It’s that time of year when we hunker down in more rain and have less outdoor time.
Somehow, having new music at hand always makes the seasonal transition a little easier.
What fresh albums merit a listen, and what’s cooking in the live music scene? First, let’s take a look at some new albums.
Car Seat Headrest – “The Scholars”
After 5 years, American indie rock band Car Seat Headrest has returned with new release “The Scholars.” An engaging journey, it’s a concept album about a med-school student, and it’s getting rave reviews.
Especially noteworthy are hard-hitting and highly danceable “Planet Desperation,“ as well as their pop-rock “Devereux,” which boasts a Ric Ocasek vibe.
“The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)” is another top-notch rocker, but honestly, there are no lemons here.
The band gets its name from the location, years ago, where their songs were first recorded; in a car, where young musician Will Toledo found privacy. Toledo’s musical influences include The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, David Bowie, REM, Green Day and They Might Be Giants.
Ambitious indie rock at its finest, “The Scholars” was recorded in Seattle where the band now resides.
Lord Huron – “The Cosmic Selector Vol.1”
One of my favorite bands for the last 2 decades continues to be Lord Huron. In July, the L.A. – based indie-folk-rock band returned with their fifth release, “The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1.”
Frontman Ben Schneider has always been an ace musician.
“The Night We Met,” for example, from the band’s 2015 “Strange Tails,” has compiled a stunning 3 billion streams on Spotify. That’s a pretty serious accomplishment – it’s no wonder the band always includes it in their concert setlists.
On the new album, Schneider’s natural talent for vivid, cinematic songwriting endures. To his credit, he has never tried to capture our ears, or our hearts, via glitzy, over-produced tracks. Instead, Schneider openly shares his disillusionments and heartbreaks via engaging, moody, polished arrangements that resonate.
This compelling, atmospheric album is one to put on your radar. On our playlist are “Nothing I Need” and “Watch Me Go.”
Could “The Cosmic Selector” earn Lord Huron a Grammy nomination?
That would seem deserving, as they are overdue.
Willie Nelson – “Oh What a Beautiful World”
Who’s 92 years old and still making great music?
In April, singer-songwriter and much-loved American icon Willie Nelson released his 77th solo studio album. It’s a keeper.
“Oh What a Beautiful World” is 12 tracks he hand-picked from stellar fellow musician Rodney Crowell’s catalogue of work. Listen especially for nostalgic “Banks of The Old Bandera”, and the album’s lovely title track, where Crowell provides harmony vocals. Crowell’s indelible “Shame on the Moon,” covered by Bob Seeger in 1982, is also included.
This year, Willie’s been on the road with the Outlaw Music Festival. The amazing lineup included Billy Strings, Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats, Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, Waxahatchee, Lucinda Williams, Sierra Hull and more.
A poignant collection, the new album is perfect for keeping us warm during the cold winter nights to come.
More music news
Pop singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus won Best Pop Solo Performance for her superlative “Flowers” at last year’s Grammy’s. She hasn’t slowed down since.
She just released her 9th studio album “Something Beautiful.” Brittany Howard plays guitar on “Walk of Fame,” and the track “Secrets” features Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood.
Brandi Carlile has a new album coming soon. “Returning to Myself” is set to release October 24, and the title track sounds amazing.
Singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has a new album coming early next year, and it’s said to have a bit of a country flair. Tracks “Henry, Come On” and “Bluebird” were released in April.
Around Town
Two talented troubadours from Bellingham, Washington played a fabulous, intimate acoustic show at Tsunami Books in September.
Jenner Fox and Jeremy Elliott kept the venue spellbound during their setlist, which featured tracks from their new album “The Moon that Moves the Sea.” They were accompanied by vocalist Stephanie Walbon from the band Babycakes. You shoulda been there, because songwriting was outstanding, and the interplay between the two guitarists during the bridges was exceptional.
Support indie artists! You can check out their new album here.
And if you can’t afford to buy the album, at least purchase their exceptional “Window Song”…they’ll love you for it.
Don’t miss Fox and Elliott if they come back to town!
Coming Soon
Taylor Swift’s new “Life of a Showgirl” release drops this week. The prolific Swift was writing songs during the European leg of The Eras Tour!
“Life of a Showgirl” is set to have 12 new songs, including lead single “The Fate of Ophelia.” It’s rumored to vibe like her sensational “Reputation” (2017), and to include an abundance of rock anthems. Knowing Swift, there’s bound to be a few surprises. (Update: it’s more Pop than Rock).
A 90-minute behind-the-scenes film accompanies the new release; it plays in theaters nationwide October 3-5. Should be fun!
Live music
Some exciting live shows are coming up in Eugene, including the Robert Cray Band who play the McDonald Theater on November 7th.
Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear play the Cuthbert October 14.
The Jeffrey Foucault Trio bring a great night of rock, country, folk and blues to Jaqua Concert Hall October 24.
If you’re a fan of The Beths, you’re in luck, because they play Portland’s Crystal Ballroom Friday, November 14.
That’s a Wrap
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