Field Report "Summertime Songs (Universal)"
Things are going well for Field Report. Their latest LP, Summertime Songs, is out on Verve (which you probably know is a division of Universal). So how did Chris Porterfield get from the meager beginnings of DeYarmond Edison, the Wisconsin based folk-rock group that also included members Justin Vernon and Phil Cook among others, to here? By writing amazing songs, that’s how! After all, when reviews of an album compare it to Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks, Springsteen’s Nebraska, and Paul Simon’s Hearts and Bones, you must be onto something great, right? Yes. We couldn’t be more excited about this LP. Get yourself excited by checking out the wistful “If I Knew.”
Sidi Touré "Toubalbero (Thrill Jockey)"
Mali musician extraordinaire Sidi Touré is back with another joyous, optimistic collection of songs on Toubalbero (Thrill Jockey). Generally, I don’t think I’m smart enough to describe world music. Thankfully someone at Thrill Jockey is. “Touré has created a danceable, dynamic, and joyous album played with some of the most exciting new faces on the Mailian music scene. A revered leader who has his feet deep in the Northern Mali music tradition has created an album, despite the region’s significant political challenges, that brims with optimism.” Thanks TJ! Seriously though, this is as much fun as you can have listening to music. Just try and not let a smile take over your face as you check out the blissful “Heyyyeya.”
Erasure "World Beyond (Mute)"
If you were a fan of Erasure’s last album World Be Gone, then do I have good news for you! It’s back! In POG form. Ok, now that I’ve got your attention with talk of Erasure and Simpsons references, let’s get down to business. World Beyond (Mute), the newest LP from the long-lasting Erasure, is a post-classical reworking of their last LP World Be Gone. The arrangements of these songs have been stripped down to fit the seven players from Echo Collective that Vince and Andy worked with. The result is a sophisticated take on already sophisticated music. This collection of reflective songs have plenty of space here to breathe, and Andy can really dig into his vocals here. Check out the haunting strains of “Oh What A World.”
The Skull Eclipses "The Skull Eclipses (Western Vinyl)"
What a year 2018 is turning out to be for Philadelphia! First, the Eagles win The Super… er… The Big Game, and somehow Philly as an infrastructure has survived. Now, Philly’s own Lushlife has teamed up with Austin producer Botany to supply suits to gameshow hosts. Wait. That isn’t right. They teamed up to form The Skull Eclipses, a ‘90s electronica-influenced hip-hop group. This self-titled debut is sure to please anyone with even a passing interest in hip hop (or pocket squares). Check out the smooth head nodding’ energy of “Gone” featuring Open Mike Eagle!