework they have created, Future Islands have created an instantly recognizable, defining sound through which they can still forge surprises. "The Far Field" is so cohesive and well played throughout that the boundaries are invisible. _ Ed Whitelock
Arca _ "Arca"
Joey Bada$$ _ "ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$"
The Chainsmokers _ "Memories ... Do Not Open"
Clark _ "Death Peak"
Cold War Kids _ "L.A. Divine"
Sam Gellaitry _ "Escapism III"
Guided by Voices _ "August By Cake"
Happyness _ "Write In"
Imelda May _ "Life Love Flesh Blood"
Timber Timbre _ "Sincerely, Future Pollution"
NOW HEAR THIS
Hot 8 Brass Band _ "Can't Nobody Get Down"
"Can't Nobody Get Down" is Hot 8 Brass Band latest single and it depicts the musicians in full performance mode, powering an energetic and funky street parade that sees everyone dancing and strutting their stuff. The beats get your backside in motion, and the heady party atmosphere places a big old happy grin on your face. Brass band music of the highest caliber such as this mainly celebrates life, the joys, and the pains, but mostly it gives you a natural high that no drug could ever replicate. _ Sarah Zupko
(https://youtu.be/wipHCG9l8t8)
Ha Ha Tonka _ "Everything"
Missouri's Ha Ha Tonka follow a middle path between indie rock and Americana that has made them huge favorites on the festival circuit with notable performances at events like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. The proud Ozarks recently released their fifth album, "Heart-Shaped Mountain," to critical acclaim just ahead of festival season. Now they are sharing the new video for "Everything", a slice of buoyant folk-pop with killer harmonies and a catchy tune. _ SZ
(https://youtu.be/81-YqnYiFgE)
WATCH THIS
Feist _ "Pleasure"
On "Pleasure", Feist gets rid of anything extraneous. Strips back the unnecessary to leave her, her guitar and an amp. It's a skeletal lo-fi blues number that sounds equal parts St Vincent and PJ Harvey. The song builds to a bluesy stomp replete with a dirty, swaggering riff that saunters and struts like it's looking for a fight. Excellent. _ Paul Carr
(https://youtu.be/h66Lvzlj1Uk)
Actress _ "X22RME"
After duping the techno world with his supposed retirement, Actress returns refreshed and reinvigorated to deliver one of his finest cuts to date. It bears all the hallmarks of his finest work. Elegant yet street smart. Beautiful with a distinctly harsh aftertaste. Like drinking a perfectly aged whiskey that warms the belly but burns the throat. The song leads with an effortless, driving techno beat but with a chafing, abrasive edge. Halfway through the song explodes with bleeps and trills which plummet and shiver like suddenly waking up in an amusement arcade. _ Paul Carr
(https://youtu.be/Mg1Pw0y-x8Q)
