Lambchop "This (is what I wanted to tell you) (Merge)"
There is no getting around the fact that the career of Lambchop has been unexpected. It was easy to call them something like alternative country in their first few years, but if in 1998 while I couldn’t stop listening to “What Another Man Spills” you told me that in 20 years Lambchop would be an esoteric autotuned vocals and synth project I don’t know what I would have said. Probably something like “what’s autotune?” But if you really listen to what Kurt Wagner is doing lately, with Mr. M and FLOTUS, and here on This (is what I wanted to tell you) (Merge) he’s doing what he’s always been doing. Subverting expectations all while delivering lyrical mastery that’s nearly unsurpassed. This time we find him paired up with Hiss Golden Messenger and Bon Iver drummer Matthew McCaughan. They formed something of a musical pen-pal relationship. Kurt would send Matt acapella vocal performances, and Matt would arrange something for them using his newly-found love of rack synths. The results are as unexpected and lovely as anything Lambchop has done in their career. Expect the unexpected and you will get exactly what you are looking for here. Check out the subtly groovy “Everything For You.”
Turning Jewels Into Water "Map Of Absences"
Like a lot of the best music, Map Of Absences-the debut from Turning Jewels Into Water-is easy to listen to but hard to describe. Thankfully, someone better equipped than I am this morning did all the heavy lifting. “Turning Jewels Into Water is a live electronic duo led by Indian-born drummer/producer Ravish Momin along with Haitian electronic percussionist Val Jeanty. They seamlessly blend futuristic turntables, ritual chants, polyrhythmic percussion, live loops and synth melodies along with rhythms inspired by global dance music.” Thanks fperecs.com! Check out the hypnotic drive of “Dark Waters Rushing In.”
Nonconnah "Dead roses, digged up zombies, broken pieces of diamonds, live cats (EJRC)"
When you think of Ernest Jenning Records, you think of limited edition noise cassettes, right? What? You don’t? Well, that’s about to change with the release of Nonconnah’s Dead roses, digged up zombies, broken pieces of diamonds, live cats. This new project from Zachary Corsa of Lost Trail is a simultaneously haunting and relaxing collection of tunes from Zach and a group of musical friends that any experimental musician would be happy to feature on their release (Dan Friel, Dustin Wong, Kenneth William, and countless others). Really, this is one you need to hear to get a grasp on, so check out the first track from the album “Rainbow Over Pegasus Field.”
Oozing Wound "High Anxiety (Thrill Jockey)"
Look… If you aren’t already a fan of thrash metal, there’s very little I can say here to convince you to check out the amazing new Oozing Wound record, High Anxiety (Thrill Jockey). Conversely, if you are already a big fan of Oozing Wound, there’s little I could say here to get you even more excited than you already are to hear their latest collection. And if you are a fan of Mel Brooks’ oft-forgotten movie High Anxiety, look elsewhere. This has naught to do with that. Those are the only two kinds of people, right? Those who don’t like thrash metal, and those who love Oozing Wound. Makes sense to me. Check out “Tween Shitbag” and finally decide once and for all what kind of person you are.