New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More (original) (raw)
New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More : All Songs Considered Hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton share their favorite new songs and discoveries of the week, including new music from Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes and the poet-turned-rapper Kate Tempest.
All Songs Considered
February 17, 201511:10 AM ET
New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More
Clockwise from upper left: Sufjan Stevens, JEFF The Brotherhood, Alabama Shakes, Waxahatchee Courtesy of the artists **hide caption
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Courtesy of the artists
This week on All Songs Considered we reflect on age and time, how we make sense of the world as we all grow older, and how it all ties in to the artist who opens this week's show: Sufjan Stevens. Stevens has been busy with numerous projects since releasing his insane masterpiece, The Age Of Adz, in 2010. But he's back with his first official studio album since then, the lovely and intimate Carrie & Lowell. We've got the first single from the album, "No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross."
Also on the program: JEFF The Brotherhood teams up with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson for some red blooded rock and roll, The Alabama Shakes get amped up and explore new sonic territory and we premiere a new electrified cut from Waxahatchee. Plus: the shape-shifting and utterly infectious sounds of Happyness and British poet/rapper Kate Tempest.
But first, Robin sneaks in a song from what he calls the gold standard of American musicals, The Sound of Music. The film version of the musical is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a remastered edition of the soundtrack.
Sufjan Stevens
Though he's been busy with many side projects, Sufjan Stevens returns with his first official studio album since 2010's The Age of Adz. On "No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross," Stevens returns to his folk roots while examing love and loss. His upcoming album, Carrie & Lowell is out March 31.
New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More
Waxahatchee
"Under A Rock"
From 'Ivy Tripp'
On "Under a Rock," Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield plugs in and rocks out. The Birmingham, Alabama native transitions from her lo-fi acoustic sound to a full band and electric guitar. Her album, Ivy Tripp, will be released April 7.
New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More
JEFF The Brotherhood
"Black Cherry Pie"
From 'Wasted On The Dream'
On "Black Cherry Pie" Nashville brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall get together with one of their heroes, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, for a rock and roll collaboration. The brothers have also expanded their sound by adding bassist Jack Lawrence and switching from a three-string guitar to a more traditional six-string. Their album, Wasted On The Dream arrives March 24.
New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More
Alabama Shakes
"Don't Wanna Fight"
From 'Sound & Color'
It's been three years since the Alabama Shakes released their breakthrough debut album, Boys & Girls, and on the band's new single "Don't Wanna Fight," singer and guitarist Brittany Howard leaves it all on the floor. Layered with funk grooves and Howard's remarkable vocals, The Alabama Shakes will deliver the soul-driven Sound & Color April 21.
New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More
Happyness
"Naked Patients"
From 'Weird Little Birthday'
The band Happyness is three guys from London with a breathtaking range of sounds, like Wilco crossed with Sparklehorse, Pavement and gritty garage rock. With lyrics that are unexpected and dark, but also humorous, Happyness takes us on a bright but twisted trip on this song "Naked Patients."
New Mix: Sufjan Stevens, Alabama Shakes, JEFF The Brotherhood, More
Kate Tempest
"Lonely Daze"
From 'Everybody Down'
On "Lonely Daze" the British poet Kate Tempest ruminates on the pressures of romance, loneliness and youth over electronic dance beats and sweeping synth layers. Her album Everybody Down was released in 2014 and she's currently at work on a novel.