Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has arrived! This week I put together a selection of new releases, but included an older album that I recently discovered. I've been in an exploratory period of late, trying to rediscover some things that I've loved in the past, and seeing what direction those sounds have taken recently. There's some quality stuff on here, but keep in mind that it was an exploration and sometimes you find treasure, and sometimes less so. Hope you find some treasure on here. Enjoy.

The Charlatans - Totally Eclipsing: The new EP from the 90s Britpop band continues their comeback which dates of the previous two years. These four songs come closer to capturing their hey day, with jangle guitars and sugary vocals that come together to create a sound that is retro, but not boring. The title track is fantastic, and one of their best songs. It's always nice to hear a band being able to keep their sound and style going strong so long after the world has seemed to stop caring. Fans should collect this one, it's a keeper.

Bang - Mother/ Bow to the King: The second album from the Philadelphia heavy psych band was released in 1972 and is a powerhouse of the genre. The emergence of metal can be heard on this album, which falls somewhere between Zeppelin and Sabbath, with Gilmour-esqe guitar work. "Humble," "Keep On," "Tomorrow," and "Bow to the King" are standout tracks on this great lost album. Definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre. If you ever come across it, you won't be disappointed if you chose to pick it up. 

Woodwolf - Golden Road: The debut album from the Quebec rock duo is straight blues based hard rock. On their Bandcamp site, they list Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors as influences, and you can certainly hear all three of those bands on this record. It's a respectable tribute to those bands, though I must say it lacks the kind of magic those three bands had, but there are glimpses of greatness on tracks like "Desperate Way," "Flower of Life," and "Coldest Days." 

Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs - Clippety Clop: It's been 10 years since this alt country outfits debut, so it's fitting that their 10th album comes near that anniversary. I've followed Holly's work ever since her duet on the The White Stripes "Elephant" album 15 years ago. This is another fine release of country inspired indie rock. Nothing earth shattering on this album of horse themed songs, but certainly capable for the genre. "Mule Skinner," "Horses in the Mines," "Pinto Pony," and "Kill Grey Mule" are standouts. 

Nas - Nasir: The Queensbridge legend returns with his first album in six years. As has always been the case, Nas doesn't shy away from telling things as he sees them. Sure, he's full of bravado, but somewhat rightfully so given his accomplishments and skills. But despite a level of arrogance, there exists a level of humility on these verses that is absent from other rappers like Kayne. Like a lot of hip-hop I've been hearing these days, there seems to be a return to the 90's east coast sound, which suits me just find. "Everything," "Cops," "Not for Radio" and "Adam and Eve" are standouts on a fine album. 

Vandoliers - The Native: This debut from the Texas alt country band was just released and it is similar to other alt country bands like Lucero and a little bit of early Melloncamp. There's definitely a blue grass influence to their uptempo country music and a nice scratchy drawl to the vocals that I enjoy. It has the innocence of a debut record that I always enjoy. "Rain Dance," "Bluebonnet Highway," and the title track are my personal favorites.