The Five Songs list is the result of winnowing down of more than 600 submissions that came in over the last week or so. These are the victors.
1. Snow Patrol, But I’ll Keep Trying
The Forest is the Path (Universal)
Recommended If You Like: Expanded editions of albums already released
An extended version of last year’s Snow Patrol album is coming on March 14. This one features six brand new songs recorded after The Forest is the Path was released. It’s an interesting strategy that was spurred by…I’m not sure. Was the original album not living up to expectations? Is it a set-up for a European tour? Whatever the reason, this song—the “single” taken from the batch of new songs—is worth a listen.
2. The Kooks, Never Know
Never/Know (Virgin)
RIYL: When hiatuses come to an end
It’s been three years since the last album from Britain’s The Kooks. This is the title track (with a punctuation change) of an album due May 9. I like the idea of it being played in a convertible on a road trip somewhere ridiculous. Because really, you never know.” No, you don’t. It’s nice to have something with a summer feel in the depths of winter. Frontman Luke Pritchard says “It’s a love song about a cute meet with someone unpredictable.
3. Horsegirl, Switch Over
Single (Matador)
RIYL: The 90s
If you have an interest in 90s groups like The Breeders and Stereolab, don’t look any further than this all-female trio from Chicago. They’ve got the whole indie rock thing down perfectly, right to the way the video was directed and shot. The song is also insanely infectious.
4. Emma-Jean Thackary, Wanna Die
Weirdo (Pickadilly Records)
RIYL: A new twist on jazz
If jazz is something you consider a little inaccessible for you, don’t run off. Britain’s Emma-Jean has a different sort of spin on things. The video is interesting, too, with Emma-Jean cloning herself six ways. It also positions her as “almost jazz.” This may take a couple of listens so don’t give up after just one time through.
5. Perfume Genius, It’s a Mirror
Glory (Matador)
RIYL: Gothic Americana
“Gothic Americana?” Huh? That’s one descriptor I’ve read about this track from Des Moines’ Michael Hadreas (aka Perfume Genius). It’s also his latest sonic transformation and is reminiscent of maybe something from the late 60s/early 70s. I can hear this being used as the theme for some dark Netflix show.
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