RECORD REVIEWS: NEW RELEASES
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gorky's Zygotic Mynci: Bwyd Time (Ankst, CD/LP/tape). The most fascinating new British group to emerge in many an aeon, Gorky's (average age: 20) are already on their third album. This is quieter and more contemplative than last year's vibrant Tatay, but it's just as thrilling. The Sound of Young Carmarthen paint with a far broader palette than most of their Brit-pop contemporaries: imagine Brian Wilson impersonating The Fall in a playful bid to disorient a Syd Barrett fan convention and you're still some way off. Enigmatic and magical: give them half a chance and they'll hold your brain captive. Ben Thompson
Chet Baker: Embraceable You (Pacific Jazz, CD). Winsomeness meets incipient narcolepsy in this incredible selection of unreleased takes from 1957, with the swoonable Baker's whipped-cream vocals featuring on most of the tracks. Backed by only a gently strummed guitar and an apologetic double bass, Chet sings as well as he ever did. Highlights include two versions of Rodgers and Hart's immortal "Little Girl Blue". With enough ennui to fill an anthology of 19th-century French poetry, there won't be a more affecting jazz release this year. Sublime. Phil Johnson
Javon Jackson: For One Who Knows (Blue Note, CD). At last, a new tenor player tough enough to trash the opposition. With a repertoire that more than tips a wing to the past (with tunes by Bud Powell, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins and AC Jobim, plus two cracking originals), this is steaming post-bop jazz to play loudly and often. PJ
Seal: Kiss From A Rose (ZTT, single). Epic pop swirl gets a well-deserved second chance via the Batman Returns soundtrack. BT
Palace Music: Mountain EP (Domino, single). Songs of scenery and lust from Will Oldham, Kentucky's crown prince of country gothic. BT
Jonathan Richman: You Must Ask the Heart (Rounder, CD/LP). Rejoice! Rejoice! A whole new album of Richman magic! Like tasting ice cream for the first time. Nicholas Barber
PJ Harvey: C'mon Billy (Island, single). The star of Glastonbury '95 gets all romantic. NB
Charlie Haden and Hank Jones: Steal Away (Verve, CD). Delightful reworkings of spirituals, protest songs and campfire fovourites. PJ
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments