While it’s admittedly hard to do, I’m always trying to stay on top of new releases as best I can. As I’ve mentioned before in previous columns, one of the best tools at my disposal is my Release Radar playlist on Spotify. It keeps me up-to-date on new tracks out by artists I love and even those I’ve only briefly heard before. I look forward to discovering new tunes every time I check in on the list. Here are some of the best new tracks I’m streaming this week.
“My Friend of Misery” – Kamasi Washington
While we still haven’t heard new original music from Kamasi Washington in some time, I’ll gladly take anything I can get from the innovative jazz artist. Washington’s take on Metallica’s “My Friend of Misery” is part of the upcoming The Metallica Blacklist release with covers by over 50 artists of their favorite Metallica tracks. It’s a wholly unique interpretation that only Washington could arrange, capturing Metallica’s essence while sounding mostly like a Washington epic.
“McKenzie” – Houndmouth
I haven’t kept up with Houndmouth as much in recent years (their debut record From the Hills Below the City has always been my favorite), but have found my way back recently. The harmonies on “McKenzie” are reminiscent of those that made me fall in love with the band, and the song is a perfect tune for any end-of-summer playlist.
“justified” – Kacey Musgraves
Musgraves’ second track off her highly anticipated new album, star-crossed, is an understated yet ultra-addictive pop anthem. Hit play once and it’ll be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. If “justified” and title track “star-crossed” are an indication of the rest of the album, we are in for another well-produced, lyrically potent crossover record.
“Masterclass” – El Michels Affair
El Michels Affair released one of my favorite albums this year back in March with Yeti Season. This new single, noted for recently being featured in a Louis Vuitton show, is another beautifully trippy track from the soulful brigade.
“I Won’t Cry” – Charley Crockett
Country songwriter Charley Crockett is one of the hardest working and most prolific musicians today. After releasing two records last year and with one already under his belt this year, he is back with yet another in Music City USA out next Friday. “I Won’t Cry” is a bluesy waltz that will tug on your heart strings.
“Every Day Is a Sunday” – Kishi Bashi, El Ten Eleven
This track is part of a split 7” release featuring Kishi Bashi and Tall Tall Trees (separate acts but also touring bandmates) with post-rock juggernauts El Ten Eleven. It’s a genius collaboration of these Joyful Noise labelmates that I never would have concocted but am very glad someone else did.
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