Block out your Monday blues with these tracks!
“Besame Mucho” OKAN
Cuban co-leaders, composers and multi-instrumentalists Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne make Afro-Cuban jazz that feels, in equal parts, fresh, nostalgic, melancholy and electrifying. It’s something to behold. Witness it live at Freedom Square in Troy during the free Spirit of the Suffragettes show Tuesday, 5 PM with Climbing PoeTree.
“WEDNESDAY” Lone Phone Booth
It’s hard to choose just one song from Lone Phone Booth’s debut EP “MUSIC FOR THE FAINT OF HEART” because, listened to as a whole, the project feels like a cathartic release, a deep exhale after a long day. With this soundtrack to a much needed check in with your thoughts and your self, artist Grace Annunziato has created a soft and spacious project that thrives in the simplest detail of afternoon light, white noise or the smell of your car.
“Piss Me Off” Johnny 2 Phones
The catchy single by the 518 hip hop favorite, produced by Hunna G and NoxTros, is bouncy and light. The playful energy of “Piss Me Off” grasps the pop essentials: keep it simple and sticks with you. Plus, his mom is in the music video counting stacks like a boss which is… adorable.
Rhiannon Giddens “Mountain Hymn”
Multi-Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens will head up a bill of the top female songwriters in folk at The Egg on Friday. Get right with yourself with this tune.
“Do You Doubt Me Traitor?” Lingua Ignota
Classically trained multi-instrumentalist Kristin Hayter uses her devastating voice and power electronics to take on her abuser. Her second album Caligula dropped on Friday and its a must-listen. Also, she’s coming to town for Basilica Soundscape in September. Stay tuned for our interview with Hayter about the new album.
“Hey Baby” Stephen Marley
In a perfect dog-days of summer booking Stephen Marley plays the Capital Concert Series at the Empire State Plaza on Wednesday night.
“Casper” Bruiser & Bicycle
The local psychedelic rock outfit took a folky turn (from their fantastic 2017 EP You’re All Invited) in their latest work, the 7-track debut album Woods Come Find Me. “Casper” is a solid track that holds on tight to their frenetic energy while exploring something new for the ever changing band. See them open for The Hotelier along with Hasty Page on Wednesday’s Rockin’ on the River.
“Emily Alone” Florist
Palenville native Emily Sprague discusses her musical evolution and how she found her first artistic community during her brief time in Albany in our new feature on the Florist lead singer. Check our the blissful new track before the new EP drops on Friday. The band plays The Church in Troy on August 8.
“Back on the Chain Gang” The Pretenders
By no means is this song new but man, how can you not have it stuck in your head when The Pretenders are playing MASS MoCA on Friday? Not only that but Chrissie Hynde will be giving a talk on her book “Back on the Blue” as well as showing her original paintings on Saturday at the museum.
