JarFive
- BeyoncΓ© releases “Cowboy Carter.”
Arguably the most heavily promoted and written about album year to date, “Cowboy Carter” was released last night. I’m not a huge BeyoncΓ© fan, but I always give her albums a listen. With all the talk of this being a country album, at its core it’s still a BeyoncΓ© album, with a twang here and there, and some other classic music references (including a Beach Boys interpolation). She covers two classics (The Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”), in addition to her own cuts and clips (including a few of Dolly and Willie Nelson talking). Overall, there are 27 tracks (it’s a long album), and I thought it was okay overall. Some songs came and went, while others stuck. I did like “YA YA,” which centers around the bass line from “These Boots Are Made For Walkin,” and goes off from there. Also, “SPAGHETTII” goes hard. I’m not here to cheer it as perfect, or cry because it’s going to chart on the beloved country charts (like her first single did). It’s a record that has some fun moments, so give it a spin.
- The new album from Tyla is out.
The youngest African artist to win a Grammy award (at 22 years of age), Tyla was one of the acts I was really looking forward to seeing at Coachella. Unfortunately, she had to drop from the festival due to medical reasons. And this album release only makes that fact even worse. This is definitely going to be an album I’ll be streaming over the summer. Check out the South African artist like I did – take a nice walk in the warm sun, with this playing in your headphones (after this rain, of course). You’re welcome.
- New album from Four Tet – “Three”
Four Tet’s live set from home nearly four years ago at the start of the pandemic, helped make my homestay a little easier (I’ve included the link below). But I’d been a fan of his before that, catching his memorable set at Coachella in 2019. He’s probably known more recently for his collaborations with Skrillex and Fred Again.., but I prefer his music on its own. This new album gives you a little bit of everything with him. Give it a listen.
- New single from Tone Abstract, “Sick Flow.”
Tone Abstract and I go way back (7th grade PE to be exact), but he’s still making great music. This is his latest cut – give the old school style track a listen. Also, I’ve included his Instagram account; give it a follow.
- Chicano Batman releases new album “Notebook Fantasy”
Local favorites, Chicano Batman have released their fifth album. The production is a little different, but welcome. I thought I detected some St. Vincent guitar sound on there, which could be partly explained by bringing in producer John Congleton. “Fly” is a great first single (clip below). Give this album a listen, and if you’re in the area on Saturday 4/30, they’ll be at Fingerprints in Long Beach signing albums at 1pm. They are set to perform live at the Kia Forum on 6/29. They’re rad live, so see them if you can.
Extra Pours
There’s been so much new music coming out, I’ve included a few extra artists to check out.
- AIR releases album “Moon Safari Rarities.”
It’s been 25 years since AIR released their classic album “Moon Safari,” and in addition to a tour dedicated to that album, they also released this collection of rare (and live) tracks. Give it a listen, and see them on tour!
- Gesaffelstein released his new album, GAMMA.
Gesa is one of my all-time favorite live acts at Coachella, and he’s appearing again this year. So this is a highly anticipated new album. There are echoes of Depeche Mode throughout, which is a contrast to his harder hitting earlier electro-industrial type music. Give it a spin!
- .idk. and Joey Bada$$ release their single “DENiM”
This cut came across my social media this morning. Love the beat and the flow.
The Tasting Room – Devon Thompson
Based out of LA, I first started following Devon Thompson based off an Instagram suggestion. Her track “I Love You, but It Hurts Like Hell” has been on my playlist since earlier this year. Last night, she released her EP, and played a live show to celebrate it. Right away, the first track “Straitjacket” sounds fantastic. There’s a classic rock feel to her songs, with soaring vocals that I love. Give her a listen, and catch her live if you get the chance (I’ll take my own advice there).
The Jarvis Lounge 
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