Goat
Goat is a musical collective from Sweden.
They keep their identities secret and perform in masks and costumes.
The music is rhythmic, tribal and hypnotic.
Goat’s second album Commune has been released on Sub Pop.
“Words” by Goat
Julian Casablancas & the Voidz
Julian Casablancas, lead vocalist of the Strokes, has another side project, Julian Casablancas & the Voidz.
Tyranny is a vital protest record due toward the end of the month.
“Where No Eagles Fly” leads the way.
Steelism
Steelism is instrumental duo guitarist Jeremy Fetzer and pedal steel player Spencer Cullum.
Fetzer hails from Canton, OH; Cullum from Essex, England. Together they update the rarely recorded tradition of instrumental music as heard here on “Marfa Lights” from their forthcoming album, 615 to Fame.
Ty Segall
Ty Segall’s body of work is so extensive and varied that it is hard to believe that he is only 27 years old.
His lengthy new album Manipulator features 17 compelling songs.
“Susie Thumb” and “Feel” are two of them.
“Susie Thumb”
“Feel”
Avi Buffalo
We are watching Avi Buffalo grow up.
We first heard from this young band in 2010.
With their sophomore release we witness their maturation.
“So What” leads the new album At Best Cuckold.
Julia Holter
Julia Holter is a most intriguing artist; she continues to enthrall me.
Now a new double-sided single.
On one side her unique cover of “Don’t Make Me Over” made famous by Dionne Warwick in her debut in 1962, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
And “Hello Stranger”, a hit for Barbara Lewis and included on Julia’s album from 2013 Loud City Song.
“Don’t Make Me Over”
“Hello Stranger”
Beck Song Reader
In 2012 Beck released Song Reader, an album of only sheet music with the hope that musicians would perform and record their own interpretations of his songs.
We now have a recording of these 20 songs from the likes of Tweedy, Norah Jones, Lord Huron, Jack White, Laura Marling, Jarvis Cocker, David Johansen, Eleanor Friedberger, Sparks, Jack Black, and Beck himself.
Listen here to Laura Marling singing “Sorry” followed by Jarvis Cocker’s contribution “Eyes That Say ‘I Love You’”.
Laura Marling “Sorry”
Jarvis Cocker “Eyes That Say ‘I Love You’”
Jenny Lewis
Jenny Lewis, a young child-actress, moved on to a music career, best known with her band Rilo Kiley.
Her 3rd solo album and her first in 5 years is The Voyager.
Produced primarily by Ryan Adams, “She’s Not Me” is a standout as is the song “Just One of the Guys” recorded with Beck who also provides backing vocals.
“She’s Not Me”
“Just One of the Guys”
Daniel Bachman
Daniel Bachman is a young guitar virtuoso of note.
Hailing from Virginia, his new album is entitled Orange Co. Serenade.
I’m fond of “Little Lady Blues.”
The War on Drugs
The War on Drugs hail from Philadelphia.
Initially formed by Kurt Vile and Adam Granduciel, Vile moved on to a solo career and the band carries on as a 4-piece.
The ethereal gorgeous “Under the Pressure” is from their latest album Lost in a Dream.
Owen Pallett
Owen Pallet is a renowned Canadian composer and producer.
His 4th solo album In Conflict features contribution from Brian Eno on guitar, synthesizer and some vocals.
“The Riverbed” is one of his many absorbing songs.
Die Antwoord
If you take a South African hip-hop band and add a dose of Ministry you have Die Antwoord.
Donker Mag (translation: Dark Power) is their new 3rd album.
“Pitbull Terrier” leads the way.