New Music Monday: August 24

Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

If the last few weeks have been a bit stale when new, worthwhile music was concerned, consider this late August period as a small sign that things are finally beginning to shape up as we’re being treated to numerous valuable releases.

I’ve been following the Sheffield quartet’s career since their debut from a few year back, so, personally, my favorite release of the week out of the whole bunch is naturally “Humbug“. I looked forward to the new Arctic Monkeys album for some months now since I first heard the teasers and read some of the favorable listening parties reviews. I’ve had the record for a few days now, playing almost non-stop, revealing itself more and more after each spin. Yes, it lives up to the hype. Yes, it’s a step forward from many points of views. Glad to see the band evolving too. Keep a sharp eye on these Sheffield youngsters in the future. They might be huge today, yeah, but I definitely can see them turn iconic in the following decade.

Imogen Heap‘s sweet pop is back this week, as her latest album “Ellipse” hits record shelves and digital hard drives alike. It even comes in two versions for the die hard fans – one with the regular album, the other with instrumental tracks from the album. One of the most interesting releases of the summer, not just week, is the new album by Danish indie rockers Mew. Although I’ve yet to hear anything from the new album, I’ve been tremendously impressed by the band on numerous occasions and the gloaming reviews seem to turn in their favor. Plus, I think it’s the album with the biggest name I’ve ever heard – “No More Stories/Are Told Today/I’m Sorry/They Washed Away//No More Stories/The World Is Grey/I’m Tired/Let’s Wash Away.” Not impressed.

Blitzen Trapper is releasing the “Black River Killer” EP, a much welcomed follow-up, although terribly short, to last year’s “Furr.” Check out the band’s video for Black River killer here – it will make you think about it all day. Dolores O’Riordan (wonderful pipes!), the Cranberries lead singer, is releasing her sophomore record, “No Baggage“.

[MP3] Arctic Monkeys – Crying Lighting
[MP3] Dolores O’Riordan – Tranquilizer
[MP3] Blitzen Trapper – Black River Killer
[MP3] Imogen Heap – Little Bird
[MP3] Mew – Beach

Arctic Monkeys: Humbug

Willie Nelson: American Classic