Tastes Like New Music Friday: March 18, 2022

It’s Charli XCX’s world and we’re just living in it. Although that may be just because she’s the only big-name artist releasing an album this week. Welcome to the Spring music doldrums. Fortunately, critics are digging her latest, CRASH, which features collaborations with Rina Sawayama, Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek.

So what else is there? How about the return of Cypress Hill? Back in Black may not be the most original name for an album, but it’s out today and critics don’t hate it. We’ll call that a win for the seminal rap group at 30+ years.

Country folk act Midlake is back at it with For the Sake of Bethel Woods. Produced by John Congleton, it’s the bands fifth overall and first since 2013’s Antiphon.

Sonic Youth isn’t releasing a new album, but In/Out/In features five rare and unreleased improvised songs from 2000-2010. That’s as good as it’s going to get for you fans.

Finally, is Weezer getting too cute for their own good? (Yes). The first of their SZNZ project–four EPs, one coinciding with each of the seasons–is due out on Sunday. We’re getting Spring.

More releases

Present Tense – Yumi Zouma
Without Waves – Comedian
Motomami – Rosalia
Feel the Void – Hot Water Music
Heavy Like a Headache – The Ninth Wave
Sink Into Me – Babeheaven

Singles

Arcade Fire is back. People are scared. But they’re willing to listen. The Lightning I, II is the first single (first singles?) from their upcoming album produced by Nigel Godrich. It’s called WE. Are you excited now?

Muse continues down whatever path they’re on. If you didn’t like their last single from the upcoming Will of the People you probably won’t like this one either.

Machine Gun Kelly + Bring Me The Horizon? Oh it’s true. It’s damn true.

Anyway, here’s Def Leppard!

Joe loves Ghost. So here’s the band doing Call Me Little Sunshine on Jimmy Fallon.

OTHER NOTES

There was a small hubbub on the internet about Aimee Mann being dropped from Steely Dan’s tour. Possible misogyny was blamed. Turns out it’s just Donald Fagen being old and crochety. Crisis averted. Although Mann is still off the tour.

Dolly Parton refused her nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But wait, apparently she can’t!

Adam Neely asks the question, did Dua Lipa steal two of her biggest hits? She’s getting sued for it. So it’s got legs. What do you think?