Ann Powers and Hazel Cills discuss new albums by Jack Antonoff, Norah Jones, Moor Mother, and Kim Gordon. They compare Gordon and Antonoff's styles, and explore Jones' evolution. The podcast also covers upcoming releases and diverse new albums in a fun and engaging way.
Kim Gordon's album 'The Collective' infuses experimental hip-hop elements, showcasing a new musical direction for the artist.
Jack Antonoff's album 'Bleachers' balances '80s nostalgia with personal growth, creating an adventurous sonic landscape.
Norah Jones' album 'Visions' captures a warm retro soundscape with '60s pop-soul essence, blending intimate delivery with fresh sound elements.
Deep dives
Kim Gordon's 'The Collective': An Artistic Exploration
Kim Gordon, in her album 'The Collective,' ventures into a distinct hip-hop focus, collaborating with producer Justin Raisin, known for working with prominent hip-hop artists. The album's experimental hip-hop elements reflect a new direction for Gordon, intertwining her rock roots with hip-hop beats. Through tracks like 'Psychedelic Orgasms' and 'Dream Dollar,' Gordon explores Los Angeles with a blend of kitsch and artistry.
Bleachers' 'Bleachers': Evoking '80s Nostalgia and Personal Growth
Jack Antonoff's album 'Bleachers' delves into '80s nostalgia while tracing significant life changes, particularly his marriage to actor Margaret Qualley. Infusing vintage sounds with personal upheavals, the album creates a balanced and adventurous sonic landscape. Antonoff's artistic evolution shines through in tracks like 'Modern Girls,' embodying a sense of lovable earnestness and growth.
Nora Jones Explores Warm Retro Vibes in 'Visions'
Nora Jones' album 'Visions' transports listeners to a warm retro soundscape with the help of collaborator Leon Michaels, incorporating bright arrangements and vocals that capture a '60s pop-soul essence. Balancing her intimate delivery with adventurous sound elements, Jones presents a vintage yet fresh sonic experience. Tracks like 'Running' infuse a girl group charm, reflecting a vibrant and exploratory musical direction.
More Mother's 'The Great Bailout': A Haunting and Intense Journey into History
More Mother's album 'The Great Bailout' delves deep into colonial history and slave trade narratives, culminating in a dark and intense musical journey. Through haunting tracks like 'South Sea We,' she confronts the narratives of history and self-empowerment, enlisting a choir of voices to evoke spiritual and historical resonance. Her intricate storytelling and DIY time travel approach elevate the album into a profound and powerful exploration of past and present.
Judas Priest's 'Invincible Shield': Thundering Metal Mastery
Judas Priest marks their 50th year in the metal scene with the album 'Invincible Shield,' showcasing their unparalleled mastery in thundering metal music. Rob Halford's iconic vocals continue to impress, resonating with classic Judas Priest energy and power. Tracks like 'Time to Let that Roll' deliver the signature Judas Priest thunder, offering a timeless display of metal excellence.
A wave of springtime releases might be just around the corner, but the biggest albums out this week are keeping things cool in an enticing variety of ways. Ann Powers and Hazel Cills discuss what Jack Antonoff, Norah Jones, Moor Mother's Camae Ayewa and Kim Gordon have in common, besides a common release date.
Featured albums: 1. Kim Gordon, The Collective 2. Bleachers, Bleachers 3. Norah Jones, Visions 4. Moor Mother, The Great Bailout
Other notable releases for March 8: • Ariana Grande, Eternal Sunshine • Bolis Pupul, Letter to Yu • Judas Priest, Invincible Shield • YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Compliments of Gravedigger Mountain • Oisin Leech, Cold Sea • Cyrille Aimée, à Fleur de Peau • Dion, Girl Friends • Chris Potter, Eagle's Point • Torrey, Torrey • Daniel Carter and Stefan Christoff, In the wind now • homeshake, CD Wallet • Pixies, At the BBC • Meatbodies, Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom • Ronnie Lion, Spanish Town • Vanessa Bedoret, Eyes • Charles Moothart, Black Holes Don't Choke • Anja Huwe, Codes • Erika Angell, The Obsession With Her Voice • The Rhythm Method, Peachy • The Hanging Stars, On A Golden Shore • astrel k, The Foreign Department • Observers, The Age of the Machine Entities
