Ryan Adams: Morning Glory

Ryan Adams continues his prolific cover album output with Morning Glory. It's Adams's interpretation of what many consider the greatest Brit Rock album of all time (with several B-sides from the same era added in. 

Back in 2003, he did a cover of "Wonderwall" (he updates that again for this record) that Noel Gallagher called a superior version. He then proceeded to perform it from that point forward in the Adams style. This album offers similar takes on most of Oasis's songs from that era. They are all beautiful, haunting, sad, and amazing.

Here is a taste...

The Manchester Orchestra: The Valley of Vision

Atlanta's own The Manchester Orchestra is back with their seventh long player. The Valley of Vision is an epic offering that feels like a performance from Red Rocks, an incredible journey that leaves the listener breathless and aching for more.

How can such sad music be so uplifting?

Eddie Chacon: Sundown

There's nothing like a fresh soul record that breathes fresh life into your mind and body. Sundown by Eddie Chacon is such a record. The LA-based artist refers to himself in this latest incarnation as a "low key R & B legend." He is most definitely that and more on this album. Talk about a transformative experience! 

Here is one of faves from his latest...

Temples: Exotico (Album of the Week)

Kettering's own Temples are back with a completely wonderful slice of psychedelic pop. Exotico is the name of their latest record and it's nice to see the lads continuing their expansion into synth and electronic music. The hooks are mad on this one, folks!

Here is the title track...

The New Pornographers: Continue As Guest

The pride of Vancouver, BC are back with a magifnicent record called Continue As Guest. The New Pornographers are in their third decade of an illustrous career of indie bliss and show zero signs of being less than dragon level awesome. 

Here is one of my faves from the new record...

Ellie Goulding: Higher Than Heaven (Album of the Week)

The early morning kiss after a night at the club...

That's what I imagine I'm doing as I listen to Ellie Goulding's just-dropped fifth record. Higher Than Heaven is easily her best and the Hereford native has completely outdone herself on this one. All sixteen tracks flow together beautifully and make for the perfect dance party mix from start to finish.

Opening track...let's go!

The No Ones: My Best Evil Friend

Retro-sounding supergroup The No Ones are back with a second offering called My Evil Best Friend. The garage sound is still there along with Byrds-inspired harmonies and a decided 60s vibe. I hope they keep making "lost" albums:)

Here is the opening track which sets the tone perfectly...

Boygenius: The Record

Supergroup Boygenius has their first long player out and it's a corker! The Record is all the indie-wonderfulness you would expect from Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. My favorite tracks are the quieter, introspective ones. 

The whole albums is amazing, though. Snag it!

Depeche Mode: Memento Mori

Veterans of electronic goth and emo, Depeche Mode, are back with a magnificent album called Memento Mori. I'm quite grateful that these Basildon lads are still kicking around after all these years. They are truly a Gen Angst band from the 80s and their themes and style are even more relevant in our fucked up world. 

Opening track...

DMA's: How Many Dreams? (Album of the Week)

How Many Dreams? is the title of the new DMA's record that just dropped last week. I'm wondering how many fantastic albums this Brit Rock-inspired outfit from Sydney, Australia can make. Apparently, it's an infinite amount because every one of their four albums is a MUST-HAVE in your collection. My soul is quite warm knowing these lads are carrying the torch of the greatest genre of music of all time. 

Here is one of my faves...Thursday is indeed the second-best night to go out!

The Levellers: Together All The Way

Brighton's own The Levellers are back with their 13th record and its deep folk sound is hitting me quite well right now. Together All The Way is a call to arms that all of us earthlings are in this craziness together. As is usually the case, music like this leads the way!

Here is the title track...

Yves Tumor: Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)

Miami's own Yves Tumor is a bona fide force of art rock. I guess I'm just happy the genre is still kicking around let alone that this musical genius. His fifth record, Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds), is an absolute stunner. He's really channeling his inner Bowie on this one.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra: V (Album of the Week)

Five albums into their career, Portland's own Unknown Mortal Orchestra continues to amaze me. V is yet another ridiculously amazing record filled with a myriad of styles and wonders. I hear psych-pop, electronic pop, lounge, 70s soul, and a whole lot more. 

 Here is the opening track to your journey...

The Nude Party: Rides On

They don't make music like they used to. We hear this phrase all the time and, honestly, it's not accurate. Because there are bands out there like The Nude Party. I imagine them having all sorts of videos on MTV if they were around in the 80s. 

Today, though, we have them on YouTube. And their latest record is more of the same zaniness and fun for which they are known. Pick up Rides On. It's AWESOME.

Here is one of my favorite tracks...