THIS WEEK'S KEY RELEASES
Against Me! _ "Shape Shift With Me"
Mykki Blanco _ "Mykki"
Cymbals Eat Guitars _ "Pretty Years"
Dawes _ "We're All Gonna Die"
Die Antwoord _ "Mount Ninji and Da Nice Time Kid"
El Perro del Mar _ "KoKoro"
Mac Miller _ "The Divine Feminine"
Phantogram _ "Three"
Preoccupations _ "Preoccupations"
Touche Amore _ "Stage Four"
Trentem�ller _ "Fixion"
Usher _ "Hard II Love"
NOW HEAR THIS
Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms _ "Innocent Road"
Caleb Klauder has been a singular force in the alt-country/string band scene in Portland, Ore., for many years with his influential band Foghorn Stringband as well as his storied solo career. Now, he is teaming with musical partner Reeb Willms, who he met back in 2009 at the National Old-Time Fiddle Contest, for a new album of 14 original songs, "Innocent Road" releasing Sept. 30, rooted deep in the worlds of bluegrass and country. The title tune "Innocent Road" is a super catchy, mandolin lead number with some jaunty riffs and gorgeous harmonies. Klauder and Willms meld together as a duo with the same naturalness as Chris and Morgane Stapleton. _ Sarah Zupko
(http://popm.at/2czfOrK)
Paul Cauthen � "My Gospel"
Co-founder of celebrated Americana band Sons of Fathers, Paul Cauthen left the group three years ago to focus on finding his true voice and building a solo career. Digging deep into the gospel music of his Texas youth, Cauthen's lead track from his new album, "My Gospel," is a rousing statement of purpose that preaches of the need for love and the spiritual in this life, whatever form that might take. Cauthen's voice on this track echoes a bit of Elvis with its deep tones, heavy vibrato and ability to move the listener. He connects right away with you, like Elvis, his voice rising to the heavens like it could move mountains. _ SZ
(http://popm.at/2clK4aC)
Tommy '86 _ "L.V.T.H.N. Central Unit"
Tommy '86 will release "Transhumanism" on Oct. 28 via Blood Music, though a taste from the record, "L.V.T.H.N. Central Unit" is available now. Heavily influenced by the synthesized sounds of the 1980s, the French musician has been active since 2011. Creating records with pulsing, Euro disco sounds and a sense of adventure and humor, TOMMY '86 calls to mind the recent work of John Carpenter, and, at times, Zombi. _ Jedd Beaudoin
(https://youtu.be/51MCbnmYb50)
WATCH THIS
DJ Shadow feat. Run the Jewels _ "Nobody Speak"
In a year marked by outrageous, over-the-top political tensions, it's satisfying to watch a video centered on politicians that go from a rap battle to a full-on intergovernmental brawl, especially with such a strong song to back up the action. Nobody holds back here; Run the Jewels' rapping takes hard, dirty swipes at Trump, your momma, and anyone else in the way while blues arpeggios evoke wild west showdowns and trumpets back up every dramatic moment. DJ Shadow's electronic beats add an extra layer of cinematic thrill to the track, giving us the no-holds-barred musical catharsis we all deserve for sticking it out through 2016. _ Adriane Pontecorvo
(https://youtu.be/NUC2EQvdzmY)
Miike Snow _ "My Trigger"
There must be a vault somewhere in Stockholm that holds all the secrets to pop music, because nobody puts together a catchy song quite like the Swedes do. Miike Snow's latest single attests to this; "My Trigger" captivates and begs for a dozen successive listens. Every element is so polished that it's hard to pick the key to this song, but for my money, nothing keeps the song both moving forward and adds some weight to it like those keys. Upbeat, skillful, and above all, entertaining, both aurally and visually. This is the perfect pop song. _ AP
(https://youtu.be/wl6k _ h2drK8)
Against Me! _ "Crash"
Against Me! has fun with power pop, stepping back a few decades with Kiss-style face paint and low-budget sci-fi references. Laura Jane Grace shouts the post-heartbreak lyrics of "Crash" with the aggressive energy of a teenage garage band. It's infectious, with a classic rock feel that Against Me! knows not to take too seriously. This is a song that doesn't need a twist to make its point; it's guaranteed to get a crowd jumping. _ AP
(https://youtu.be/GcGiQ1GRoOc)
