Thursday Music News

08/15/2013

Anna McClain

Known for her lo-fi electro-opera stylings, Wisconsin's Zola Jesus (a.k.a. Nika Danilova) switches things up on her upcoming album, Versions. The project, a collaboration with Foetus' J.G. Thirlwell, will disassemble Danilova's previous work, rebuilding the tracks into string arrangements. Listen to the single new track on the album, "Fall Back," where Zola Jesus tries pop on for size. [SPIN]

These New Puritans released their third studio album, Field of Reeds, in June. Be lulled into the experimental English rock group's new video for "Organ Eternal." Director Willy Vanderperre works with geometric shots of buildings and trees, people's faces, aerial views and juxtaposes black and white with color to create a pleasant visual landscape for this reserved track. [Pitchfork]

Repave, the sophomore album from Justin Vernon's latest side project, Volcano Choir, will be available on September 3rd. Vernon gives us a taste of what's in store with the single "Comrade." With Vernon's signature vocals as its foundation, "Comrade" experiments with flighty strings and touchy notes of piano, then strikes the listener with a sudden confidence, progressing into an unexpected auto-tuned vocal finale. [CoS]

The Breeders' Kim Deal intimately acquaints us with what one can only hope is her ceramic figurine collection in the new video for her single, "Are You Mine?" Deal's naive, girlish vocals laid over a sultry musical backdrop sustains a nightmarish spin once the porcelain is thrown into the mix, illuminated by candles, flashing neon and fluorescent lights and black glitter. [Pitchfork]

Unlikely covers are a total delight when executed well. Toro y Moi takes David Brent's (Ricky Gervais' character from The Office) humorous song "Slough" and makes it his own in an unforeseen cover. Gervais recently reprised his character on YouTube to record a series of guitar tutorials, prompting Chaz Bundick to craft a legit track out of the joke. [Stereogum]

The National gave a nonchalant performance of "This Is the Last Time," off of their May album Trouble Will Find Me, on Conan last night. They'll be making their way to The Paramount in September for two shows, providing a great opportunity to get your aloof groove on. [Pitchfork]

A person somehow unaware of the National Security Agency might ask how to get to this hot new "NSA" club after hearing YACHT's new track, "Party at the NSA." YACHT pulls off marking a political moment while maintaining a totally superficial pop tone in this song Stereogum aptly compared to "99 Luftballoons." The single isn't just an upbeat jab at the NSA, it also benefits anti-surveillance nonprofit Electric Frontier Foundation.

Blue Öyster Cult's keyboardist and guitarist Allen Lanier passed away Wednesday at age 67. Lanier was an integral part of BOC, having co-founded and performed with the band for over 40 years. The band's official website pays tribute to Lanier, sending him the message: "[Don't fear the reaper] sweet man. We love and miss you." [CoS]

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