Happy (Hot) Tuesday, my fellow musicheads! It’s that time again…NEW MUSIC!
This week brings new music from some pop superstars, as well as a few artists that you should get to know.
Chrissie Hynde releases a new project today, but not with The Pretenders. Instead, Hynde has collaborated with Welsh producer JP Jones to form JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys. They release their debut Fidelity! on Rocket Science. Chrissie is still in great form, but JP brings a bit of alt-country to the table, which makes for an interesting combination. Give a listen to the single “If You Let Me“.
Also check out new music from Eels, !!!, Donn T, Shannon Harris, Fantasia, Usher, Katy Perry, Tamar Kaprelian, and Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan.
The final two releases for the week come from two of my favorite live acts of the year. First up, L.A.-based Fitz & The Tantrums with their Motown-influenced indie pop full length debut Pickin’ Up The Pieces. It is a fun ride, complete with catchy melodies and soulful rhythms, as showcased here in their video for “MoneyGrabber“.
Finally is the latest release from Ra Ra Riot, entitled The Orchard. I have to admit that I don’t think that I fully appreciated the musicianship of this sextet until I caught them live earlier this year. Since then, I’ve become a bit of a fan of this quirky, indie pop outfit. The Orchard is a nice introduction to the band, so give them a listen.
Until next week…