We all know that radio gurus get their hands on new music before everybody else, but luckily the crew at NPR likes to share. Every week, NPR Music features new music on their “First Listen” series where albums are streamed in their entirety prior to the release date. While this feature is great every week, this week is a gold mine and you should lend your ears this way.
Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues Release Date: Jan. 21, 2014
Laura Jane Grace doesn’t hold back on this briskly-paced record. She addresses her new identity and vulnerability but with this hard hitting speedball pace that clocks in Transgender Dysphoria Blues at 29-minutes. Having had the pleasure to hear a number of these tracks acoustically in August, it is a true pleasure to hear them in full color now. Despite the serious subject matter lyrically, AM! manages to maintain their anthemic nature from previous records. Standout tracks: “Dead Friend,” “Unconditional Love,” “Black Me Out.”
Warpaint – Warpaint Release Date: Jan. 20, 2014
I always raise a curious brow when artists release a self-titled album when they are a couple records deep into their career. I’ve been following the LA-based group ever since I saw them open up for The XX and have been hooked into their dreamy and reverb-drenched world ever since. This self-titled release is the band’s second full-length, and it flows. Effortlessly. And with a tinge of sexiness. Let’s be honest, when Flood (Sigur Ros) and Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) have their hands in it, you know there’s going to be a solid end result. Standout tracks: “Love Is To Die,” “Hi,” “Son.”
Gem Club – In Roses Release Date: Jan. 28, 2014
The second full length from Gem Club is a big leg up from the debut that was recorded in frontman Christopher Barnes’ bedroom studio. The band recorded in Tiny Telephone studios in San Francisco for this beautiful orchestration of Barnes’ vocals, strings, and piano. Take a listen to In Roses and then imagine hearing it’s melodies at the MFA. Because you can do that in a couple weeks. Boston is hosting Gem Club’s album release on Jan. 31 at the MFA (with supporting act Nat Baldwin, whom AP snagged an exclusive interview with earlier this week). Standout tracks: “First Weeks,” “Hypericum”
Thank you, NPR! Love ya.