Music 2Down 7Gold Record — “Volume Xmas”
Welcome to Seven in Seven, where each Thursday in this space we would typically take a look at concerts coming to the region over the next week. With most shows on hold due to the pandemic, here’s a look at seven of the best albums being released Dec. 18:
1Paul
This year marks five decades since Paul McCartney released his self-titled first solo album, which saw the then newly ex-Beatle playing every instrument and writing and recording every song. The chart-topping album would not only signify a creative rebirth for Paul, but also serve as a template for generations of indie and lo-fi musicians. He did the same thing again in 1980 with “McCartney II” and returns to the well once more on “McCartney III,” a varied album of relaxed moments (“The Kiss of Venus”) and all-out stompers (“Slidin’”). It shows that
McCartney — “McCartney III”
for the 78-year-old, there’s still plenty left in the musical tank.
Home Blues: Miami, Atlanta & The South Eastern States : Blues in the Alley
Exploring the unique regions of the African American blues scene, this is the fifth box set in the Down Home Blues series. Blues in the Alley features 29 artists who were influential in continuing and developing the traditions of the blues in the Southeast. This release includes early recordings from none other than Ray Charles, before his climb to fame with his bigger sounding jazz-tinged blues. Alongside this, there are early recordings from Earl
Hooker and Jerry McCain, two exceptionally gifted musicians who were always left on the cusp of success. “Down Home Blues: Miami, Atlanta & The South Eastern States” is a three CD set, packaged in a deluxe digipak with outer slipcase, featuring 83 tracks, all of them remastered. This collection has been collated thanks to the help of blues collectors from both sides of the Atlantic, with rare recordings that are for the first time made available for listening via compact disc.
3The Black Keys — “Brothers: Deluxe Remastered Anniversary Edition”
Set to be the first in an annual series of archival releases from the band, “Brothers: Deluxe Remastered 10th Anniversary Edition” is the expanded version of The Black Keys watershed 2010 multiplatinum, Grammy-winning sixth studio album. To celebrate its anniversary, the LP is being re-released with three added bonus songs in “Keep My Name Outta Your Mouth,” “Black Mud Part II” and “Chop and Change.” Those tracks join the hits “Howlin’ for You” and “Tighten Up” to present a fuller picture of where the duo was musically at the time of the record’s recording. It’s available in three formats; a 7-inch box set, a two-LP set and on CD.
4Alcest — “Écailles de Lune”
Sticking with duos acknowledging decade milestones, French post-black metal pioneers Alcest are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the modern classic “Écailles de Lune” with a special re-issue. The pair took an audible step toward their black metal roots with
their sophomore full-length, which translates to “Moon Scales,” without losing any of the trademarks that had evolved on their 2007 debut album “Souvenirs d’un Autre Monde.” Creating a sound of lucent, dreamlike quality and otherworldly beauty, it’s equally defined them and been refined ever since, pulling together calm, semiacoustic passages, repetitive, hypnotic patterns and captivating melodies with outbursts of harsh riffing and aggressive drumming.
5Township — “Live at Mad Oak Studios”
Though the term “classic rock” is largely reserved for the founding fathers and mothers who carved it into the musical landscape years ago, the music of Boston’s Township embodies the sound and spirit of its forebears like few other bands. But what truly sets them apart is an ability to grow and push the format, all while retaining the familiar energy, sweat and amplification that frames the art form. Recorded in 2010, “Live at Mad Oak Studios”
fills in a few gaps in the group’s catalog; it’s an album with most songs from the just released “lost album,” “Life Starts Tonight.” It’s also a nice snapshot of that Township lineup firing on all cylinders before the trying and tumultuous year ultimately led to a near break-up and subsequent member shake-up.
6Charlee Remitz — “Heaven’s a Scary Place”
Rising alt-pop artist Charlee Remitz delivers “Heaven’s a Scary Place,” a 10-song project about letting go and moving on. The award-winning independent singer-songwriter, mixer and producer began a hot streak last year when she released a series of selfproduced, self-mixed and self-written singles almost monthly, leading up to her early 2020 album, “Garden.” Continuing on her upward trajectory, the new LP sees Remitz taking modern pop and drenching it in an uncertain sheen, believing everything fundamental to happiness lies just below the surface.
The Bay Area/New Mexicobased Gold Record brings some holiday cheer with their “Volume Xmas” EP, an album that sees the outfit ending this bizarre year on a positive note with good times and good tidings. The recording goes deep in their funky dance-pop roots, while also having a bit of fun bringing the spirit of the season in their interpretation of a Christmas album. It’s a strong showing from a band that came into being to keep a strong creative focus during lockdown and celebrate their love of collaboration and adventurous pop music.