New Music From The Inbox – Monday Edition! (Jan 16, 2023): The New Pornographers, Taj Mahal, Lincoln, and more!
Every week, we’re sent dozens if not hundreds of promotional emails from agents, PR firms, and hopeful artists containing the latest releases from around the world. From the biggest superstars to the ambitious self-starters we comb through it all to highlight to you what we’ve been digging, the tunes that caught our eye, and the recommended selections that make the notifications worth it. This is New Music From The Inbox! (Short on time? Listen to this article in playlist form!)
Artist: The New Pornographers
Song: ‘Really Really Light’
Album/EP: Continue as a Guest
Kathryn Calder is the ultimate Canadian duettist. I’m saying it. Pair Calder with absolutely anybody out there and you get impeccable casual harmonies, but of course The New Pornographers are her regular blessing so we’re all the better for it when they put out something new. On top of those irresistible vox, ‘Really Really Light’ also gifts us softly burbling synths, airy acoustic chords, and a kiss of youthful indie charm.
Watch/Listen:
Artist: Taj Mahal
Song: ‘Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You’
Album/EP: Savoy
Harlem’s prodigal son Taj Mahal returns to his ballroom roots with ‘Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You’, a simmering and smoky jazz single from upcoming Savoy. Named after the neighbourhood venue, this single shines with all the hallmarks of a classic: Mahal’s impeccable vocal tone and control, a lineup of softly crooning brass, and a gilded piano line ease the listener into a puddle. Melt away, baby.
Watch/Listen:
Artist: Lincoln
Song: ‘Everything Is Wrong’
Album/EP: Everything Is Wrong
A depressive lullaby coating its defeatism lyrics in layers of soft vocals, softly twinkling arpeggios, and a floaty waltz climax makes for a surreal and bittersweet listen in Lincoln’s ‘Everything Is Wrong’. It’s a caring caress at rock bottom, a fluffy landing from a sheer cliff face sort of a tune.
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Artist: Enter Shikari
Song: ‘(pls) set me on fire’
Album/EP: A Kiss For The Whole World
Really digging the flaring keys and busy snare drum work on this poppy, melodic, modern alt rock ripper as Enter Shikari step back into the limelight with ‘(pls) set me on fire’. A soaring digitized hook and fleshed-out, meaty vocal performances do well to fill the cavernous room this tune endeavours to fit in.
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Artist: Katie Melua
Song: ‘Golden Record’
Album/EP: Love & Money
Katie Melua continues to strike gold with her crystalline voice and reflectively pure lyricism as she returns for album number nine in Love & Money. Lead single ‘Golden Record’ spins that effervescent yarn as simple piano, guitar, and shifting percussion take to the sky with their airy delivery in this delectable listen.
Watch/Listen:
