10/2/20: Brent Cobb, Jónsi, Locate S,1 and GoGo Penguin
Welcome to the October 2nd edition of First Listen Friday!
Brent Cobb released his fourth album Keep ‘Em On They Toes today. Occasionally a country-ish album comes along that reminds me the genre does have its redeeming qualities, and this album is certainly in that category. If you’re being picky this may more aptly be described as Americana, whatever genre you ascribe to it, it features excellent songwriting throughout. “Shut up and Sing” is a highlight on the album, telling the story of expressing your views through your art despite the derision that decision can bring from people who’d rather just be entertained. As I was trying to choose what songs from the album to include on the playlist this week I kept changing my mind because there’s just so much to like across the whole album. In the end though I think my favorite track here ended up being “This Side of the River” which features a steady beat, lovely melody on the chorus, and a delicate twangy guitar solo. I really dig this album and if you’re into country, folk, and/or Americana you should give it a shot.
Jónsi released his new album Shiver today. I’ve enjoyed a lot of his work in Sigur Rós as well as Riceboy Sleeps and his solo work thus far. This new album does push Jónsi into some new sonic territory, that new direction no doubt is due to the album being co-written and co-produced by A.G. Cook (known for his production on Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek albums among others). If you split the difference between the glitchier pop of Charli XCX’s albums or even the more recent Bon Iver projects and the sonic landscapes and soaring vocals Jónsi’s work is known for that gives you an idea of what you’ll find here. I enjoyed it quite a bit, favorite tracks were “Hold”, “Salt Licorice (with Robyn)” and "Sumarið sem aldrei kom".
Locate S,1 released a new EP today. Stay Away From Music: Covers Under Quarantine comes via Captured Tracks. There are some really great tunes here, namely the title track “Stay Away From Music”. I also really enjoyed “I’ll Make You Feel Like You’re Mine”.
GoGo Penguin released Last Words / Fanfares (Alternate Versions), which are new takes on two tracks from their 2012 album Fanfares. I’ve been listening to the band quite a lot lately so I was pleasantly surprised to come across this release, it’s worth listening to even if you’re unfamiliar with the originals. I also highly recommend their most recent full-length GoGo Penguin.
That’s all the tunes for this week, here’s the Spotify playlist, enjoy!