Twostepcub's New Albums Roundup 01/29/23...
It's time for my weekly new albums roundup, where I take a look at the
big albums on this week's American and British albums charts, along with
my choices of the new records I think you should check out. To catch up
on this week's singles round, you can click here.
It's another really slow winter week, where the highest new entry on the Billboard 200 is at #100, and it's a sub-par rap effort from Babytron, and only one other newbie, which is a pre-fame release from 2020 from indie-country artist Zach Bryan.
Billboard 200 debut: #192
Choice cut: "Revival"
As Bryan sees his song "Something In The Orange" unbelievably make the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Bryan's second indie album from 2020 sees itself on the big sales tally, and deservedly so. I truly have faith in the future of country music with the grass roots reception he has received, and this bare-bones outlay of emotion is quietly stunning.
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Billboard Current Albums Sales debut: #3
Choice cut: "Change Of Heart"
It's a good week for alt-country, as Margo's fourth full-length set rocks harder than ever, with a stomp that reminds me of the Black Keys, though the power "Lydia" has a quiet desperation to it.
Current Albums Sales debut: #18
Choice cut: "Neon Noir"
Six years after dissolving the seminal death metal band HIM, Finnish singer Ville Valo delivers his first solo album, which is warmer and more sonically nuanced while still lurking in the dark.
Current Albums Sales debut: #22
Choice cut: "Is A Good Man Real?"
The lead singer of Lake Street Dive takes a detour again for a second outing with guitarist and singer Vilray Bolles for this classic traditional jazz album that is a perfect accompaniment to a dinner party of a Sunday morning chillout. My fave of the week.
Current Albums Sales debut: #24
Official British Albums Chart debut: #30
Choice cut: "I Don't Know What You See In Me"
This second album within twelve months from the Scottish collective that gleans so much from the Smiths wasn't as immediate to me, but grows on repeated listens gracefully, and this delve into synthpop strikes home especially.
Current Albums Sales debut: #57
Choice cut: "Then It All Goes Away"
Sloan Struble's Dayglow one-man show returns with a third disc of true indie-pop sweetness, including this bouncy take on insecurity. Now that Nicky Youre basically took the same template and made the pop top ten, there's no reason Dayglow can't do the same.
There's two top-ten entries on the British Albums Sales chart, along with a return for the Courteneer's debut album from 1996 St. Jude which re-enters at the top...
British Albums Chart debut: #4
Choice cut: "Public Figure"
London's Cian Wright, aka Clavish, hits big on his debut album, but it's unfortunately an overstuffed too long collection of drony rhymes that take too much from American trap music. "Public Figure", a gripping tangle between the streets and fame, is probably the only song I'd return to from this.
British Albums Chart debut: #6
Choice cut: "Don't Say It's Over"
The fourth solo outing for the frontman of the British group Supergrass is epic in scope as well as sound, especially this dreamy first single.
British Albums Chart debut: #15
Choice cut: "Hell On Earth"
This British neo-Britpop act reminds me more of New Order, with music that will get you on the dancefloor coupled with lyrics that would put you in the therapist's chair. But somehow, like New Order, they make it work.
British Albums Chart debut: #18
Choice cut: "It's Been A Little Heavy Lately"
Joesef, a pop singer from the suburbs of Glasgow, Scotland, quietly serves up a masterpiece of an album that's chock full of twists that play out in the lyrics. Absolutely stunning. This song and "Just Come Home With Me" are equally top-notch songs.
British Albums Chart debut: #72
Choice cut: "blue bones (deathwish)"
The second disc from British songstress Tor Maries lightens up her pessimistic worldview with happier chords.
There are three great re-issues this week...
British Albums Chart Re-Entry: #1
Choice cut: "No You Didn't, No You Don't"
The band's debut from back in 2007 gets the deluxe treatment with worthy non-album singles "Acrylic" and "That Kiss", along with other B-sides and alternate versions of the record that is a direct descendant of the Smiths.
British Albums Chart debut: #77
Choice cut: "How Can I Apply"
A decade older than St. Jude but just as influenced by the Smiths, this set from the Scottish indie-pop band finally makes the sales chart. Its songs sound just as fresh.
Choice cut: "The Greatest Story Ever Told (live with Tyler Childers)"
The Grateful Dead member's criminally overlooked 1972 "solo" album (just about everyone else in the band is on it) gets a proper look back with the sound perfected and packaged with a concert by Weir from 2022 with many special guests, including country troubadour Tyler Childers.
And for a set that didn't make the charts that I recommend...
Choice cut: "Hold Out For Love"
Scottish singer/songwriter Yorkston pairs up with Nina Persson of the Swedish pop band the Cardigans for this song cycle centered on the sea that is simply beautiful. The production alone is worth the price of the disc.
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