9 new albums we can't wait to hear

[elle]

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music...s/201705040052

Summer Jams: 9 new albums we can't wait to hear (and many more) Bryan Tarnowski/The New York Times

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette logo
SCOTT MERVIS
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
smervis@post-gazette.com
10:31 AM MAY 4, 2017

May and June will bring the release of some long-awaited albums, whether it be the four-year wait for the follow-up from Lorde or the 40-year one for new Chuck Berry songs. Harry Styles will be starting his solo career while the legendary Glen Campbell will be putting a wrap on his. There’s a whole lot in between.

Really, we’re looking forward to hearing most of these — even Nickelback, in some weird way — but for catchy headline purposes, here’s 9 at the top.

At the Drive In, “in·ter a·li·a” (May 5): The off-kilter, hyper-driven post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, which Rolling Stone once called ““too punk to be metal and too metal to be punk,” promised to pick up where it left off at the end of the century, and that’s what its first album in 17 years sounds like. Yes, we heard this comeback from the guys who became The Mars Volta and Sparta. It roars out of the speakers with the same whiplash chaos the band waged in the ‘90s.

Harry Styles, “Harry Styles” (May 12): On a completely different note, the One Direction standout seems to be more on the Justin than JC track with this first solo album, launched with an epic space-rock single, “Sign of the Times,” that shows off his impressive vocal range. It was produced with Kanye West collaborator Jeff Bhasker, who won the 2016 Grammy for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for co-producing Mark Ronson's album “Uptown Special,” among others.

Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G., “The King & I” (May 19): Thinking “it would be really dope if I could do something similar to Natalie & Nat King Cole's ‘Unforgettable,’ ” Evans recorded new vocals to go with a mix of rare and well-known Biggie raps to tell the story of their life together. The guest list includes Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Lil' Cease, Lil' Kim, Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Snoop Dogg.

Roger Waters, “Is This the Life We Really Want?” (May 19): It was looking for a while like the Pink Floyd co-founder was going to tour “The Wall” and then ride off into the sunset. But here we are, about to get his first new album since 1992’s “Amused to Death.” It was produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Paul McCartney) and promises to contain "unflinching commentary on the modern world and uncertain times." We would expect nothing less from Waters, who knows how to play the Us-and-Them game to full effect.

Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie, self-titled (June 9): Buckingham-McVie? McVie? That came out of nowhere. This project took shape when the two Fleetwood Mac singers were messing around in the studio, sans Stevie Nicks, prior to rehearsals for an FM tour. According to Buckingham, "We were exploring a creative process, and the identity of the project took on a life organically. The body of work felt like it was meant to be a duet album. We acknowledged that to each other on many occasions, and said to ourselves, ‘What took us so long?!’” They were joined by the vaunted rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.

Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly & James McAlister, “Planetarium” (June 9): This musical journey about the planets — with singer-songwriter Stevens, guitarist Dessner (The National), drummer McAlister and composer/arranger Muhly — revolves around “mythology, astrology, science, astronomy and the intricacies of human consciousness.” It began when Dutch concert hall Muziekgebouw Eindhoven commissioned Muhly to create a new piece, which he expanded to his friends. One of the early singles, “Mercury,” is a stunning atmospheric peek into this solar system.

Chuck Berry, “Chuck” (June 16): Who ever thought there would be a new Chuck Berry album in 2017? Sadly, the rock ’n’ roll pioneer, having died in March at age 90, will not be able to revel in the likely acclaim for his first new album since 1979’s “Rock It.” Judging by the singles “Big Boys” and "Wonderful Woman" (with Gary Clark Jr. on guitar), Berry is in vintage ‘50s form on this 10-track album recorded in St. Louis with his longtime hometown backing band — which includes his children Charles Berry Jr. (guitar) and Ingrid Berry (vocals, harmonica) — plus Tom Morello, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Chuck's grandson Charles Berry III.

Lorde, “Melodrama” (June 16): So, I’m not exactly in the Lorde demographic, but I can’t even tell you how many times I listened to “Heroine.” It was a staggering accomplishment, and now the New Zealand star, at 20, follows that brilliant 2013 breakout with this second album that is three years in the making. She told the New York Times that, in an impressionistic way, it tells the story of a single house party. The first two singles, “Green Light” and “Liability,” have been viewed more than 60 million times on YouTube.

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit, “The Nashville Sound” (June 16): This former Drive-By Trucker is as solid as it gets in the realm of Americana storyteller. According to a press release, the follow-up to his Grammy-winning 2015 album “24 Frames” will “address a range of real life subject matters that include politics and cultural privilege (‘White Man’s World’), longing nostalgia (‘The Last Of My Kind’), love and mortality (‘If We Were Vampires’), the toxic effect of today’s pressures (‘Anxiety’), the remnants of a break up (‘Chaos and Clothes’) and finding hope (‘Something To Love’).”

AND THE REST...

MAY 5

Chris Stapleton, “From A Room: Volume 1”: The country star from Kentucky follows his Grammy-winning debut “Traveller” two years to the day with this second album that features eight new originals and a cover of “Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning,” made famous by Willie Nelson. “From A Room: Volume 2” will come later this year.

Blondie, “Pollinator”: The classic new wave band returns with an 11th studio album, led by the single "Fun," written by Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio), with a video directed by Dikayl Rimmasch (Beyonce’s “Lemonade” videos). The album features contributions by Sia, Charli XCX, Nick Valensi (The Strokes), Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and Dev Hynes (Blood Orange).

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, “Best Troubador”: Having used one of his songs for his first public performance 25 years ago, the indie-folk artist from Louisville pays tribute to the late-great Merle Haggard with this 16-song collection. He digs deep into the outlaw country singer’s repertoire, to the point where “Mama Tried” is an outtake. We’ve heard this one, and it’s divine, particularly when played as a whole.

Mac DeMarco, “This Old Dog”: The Canadian folk-rocker’s third album was demoed at his home in Queens before he moved to LA, where the vibe changed. It ranges from acoustic to synth-based songs.

Black Lips, “Satan’s graffiti or God’s art”: The first album in three years from the Atlanta garage-punk band has founding members Cole Alexander and Jared Swilley teaming with former guitarist Jack Hines (a Black Lip from 2002-2004) and recent additions, drummer Oakley Munson and saxophonist Zumi Rosow. Sean Lennon produces with his mom Yoko Ono adding vocals, in addition to Saul Adamczewski of Fat White Family.

Perfume Genius, “No Shape”: Perfume Genius, aka Mike Hadreas, follows his 2014 breakout “Too Bright,” with a fourth album, produced by Blake Mills, promising to merge “church music, makeout music, R&B, art pop, krautrock, and queer soul into his take on stadium anthems.”

Slowdive, “Slowdive”: The fourth album and first in 22 years from UK shoegazers follows the band’s resumption of touring and promises to be something other than a “trip down memory lane.”

The Afghan Whigs, “In Spades”: The Cincinnati alt-rock band was thinking mid-era Zeppelin and just about gets there on “Arabian Heights,” the first single on this Sub Pop album that follows 2014’s “Do to the Beast.”

MAY 12

Zac Brown Band, “Welcome Home”: The Grammy-winning band and touring juggernaut took some hard-rock detours on 2015’s “Jekyll + Hyde,” but settles back into country roots on this debut for Southern Ground/Elektra. It includes a cover of John Prine's “All The Best.”

Paramore, “After Laughter”: The alt-rock band topped the charts four years ago with its self-titled fourth album. This one, recorded in its hometown of Nashville, is led by a single, “Hard Times,” with some new wave bounce to it.

Todd Rundgren, “White Knight”: Check out the guest list on this one: Donald Fagen, Daryl Hall, Joe Walsh, Robyn, Dam Funk, Bettye Lavette and Joe Satriani. The veteran rocker behind such classics as “Hello It's Me” and "I Saw the Light" loaded this one with famous friends, saying, "It's easy to get used to playing to your own audience, even if you are absorbing and experimenting with new ideas. I wanted to collaborate not just for the musical possibilities, but also to play for new audiences and expose my fans to the range of artists I enjoy working with.”

MAY 19

Linkin Park, “One More Light”: “You don't hear a lot of super heavy guitars. There isn't any screaming on the record." So said Mike Shinoda in an interview with Beats 1 Radio. Despite the lead single being titled “Heavy,” expect a lighter approach from the genre-bending California rockers.

!!! [Chik Chik Chik], “Shake the Shudder”: The New York City dance-punk band, which features Pittsburgher Paul Quattrone (Modey Lemon) on drums, started out jamming and Barcelona and returned home to Brooklyn to record this seventh album with cast of singers that includes Lea Lea, Meah Pace, Nicole Fayu, Cameron Mesirow and Molly Schnick.

Snoop Dogg, “Neva Left”: Album number 15 from the Doggfather is a quick follow-up to last year’s “Coolaid,” leading with “Mount Kushmore," a single featuring Redman, Method Man and B-Real.

Rascal Flatts, “Back To Us”: The veteran country group’s 10th album features contributions from Lauren Alaina, Dan + Shay and Chris Stapleton.

The Mountain Goats, “Goths”: This is not a goth album from the venerable indie band so much as an album about growing older having been touched by the movement.

MAY 26

Lana Del Rey, “Lust For Life”: The sultry singer told BBC Radio 2 that her fifth studio album will be "more socially aware" than her previous records. It will also feature duets with Stevie Nicks and The Weeknd and a track with Sean Lennon.

JUNE 2

Halsey, “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom”:
The electropop singer who broke out with 2015’s “Badlands” returns with a new concept album that will feature Fifth Harmony's Lauren Jauregui, Cashmere Cat and Quavo from Migos. The purchase of a pair of tickets to her Oct. 10 show at PPG Paints Arena gets you a physical copy.

Dan Auerbach, “Waiting On A Song”: The Black Keys frontman has described his second solo album as a "love letter to Nashville," which he now calls home. It features contributions from John Prine (who co-wrote seven of the 10 songs), Duane Eddy, Jerry Douglas, Pat McLaughlin and the Memphis Boys' Bobby Wood and Gene Chrisman.

Benjamin Booker, “Witness”: The blues-rocker from Virginia Beach, last seen here cutting his set short at the Three Rivers Arts Festival due to a thunderstorm, returns with a second album, led by a topical, gospel-drenched title track that features vocal help from Mavis Staples.

All Time Low, “Last Young Renegade”: The Baltimore pop-punk band moves to Fueled by Ramen for its seventh album, which will include one track with Tegan and Sara.

JUNE 9

Glen Campbell, “Adios”:

Rancid, “Trouble Maker”: The ninth studio album from the Berkeley punk legends, following 2014’s “…Honor Is All We Know,” was helmed by Rancid’s longtime producer and Epitaph Records founder Brett Gurewitz. First single “Ghost of a Chance,” with its garage video, totally rocks, and the bald, bearded Tim Armstrong looks crazed.

Phoenix, “Ti Amo”: The sixth album, and first one in four years from the French indie-rock band, was recorded in Paris and is described by the band as "an album about simple pure emotions: love, desire, lust and innocence, it's also a record about our European, Latin roots, a fantasized version of Italy: a lost paradise made of eternal Roman summers (hyper-light, hyper-clarity, pistachio gelato), juke-boxes on the beach, Monica Vitti and Marcello Mastroiani, fearless desire and Antique marble statues."

Alt-J, “Relaxer”: The quirky British alt-rock band has advanced its third album with a pair of varying singles, one in the vein of “Breezeblocks” and “Fitzpleasure” (“In Cold Blood”) and another that’s more ambient “3WW.”

Lady Antebellum, “Heart Break”: Hillary Scott has said of the sixth album from the pop-country trio, “This record is really our story. They have a universal feel to them, but there’s a lot of our personal stories here.”

JUNE 16

Fleet Foxes, “Crack-Up”: The third album and first in six years from the Seattle indie-folk band is preceded by “Third of May / Ōdaigahara,” a nearly nine-minute epic that puts their lush harmonies over swelling, rushing guitars and a string quartet. Robin Pecknold wrote all 11 songs co-produced with Skyler Skjelset, his longtime bandmate, collaborator, and childhood friend.

Steve Earle, “So You Wannabe An Outlaw”: The veteran country-rocker is joined by his band the Dukes on this 17th album which digs into his songwriting roots and features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush and Miranda Lambert. "There's nothing 'retro' about this record," he said in a statement. "I'm just acknowledging where I'm coming from."

Cheap Trick, “We’re All Alright!”: The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers released “Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello” last year and now come right back with this 18th studio album, led by a single, “Long Time Coming,” that sounds like a cross between the Kinks and the Cult.

Portugal. the Man, “Woodstock”: The indie-rock band’s eighth album, originally to be titled “Gloomin + Doomin,” took a conceptual turn when frontman John Gourley discovered his father’s ticket to Woodstock ‘69. The song “Number One,” a collaboration with R&B artist Son Little, samples “Freedom” by Richie Havens, who famously opened the festival.

Nickelback, “Feed The Machine”: Critics can start sharpening their knives now for this ninth studio album from the Canadian rockers.

JUNE 23

Jeff Tweedy, “Together At Last”: The Wilco frontman strips 11 of his songs down to solo acoustic mode, in the first in a proposed Loft Acoustic Sessions series. Tracklist includes “Via Chicago,” “Ashes Of American Flags,” “I’m Trying To Break Your Heart” and “Sky Blue Sky.”

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by elle

Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie, self-titled (June 9): Buckingham-McVie? McVie? That came out of nowhere. This project took shape when the two Fleetwood Mac singers were messing around in the studio, sans Stevie Nicks, prior to rehearsals for an FM tour. According to Buckingham, "We were exploring a creative process, and the identity of the project took on a life organically. The body of work felt like it was meant to be a duet album. We acknowledged that to each other on many occasions, and said to ourselves, ‘What took us so long?!’” They were joined by the vaunted rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.

More like "Okay, Stevie's definitely out and Mick won't let us call it Fleetwood Mac without her, so we could just released it as a duet album, right?"

[HomerMcvie]

Originally Posted by elle

Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie, self-titled (June 9): "We were exploring a creative process, and the identity of the project took on a life organically.

If he could never use the word "organic", in any form, for the rest of his life(or mine), I'd be okay with that.

[TrueFaith77]

No Saint Etienne? This list doesn't even matter.