Mainstream folks are all excited about new material from Lady Gaga and The Weeknd. We here at New Music Friday Central would like to director your attention elsewhere.
Singles
1. Our Lady Peace, I Wanna Be Your Drug (Frontside)
If I’m honest, I missed this track last week. It’s the group’s second single from their current “OLP 30” campaign, a national tour that starts on February 19th at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. It’s pure OLP.
2. Journos, Oh Tyranny! (Bob the Organism)
Given the insanity of what’s going on in the United States right now, might we soon see a rise in loud, fast, angry music? Maybe. The duo of Journos (Bryan Russo and Ryan Abbott) are out in front with this reissues single from a 2023 album entitled In the Key of WFT. Also way for their upcoming album, The Burning Question. Elon Musk will be displeased.
3. Men Without Hats, The Safety Dance 7-inch Live (Shocore Music Inc.)
Ivan Doroschuk is 67 but anyone who’s seen him perform with the current incarnation of Men Without Hats know that he hasn’t slowed down. This recording is the first-ever official live version of Safety Dance. Ivan: “This is the first time we’ve really been able to capture the true essence and energy of a Men Without Hats live performance. I feel like this album completely encapsulates that incredible spirit of fun and excitement we share with ours fans when we play live.” So a MWH live album this year? It looks like it. And it’ll sound something like this recording of the 12-inch version.
Albums
1. Biig Piig, 11:11 (RCA)
Not to be confused with the Australian band from the 80s (that’s Big Pig), this Biig Piig is and Irish singer and rapper who began her career by uploading songs to SoundCloud around 2016. This is her first full album and compliments a mixtape, some EPs, and long lists of standalone singles dating back to 2017,
2. Dream Theatre, Parasomnia (InsideOutMusic)
If you’re up for something complex this weekend, Dream Theatre is back with drummer Mike Portnoy in the lineup for the first time since 2009, making it highly anticipated by the faithful. And in case you’re wondering, parasomnia involves certain sleep disorders including sleepwalking and night terrors. Let’s start with something ten minutes long.
3. Guided by Voices, Universe Room (GBV Inc.)
By my count, this GBV’s 41st album and their 18th over the last 10 years. How many songs music Robert Pollard write every day?
4. Inhaler, Open Wide (Interscope)
The band fronted by Bono’s kid, Elijah Hewson, is already up to their third album, which, if parental history is anything to go by, should be the record where the band starts to really break through. It should be noted that dad (and mom) have taken a hands-off approach to the fortunes of this group. If they’re gonna make it, they’re gonna have to make it on their own.
5. Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, Self-titled (Jagjaguwar)
I’m a huge fan of this American singer-songwriter who is now up to seven albums with this the first under the “An the Attachment Theory” brand, a which features an entirely different backing group. This time, things feel a little gothy, which goes well with the current dark mood of the planet right now. You need to sit through this whole album front to back in one sitting.
6. Squid, Coward (Warp)
Let’s end with a little English art-rock. Squid, from Brighton, has their own take on what the post-punk world should sound like. Their third album touches on some weird themes like–*ahem*–cannibalism, which is alluded to in the single Crispy Skin. Yes, Squid lives in a weird universe, but please don’t let that dissuade you from listening.
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