JarFive
- Vampire Weekend is back with two new songs
It’s been a minute, but Vampire Weekend is back, with two new songs leading to their upcoming album. “Capricorn” and “Gen- X Cops” both have accompanying videos out, highlighted below.
- IDLES have a new album out
I first caught IDLES at Coachella in 2022, and their live set was explosive. At the time, I heard people describe them as post-punk, or even hardcore. But I think they’re in their own category. This new album goes a slightly different direction, working with among others, longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. Also, they put out this banger “Dancer,” with LCD Soundsystem. Give it a listen!
- Vince Staples show debuts on Netflix
Long Beach’s own Vince Staples debuted his show on Netflix, with five episodes, influenced by the hip hop artist’s life. It’s a comedy of sorts, but with a twist. And it helps a tad to be from this general area, but it’s not a requirement. I’ve seen Vince Staples perform a couple times (once in 2016 and again in 2022). He stands out for being a hip hop artist from Long Beach, without being tied to the West Coast hip hop royalty. Although, he does hold Snoop up with high regard. Add this show to your queue.
- EARTHGANG has a new EP, “ROBOPHOBIA”
One of my favorite surprise sets last year at Coachella was from EARTHGANG. I’d never seen or listened to them before, but was sold on them live. This five-song set keeps the vibe going, including a feature from Snoop on the last track “PERFECT FANTASY.” The verses on “OSMOSIS” recall “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” by The Police. But the whole set sounds like the sunny groovy party we deserve after the rainy days this week.
- New album from MGMT, “Loss of Life,” is out today.
Having released such an anthemic album for millennials early on, MGMT has had a tough time shaking the larger than life presence of “Kids” and “Electric Feel.” This new album is a thoughtful voyage, touching on the familiar, part psychedelic, part 80’s anthemic, and part introspective. I love their collaboration with Christine and the Queens (also an awesome artist). Give a listen below.
Bonus Listen: The second single, “May Ninth,” from the upcoming Khruangbin album is out.
Vintage Tasting
The Liverpool legend of Fran Ashcroft
Back in 2007, I was lucky enough to take a trip to England, to visit a friend in London, and play tourist. The spring breaks at all my schools lined up, so naturally I had to go. But on one of those days, I decided to take a train to Liverpool, and play proper respect to the city that gave the world The Beatles.
After missing my train by minutes, I had to shell out another 100 pounds (about 200 US dollars at that time) to catch the next one. My main motivation? I was meeting a friend of my dad’s, who was set to give a tour. I didn’t have my phone, so I was hoping he’d still be around when I arrived. The man was Fran Ashcroft, and today he released a compilation of music spanning his entire career.
My dad had met Fran online through a music group but he had never met him in person. I knew that he had done work at the famous Abbey Road Studios, and he’d been part of a band called The Monos. I had also read that he’d worked with Daman Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz), among others. I knew that he preferred a minimal production style when working with bands. That was about it. But I got along with him right from the start.
We walked around the streets of Liverpool, which was going through its own massive renovation at the time. We went to the Cavern Club (where the Beatles famously played). He bought me a pie and really bad coffee (his words). We also went to a museum, saw a protest, and he pointed out the neighborhood where Paul McCartney grew up. I flooded him with questions about The Beatles, Pete Best, Billy J Kramer, Blur, Oasis, Coldplay, and U2. I asked him what group had the most influence on him. He mentioned seeing the Sex Pistols live, how they did a 20-minute set, and then told the audience to fuck off after (he told a similar story in this interview!). This was a once in a lifetime day, and I’m glad I caught that second train to meet up with him. One day, I’ll do a proper interview with him.
And now it’s 2024, and Fran has gone ahead and released a collection of his own songs, dating back to his first recording. He teased the album a few weeks back, with his song “Waiting For The Britpop Revival,” naming Albarn and Oasis in the lyrics. His style ranges from David Bowie to Syd Barrett, and of course the Beatles. Give it a listen, and check out his page!
The Jarvis Lounge 
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