I don’t want to startle anyone but Labour Day weekend, the start of the fourth quarter avalanche of new releases, is only three weeks off. This round of New Music Friday features some of the very last summer releases for 2023 but also more singles that give us an idea of what the fall will sound like.
Singles
1. OK Go, This (Paracadute)
If you’ve got Apple TV+ and you’ve seen the movie The Beanie Bubble (yes, it’s about the Beanie Baby craze), you may remember this song as part of the soundtrack. Singer Damian Kulash Jr. describes the goal of the song: “After almost two hours of a musical journey through twentieth-century pop music (which is like the most satisfying mix tape of all time, for me personally), we needed the final beat of the film to bring viewers back to the present day. Our fable about the American Dream is over, and as the lights come up we want you sinking into that bittersweet-victory flavor of nostalgia. That’s the feeling we want you to leave the theater with.” Naturally, there’s a weird and wonderful video to go with it–otherwise, it wouldn’t be OK Go, would it?
2. Van Halen, Humans Being (Rhino/Warner)
The fourth quarter is box set season and this year, Van Halen wants to compete. The upcoming Collections II will feature four newly remaster studio albums from the Sammy Hagar era (Sorry DLR fans; nothing for you this time): 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995). There are an additional eight rarities recorded between 1989 and 2004. CD and vinyl versions of the box set will be available October 6. This remastered single is our first taste.
3. Jay Putty, The Best Days are Yet to Come (SSP Records)
If you’re bummed that summer will soon be winding down, maybe you need this dose of optimism from Jay Putty, and American songwriter who got into music after a high school sports injury. Lots of happy anthemic whoah-hos in this one. How long do you think it’ll be before this track is licensed for a TV commercial?
Albums
1. The Hives, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons (Disques Hives)
I know, I know. I’ve been banging on about this Hives record for the last couple of months. But if you’re into sharp-dressed Swedish garage rock, you can’t help but be excited about the Hives’ return after more than ten years. If you were ever a fan of the indie rock revolution of the early aughts, then you’ve probably already got this album favourited on your streaming platform of choice. Oh, and watch out for the exploding heads in the video.
2. Neil Young, Chrome Dreams (Warner)
Back in 2007, Neil released a recorded entitled Chrome Dreams II, which didn’t make sense because that hinted at a Chrome Dreams I. It turns out that such an album did exist, recorded between 1974 and 1977 but never released. Up until now, hardcore fans had to be happy with leaked versions taken from bootleg acetates. This is an official version and is Young’s 44th studio album. Just how many more “lost” Neil Young albums are still out there?
3. Public Image Ltd., End of World (PiL Official/Cargo UK Distribution)
For years, Johnny Lydon was far too busy being the primary caregiver for his wife, Nora, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Now that she’s gone–she died earlier this year at the age of 80–Johnny has picked up on some music that he started recorded in 2019. The result is the first PiL album in eight years. I’ve missed his voice.
4. Liam Gallagher, Knebworth 22 (Warner)
Over two nights in June 2022, Liam Gallagher returned to Knebworth, the site of Oasis’ greatest concert triumph back in the middle 90s. Naturally, he had to make a live album and concert film. This release comes in two versions: a 14-song standard release and a deluxe edition with two extra songs. Come for the solo material. Stay for the Oasis classics. This video features a track from the Oasis album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.
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