H.C. McEntire "LIONHEART (Merge)"
H.C. McEntire, the front woman of the beloved Mount Moriah, has stepped out from behind the mountain with her solo debut. LIONHEART is a warm, triumphant collection of country-tinged tunes featuring H.C. along with some of her favorite musicians. Not to claim and ESP skills, but seeing as how we are both in “the biz” I imagine they might be some of your favorites too. Kathleen Hanna, Angel Olsen, Gift Merritt ,William Tyler, Mary Lattimore, and Phil Cook (now THAT is how you add guest artists to an album!) McEntire’s “weary, wise, and bright as morning sunshine” vocals (Stereogum) are on peak display here, sounding a little like prime-era Dolly Parton. Check out the first song on the album, “A Lamb, A Dove” which features Phil Cook on guitars, Mary Lattimore on harp, and Tift Merritt on on backing vocals.
Hollie Cook "Vessel Of Love (Merge)"
Here we are, listening to Vessel Of Love (Merge) together. Did you know that although this is Hollie Cook’s third LP it’s her debut on Merge Records! Oh, you did know? How did… oh right, I told you. Hahahaha. We are laughing. Also, we are listening to the forefront of left of center reggae pop, courtesy of West London’s Ms. Cook. I’m afraid I don’t really know enough about reggae to accurately compare her sound to anyone else’s, but I do know this. When it comes to reggae, I don’t know much, but I know what I like. And I like Hollie Cook’s music. I mean I LIKE like Hollie Cook’s music. Check out the dub-y, synth heavy underwater groove of “Freefalling” and just TRY to keep your neck from moving. (spoiler alert: it’s not gonna happen).
Jesse Marchant "Illusion Of Love (No Other)"
The golden-throated Jesse Marchant is here to enchant one and all once again with his 4th LP Illusion Of Love (No Other). If you are already a fan of Jesse, then you know to expect introspective songcraft coupled with his velvet-y vocals and tender songwriting, as well as a healthy dose of his beautiful piano-playing. If you aren’t already a fan, and don’t know what to expect… now you do! You know, because you read this blurb… Also, because you listened to the track we are about to recommend, the haunting M. Ward-y ballad “ Sister, I.”
Long Neck "Will This Do?"
Oh NJ, just when it seems like it everything can’t get any worse, The Garden State is there to make everything better. We get a new governor who wants to legalize pot, Jersey City gets a great new venue, and now we have a new band that is going to blow the fuck up. Yup, Jersey City’s Long Neck features the oh so lovely baratone songs and vocals by Lily Mastrodimos who writes very personal songs in the first person with all the enthusiasm and exciement one wants to hear in a young new band. Imagine Diet Cig and the Buzzcocks fronted by Christy McVie and you will get just a taste of Long Neck. Start with album opener “Mine/Yours.” Long Neck are something to get excited about in 2018 (now when is pot going to be legal?).