‘Texas Moon’ among releases destined for great things this year
Here are the new releases worth cheering about in the coming year, from sure things to the message-board rumors and everything in between.
Mitski, “Laurel Hell” (Dead Oceans) : It seems like it was only yesterday when Mitski Miyawaki was putting on one of the most furiously passionate live performances Stern Grove Festival has ever seen. But that was back in 2019, on the heels of her heralded album “Be the Cowboy.” Now with her sixth album on deck, Mitski has blossomed into one of the most revered acts in indie rock. The Japanese American singer songwriter has clearly embraced the stature on tracks like “Working for the Knife” and “The Only Heartbreaker,” and we can’t wait to hear more. Feb. 4.
Eddie Vedder, “Earthling” (Seattle Surf/republic): The Pearl Jam frontman is set to release his first solo album in over a decade, and he’s brought some incredible talent along for the ride. Vedder’s backing band, the Earthlings, consists of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, former Chili Pepper (and Pearl Jam touring member) Josh Klinghoffer on keys and guitar, Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction on bass, Glen Hansard of the Swell Season on guitars and vocals, and 2021 Grammy producer of the year Andrew Watt on guitar. Vedder’s familiar commanding vocals are on full display in the Americana rock ’n’ roll of “Long Way,” with much more to come. Feb. 11.
Big Thief, “Dragon New
Warm Mountain I Believe You”
(4AD): On the strength of Adrianne Lenker’s sublime songwriting, the Brooklyn folk band seems to be rising higher with each new release. Lenker also put out a stunning solo release in 2020, and guitarist Buck Meek put out one of our 2021 favorites. There’s some serious magic brewing with this quartet. Their fifth album is a double LP, and single “No Reason” already landed on numerous “best of 2021” lists. Feb. 11.
Khruangbin and Leon Bridges, “Texas Moon” (Dead Oceans): “Texas Moon” is the follow-up to the desert sky and meditative highway drives beautifully depicted on 2020’s “Texas Sun” EP. Houston chill-funk trio Khruangbin and Fort Worth soul sensation Leon Bridges clearly have more gas in the tank for their excellent collaborative project. Together, their music merges the trio’s global psychedelic sound with the crooner’s evolving role as a pop music polymorph, and it all manages to sound decidedly Texan. Feb. 18.
Phife Dawg, “Forever” (Smokin’ Needles/awal): The A Tribe Called Quest MC’S posthumous album is scheduled to be released on the sixth anniversary of his death. The 5-foot-3-inch rapper always out-rhymed his small stature, helping to create some of the most iconic hip-hop cuts of the past 40 years. Early singles feature appearances from Busta Rhymes, Redman and Illa J, and it’s a joy to hear Phife’s voice on a record again. March 22.
Bonnie Raitt, “Just Like That …” (Redwing): When the 64th annual Grammy Awards show goes down on Jan. 31, Raitt will be there to receive the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The bluesrock legend absolutely deserves it. Word is her 21st album, “Just Like That …,” is in the can and set for an April release on her own Redwing Records label. April.
Weezer, “SZNS” : “SZNS” was originally rumored to be four new albums from the alternative rock veterans. Frontman Rivers Cuomo first mentioned the project in 2020, and fans on Weezer Reddit forums have been salivating at the impending record ever since, no matter what form it takes. One theory holds that the first release will arrive in the spring, filled with more breezy acoustic songs in the style of their hit “Island in the Sun.” Another rumor says that all four albums will be released at once. Either way, this should be a fun rollout to keep tabs on. Release