Just when it felt like the new releases for 2023 were winding down and we were all cementing our “Best of The Year” list, a Friday like this came along. We haven’t had a new music Friday this bountiful in months but November 17 is here to pull us out of the darkness of 4 p.m. sunsets and stressful holiday preparation. We rarely have a surge of fantastic releases like this so late into the year, with everyone from elusive veterans to the next generation of revered talent releasing incredibly infectious albums and singles, it might be hard to find a starting point. Navigating a new music Friday like this feels like a maze, Glide is here to guide you through the fun house of melodies and arrangements.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music below.
The Blips – “Laika”
Again
Made up of some of the best musicians Alabama’s rock scene has seen in years, The Blips emerge with a stellar sophomore effort. Again is a stunning display of chemistry between the 5-piece as they share frontman duties on a tracklist that ranges from blistering tempos to spaced-out ballads. “Laika” represents the latter, a psychedelic-tinged ballad that showcases soaring vocals set to a searing arrangement, and a fiery guitar solo to bring it all together.
André 3000 – “BuyPoloDisorder’s Daughter Wears A 3000 Shirt Embroidered”
New Blue Sun
Who would’ve ever thought that 2023 would be wrapping up with André 3000 solo debut, an even wilder guess would be that said album would contain ambient jazz instrumentals. New Blue Sun is the rebirth of 3000 as the artist breaks out his trusty flute for eight mind-altering instrumental pieces that come from whatever planet the artist crash-landed from all those years ago as a member of Outkast. This featured track gives you a subtle peek into the whimsical world of New Blue Sun, 3000’s breathe work on the flute is on full display as his woodwinds navigate spurts of cascading synths for a meditative listening experience.
Kurt Vile – “Like a wounded bird trying to fly”
Back to Moon Beach
The virtuosic and ever-impressive Kurt Vile has returned with a brand new album and it yet again shows another creative arc for Vile. His guitar work seemingly improves from one album to the next and Back to Moon Beach is brimming with gorgeous acoustics while showcasing Vile’s range. “Like a wounded bird trying to fly” is the gorgeous stand-out that has Vile crooning over subtly vibrant drums and beautiful guitar work.
Danny Brown – “Dark Sword Angel”
Quaranta
We have seen a lot from the Detroit emcee Danny Brown this year. Musically, he dropped off his collaborative album with producer/vocalist JPEGMAFIA earlier this year, a release that found itself in the top 5 albums of the year and never left. On a personal note, Brown is now sober and putting his old persona to the side and leaving it in the past. Quaranta was recorded during the pandemic and captures an era of Brown that will soon be nostalgic. The proper follow-up to his celebrated debut, Brown’s latest is set up to be some of Brown’s best work yet. “Dark Sword Angel” features Brown’s signature nasally flows delivering mind-bending bars over a new-age boom bap instrumental.
MJ Lenderman – “Rudolph (Live)”
And the Wind (Live and Loose!)
MJ Lenderman’s latest live album seamlessly combines garage rock and country for an explosion of distorted guitars and twangy nuances. And the Wind (Live and Loose!) captures Lenderman’s uniqueness for an unforgettable live performance. “Rudolph” was released as a single earlier this year and its live version adds a layer of vigorous gusto to an already unforgettable record. Lenderman’s vocals cut deeper in their raw, natural state as he easily keeps up with the complex guitar rhythms and hectic arrangement.
Luther Dickinson – “They All Ask’d for You”
Magic Music for Family Folk
Luther Dickinson hit the nail on his head naming his latest album. Magic Music for Family Folk is a whimsical journey through innocent ballads with light-hearted arrangements and simplistic songwriting that still feels potent. “They All Ask’d for You” is an early favorite amongst this album of kid-friendly tunes, Dickinson croons over a bouncy, country-tinged arrangement for a sing-along style of folk music.
The Polyphonic Spree – “Section 51 (Winds of Summer)”
Salvage Enterprise
Welcome to the wonderfully imaginative world of The Polyphonic Spree’s latest creation, Salvage Enterprise. For nine dense yet lighthearted tracks, the band traverses their own imagination of what their signature sound could become for a listening experience that lifts you and shows you the world from a different point of view. “Section 51 (Winds of Summer)” is one of the most gorgeously crafted songs we’ve heard this year, soaring strings guide you through the heaven-sent vocals for a larger-than-life orchestration.
Juliana Hatfield – “Strange Magic”
Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO
The longevity of Juliana Hatfield should come as no surprise. Her voice can penetrate time with ease and she is bringing that magic touch to some of ELO’s biggest hits on her new cover LP. “Strange Magic” is one of ELO’s most recognizable songs, so much so that even Hatfield’s beautiful interpretation is lined with the original’s infectious energy. Hatfield adds a twangy twist to the band’s hit as the words hit a little differently when delivered in her signature tone.
Madness – “Round We Go”
Theatre of the Absurd presents C’est La Vie
Madness has never taken a linear path with their music, and we are forever grateful for that fact. The iconic band has made a career of keeping their fans guessing and their latest grandiose creation keeps their hot streak alive. C’est La Vie is the theatrical new LP split up into four acts of pop-centric rock that is, in one word, magical. “Round We Go” lands right in the middle of this production for a lively ballad lined with glimmering horns and shining melodies.
Jeremy Squires – “Heart Swell”
Riddle of Stars
A decade into his career, Jeremy Squires’ potent take on classic singer/songwriter tropes gets stronger and more palpable with each release. Riddle of Stars is a minimal LP with heart-wrenching lyrics delivered by Squires’ airy vocals that slice through your speakers with purpose. “Heart Swell” will bring a grown man to his knees, the subtle ambiance of the arrangement allows Squires’ words to come alive and walk with their head down in the pouring rain.
The Smile – “Wall of Eyes”
Wall of Eyes
Since The Smile debuted last year, it seems like they never wasted a moment in the spotlight. The Radiohead offshoot has established itself as so much more, an entirely different creative outlet containing its mystical world of off-kilter arrangements and high-flying vocal performances. 2024, January 26 to be specific, will bring The Smile’s sophomore album Wall of Eyes, and its title track only heightens our excitement. The latest single is an ambient ballad with tear-jerking vocals set to a wide-ranging instrumental that includes subtle spurts of magical guitar work and a searing string section.
Michael Nau – “Tiny Flakes”
Accompany
Singer/songwriter Michael Nau is prepping to release his latest creation and its latest single is everything we would’ve wanted and more. “Tiny Flakes” is an ambient ballad with the aurora of a snowy day in. Nau’s calming vocals traverse a dense wall of synth work with melodies bleeding into the next as Nau’s songwriting brings everything to life. Accompany is set to be released on December 8.
J Mascis – “Can’t Believe We’re Here”
What Do We Do Now
J Mascis has been one of the hardest-working men in music for years now, and his latest release seems to be asking a lot of questions. What Do We Do Now is set to be released on February 2 via Sub Pop and will feature 10 new tracks from the Dinosaur Jr. frontman. “Can’t Believe We’re Here” is our first single from the upcoming release, featuring Mascis’ raspy vocals set to a rocking arrangement for another reason why Mascis is at the top of his game this many years into his career.
Julian Lage – “Omission”
Single
The classically trained and jazzy guitar work of Julian Lage has been a part of our playlists for over a decade now and his latest single showcases exactly why. “Omission” is a stunning jazz piece that allows Lage’s guitar expertise to reach new heights as the rest of the arrangement keeps up with groovy basslines and infectious drums.
Pale Jay – “By The Lake (Instrumental)”
Bewilderment (Instrumentals)
If you haven’t listened to Pale Jay’s 2023 LP Bewilderment, don’t run, sprint to put on this soulful outing from the mysterious singer. If you have, listen to the album in a whole new light with the instrumental version available everywhere now. “By The Lake” has been a single for quite some time now but the mystical piano work and angelic strings feel all the more palpable on their own.
