Top albums released on September 5: New Music Friday – NPR
Friday is here, and while the Labor Day holiday has come and gone, music enthusiasts are still reveling in the treasure trove of releases that marked the end of summer. This includes highly anticipated albums as well as unexpected surprises like Justin Bieber’s “SWAG II.” As we bask in the twilight of summer releases, a fresh lineup of fall albums is eagerly awaiting our attention.
Kicking off the releases for the new month is Big Thief’s “Double Infinity,” a spiritually-driven indie rock album that ponders profound questions such as the nature of aging when time is infinite and the essence of our solitude. In contrast, David Byrne, the iconic artist across multiple genres, delves into his introspective queries in his latest work, “Who is The Sky?” posing strangely mundane questions like the possibility of excessive moisturizing and whether his apartment thinks of him in his absence.
In an engaging discussion, Stephen Thompson and Alisa Ali from New York City’s WFUV navigate the existential mazes presented by these artists while exploring El Michels Affair’s nostalgic homage to sports theme songs, Curtis Harding’s story-driven concept album, and more musical gems. Their insightful analysis of these diverse releases offers a glimpse into the intriguing sounds of contemporary music.
Among the albums under the spotlight, Big Thief’s “Double Infinity,” El Michels Affair’s “24 Hr Sports,” Curtis Harding’s “Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt,” Lucrecia Dalt’s “A Danger to Ourselves,” and David Byrne’s “Who Is The Sky?” are featured. This curated list provides a peek into the musical landscapes and sounds of these talented artists, drawing connections to similar artists and genres that fans may enjoy.
In the spirit of exploration, the hosts also highlight five additional albums in a lightning round segment, wishing they had more time to delve into these records. Saint Etienne’s “International,” james K’s “Friend,” Ivy’s “Traces of You,” Anaïs & The Hoops’ “Growing Pains,” and V/A’s “I Will Swim to You: A Tribute to Jason Molina” offer a diverse range of musical experiences that listeners are encouraged to explore.
For those eager to delve further into the vast world of new music, NPR’s All Songs Considered podcast is an excellent resource, providing a platform to discover fresh sounds and engage with the latest releases. Whether through the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other streaming platforms, listeners can tune in to the dynamic dialogue surrounding contemporary music.
In conclusion, the music landscape is teeming with creativity and innovation, offering a myriad of sonic experiences for fans to explore and enjoy. By immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of new releases, listeners can discover hidden gems and connect with the diverse narratives unfolding in the world of music today.