In the past few weeks, my Release Radar playlist on Spotify has been full of depressing remixes to Haim songs or tracks that came out three weeks ago that I’ve already delved into. Things have changed this week. Exciting, innovative music is running amok. With new singles aplenty, the prospect of upcoming albums fills me with immense joy. Also, new albums, like The War On Drugs’ “A Deeper Understanding,” have essentially just shaken me to my core. I mean, it’s just fantastic stuff. Plus, so many of these artists are coming to Birmingham. As a senior, I feel like it’s the biggest gift that the artists I’ve listened to throughout college are putting out new albums or touring close to Tuscaloosa. It’s the dream scenario. Here are a few of my favorite tracks that have luckily made it to my ear canals.
“Over Everything” – Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett: I would make the argument that Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett’s partnership is the most brilliant musical collaboration of recent years. Listen to “Lost My Head There”by Vile, then “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go To The Party” by Barnett. Both musicians know their way around a guitar and do so with ease. Their music has always been about the instruments, but their lyrics are simply genius as well. It seems like there are enigmas hidden behind their music. Neither acts extremely approachable, but their music clearly is. “Over Everything” is beautiful. The two artists’ voices weave in and out, they weave together and their guitars are an even better duo.
“Portico II”- Futurebirds: While this EP was released on Aug. 18, I have yet to recover from how good it is. “Portico I” was the most angelic, endearing set of songs that I could imagine. Futurebirds’ harmony is otherworldly. It gives me the chills eight ways. The EP consists of two covers, Heron’s “Big A” and ‘Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry,” and two original songs. Futurebirds’ “Voices Carry” is enchantingly eerie. It’s audible that the track was recorded in the Portico, an old Baptist church outside of Athens, GA. “Under Your Spell” is the real star of the EP. Check out the band at the Saturn on Nov. 2.
“American Dream” – LCD Soundsystem: James Murphy finally got a No. 1 album with “american dream.” I absolutely get it. The album starts with “Oh Baby,” a track about a breakup. It’s easily the most commercial song on the album, but it’s fantastic. It sounds like Tears for Fears, which is something we should all be into. It’s really just a sonically fun album that welcomes LCD Soundsystem back into the world.
“A Deeper Understanding” – The War On Drugs: If you listen to one thing from this column, listen to this album. It hooks you from the get-go with “Up All Night.” It’s a subtle dance track that is meant for the car. I am in awe of this album. It’s as fresh as the produce section after those misters turn on and the fake clouds thunder. You’ll smile from ear to ear and listen to the album dozens of times over. It’s exactly what I want out of music.
