Wednesday Music News

05/06/2015

Janice Headley

photo by Amber (Zbitnoff) Knecht [view set]

West coast garage rocker Mikal Cronin released his third solo album yesterday on Merge Records (titled MCIII, natch), and he shares this hilarious video for the single "Turn Around." Comedians Kristen Schaal, Paul Scheer, and Kurt Braunohler do a shot-for-shot remake of the Natalie Imbruglia video for "Torn." Watch below, and stay tuned for video from Cronin's recent in-studio session here at KEXP. [Pitchfork]

Belgian rapper/singer Stromae has invaded the US with his infectious grooves, and today Major Lazer takes his track “Ave Cesaria” to the next level with a fantastic, energetic remix. Listen below, and watch his KEXP in-studio session here. [Spin]

Icelandic artist Sóley performed her sinister single "Halloween" on KEXP last year from our Iceland Airwaves Music Festival broadcast (watch here), and today she shares a video for the track, directed by Máni Sigfússon. Much like the track itself, the video is both haunting and lovely. "Halloween" appears on her forthcoming release Ask The Deep, out May 8th via Morr Music. [Stereogum]

Hot on the heels of his eighth solo album, Hospital Handshakes, Seattle singer/songwriter Rocky Votolato has announced he'll release the split EP Kindred Spirits with Chuck Ragan, on June 2nd via Side One Dummy. Votolato and Ragan have teamed up before on the 2012-13 Revival Tour. Check out a lyric video for the track "Sparks of Recovery" below (which Votolato originally released as "Sparks" on his 2012 release Television Of Saints). Rocky will be playing a hometown show Saturday, August 29th at The Crocodile. [Consequence of Sound]

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As we mentioned last month, Sharon Van Etten (aka the busiest gal in music) has a new EP on the horizon titled I Don’t Want to Let You Down. The five-song release features guest appearances from Adam Granduciel and Dave Hartley of The War on Drugs, Megafaun’s Brad Cook, and Ben Folds Five’s Darre…

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Karen O teamed up with Google to create a new original song to celebrate groundbreaking female journalist, Nellie Bly's 151st birthday. Karen O's short track is accompanied by an adorable and educational Google doodle. [Pitchfork]