Tastes Like New Music Friday: May 13, 2022

Hope you’re ready for Kendrick Lamar and another BIG INDIE week of new releases.

Speaking of, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is the fifth album from one of the few artists remaining whose new releases feel like an event. Lamar has been laying low lately as this is his first alum in over five years. So far, no critical reviews have come in, but there’s not a musician in the world with a stronger track record.

It’s not Radiohead. But it’s close. The debut album from Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinner’s new outfit, The Smile comes out. A Light for Attracting Attention was produced by Nigel Godrich and isn’t too far from what Thom and Jonny were doing with Radiohead.

Florence + The Machine return from a four year break with Jack Antonoff in the producers chair. The new album is called Dance Fever and it’s getting her best reviews yet.

They might not get the adulation they once did, but reliable garage blues outfit The Black Keys is back with an original record for the first time since 2019’s Let’s Rock (last year’s Delta Kream was covers). ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons guests. But don’t expect too many surprises with the sound.

Erstwhile indie-folk/Americana/whatever veteran Kevin Morby’s new album This is a Photograph has so far received universal acclaim. It’s Morby’s seventh release overall and sees him back with frequent collaborator Sam Cohen.

Out yesterday (Thursday) is an intriguing new album from Ethel Cain. Preacher’s Daughter has the critics in a tizzy with her take on dream pop / Americana / slowcore. This is the first full-length release from Cain after a couple of EPs and singles.

Craig David (AKA Bootyman) is releasing 22. The album is named 22 since it’s been 22 years since Born to Do It, his highly acclaimed debut. No word on if this one is any good.

More releases

So Far So Good – Chainsmokers
What’s It Gonna Take – Van Morrison
Love Gibberish – Post Animal
The Zug – Yves Jarvis
In Real Life – Mandy Moore
Punkt – Faust

Singles

My Chemical Romance have reunited for a US tour and now, a new single. If you were worried they forgot how to bring the emotional stadium rock, dispel those thoughts, it has all the MCR trademarks you’re looking for. No words on if a whole album will follow.

Arcade Fire covers Harry Styles!

Post Malone is back with a new album this year and if we have to listen to it, so do you.

Hold the Line (not a Toto cover) is out today from unclassifiable indie rocker Bartees Strange. It’s the third single from his upcoming 4AD debut.

NEWS

RIP Black Dahlia Murder vocalist Trevor Strnad.