So lend an ear and tuck into our pick of some of this week’s most prominent music releases. You never know, your new favourite record may be in there!
Blur, The Ballad of Darren
Once upon a time it seemed as if a new Blur album was as likely as an Oasis reunion; with Damon, Graham, Alex and Dave apparently having no distance left to run. Yet, while the Gallagher brothers still squabble, Blur come roaring back with their 1st new album in 8 years, and boys and girls, it’s a cracker.
The “The Ballad of Darren” features all four members firmly in the fold, and the Essex boys deliver a streamlined set of ten new tracks filled with the type of craft and energy which could ensure that this release quickly becomes a fan favourite. Still not sold? Then check out the lead single (and Today Radio favourite), “The Narcissist”, for a taster. “The Ballad of Darren” is officially released by Parlophone on Friday, 21 July. Check out RTL Today’s review of Damon Albarn’s show at the Philharmonie last year.
Greta van Fleet, Starcatcher
The boys from Michigan return with their 3rd album, “Starcatcher”; a ten track selection which swings confidently from hard rock, to blues, to psych folk and beyond. Recorded at the legendary RCA studios in Nashville, this record effortlessly captures the bands’ renowned live sound and energy in a way which previous releases have never quite achieved. Already preceded by several excellent singles, “Starcatcher” is officially released by Lava/Republic Records and available from Friday, 21 July. Check out the phenomenal lead single “Meeting The Master”.
Nas, Magic 2
Three decades in and Nas shows no signs of retiring his crown as one of the finest rappers to ever hold a mic. An absolute legend of the scene, Nas returns with his seventeenth (!) album, “Magic 2”, to prove that hip-hop is far from dead. Maintaining his relationship with producer Hit-Boy, Nas delivers 11 cuts of rhyme, flow and beats which only further cement his place amongst the hip-hop greats. Check out his new track “Office Hours” which features a guest appearance by none other than fellow New York rap legend 50 Cent. “Magic 2” is officially released on Mass Appeal and is available from Friday, 21 July.
Beabadoobee, The Way Things Go
Whether you’re kicking back with friends or simply out enjoying the summer weather, this laidback slice of well-produced indie pop is perfect listening for this time of the year. Stripped back and full of chilled summer vibes, “The Way Things Go” is classic Beabadoobee. Officially released by Dirty Hit, the single is available now and you can check out the video below. And if that’s not enough for you, not only has our man Stephen ‘Steps’ Lowe undertaken an interview with Bea, but Beabadoobee will also feature on an upcoming episode of the Song 2 Podcast (formerly No.1 on the Luxembourg Podcast Charts!).
Oh, how we spoil you.
Ash, Race The Night
27 years on from their first album release and Ash are still firing out the power pop classics. And whilst ‘Race The Night” is a more mature sounding track than many of their previous singles, it certainly doesn’t lack any of the trio’s uplifting energy and punch. Available now, and with an album of the same name due to follow on Fierce Panda in September, check out the video for lead track “Race The Night”. And keep your ear to the floor for an upcoming Today Radio interview where Sam Steen chats with Ash drummer Rick McMurray.
Roisin Murphy, You Knew
It’s safe to say that accurately guessing which direction Ms Murphy will take next is not an easy task. Yet, after signing on with the legendary Ninja Tunes label, the musical machine known as Roisin returns with a new single entitled “You Knew”. And whilst it features the sort of beats and electro embellishments heard in her previous works, here Roisin utilises a variety of vocal treatments and layering to build and carry along this stripped but infectious new groove. Officially released by Ninja Tunes, and taken from her upcoming album ‘Hit Parade’ (due out in September), “You Knew” is available now.
If you’ve found some new tunes recently, have any recommendations for what we should be checking out, or simply have an earworm that you just can’t shift, then why not drop us the details via WhatsApp (+352 621 525 000) and, as our esteemed colleague Stephen ‘Steps’ Lowe always says, if we have it - we’ll play it!
