Things have started really heating up as we head into February's new music releases. Info and links for the ones you want to know about most below, plus some other ones you may not have heard of (but should know) – with audio & video for your listening and viewing pleasure. Click here to see releases from the past several weeks…American Aquarium, Wolves (self-release)
Big Noble, First Light (Affiliates Services)
The side project of Interpol guitarist Daniel Kessler with experimental NYC musician Joseph Fraioli.
Breakfast In Fur, Flyaway Garden (Bar/None Records)
This group is named after a surrealist sculpture by French artist André Breton, and started as a bedroom pop project of Dan Wolfe, who was eventually joined by vocalist Kaitlin Van Pelt, guitaritst Mike Hollis, multi-instrumentalist Matt Ross and drummer Chris Walker to release their debut, a mix of pastoral folk, dreamy psychedelia and pop, electronica and even a touch of prog. Take a listen to the lovely, trippy, folked-out single "Portrait" below.
John Carpenter, Lost Themes (Sacred Bones)
You know him for his film directing — he's behind Halloween, Escape From New York, They Live and Assault on Precinct 13 among others — but did you know he also composed the scores to these films, too? This is his debut solo album.
The Church, Further Deeper (SKH Music)
Bob Dylan, Shadows In The Night (Columbia)
[Frank Sinatra covers]
Diana Krall, Wallflower (Verve)
The keys-playing smoky-voiced jazz chanteuse offers re-interpretations of pop songs from the late 1960s to the present — including The Mamas and the Papas'"California Dreaming,""Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House and Bob Dylan's "Wallflower," along with a new composition by Paul McCartney ("If I Take You Home Tonight"). Krall's world tour in support stops at Capitol Theatre in Clearwater for two nights, on April 9 and 10. Krall discusses her cover of 10cc's "I'm Not in Love," and performs parts of it in the clip below.
Michna, Thousand Thursday (Ghostly International)
Mount Eerie, Sauna (P.W. Elverum & Sun)
Murder by Death, Big Dark Love (Bloodshot Records)
Nite Fields, Depersonalisation (Felte)
Robert Pollard, Ricked Wicky: I Sell The Circus (Fire Records)
Seagulls, Great Pine (Yellow K Records)
Andy Shauf, The Bearer Of Bad News (Tender Loving Empire)
Sporting Life, Sporting Life (self-release)
Sun Hotel, Rational Expectations (Community Records)
Their bandcamp bio says it best: "Fuzzy hazes of drifting, ambient guitar and four-part harmonies with thundering rhythms and biting lyrics." Check out "Tropic of Cancer (made me drop out of college and start working at this bookstore)" below.
John Tejada, Signs Under Test (Kompakt)
Title Fight, Hyperview (Anti-)
Two Gallants, We Are Undone (ATO Records)
Victor Villarreal, Sleep Talk (Joyful Noise)
The guitarist behind Owls, Cap n Jazz Owls and Joan of Arc presents a rather quiet and contemplative work. "Leaves" below.
Butch Walker, Afraid Of Ghosts (Dangerbird)
Wolfheart, Winterborn (Spinefarm Records)
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
Blind Guardian, Beyond The Red Mirror
Boduf Songs, Stench Of Exist
Chip Z'Nuff, Strange Time
Fifth Harmony, Reflection
H Hawkline, In The Pink Of Condition
Hiss Golden Messenger, Southern Grammar EP
Kid Ink, Full Speed
Francis Moss, Treehugger
Matana Roberts, Coin Coin Chapter Three: River Run Thee
Sweet Jesus, You Destroy Yourself
TeeFlii, Starr
Wood & Wire, The Coast
Yesterday's Saints, Generation of Vipers