If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Nell Smith Album : Anxious Quick Thoughts : Nell Smith's Nick Cave covers record with the Flaming Lips a few years back was one of my favorites of the year. At the time, she was a 12 year old that forged a connection with Wayne Coyne and I have impatiently waited for her debut album ever since. I must have missed the news, however, because I learned upon release that this solo album is also a posthumous release, having died in a car accident last fall at only 17. It's always tragic when a teenager dies, but for those of us who love music, this one hurts a little harder, especially when the musical bookend we get here is so, so good. One of the best of the year, in fact, which I wouldn't have seen coming. It's a little weird, a little poppy, a little indie... what's kind of stunning is that she shows a range here that feels more appropriate for someone ten years old. Songs of Note : "Anxious," "Daisy Fields," "The Worst Best Drug...

If you have a love of 80's music, you're going to love the latest from Tunde Adebimpe. The TV on the Radio frontman has released "Somebody New," which is a synth heavy, 80's style party jam. It's probably a little more lo-fi than your typical 80's song, but that's mostly because music back then was supposed to sound futuristic and this is meant to be retro. "Somebody New" is a joy to listen to, and is brimming with good times. Seriously, this is going to make you want to dance, and you'll be Googling "80's dance nights near me" by your fourth listen in a row. Of course, this one has a light layer of 00's indie sleaze over it, but that just gives it a layer of grit to keep things interesting. Tunde Adebimpe says of his new video: “I’m positive I fell asleep on a couch with the TV on sometime in 1982 and fever dreamt this exact thing.” You can watch the video for "Somebody New" below. The Black Boltz is due out A...

Photo by Xaviera Simmons TV on the Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe is set to release his debut solo album, and released a new single from it. "God Knows" is a raw break up song that is a sort of R&B and soul song, just done in the way that only Adebimpe can do it. This is a modern indie rock song in the style of a classic doo wop single from the 1960's. It might take you or minute or so to acclimate yourself to the sound of "God Knows," since it's comprised of such familiar and classic elements but sounds quite different from how those pieces are usually assembled. Plus, Adebimpe is using what sounds to be country steel guitar in this one, but that somehow pulls everything together into a complete sound. Tunde Adebimpe says of his latest single: “Breaking up is hard to down dooby doo down do." You can listen to "God Knows" below. Thee Black Boltz is due out April 18 on Sub Pop Records, and is available to pre-order here . For more on Tunde A...

Photo by Xaveria Simmons TV on the Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe has signed with Sub Pop for his upcoming debut solo album, and has released a new single to prepare us for it. "Magnetic" is a dance song... of sorts. It sounds more like a lo-fi, DIY version of dance music, which isn't a sound typically associated with the genre. That, plus Adebimpe's vocals, give the song more of a punk feel in contradiction to the dance vibe of the song. "Magnetic" is an interesting one that demands multiple listens to make sure it has all properly soaked in. You can watch the video for "Magnetic" below. Tunde Adebimpe's debut solo album is expected in 2025 on Sub Pop Records. For more on the artist, check him out on Instagram .