Record Review Roundup #2
Christmas songs and albums, The Nude Party, Mustang McGee, and Heavy Moss
Each week, I go through recently released singles and albums. The goal is to spark conversation as well as a way for everyone, including me, to discover new music.
Welcome to the weekly record review roundup. Since it is the end of the year, there aren’t a ton of new and notable releases, but there are some good ones. Anything you have been excited to hear?
Singles & Such
First up is a new single by one of my favorite, and a very underrated band, The Nude Party. These guys have been consistently releasing excellent Americana-style garage rock for a number of years now, and it looks like that train will keep a-rollin’ with this new single, “Look Who’s Back.”
I love the pedal steel and organ on this track, and so does Zipper, we both give it 4.5 Zippers.
When we last saw The Brian Jonestown Massacre, their band leader, Anton Newcombe was involved in an onstage altercation with the band’s guitarist. I am happy to hear that they have a new single that continues their polished prog-psychedelic sound. This one features singer-songwriter, Aimee Nash. Let’s hope a new album is in the works!
Nash’s haunting vocals and the 60’s sound make this track a can’t miss release today. Give it a listen.
I am a huge Daniel Donato fan. His revival of cosmic country is reminiscent of Gram Parsons in his heyday. His band is well-known for tearing their way across the country and back providing fun jams and good vibes. The bassist, Mustang McGee released this two-song single today called, It’s Mustang Time, featuring Donato on guitar. This is probably my favorite release this week!
Here’s to hoping that he keeps releasing this excellent blending of country, blues and retro rock! 4.5 Zippers seems like a well-deserved designation here.
I was pretty unsure of this Ringo Starr foray into country music featuring the always-wonderful Alison Krauss—I am happy to say that my curiosity got the better of my pessimism. It is fantastic!
Their two voices meld so well together that I am now really anticipating the full release of this album. On this wintry and cold day here in central PA, this song makes me feel like I am on my porch soaking up some sun late afternoon in the summer.
Dawes released a Christmas song since that’s what artists do these days to keep them in the algorithm I guess. I listened to it a few times, because anything is better than Mariah Carey during this time of year. This will probably make my yearly Christmas playlists, again anything to defeat Mariah Carey.
All in all, it is not a bad song. Pretty par for the course this time of year. In fact, it is the perfect song for a day like today, wintry and cold. Makes me want to put the fireplace on and drink a mug of cocoa. 3.5 Zippers for the effort.
Albums
Dead Slow—Heavy Moss
One of my favorite things about King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, which is a phrase I type a lot here, is that their band members all have some really really good side projects. Bassist, Lucas Harwood (Lukey), formed a band with 3 other talented musicians called Heavy Moss a couple of years ago. HEavy Moss can best be described as psych-pop or indie. Their new album dropped today and it is a tight 8-song effort with ambient sounds, haunting vocals, and smooth grooves. I listened to it first thing this morning and I was delighted to hear its unique sounds.
I am excited to hear more from this band, and I would encourage all of you to listen to our lord and savior, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, along with their many side projects. It’s like a musical org. chart to get lost in for days. Heavy Moss is just one branch. I give this album 4.5 Zippers.
Sleigher—Ben Folds
Ok, I am a little late to the (Christmas) party with this one. This was technically released about a month ago, but since I am tangentially discussing defeating Mariah Carey at Christmastime, I figured I’d give this one a listen and a rating. 10 points to Ben Folds for the album name, and furthermore, 10 points for coming up with a host of original tracks instead of covers. Not a ton of vocal work on this one, but it is a good album to put on whilst decorating your tree.
I am sure many of you have seen this release, and maybe even heard it by now. I think it is decent, and like I said, good for having on in the background. 3.5 Zippers.
Mahashmashana—Father John Misty
This mouthful of an album title is pretty much par for the course when it comes to Father John Misty. I used to think he was some kind of effete indie jerk—run of the mill mid-tempo rock. However, after listening to much of his work I slowly began to come around. His lyrical themes and content are second to none, and has a way of making us look in the mirror and reflect on our own vices and consumeristic tendencies. The best example of this was on 2017’s Pure Comedy.
The title of this album comes from the Sanskrit work meaning “great cremation ground.” The lyricism and vocals on this are top notch as always. I also think the lengths of some of these songs is borderline jamming, but for the most part there are a lot of fun melodic grooves. 4.5 Zippers for Mr. Tillman.
Lightning Round—Listen or Skip
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (Re-Assemble Edition)—U2 Listen (if you’re a fan)
Small Changes—Michael Kiwanuka Listen
Live at Red Rocks—Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentleman Listen
Well there you have it. Did I miss anything? Is there something you think I should hear from this week? Please let me know—I am always on the lookout for new music.