Missing Aretha
We have just learned that Aretha Franklin left us this morning. It is hard to imagine the landscape of music without the presence of the Queen of Soul. I’ll have more thoughts on this next week, but for now check out this full concert performance from 48 years ago this month—there are no words to adequately describe the amazingness of this woman.
Local GIVERS roar back with a new EP
Back in 2008, the trio of Tiffany Lamson, Taylor Guarisco and Josh LeBlanc came together in Lafayette to form the indie/afro-pop ensemble – GIVERS. After excellent album releases in 2011 and 2015, the trio has returned with a tightly focused and immensely fun EP – Movin On – just in time for the last gasp of summer. For a group with a penchant for expansive efforts it’s thrilling to see them come back with these four punchy tracks. You’ll catch bits of the Talking Heads, Ra Ra Riot and the Dirty Projectors here – all sounds I love. “Half-Life” especially borrows from the Ra Ra Riot playbook in a wonderfully pop-y way. Throw these songs on your beach playlist and check out the video for “Collide” below.
Bad Bad Hats Lightning Round
On the Aug. 3, the Bad Bad Hats – one of my favorite bands of the last few years – released their sophomore record Lightning Round. On this album, the Hats continue to develop their distinct style with a greater attention to production. You’ll want to hear this. Check out “Talk with Your Hands” below. You can find the full record on your favorite streaming service.
To Do This Week
Tonight, Ninja Sex Party is at the Joy Theater. Tomorrow, the Lost Bayou Ramblers are at the Joy and Bit Brigade are at Gasa Gasa. Saturday, Tab Benoit rolls into the House of Blues. Sunday, Gillian Welch is at the Civic and Frederick The Younger is at Gasa. Monday, Cha Wa are at dba and Beth Patterson is at the Kerry. Tuesday, the Down on their Luck Orchestra is at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Wednesday, drop in on Ingrid Lucia at the Little Gem.
To Listen This Week
- Amelia Meath’s other band Mountain Man has announced a new record and let out a bit of a preview via CoS
- Tune-Yards have released a great remix of King Tuff’s “Psycho Star” via Youtube
- Great new track and video from Marissa Nadler via Youtube
