1. Paul McCartney - Egypt Station (Capitol Records)
No matter your feelings on The Beatles or Paul McCartney, you can’t deny he’s an insanely talented songwriter. Egypt Station is his first record to debut at the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 and the 8th #1 record over his long career. Egypt Station pays homage to his roots while using modern production and possibly stuff he picked up from working with Kanye West and Rihanna and everyone in between over the years.
What We’re Playing Off The Record: "Back In Brazil," "Come On To Me," "Nothing For Free"
Recommended If You Like: The Beatles (Duh), Wings
2. Ron Gallo - Stardust Birthday Party (Out 10/5 on New West)
Ron Gallo is one to watch in the rock scene. Driving punk rock energy, fuzzy guitars, and a sense of urgency and flair define Gallo's sound. His 3rd record, and 2nd this year, Stardust Birthday Party toes the line between art, punk and poetry. However, his live shows are where he’s truly able to showcase every side of himself.
What We’re Playing Off The Record: "Always Elsewhere," "It’s All Gonna Be OK"
Recommended If You Like: Jack White, Twin Peaks, Ty Segall
3. Rostam - "In A River" (Single)
Rostam Batmanglij is now a solo artist but he used to be the keyboardist for Vampire Weekend, as well as one half of the auto-tuned synth pop group Discovery. He has also co-written songs with Maggie Rogers and Frank Ocean among countless others. He released his debut solo record Half-Light last year and just released the first single from his as of yet unannounced sophomore record. "In A River" is the first song he ever wrote on a mandolin and it was influenced by interaction with audiences on tour.
Recommended If You Like: Vampire Weekend, Discovery, Tennis
4. Jungle - For Ever (XL)
Jungle's much anticipated sophomore album is finally here with For Ever. This modern UK funk and soul group put out their debut in 2014 to critical acclaim and their new album expands heavily on the sound that made them big. They recorded this album in L.A., transplanting themselves from their London home and you can definitely hear and feel the warm influence, especially on songs appropriately titled "House In L.A." and "Heavy, California."
What We’re Playing Off The Record: "Smile," "Happy Man," "Heavy, California"
Recommended If You Like: Maribou State, Caribou, Django Django
5. Kero Kero Bonito - Time ‘n’ Place (Release date TBA on Polyvinyl Records)
UK hyper-pop group Kero Kero Bonito recently announced they’re signing to Polyvinyl Records and that a new album is coming soon. They’re influenced by twee, video game music, experimental electronics and J-Pop, which adds up to a sound that is sugar sweet and infectious. Their older stuff is goofier; they have songs about trampolines, how hard it is to wake up, flamingos and more, all while switching between singing in English and Japanese. It was essentially music for adults, but through a kid’s show filter. On their recent work, they’re taking that quirky style and expert pop songwriting and honing it more into something that is still fun but more refined and sees them venturing outside bubblegum-pop, incorporating shoegaze and darker themes.
What We’re Playing Off The Record: "Time Today"
Recommended If You Like: Clarence Clarity, Sophie, Rina Sawayama
6. The Babe Rainbow - Double Rainbow (30th Century)
Australia’s The Babe Rainbow are big fans of the 60’s psych scene, and it shines through in their music. If you want a band that encapsulates an era without leaning too heavily on the big bands of the time all while still being truly unique, The Babe Rainbow are what you’re looking for. Mixing folk, psych, pop and surf, it’s bound to put a smile on your face and whisk you away to a nice cool beach.
What We’re Playing Off The Record: "Supermoon," "Eureka"
Recommended If You Like: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Foxygen, Mild High Club
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