Kanye West – “The Life Of Pablo”
Kanye’s behavior has been pretty off the charts lately and that includes the release of his latest album, “The Life Of Pablo.” He even made the name of the album controversial. The feel-good gospel vibe that Kanye inspired to create an album that is broken up into three acts and features Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla $ign, Sia Fuler and Vic Mensa.
Basia Bulat – “Good Advice”
Produced by My Morning Jacket singer-songwriter Jim James, “Good Advice” strikes a chord with these 10 pop songs that speak of heartbreak and struggle. The Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat has captured a modern, rootsy sound that pays homage to the sounds of classic folk music, rock and pop on her fourth album. Get it from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.
School of Seven Bells – “SVIIB”
New York indie-rock band School of Seven Bells has released it’s fourth and final album “SVIIB” on Friday. This collection of electronic pop rock dreamy tunes is abstract and beautifully drawn together. The band’s founder Benjamin Curtis, who played guitar, synthesizer and sang, died of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in 2013. “SVIIB” was written by Curtis and the only member of the band, Alejandra Deheza, in 2012. The other founding member, Claudia Deheza left the band in 2010. “This is a love letter from start to finish. It’s the story of us starting from that first day we met in 2004, and that’s the story of School of Seven Bells. So much love to all of you. Thank you for being a constant light in our lives. This record is for you,” she wrote on the band’s website. Get it from iTunes, Amazon and School of Seven Bells.
The Suffers – “The Suffers”
Huston soul band The Suffers have captured the essence of its live energy and best songwriting on its self-titled, debut full-length album. Featured by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits and other stirring performances, The Suffers are anchored by singer Kim Franklin and backed by a nonet that blends rock ’n’ roll, blues, country, reggae, r&b and of course, soul. Purchase “The Suffers” from the band, iTunes and Amazon.
The Jezabels – “Synthia”
Australian indie-pop band the Jezebels have released a fiery third album “Synthia,” that is solid from start to finish. The dynamic album is more than just another from a feminist-leaning pop-rock band; this is a proud statement of music that comes from grueling determination. Sadly, the band has suspended it’s scheduled world tour following the public announcement that keyboardist Heather Shannon has ovarian cancer. The High Note wishes her a speedy recovery and hopes she returns to her passion of music. Get “Synthia” from iTunes, Amazon and the band.
Lissie – “My Wild West”
“My Wild West,” the third album from Singer-songwriter Lissie, is a lightly acoustic and heavily poetic album that is inspirational and upbeat without being overly surgery. The album speaks authentically in a voice that many songwriters search for their entire careers. From twangs of country on the single “Hero,” to the pop-inspired “Don’t You Give Up On Me,” Lissie is consistently excellent on this album. Get it from Lissie, iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.
