New Music to Look Forward To: May 2017

April 28

BNQT – Volume 1

Feist – Pleasure

Figure Walking – The Big Nothing

Gorillaz – Humanz

Fans of the cartoon foursome, represented musically by Blur’s Damon Albarn, got some bad news in 2010. The band had decided to break up. In reality, Albarn and visual artist collaborator Jamie Hewlett went through disagreements and fatigue with the band.  Humanz marks the bands widely publicized return to the world of music. The band’s fourth major studio album features a slew of guests, which may signal less Albarm and more variety in the tracks.

Juliana Hatfield – Pussycat

Kasabian – For Crying Out Loud

Mary J. Blige – Strength of a Woman

Mew – Visuals

The Danish group has quietly helped lead the genre of international dream pop since the early 2000’s. Visuals is a complete effort from the group. The band recorded and produced the album, and designed all of the visual aspects of the album.

Sylvan Esso – What Now

Thurston Moore – Rock n Roll Consciousness

Of Sonic Youth fame, Moore is a well-known contributor to the modern alternative rock sound. Rock n Roll Consciousness is a 5-track solo album featuring members of My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth as his backing band.

WALL – Untitled

Weed – Born Wrong Love

Willie Nelson – God’s Problem Child

May 5

Amanda Palmer & Edward Ka-Spel – I Can Spin a Rainbow

At the Drive In – In ter a ll a

Before The Mars Volta, there was At the Drive In. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler will lead the group without founding member Jim Ward for the first time in the band’s history. Based on the songs the band has released so far, the influential post-hardcore band can still have an impact on the music scene.

The Big News – Welcome to the Weird Kids’ Table

Black Lips – Satan’s Graffiti Or God’s Art?

The band has a history of over the top live performances, but their studio albums are just as raucous. The latest album will continue their journey through garage and psych rock.

Blondie – Pollinator

Bonnie “Prince” Billy – Best Troubadour

Billy’s latest release will be a tribute to Merle Haggard

Brother Ali – All The Beauty In This Whole Life

Rapper, producer, and activist, and one of the most recognizable faces in underground hip hop; Brother Ali has a distinct voice and intelligent lyrics. The music has given us an insight into Ali’s experience as a father, albino, and follower of Islam. His perspective seems to give us a new approach to hip hop with each album.

Flobots – NOENEMIES

Full of Hell – Trumpeting Ecstasy

Gnarwolves – Outsiters

John Moreland – Big Bad Lue

Tulsa’s soulful singer/songwriter John Moreland is gaining global notice. He is preparing to release his latest album, Big Bad Luv, on May 5 on 4AD records.

Mac Demarco – This Old Dog

Nite Jewel – Real High

Perfume Genius – No Shape

Pond – The Weather

The Afghan Whigs – In Spades

Suicide Commandos – Time Bomb

The 70’s punk band is set to release their first album in 38 years

May 12

Deb Talan – Lucky Girl

Dreamcar – Dreamcar

Featuring members of No Doubt and AFI

Girlpool – Powerplant

Paul Weller – A Kind Revolution

Pwr Bttm – Pageant

May 19

!!! – Shake the Shudder

Biters – The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be

Pokey LaFarge – Manic Revelations

The Mountain Goats – Goths

John Darnell and company are preparing to following up their most upbeat album, Beat the Champ. Their latest songs show a return to the stripped down, personal, gloomy style that they are known for.

Wavves – You’re Welcome

May 26

Justin Townes Earle – Kids In The Street

Lana Del Rey – Lust For Life

New Order – NOMC15 (Live Album)

The Charlatans UK – Different Days