Available The Week Of April 22
GUIDED BY VOICES Please Be Honest (GBV Inc) After announcing their split in 2014, Guided By Voices are back…sort of. For one thing, front-man Robert Pollard hasn’t really reunited the band, which has broken up a few times now. Last month he dropped solo album Of Course You Are and now, after the (recent-ish) rollercoaster of break-ups and reunions, he’s reclaiming the Guided by Voices moniker once more. Instead, he plays every instrument on the new LP, which will be accompanied by a short North American tour. Guided by Voices is Robert Pollard. He is the the constant creative force that stands at the center of one of the most beloved indie rock bands of all time. The new GBV live line-up: Nick Mitchell (guitar), Mark Shue (bass), Bobby Bare Jr. (guitar), Robert Pollard (vocals), Kevin March (drums) Click here for their tour dates. robertpollard.net
ROGUE WAVE Delusions of Grand Fur (Easy Sound Records) Rogue Wave will release their sixth studio album entitled ‘Delusions of Grand Fur’ which is the indie rock band’s first new release in three years, since 2013’s Nightingale Floors. As opposed to past albums, Zach Rogue and Patrick Spurgeon, the only two constant band members since the group’s formation in 2002, are taking over full creative control by recording and producing Delusions of Grand Fur themselves. Check out the music video for the album’s first single, a synthy, lo-fi groove called “What Is Left To Solve”. Be on the lookout for Rouge Wave to be touring to promote the album in the summer. roguewavemusic.com
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets (Deutsche Grammophon/UMC) Rufus Wainwright celebrates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in typically dramatic fashion by releasing a unique collection of nine sonnets in stunning performances by both actors and vocalists. Set for release on 22 April on Deutsche Grammophon, it also marks the first collaboration between Rufus and Marius de Vries since they co-produced the epic Want albums. rufuswainwright.com
LOCAL RELEASES
RAY BOUDREAUX First Train (Independent) The local soul singer/songwriter is finally releasing his debut record after 2 years in the making. It’s a 6 song EP full of originals which will be great to hear besides Ray’s fantastic renditions of other artists songs like we heard him do on NBC’s The Voice. Ray’s album release show is taking place this week at NiteTown on April 20th and I can’t think of a better release week than during Festival International. Get his debut here!
THE VIATONES The Viatones (Independent / Viator Records) The self-titled sophomore album by The Viatones has been 4 years in-the-making, having faced numerous obstacles and inconveniences. You’d be surprised to know that it isn’t a greatest hits compilation ; ) Like Bluebell ice-cream, this record brings to mind a “simpler time and place.” In the event that you ever find yourself able to taste sounds, it might even taste just like the good ol’ days. Click here to purchase their new album and be on the lookout for their album release show this weekend during Festival International.
