Colter Wall-Little Songs

I’m very new to Colter Wall (like, this week). And honestly, I’m kind of blown away at his popularity. There is no pop to this country. This is real, honest-to-God, outlaw Country and Western. Waller sits alongside contemporaries like Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and even Chris Stapleton. But he leans even harder into the Western side of the music, so again I state, it blows me away how popular he is. That being said, I ain’t mad at it. He’s a got a great voice, he’s a good storyteller, and he’s got the guitar chops that taps into what was loved about country musicians of days gone by. Lead single “Little Songs” is two and a half minutes of pure gold. Stream the new album HERE.

Claud-Supermodels

Bedroom pop artist Claud returns with their follow-up to the excellent Super Monster. On Supermodels, Claud eschews much of their hyper-pop tendencies, which seem to mostly be a short-lived fad at this point, in exchange for straightforward indie-pop. Occasionally, they mix in some new wave synthesizer. But it feels less like jumping on the bandiStream the new album HERE.

Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real-Sticks and Stones

It’s a good Friday for fans of country that’s a little left of center. Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson, brings his brand of classic country that harkens back to his father’s heydey. There’s plenty of chicken pickin’ and jangly piano to keep fans of the old days happy. And the themes of drinking and lost love will appeal of country fans from all eras. There’s a certain degree of cheesiness to the lyrics that stands out against the self-seriousness of many of his contemporaries. But if you like lines like “Everytime I think I drink of her” and “Alcohallelulia”, then this is right up your alley. Stream the new album HERE.

Palehound-Eye On The Bat

Palehound have dropped a great indie-rock record with Eye on the Bat. It’s a straightforward, non-prententious, guitar-forward affair. The thudding bass and steady drumming keep the propulsive tunes moving. And vocalist El Kempner tells vulnerable and genuinely funny stories in her lyrics. This might be the first release in the last two months that feels like a perfect summer album. Stream the new album HERE.