Elise Davis "Cactus"
The follow up to her critically adored album from 2016 The Token, Cactus is the sophomore effort from Elise Davis. A little bit country and a little bit rock and roll… Ok… mostly country. But country in a Lucinda Williams/Dolly Parton way-which is one of the top three country ways to be. A bit folky, delicate vibes, and all paired with Elise’s strong vocal skills matched only by her skills as a songwriter. This is one for late-night drives in the… well, country. There you are, feeling kind of bad about yourself, and Elise is right there with you making sure you know you aren’t the only one with such heavy emotions. Suddenly, you feel better. So keep your eyes on the road and check out the bachelorette life of “Lone Wolf” or the twangy shuffle of “Hold Me Like A Gun.”
888 "Everybody Can’t Complain"
Since when? Everybody Can’t Complain? Really?? Have they eaten out with Larry David? I’m sure he complains the entire meal (“Why do I have to tip? The restaurant should tip me for eating there-i’m a great eater). Oh, Larry, you and your 1% problems. One thing I can’t complain about is the new album by 888. Do you like your pop with synths and loud drums? How about catchy catchy choruses? How about The Thompson Twins and Death Cab jamming? Sound like a dream come true? Crank up MISSING YOU and you will have your new earworm, and that is a good thing for once. If only John Hughes was alive to make new non-racist/sexist movies then I could place “Needed You” and fulfill my placement dreams. Until then I will just crank up “Alone” and cry into my prom dress…
Waxahatchee "Great Thunder EP (Merge)"
I’ve heard some pretty mediocre thunder in my life. I’ve even heard what I would qualify as good thunder. But great thunder? That is rare! You know what else is rare? Talent like Katie Crutchfield’s. Which is what makes her new Waxahatchee EP Great Thunder so… um… what’s the word I’m looking for here… oh, right. Great! Katie went back to the well and re-recorded some songs originally slated for an experimental recording group called Great Thunder (there’s that thunder again!). A departure from her sound of late, gone is the full band, and here she is stripped down and solo, produced by Brad Cook at Justin Vernon’s April Base Studio. So check out the solo Katie sounds of the shoop-heavy piano ballad “Singer’s No Star” and the gentle Omnichord hints of “Slow You Down.”
Chris Liebing "Burn Slow (Mute)"
It’s been over ten years since techno-king Chris Liebing has released an LP. Well, its like Pink Floyd said… “and then one day you find, ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, here comes that techno fun!” Although–this time around–if you are expecting the same fast-paced dance music he’s released in the past, you will be surprised by what this album holds–unless you pay careful attention to the album’s name: Burn Slow (Mute). This is something of a slow burn. The beats are still there, but maybe just a tad more relaxed. Check out the first single “Polished Chrome (The Friend Pt. 1)” featuring Gary Numan!