Best New Albums of 2017 *

At best, only a handful of people like most of what I post. It would be even worse if I start posting my favorite classical releases. Although I might start doing that at least for contemporary music.

 

French isn't my native language either, but I can understand more or less what it is all about. But not word for word.
There's a whole new wave of French artists releasing tons of interesting stuff right now.

Journalist start to call it neo-chanson or neo-variété over here

 

I've never listened to anything by them before, heard the lead track and ordered it on a whim. Really liking it right from the first listen, my Rough Trade clear vinyl version sounds really great and was wrapped in a printed tote bag which was a nice addition.

 

I'm sure you would love all of their other albums. Their run of Kill the Moonlight, Gimme Fiction and Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga can't be beat.

 

I think the run really starts in '98 with A Series Of Sneaks, which is a great album, and was their major label debut on Elektra, who of course completely mishandled them, and then dropped them shortly after release (for which Britt penned a couple great tunes directed at their A&R man, Laffitte, that later got tacked onto Series as bonus tracks - see below - there's also a pretty cool book Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records, the Indie Label That Got Big and Stayed Small outlining the whole story of Spoon's trip to the majors). The following Girls Can Tell remains my favorite, and Gimme Fiction is probably number two, but most of the albums do have a similar song formula, so they all have big highlights, and though I love them, I think they all showcase certain limitations to that formula too. While I haven't heard this new one yet, I have read that it does skirt around some of those limitations, and explore new areas, which is good.

 

Do it! So little discussion of NEW classical releases on here.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write that, I'll certainly take it on board and delve deeper!

 

have you visited the contemporary classical and jazz 'new music' thread? it's at 61 pages and counting, and there's some amazing music in there.

 

Not much to say, Phil Elverum and his music has always meant a lot to me, The Microphones through Mount Eeerie, and this sad but loving tribute to his wife, Geneviève Castrée, who died last July of cancer at 35, is out next week ...

Stream Mount Eerie's Heartbreaking New Album, 'A Crow Looked At Me'

 

I've been loving the debut full length from Parlor Walls...they have a pretty unique sound with the sax in the mix.

 

I think this will remain my Top 3 for February 2017. I will post the complete Top 10 tomorrow.

Posted two clips for the number 1 + lead single for number 2 & 3 (click on album title)



01 Blondino - Jamais sans la nuit


02 The Mysterons - Meandering


03 Peter Peter - Noir Eden

Rest of Top 10 + Favorite EP's tomorrow!!! Stay Tuned

 

That's usually where I've posted about contemporary clsssical but not all of it fits there.

 

The best for me is the "Order of Time" of Valerie June. I love the collection and the artist is superb!

 

Yea, her soulful mix of folk and blues and country and gospel has made this latest one of the highest rated records the year. Haven't heard it yet, but I think some of us will probably be agreeing with you before long.

 

I concur -- really engaging on the first few listens, and it may turn out to be up there with my fave, Gimme Fiction.

 

right. he's never posted over there, so maybe he doesn't know about it.

 

I'll check it out. But I was also thinking of new releases of non contemporary classical

 

Lunar Twin has a new 6-song EP out called Night Tides, sounds pretty nice, they are a dreamwave duo sounding kind of like Greg Dulli singing with a downtempo Massive Attack, which turns out is a very cool sound, a bit like Depeche Mode at times, but not really ... below is just the short promo vid with the opener "Waves", but you can listen to the whole thing via bandcamp at the review link below ...



New Music: An Interview with Lunar Twin / Night Tides Review

 

There's a few, but Chicano Batman Freedom is Free totally knocked me out.

 

Sounds like you have already made up your mind

 

While it's hard for me criticize any of the releases, the new Six Organs of Admittance might be both the best and most accessible record he's ever made. It's beautiful guitar playing, genius elements of psychedelia mixed in and magnificent melodies.

 

I'm prescient.

 

The new Spoon album gets my vote. It's pretty amazing.

 

Two great albums, I'll add the new Laura Marling and to complete a set of great female albums Courtney Marie Andrews.
COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS - Table For One

 

Just to make it easier!!