Canadian folk singer-songwriter Matthew Swann records under the name Astral Swans. He’s back with a new, self-titled record, which includes a few great duets with fellow songwriter Julie Doiron. (Also, we’ve been doing this for 300 weeks. We’re old.)
As you probably noticed already by our playlists, we’re big fans of the New Orleans country scene and its retro-y sound. One of its rising stars is singer-songwriter Esther Rose, whose third album, “How Many Times”, is out now.
The second coming of tindersticks (official) keeps yielding fruits. Everything the band has released since the mid-00s lineup change, from the Constellation to the City Slang eras, has been consistently good. Their 12th album, “No Treasure But Hope”, is amongst the best of the bunch. Don’t be that person who reads “12th album” and instantly looks the other way. Staples and co not only still have it in them; they seem like they’re ageing too gracefully.
Plus: new tracks by Chuck Prophet, Federale, Jesca Hoop, Bill Fay, Joe Henry, Andy Shauf, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Pan•American, Land of kush, Tinashe, Rosalía, Jessie Ware, of Montreal, Wye Oak, William Doyle, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Scott & Charlene’s Wedding, Ratboys, Hot Snakes, and black midi.