Musicians around the country are using their platforms to speak out on what they are seeing in Minnesota. Peacelands is a prayer for peace from My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James.
The prolific Eric Bibb remains a vital voice in blues music today and Tyler Ballgame caps off a breakout year with a stellar debut. Plus, joyful soul from Brother Wallace, Florence Adooni takes a Talking Heads classic full circle, a spaghetti western from Meels and a bluesy turn from Cat Power.
Check out this week's suggestions from Music Director Kari Hedlund and Asst. Music Director Malachy Koons.
Albums
My Morning Jacket - Peacelands
Inspired by an imaginary world of peace, friendship and equality created by fellow Louisville artist Mark Anthony Mulligan, Peacelands is a collection of peaceful protest songs recorded solo by My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James. From Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, James’ intimate versions take on new meaning as artists elsewhere stand with the people of Minnesota. All proceeds will benefit the American Civil Liberties Union and Doctors Without Borders. -MK
Agnes Uncaged - Cyanotype
Formerly known as Creeping Charlie, Agnes Uncaged is a Twin Cities guitar rock band led by vocalist and songwriter Julia Eubanks. Their second album, Cyanotype, features terrific ‘90s alt-rock and Pacific Northwest indie songwriting with Eubanks’ hushed observations over catchy and delightfully crunchy guitars. My favorites are the moody “Charlie,” extremely hooky “Philosophy” and riff-heavy “Sinkhole.” -MK
Eric Bibb - One Mississippi
Protest music can run the gamut of styles: pointed, angry, sarcastic, or subtle, while some go the more hopeful route, calling for unity and peace. Bibb's new album, One Mississippi, falls in that latter category. The album is a collection of 13 original protest songs plus one (the title track) written by high school friend and folk singer, Janis Ian. About halfway through the album, "No Clothes On" decries the ego and power of today's political leaders, marking a shift in tone that lasts for the remainder of the album. -KH
Tyler Ballgame - For The First Time, Again
In the space of a year, Ballgame has gone from a virtual unknown to a much-hyped indie darling. On his debut album, the striking voice that took the internet by storm is on full display. At times a quiet croon, elsewhere a dramatic falsetto, Ballgame’s vocals are his biggest strength. He and producer Jonathan Rado (Foxygen) present them over a series retro folk-rock instrumentals that show a clear reference for ‘70s songwriters like Tim Buckley.
Singles
Meels - "Out West"
A new voice to the indie country and folk scene, Meels brings us to Spaghetti western territory in "Out West," off her new EP, Across the Raccoon Strait. The California singer conveys strong visualization of the wild west on this song she wrote while dreaming of leaving New York City to go back to her home. -KH
Brother Wallace - "Electric Love"
“Electric Love” makes it 2 for 2 from rising soul singer Brother Wallace after "Who's That" out last year. Reminiscent of the Otis Redding classic “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” this infectious groove will have you up on your feet in no time. The Georgia-born singer started out singing in the church at a young age, and his music is filled with the hope and positivity you'd expect at a Sunday service. Look for his debut album on ATO Records later this year. -MK
Florence Adooni - "Crosseyed and Painless"
I cannot get enough of Florence Adooni — everything the Ghanaian highlife singer does is gold. Just like Angelique Kidjo’s illuminating take on Remain In Light, Adooni’s cover of “Crosseyed and Painless” (and many others on the new Naive Melodies tribute album) shines a light on the Talking Heads’ eclectic influences by leaning fully into the African rhythms that inspired the groundbreaking new wave group. Those drums! -MK
Cat Power - "Could We"
Covering herself on the new Redux EP, this version of "Could We" starts with driving bass and drums paired with bluesy piano. Released as a celebration of 20 years since 2006's The Greatest, her vocals seem more firmly planted in this new recording versus what we heard on the original. Off the three-song EP that also covers Prince and James Brown — all with The Dirty Delta Blues backing her — the blues supergroup has a big hand in bringing this song to a whole new level. -KH
