Blonde Redhead, Sparklehorse, & Tracy Bonham
The Week In New Music & Dig Me Out Podcast
New Releases
Blonde Redhead - Sit Down for Dinner
"Blonde Redhead's return with ""Sit Down for Dinner,"" their first album in nine years, is marked by a unique tradition that strengthens the bonds between band members: the non-negotiable rule of sitting down for dinner, whether touring or in the studio. This practice, as emphasized by Simone Pace, is a cherished moment for the band to connect and grow together. The album has not only been a testament to their strong interpersonal bonds but has also garnered positive reviews from critics. AllMusic rated it 4 out of 5 stars, chosen as Album of the Day by Bandcamp, and was BrooklynVegan's Indie Basement's album of the week. Critics have praised the album for its simplicity, emotional depth, and the band's skillful execution. Pitchfork Media rated it 7.5 out of 10, highlighting its easygoing melodicism and warm, welcoming nature, even amidst its darker lyrical themes.
Sparklehorse - Bird Machine
“Bird Machine" is the posthumous fifth studio album from the American indie rock band Sparklehorse, released on Anti-. The music for "Bird Machine" was recorded by Sparklehorse before Mark Linkous' suicide in 2010. The album was overseen by Linkous' brother Matt and is composed of older recordings, with additions made by Matt and Melissa Linkous. It received "universal acclaim" according to Metacritic, with a weighted average score of 86 out of 100 from 9 critic reviews. AllMusic rated the album 4.5 out of 5 stars, with critic Heather Phares praising it as a "heartbreaking, uplifting experience" and a perfect tribute to Mark Linkous.
Wilco - Cousin
"Cousin," is notable for being the first time the band has collaborated with an outside producer since 2007, bringing Cate Le Bon on board for this project. Released via their dBpm Records, the album blends new instrumental elements, including saxophones, cheap Japanese guitars, and a New Wave-style drum machine, showcasing the band's adaptability and innovation. Jeff Tweedy, the band’s frontman, encapsulates the album's lyrical essence as a mix of engagement and alienation. The album is supported by a U.S. tour, marking another milestone in Wilco’s illustrious musical journey.
Hurricane - Reconnected
Hurricane, formed in 1983, initially featured Kelly Hansen as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Robert Sarzo on guitar, Tony Cavazo on bass, and Jay Schellen on drums. The band made a mark with their debut independent release, "Take What You Want," in 1985, leading to a major label deal. Their 1988 release "Over The Edge" reached #92 on the US album charts, with the single "I'm On To You" peaking at #33 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. In 2010, a reformation saw founding members Sarzo and Cavazo reunite, joined by drummer Mike Hansen. The addition of Dan Schumann, a member of the TENORS OF ROCK, in 2021 marked another evolution in the band’s lineup. This rich history sets the stage for the 2023 release of "Reconnected" through Escape Music. The 11-track album, rated 3.58 out of 5, signifies a harmonious blend of Hurricane's classic melodic rock essence and contemporary influences, featuring a reimagined "I'm On To You" and a cover of "Under Pressure." The album epitomizes the band's enduring legacy and adaptability, reaffirming their place in the evolving landscape of rock music.
David Eugene Edwards - Hyacinth
David Eugene Edwards, the lead singer of Wovenhand and former frontman of 16 Horsepower, has released his first solo album, "Hyacinth," David has a musical style influenced by his childhood experiences in the church, where the somber tones of hymns and organ music left an indelible mark on his artistic expression. Despite the Christian themes in his music, Edwards reveals that neither the Christian nor the secular music communities have fully embraced his work, attributing this to the Christian bent in his compositions.
Ann Wilson & Tripsitter - Another Door
Ann Wilson, renowned for her iconic contributions to the legendary rock band Heart, has unveiled "Another Door" with her band Tripsitter. The album, characterized by Wilson's role as the sole songwriter, echoes the collaborative ethos of her early days with Heart, a sentiment brought to life by the talents of Ryan Wariner, Tony Lucido, Sean T. Lane, Paul Moak, and Tom Bukovac. Wilson's recent collaborations, including a reimagined "Magic Man" with Dolly Parton and the powerful duet "Don’t Tell Me" with Disturbed’s David Draiman, underscore her enduring versatility and dynamic presence in the music world. Amidst the excitement surrounding "Another Door," Heart fans are treated to the nostalgic reunion of Ann and Nancy Wilson. The sisters are crafting new music that promises to encapsulate the quintessential sound that defined 1970s Heart.
Eric Hilton - Corazón Kintsugi
Eric Hilton, a key figure in the downtempo electronic music scene and one-half of Thievery Corporation, collaborates with Natalia Clavier to release "Corazón Kintsugi," an album that delves into the resilience and flaws of the human heart. The duo's musical synergy traces back to 2008, marking a journey of mutual respect and creative freedom. Clavier, an Argentinian singer-songwriter, and Hilton's harmonious partnership is epitomized in the pensive title track, inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi - the practice of mending broken pottery with gold, symbolizing growth and healing. Hilton's instrumental mastery accentuates Clavier’s lyrical exploration of personal transition and healing.
1 Minute Reviews
The 90s Podcast
Tracy Bonham - The Burdens of Being Upright
Tracy Bonham's 1996 debut album showcases her skill for crafting a radio earworm like "Mother Mother" but loses steam on the deeper cuts
Major label debuts for any artist can be a double-edged sword. Recording a group of songs you've had years to craft means they've spent plenty of time in the woodshed. Still, the pressure to produce a hit, especially in the back half of the 90s, sometimes the obvious singles get the most attention in the studio and post-production. That is the semi-issue with Tracy Bonham's 1996 freshman release The Burdens of Being Upright. Chock full of interesting, catchy tunes like the hit single "Mother Mother," the bouncy "The One," the punky "Bulldog," and others help the record fly by in an entertaining fashion. As high as the highs are, there are no lows, just some disappointing valleys that sound like the first draft of what could have been much more. Special Guest: Deren Svendsen - DMO UNION
Coming Soon
October Album Review Tournament - Group 1 of 2
We want to know which album you want to see on Dig Me Out. We present nine suggested albums weekly, and you vote for your favorites. The top two from each group compete in a final poll. Your vote counts, so choose the album you want to be featured and make your voice heard!
Archers of Loaf - White Trash Heroes
Cathedral - The Ethereal Mirror
David Mead - The Luxury of Time
Elastica - Elastica
Dub War - Pain
The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies - Magnolia
Marilyn Manson - Antichrist Superstar
Nudeswirl - Nudeswirl
The Charlatans (UK) - Some Friendly
Worthy Reads
Wow, have you seen how many big artists have been selling their music catalogs for ridiculous amounts of money lately? It's crazy! And now there's talk of making music royalty trading available to everyone. Wired interviewed
, who knows all about this sketchy but super interesting world.Read the story at Wired 📖
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