In this column, I highlight several notable new releases as well as an essential album title I somehow overlooked upon its release in 2022.
Title: Council Skies — Deluxe Edition (Sour Mash Record)
You might like if you enjoy: Oasis, Blur, Johnny Marr
Tell me more: The Deluxe Edition of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' Council Skies is a true masterpiece; the marathon-length set runs approximately 100 minutes and includes 24 tracks — a mix of new studio recordings, instrumental versions, remixes and live radio sessions. Spectacular songcraft is at the heart of the collection, an uplifting listen even when Gallagher and company are captured amidst their most introspective and quiet forays (just listen to "There She Blows!" and "Don't Stop..."). The aptly-titled "I'm Not Giving Up Tonight" is anthemic with a rousing chorus and burgeoning arrangement that artfully builds across the song's bewitching run. The melancholy-mining "Dead To The World" showcases Gallagher's signature vocals (including his tender falsetto) in an especially plaintive offering. The glorious symphony-flavored "Open The Door, See What You Find" and "Trying To Find A World That's Been And Gone Pt. 1," soaring "Easy Now," Beatlesque rocker "Love Is A Rich Man" and reflective "Think Of A Number" are other gems on disc 1 of the set. The sumptuous melody-adorned "We're Gonna Get There In The End," genuinely inspired version of John Lennon's "Mind Games," a Robert Smith-remix of "Pretty Boy" and live radio station performance of Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Going' Nowhere" are among the riches on disc 2. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is currently on tour with Garbage and Metric; the tour includes upcoming stops at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9, at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in San Diego on June 10, and at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ on June 11. Information: noelgallagher.com.
Title: Formentera (Metric Music Intl. / Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: The Album Leaf, Broken Social Scene, Chvrches, synthpop, indie rock
Tell me more: This writer somehow missed getting a listen of Formentera upon its official release in July 2022, but with Metric headlining at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 (as well as at a number of larger venues opening for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Garbage), I wanted to catch up on the Toronto, Canada-spawned quartet's latest album now. The eighth studio release from Metric, the nine-track album challenges and rewards the listener at every turn. The ambitious electronica track "Doomscroller" — which clocks in at more than 10 minutes — is a particularly effective track, beginning with a haunting vibe before launching into a propulsive dance soundscape and then touching on other distinct sonic moodscapes along its creative path (including a piano-anchored break where Emily Haines' wonderful soprano is purposefully poignant). The immersive "All Comes Crashing," entrancing indie rocker "What Feels Like Eternity," symphonic-swept "Enemies of the Ocean" and ascending closer "Paths in the Sky" make for a magical and welcome introduction to the stellar talents of Haines (lead vocals, synthesizers, guitar), James Shaw (guitar, synthesizers, theremin, backing vocals), Joshua Winstead (bass, synthesizers, backing vocals) and Joules Scott-Key (drums, percussion). Information: ilovemetric.com.
Title: Electric Fox (Angel Blossom Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Warren Zevon, Joey Molland, Snow Patrol
Tell me more: Michael Vincent's new album Electric Fox (released on May 26, 2023) is a fitting showcase for the Bay Area-based singer-songwriter, with the veteran artist exploring a wide range of styles including alt rock, power pop, blues and roots across the 8-track disc. Vincent's stirring style works well on the inviting folk rocker "Together," uptempo indie rocker "Fool, My Eye" (the latter featuring great lead guitar work from Scott Warren), melodic power pop nuggets "Last Summer" and "Living Room," tender romantic sortie "In a Whisper" and crunchy modern rocker "(Kinda Like) Forever." Information: michaelvincentmusic.com.
Robert Kinsler
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