NEW ON THE RIVER:
David Byrne – “Everybody Laughs”
David Byrne, the lead singer for the Talking Heads, a band that has been in the news a great deal recently, has announced a new album and a new single. He is joined on both, by St. Vincent. The album, Who Is The Sky, arriving on the Matador imprint, is coming September 5th. The single is pure joy, with the trademark elements which have been part and parcel of his work with his band. His observations are delivered with that expressive voice, atop an arrangement which sparkles with acoustic guitar, strings and a big giant ear-worm of a hook.
Byrne spoke about the song, saying:
“I tried to sing about these things that could be seen as negative in a way balanced by an uplifting feeling from the groove and the melody, especially at the end, when St. Vincent and I are doing a lot of hollering and singing together. Music can do that — hold opposites simultaneously.”
Molly Tuttle – “That’s Gonna Leave A Mark”
We have been fans of Molly for some time now. She has been playing music since she was 3 years old, and is recognized as one of the rising stars of the Bluegrass and Americana genres. Molly has just announced a new album So Long Little Miss Sunshine, arriving on August 15, via Nonesuch Records. She has sold out shows across the country but with this new single, I’m pretty sure she will making all sorts of new fans. “That’s Gonna Leave a Mark” is a breezy blast of carefree pop-rock that we are here for! Molly says of this single:
I wrote ‘That’s Gonna Leave a Mark’ with my friend Kevin Griffin. He has such a brilliant pop sensibility. It’s fun, sort of sassy, and that guitar part is one of my favorites
that I play on the record.” Kevin Griffin is someone River listeners are familiar with as lead singer of Better Than Ezra.
Catch Molly and her band at the Knitting Factory on Saturday, August 7th. Ticket information can be found here. And catch her performance in our listener lounge from here.
Role Model – “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”
Infectious summertime alt-pop from Tucker Harrington Pillsbury, who performs as Role Model. His trajectory in music began in the rap genre before circumstances led him to learning how to produce his own music. He is gifted with a hefty bit of swagger and the ability to come off as a nots-so-normal guy making his way in the world around him. There is a whole lot to love about this song which will no doubt end up blasting from car stereos all summer long. Learn more about his past and more, here.
Nation Of Language – “Inept Apollo”
Neo old-school synth pop, reimagined for a new millennium. The esthetic is absolutely spot-on: the willowy, fluttering synthesizers, the far-away, dreamy vocals, and the percussive rhythmic track all nod to the early days of MTV when bands like Depeche Mode, Alphaville, OMD brought their sounds to American audiences.
Don’t miss Nation Of Language, appearing Saturday October 4th at the Knitting Factory. Get your tickets here. Look for me at the show grinning from ear to ear!