NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce discuss new albums from St. Vincent, Charley Crockett, Iron & Wine. They explore the evolution of Iron & Wine's sound, the themes in the lead single 'Lead the Way', and the fusion of electronic and classical influences in new music. Explore a variety of upcoming albums from diverse genres.
St. Vincent's album All Born Screaming marks a significant artistic resurgence with clearer, personal direction.
Charley Crockett's $10 Cowboy embodies American imagery and countercultural ideals through aphoristic storytelling.
Deep dives
St. Vincent's New Album: All Born Screaming
St. Vincent releases a new album titled All Born Screaming, showcasing a departure from her previous polarizing work with a clearer, more personal direction. The album, self-produced by Annie Clark, starts with the track Hell is Near, exhibiting a down-tempo vibe reminiscent of Radiohead's album openings. Embracing a fresh start, St. Vincent's lyrics invite individual interpretation, steering away from explicit narratives and persona deconstruction. The album's dynamism and unexpected directions culminate in a powerful and distinctive culmination, marking a significant artistic resurgence.
Charlie Crockett's $10 Cowboy: Story-driven Americana
Charlie Crockett's album $10 Cowboy delves into narratives of characters grappling with life's challenges and triumphs, embodying themes of American imagery and countercultural ideals. The title track explores dual interpretations of the cowboy figure, blending the practical job with the romanticized ideal in country music. Through songs like America, Crockett's lyrics convey a plea for recognition of the working class experience, resonating with aphoristic storytelling that reflects his own transient journey across states and musical influences.
Iron and Wine's Light Verse: Musical Evolution and Collaborations
Iron and Wine returns with the album Light Verse, showcasing a significant departure from previous works with a renewed focus on musical collaboration and experimentation. Sam Beam's tender vocals on tracks like You Never Know reflect a period of creative rekindling after the paralyzing effects of the COVID era. The album embodies a buoyant energy and exuberance, featuring unexpected collaborations like Fiona Apple on All In Good Time, and exploring diverse musical styles to create a more compositionally robust and immersive listening experience.
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce discuss new albums from St. Vincent, Charley Crockett, Iron & Wine and more.
Feature Albums: • St. Vincent, 'All Born Screaming' • Charley Crockett, '$10 Cowboy' • Iron & Wine, 'Light Verse' • Maria Chiara Argirò, 'Closer'
Other notable albums out April 26: • Neil Young and Crazy Horse, 'FU##IN' UP' • PartyNextDoor, 'PartyNextDoor 4' • Justice, 'Hyperdrama' • Anitta, 'Funk Generation'