With contemporary and classic, Americana and funk, we’ve got a diverse lineup for you
By Edward Jack,
Manager, Central Square Records
As we emerge from the short mild winter we have become used to here in Seaside, we can always expect some great new music releases for spring. Spring is a perfect time of year for us to see our old friends and returning customers, not to mention, um, spring break.
Here are a few recent releases we think you will enjoy.
LP “Heart To Mouth” — Laura Pergolizzi, or L.P. as she is known on stage, released her fifth album back in late 2018, but it’s gaining momentum with our customers, who are steadily buying the February vinyl release. On her latest venture, L.P. skips across genres with a carefree, yet calculated approach. Opener “Dreamcatcher” and “Girls Go Wild” for instance, take on a New Wave direction, as L.P. channels classic Stevie Nicks. “Shaken” moves closer to Pretenders territory, where “House on Fire” falls more into contemporary pop. “Recovery” gets more to L.P.’s songwriting ability, as she delivers a heartfelt, though somber account of a timeless theme. Overall, the album has a great flow, and will appeal to many listeners with its diverse style.
William Tyler “Goes West” — William Tyler, armed with only an acoustic guitar for his latest record, “Goes West” creates an instrumental album in the Americana style, with some notable contributions from jazz guitar legend, Bill Frisell. Very pastoral and mellow in style, the musicians (also including Meg Duffy and Brad Cook) set out to create a soundtrack that’s both personal as well as timeless. All tracks lend themselves to quiet introspection, as evidenced in “Call Me When I’m Breathing Again,” one of the album’s strongest moments. This album is perfect for active listening, as well as just providing a soothing musical backdrop to life.
Ronnie Milsap “The Duets” — Music prodigy and multi-platinum selling artist, Ronnie Milsap, invites a who’s who list of collaborators for his latest duets album. The obvious highlight includes his timeless hit “Smoky Mountain Rain” with Dolly Parton, who brings a new spin to the classic number. Recent Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves joins Milsap on “No Getting Over Me,” for a delightful spin on a well-known tune. The album is full of other delightful exchanges with some of country music’s best, including George Jones, Jason Aldean, and Billy Gibbons.
Galactic “Already Ready Already” — New Orleans funksters are at it again, with a few new musical ideas thrown in their usual bag of tricks. Employing the talents of local Crescent City musicians (singer Princess Shaw on “Going Straight Crazy,” Boyfriend on “Dance At My Funeral”), they bend the funk corners, but without leaving the road. Blending some signature instrumental jams in for good measure, “Already Ready Ready Already” won’t disappoint newcomers or seasoned Galactic fans.
Toro Y Moi “Outer Peace” — Chaz Bear, aka Toro Y Moi, always has us anticipating his new outings, and “Outer Peace” makes its mark with innovative production, in new manufactured beats placed alongside classic, recognizable samples. “Laws of the Universe” creates a groovy momentum, which maintains throughout the album, re-emerging in the funkiness of “Ordinary Pleasure.” Highlights also include the house-y “Freelance,” and the robotic ‘80s kitch of “Monet Carlo,” featuring Wet on vocals.
