Three albums and six new songs for you to check out this week's Fresh Picks!
(P.S. The Bella Litsa track is a banger but be careful googling at work!)
Check out this week's suggestions from Music Director Kari Hedlund, Asst. Music Director Malachy Koons and Volunteer Coordinator Dan Gannon.
Albums
Buck Meek - The Mirror
Working with his Big Thief bandmate James Krivchenia as producer, Meek's tasteful synthesizers and other electronica elements are a welcome addition to his folk-rock troubadour sound, never a distraction. That sonic inclusion was the starting point for Meek’s fourth solo album. Often, that can lead to large shifts in sound and tone, but the twinkling arpeggios and quirky sound effects are deftly woven into the mix in a way that only accentuates his rambling and whimsical songwriting on the mysteries and pitfalls of love. Plus, with voices like Adrianne Lenker and Jolie Holland on backing vocals, you know there’s going to be magic in the air. - MK
Lala Lala - Heaven 2
Warm and inviting yet understated vocals over a balanced blend of electronic and spacious ethereal production sums up the new album by Lala Lala (Lillie West). This album — co-produced by Jay Som’s Melina Duterte and West — finds a matured sound in West, who is originally from Chicago but has now lived in several places across the globe. Always an innovator, she plays around with phrasing on the songs that is distinct and noticeable in a way that hits me in all the right spots. I’m having a hard time letting go of songs like “Even Mountains Erode,” “Arrow,” “Anywave” and “Does This Go Faster.” -KH
Mariachi El Bronx - IV
Recipe for dopeness: sprinkle in a punk band called The Bronx, add a healthy dose of respect for Mexican culture, a few cups of horns, a dash of violin and VOILA! You get Mariachi El Bronx. When asked to do an acoustic performance, the hardcore punks in The Bronx jumped into the deep waters of mariachi music and embraced its music of the people ethos. Their new record, IV, is sweetly melodic, full of soaring trumpets and, of course, the ever-bouncy presence of the accordion. Whether you are two-stepping to "Bandoleros" or working your polka steps out to "El Dorado," you will be tapping on strangers' shoulders looking for a dance partner. El milagro de al musica! - DG
Singles
The Womack Sisters - "You Went Away Too Long"
BG, Kucha and Zeimani Womack are the next big thing from Daptone Records. The sisters take an orchestral turn on their third single as they tell a hesitant lover they aren’t going to wait any more for the love they deserve. Even with the grand and symphonic backing, it’s the sisters' natural harmonies that steal the show. - MK
Margo Price - "Rita Ballou"
Price’s rollicking take on the opening track from Guy Clark’s seminal 1975 debut, Old No. 1, announces a full tribute album called Old No. 1 Revisited. Where Clark’s original hints at this version’s groove, it never fully lifts off, and the added funk is perfect for Price. Now, who’s going to cover the many other classics from the album like “L.A. Freeway,” “That Old Time Feeling,” “Desperados Waiting For A Train,” “That Old Time Feeling” and more? We’ll find out on May 1. - MK
Bella Litsa - "Passion Plug"
Based in New York, Litsa is a new artist to us and coming out with a bang on “Passion Plug.” Reminiscing about a young love and passion, the song builds for the first minute and a half through unique rhythms before it changes into a sexual-inspired energy. The song climaxes with an operatic vocal ending, which feels oddly fitting and kind of perfect. - KH
Valerie June - "Rollin' and Tumblin'"
Valerie June takes on Hambone Willie Newbern's tune like she is on the fastest pony at the county fair and there are piles of hot French fries waiting for her. Now, I don't know what Ms. June likes to eat, but she strays from her slower "Astral Plane" murmurations to absolutely let fly with this blistering, banjo-fied version of the old blues tune. She is an artist of constant growth who continues to amaze me with her brilliant combination of musical skills. - DG
Mexican Institute of Sound & Meridian Brothers - "Cumbia Fantasia"
This is the first taste of an upcoming collaboration between Mexican DJ and electronic project, Mexican Institute of Sound, and the boundary-pushing Colombian band Meridian Brothers. The album, Ruido Tovar, is due out May 22, and is inspired by the late ‘70s fusion of Mexican cumbia with the Moog synthesizer by Rigo Tovar. If the psychedelic and relentless groove of “Cumbia Fantasia” is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. - MK
Anjimile - "Waits For Me"
A heartbreaking and beautiful song that addresses his inner child, Anjimile is gentle and loving with his younger self. “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be free/ I wanted to be all of the things my mother wanted me to be," which then turns to, “When I was a little boy, I wanted to be real.” The new album, You’re Free to Go, produced by Brad Cook, will be out Feb. 13, 2026. - KH
