Tuesday, June 7, is shaping up to be an epic release day in the music world. Some of my most anticipated releases of the year are dropping tomorrow, and I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl. Step inside to see what I'll be picking up.
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After a much-too-long hiatus, Zach Condon and crew have released a new song that will be featured on a limited 7". "East Harlem" is a jubilant, piano led folk song, buoyed as always by Condon's gorgeous vocal work.
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Holy shit I'm amped for the new J. Cole to drop. It's easily my (and maybe the world's) most anticipated hip-hop release of the year. I know that this much hype is always a dangerous thing, but I have to say, from what I've been hearing J. Cole will not disappoint. "How High" popped up out of nowhere today and it's classic Cole.
J. Cole – How High
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It's been a minute since I've heard from our favorite banjo-slingin' blues crooner, William Elliott Whitmore. I've loved pretty much everything he's ever released and thank the southern soil gods, Whitmore has released a track from his forthcoming album, Field Songs, called "Everything Gets Gone". Take it home, William.
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Cellist Ben Sollee has been on my radar for awhile and with the release of his album Inclusions last week, he's made me a full-fledged fan. It's a bit misleading to simply call him a "cellist" as he's really a talented indie songwriter and composer who just happens to play the most beautiful sounding instrument on Earth.
Ben Sollee – Close To You
Ben Sollee – Embrace
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Mayer Hawthorne has released a free EP called Impressions. We're huge Mayer fans and have been waiting quite awhile for some new material, so this is quite the pleasant surprise.
Mayer Hawthorne – You've Got The Making Of A Lover
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. have released the, "Morning Thought", the first single from their forthcoming album It's A Corporate World. It's one of those tracks that gives you chills before you even begin to wade through it's complex soundscape. More, please.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Morning Thought
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XV – That's Just Me (Prod. by Swiff D)
XV – Smallville (Prod. by J. Cole)
I met up with XV after his show on Tuesday and I'm happy to report he's way cool and extremely down to Earth. I was struck by how genuine and in love with his music he is. It's pretty refreshing to meet a rapper that's totally true to himself and ambitious enough to want to totally change the game.
He was also really amped up about Zero Heroes, which dropped on Friday. Vizzy mentioned how he'd learned something from every one of his last 17 mixtapes and Zero Heroes would be the best yet. He was right. XV's latest mixtape features production from heavyweights like J. Cole and Just Blaze and is his most coherent, ambitious work yet. He's made us Squarians proud.
Download Zero Heroes for free over here.
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As I write this, the weather in Erie seems to have finally broken. I'm sitting outside on the porch in 70 degrees and sunshine. Hooray! I had some sad, sappy posts planned but those seem inappropriate now so I'll take the opportunity to introduce you to the awesome new album from Milwaukee's indie vets, Decibully.
Decibully – I Want
Decibully – 4 Ever
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About a month ago, I was introduced to the music of Chicago band the Welcome via their self-titled debut EP. Because I dug what I heard, I was excited to learn they had plans to release several more EPs on a monthly basis. The time has come for the first follow-up, which I am happy to present to you tonight. Yes, it is all R. Kelly covers, and yes, it is quite awesome.
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