Feb Featured New Releases:
Johnny Marr – The Messenger
Johnny Marr has been a man of many hats for quite some time, pioneering BritPop guitar trends as a founding member of The Smiths, one of the most influential alternative rock bands of their time. As the band dissolved, Marr re-built, joining alongside bands like The Pretenders, The The, Modest Mouse and The Cribs, as well as session guitar and co-writing duties on various albums. While Marr’s distinct style has played a role in all of his creations, he has finally released this long overdue set of songs that are all his own. Despite the somber tone some people take when thinking of The Smiths, Marr’s solo tracks are upbeat, lively and rocking, a nice reflection of everywhere he’s been.
If You Like: The Smiths, The Cribs, Modest Mouse
Recommended Track: “Upstarts”
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell – Old Yellow Moon
Emmylou Harris has been a subject of influence throughout her career, racking up a whopping 27 albums. Not all of these were solo, however, as Harris has been long sought-after as a collaborative and duet partner for artists like Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, John Denver and Neil Young. This time, she partners with lesser commercially-known but equally prolific country artist Rodney Crowell (who is married to Roseanne Cash.) Having worked with artists across multiple genres, these two create a sound of eclectic variation, pulling in their experiences while harnessing a very Nashville sound, including a cover of Tim McGraw’s “Open Season of My Heart.”
If You Like: Willie Nelson, Roseanne Cash, John Denver
Recommended Track: “Black Caffeine”
Ivan & Alyosha – All the Times We Had
In the midst of a dusty, twangy, alt-country resurgence by way of the sleeper hit, “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers, Ivan & Alyosha are poised to follow in the steps of their successful labelmates with an even fuller, harmonized sound. The Seattle-based group has been beating the pavement for years independently, releasing a handful of EP’s before compiling this debut LP. The album features popular songs from those earlier releases, including “Fathers Be Kind,” and “Easy to Love,” as well as stand-out tracks like “Running For Cover” and “The Fold.” Their soaring choruses and multi-layered rock sensibilities have the same charm of their predecessors and a lengthy tour including stops at SXSW guarantees there will be much chatter about them in the months to come.
If You Like: The Lumineers, The Avett Brothers, Blind Pilot
Recommended Track: “The Fold”
Other Albums Available This Week [2/26/13]
Hillsong United – Zion
Kutt Calhoun – Black Gold
Gold Fields – Black Sun
The Lovely Bad Things – The Late Great Whatever
Icona Pop – I Love It (Remixes Pt. 2)
Hank Williams – Hank Williams: The Greatest Hits Live: Volume 2
Michael Bolton – Ain’T No Mountain High Enough: Tribute To Hitsville
Never Shout Never – Acoustic EP
Mogwai – Les Revenants
CuCu Diamentes – Amor Cronico (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Dj Sneak – BFTS Vol. 1
Britt Nicole – Gold
10,000 Maniacs – Music From The Motion Picture
Coming Up Next Week [3/5/13]
Jimi Hendrix – People, Hell & Angels
Luke Bryan – Spring Break Here To Party
How to Destroy Angels – Welcome Oblivion
Rhye – Woman
Youth Lagoon – Wondrous Bughouse
Kate Nash – Girl Talk
The Replacements – Songs For Slim
Various Artists – Dim Mak Greatest Hits of 2012, Vol. 3
The Lovely Bad Things – The Late Great Whatever
They Might Be Giants – Nanobots
Cloud Cult – Love
Marcus Canty – This is Marcus Canty EP
Cold Specks – When The City Lights Dim
Son Volt – Honky Tonk
Brooke Waggoner – Originator
Chris Medina – Letters To Juliet
