The middle two weeks of August can be hit or miss for New Music Friday because almost all the big summer album releases are out by now. However, this New Music Friday is different in that there’s a lot of big names on both the singles and albums front.
Singles
1. Beck, Disappearing Act (Capitol/Universal)
Another taste of the new album, Ride Lonesome, which arrives on September 18. And Beck fans already know this album is a spiritual cousin/successor to Sea Change, which came out in 2002. It’s mellow, lush, and very mesmerizing. This could be one of the most important albums of the fall.
2. Fontaines DC, Marianne (XL Recordings)
I’ve been on board with Dublin’s Fontaines DC since the first album. Their fifth, Dopamine Chamber (due October 16), has got some major anticipation around it. The first single from that album is a brooding, atmospheric thing that apparently was partly inspired by the 2024 miniseries, Ripley.
3. Young the Giant, Evergreen (Fearless/Concord)
Young the Giant (est. Irvine CA, 2004) released this single to radio a few weeks ago and now has it available to everyone. The album, Victory Garden, was produced by Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, The Killers, AC/DC, My Chemical Romance). The band has already been through Canada once, but there are more dates coming.
Albums
1. The Afghan Whigs, Soft Control (Royal Cream/BMG Rights Management)
When some asks you “What 90s band should have been WAY bigger than they were?”, thing about replying “The Afghan Whigs” and you can’t go wrong. Their first go-round was from 1986 to 2001 when they became grunge-adjacent indie darlings. (Check out 1993’s Gentlemen for The Whigs at their 90s best). This reunion started in 2011 and has stuck. This is their tenth album.
2. Brandon Flowers, THRASHER (Island)
After 11 years, The Killers frontman has decided that it was time for another solo album. First caveat: This is a country album. Yes, you read that correctly. Second caveat: It still deserves a listen. He’s asking everyone to leave their pre-conceived notions at the door. I’ll leave it with you, then.
3. Paul Heaton, Jenius (EMI)
Here’s one for those who remember The Housemartins and The Beautiful South. He was and is an excellent songwriter with a distinctive voice, a knack for melody, a way with lyrics, and generally a critical darling. This is his eleventh solo album.
4. Robyn Hitchcock, The Confuser (Tiny Ghost)
Hitchcock, one of Britain’s great quirky songwriters, is also a critical darling. A former member of The Soft Boys (google them), he’s now living in Nashville with his wife tossing off more charming indie pop songs with ease. What kind of ease? This is his 25th solo album. This single encapsulates his headspace on this record.
5. Mystery Jets, A Hole to See the Sky Through (Fiction)
More London-based indie rock and the only band that I’ve ever heard of claiming they were formed on Eel Pie Island. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from them. This is their first album since the spring of 2020 and their eighth overall. Trivia: The album cover artwork was borrowed from Yoko Ono–with her permission, of course. There’s a bit of Thom Yorke/Radiohead to their sound.
6. The Tragically Hip, Live July 22 – August 20, 2016 (Universal)
As far as Canada is concerned, this may be the most important album of the summer. Ten years after that final show with Gord Downie in Kingston, The Tragically Hip return with an album culled from dates on the last tour. You may need a box of tissues for this one.
7. Twenty One Pilots, More Than We Ever Imagined (Fueled by Ramen)
Another live album, this one recorded in Mexico City during The Clancy World Tour. The dates were February 19-20 at Estadio GNP Seguros in front of 65,000 people. If you’re a vinyl person, there’s a special red edition available.
8. Weezer, The Gold Album (Reprise)
Another colour of the rainbow for Weezer to join the blue, green, red, white, teal, and black albums. Add in all the other records with titles and you’ll realize that this is Weezer’s 20th album. They’re one of the few 90s bands that can still release new material and have fans pay attention. A rare thing. This album has something of a blue album feel. The intro to this video sets the stage.
9. Westside Cowboy, It Goes On (Island)
There’s been quite a bit of hype around this Manchester band. Would they live up to it with there release of their debut album? Turns out, yes, they can. If there’s a British breakout equivalent of Geese, then these guys are it. If you’re going to listen to one debut album front-to-back this week, here you go.
10. Finn Wolfhard, Fire from the Hip (Night Shift Productions/AWAL)
Let’s finish off with something Canadian. Finn, of course, is known as one of the stars of Stranger Things, but what he really wants to do is rock. After albums with The Aubreys and Calpurinia, he’s back with his second solo album.
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