Dear Croissants,
We have been utterly spoiled with great new music in the past two weeks, and I have been itching to share these albums with you. So, I’m doing an additional art hoe roundup this month JUST for music.
Here are some records that have been released in March that you will not want to miss!
Paper Wings Listen To The World Spin
An absolute stunner of a record that reminds me of the power of depth rather than breadth…creating a specific soundscape to reach for, rather than aiming to fill up all sonic and emotional spaces.
Favorite Tack: “Mad Thing”
Waxahatchee Tigers Blood
I went on a run in the pouring rain in Jersey City the day before I played in Brooklyn with Pony Bradshaw. I had this record blasting in my headphones and it was like taking the best cold plunge of my life (I’ve actually never taken a cold plunge so this was the closest I’ve been I guess). Then, after three tracks my headphones got too wet and shut down. Then my run merely felt like a wet, cold, unpleasant plod. That’s the difference Waxahatchee makes.
The word play and melodies on this record DO NOT STOP. Now that my airpods have dried out, I am listening on repeat.
Favorite Track: “Lone Star Lake”
Favorite Line: “I’m an outlaw in the court of strong opinions”
Bendigo Fletcher Two Things At Once
This band is finally starting to take off in the way that they deserve. The writing gets me every time. So much joy amongst realism. Thank ya Bendigo!
Favorite Track (so far): Upcountry Lemonade
Favorite Line: “I’ll paint your fence to pay my rent/ Then come back wreck it in the middle of the night, I guess” from the working class anthem “Sweet Tooth”
Adrienne Lenker Bright Future
Like all of Adrienne’s work, there are moments as a listener when I’m thinking “really???” and then I am once again punched in the gut by her brilliance.
What a freaking gift of a songwriter she is.
Favorite Track: “Fool”
Favorite Line: The entirety of the song “Evol”
[Verse 1]
Love spells evol, backwards, people
Words back, words backwards are lethal
Time spells emit, who can see it?
Feel says leaf, tips ease is sea spit
[Chorus]
Teach, cheat, part, trap
You have my heart I want it back
God, dog, devil, lived
The giver takes, the taker gives
[Verse 2]
Dream is maerd, I'm marred in your mind
Four words: forwards, can't we rewind?
Speech spells hceeps, you say for keeps
To keep me llehs, a shell to speak through
[Chorus]
Teach, cheat, part, trap
You have my heart I want it back
God, dog, devil, lived
The giver takes, the taker gives
[Verse 3]
Kiss spells sick, the vacuum feeding
Words hold, words hold, words from meaning
And last but not least, I am looking forward to checking out the new Beyoncé album, Cowboy Carter, which features so many folks I know (or know tangentially) and love. I think what sometimes goes misunderstood about pop-stars moving into other genres is the way that they can lift up other hard working musicians who have yet to break through. This only works when the project is done thoughtfully, and with inclusion in mind, and in this case, Queen Bey has gone above and beyond. She has featured numerous black country and roots artists, and is sprinkling some magical fairy success dust on them. I think it’s THE BEST.
Alright, there’s some spring cleaning for yer ears!
Love you all and see ya in the southeast this week, and then EUROPE!
Rachel
More Synchronicity! Just got home this second from the Owl in Brooklyn, where I got to see Paper Wings for real for the first time, for their first ever show in NYC. Bought the new CD you recommended. Got to meet Emily and Wila! Starstruck. 🌹