New Music Alert: Kevin Morby, Drake, and a Jazz Revelation from Jeff Parker
This week's essential listening includes a reflective album from Kevin Morby, a sprawling release from Drake, plus new sounds from Jeff Parker, Smerz, and more.
With a constant deluge of new music, sifting through the noise can be daunting. Fear not! Here's a curated selection of standout releases hitting streaming services this week, featuring Kevin Morby, Drake, Smerz, and Jeff Parker.
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Kevin Morby: Little Wide Open [Dead Oceans]
Kevin Morby Little Wide Open
Little Wide Open, Kevin Morby’s eighth solo LP, is a poignant reflection on life on the road, balancing freedom with uncertainty. The album gains even more depth with the looming prospect of fatherhood adding a new layer of perspective. He's joined by The National’s Aaron Dessner on production, along with contributions from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Lucinda Williams, Muna’s Katie Gavin, and Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath.
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Drake: Iceman, Habibti, Maid of Honour [OVO Sound/Republic]
Iceman
Iceman
Habibti
Habibti
Maid of Honour
Maid of Honour
Drake initially planned to drop a new album, Iceman, but then surprised fans with two additional releases: Habibti and Maid of Honour. This trilogy totals 43 songs, playing out as both a data dump and a state of the union address from the rap icon. Expect a bit of everything, from addressing the Kendrick beef to mentions of crypto and even Sam Bankman-Fried. Your enjoyment will hinge on your tolerance for pettiness and engagement with online betting trends.
Iceman:
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Habibti:
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Maid of Honour:
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Jeff Parker, ETA IVtet: Happy Today [International Anthem]
Jeff Parker
Happy Today, Jeff Parker’s third album with his ETA quartet, is a captivating snapshot of his central role in Chicago's vibrant music scene. This album, featuring drummer Jay Bellerose, bassist Anna Butterss, and saxophonist Josh Johnson, materialized organically during a live performance at Lodge Room in Los Angeles, capturing the magic of spontaneous improvisation. A concert film of the performance is set to release on May 29.
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Smerz: Easy EP [Escho]
Easy EP by Smerz cover art
Smerz, fresh off their album Big City Life, pivots towards a more impressionistic sound with their new Easy EP. While the title track isn't included, its essence guides the Norwegian duo as they move away from traditional storytelling towards a more journal-like approach.
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Dua Saleh: Of Earth & Wires [Ghostly International]
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Dua Saleh
Following up I Should Call Them, Dua Saleh delivers Of Earth & Wires, an album incubated with a spirit of diverse collaboration. Featuring Gaidaa and Aja Monet, this LP feels uniquely vivid and introspective, blending soul, folk, rap, and soft rock into a sophisticated pop sound.
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The Field: Now You Exist [Studio Barnhus]
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The Field - Now You Exist
Axel Willner, under the alias The Field, returns after eight years with Now You Exist. This album features five tracks of meditative techno and drone, stretching out into a 40-minute exploration of the subtle hypnotism that defines The Field’s signature sound.
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Rostam: American Stories [Matsor Projects]
American Stories Cover
Rostam, formerly of Vampire Weekend, presents his unique slice of Americana with American Stories, his first album in five years. Merging Americana with traditional Persian influences, Rostam collaborates with Amir Yaghmai of The Voidz and Clairo, creating a hopeful soundscape for navigating the pathways ahead.
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Genesis Owusu: Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge [Ourness]
Genesis Owusu
Genesis Owusu channels Nina Simone’s ethos of reflecting the times with Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge. This album captures a fraught global moment through a blend of hip-hop, indie rock, electro, and synth funk, creating a sound that's both danceable and deeply resonant.
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Spencer Krug: Same Fangs [Pronounced Kroog]
Spencer Krug
Spencer Krug, known for his work with Moonface, balances intimacy and grandeur on Same Fangs. Channeling the spirit of Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown, Krug delivers stripped-back compositions with chamber-pop swells, recorded with producer Jordan Koop on Canada’s Gabriola Island.
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Touch Girl Apple Blossom: Graceful [Perennial/K Records]
Touch Girl Apple Blossom
The cheeriness of Touch Girl Apple Blossom’s Graceful makes them a natural fit for K Records. This Austin four-piece stands out with guitar-driven melodies and a charming blend of twee and indie pop.
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Porches: Mask [Many Hats Endeavors]
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Porches
Aaron Maine’s Porches project explores various styles with a low-key approach to songwriting. Mask, his new mixtape, was made entirely on a four-track in his basement, capturing a special spirit through its imperfections.
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Suss: Counting Sunsets [Northern Spy]
Suss
Suss’s ambient country on Counting Sunsets sounds wiser than ever. The band stretches notes into expansive soundscapes, creating contemplative bursts that encourage listeners to observe their surroundings.
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Lucki: Drgs R Bad* [Empire]
Lucki
Lucki returns with Drgs R Bad*, asserting his place in contemporary rap. The Chicago rapper drawls through hazy beats, joined by guests including Lil Yachty, Chynna, Lil Baby, Veeze, and Rylo Rodriguez.
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