Songs have seasons. In autumn listeners long for transitional songs,
while in winter the ear tends to hibernate with softer, folkie odes of
melancholy. Spring inspires renewal and rebirth, so bring on the
pop-anthems. But it’s the sounds of summer that are the true
soundtracks of the year.
This year’s contenders for the season kicks off with The Gossip
releasing Music For Men via Columbia Records on June 23. The
$300,000 album was recorded in Rick Rubin’s Malibu retreat. Also,
Regina Spektor’s Far, The Lemonheads Varshons, Dinosaur
Jr.’s Farm, The Mars Volta’s Octahedron and
Alexisonfire’s Old Crows/Young Cardinals are all released June
23. For those who recall their magical show at Alderney Landing a few
years ago, or more recently their opening slot for Neil Young, Wilco’s
self-titled album arrives June 30. Also The Fiery Furnaces’ I’m
Going Away and Bone Thugs N Harmony’s Uni5 sit on the shelf
with Chicago’s finest. Those rugged westerners The Rural Alberta
Advantage releases Hometowns July 7 and Miss Derringer releases
Winter Hill while Time and Distance’s album Gravity arrives July 14.
For those who love driving with the top down with cheesy top 40
blasting through the speakers, Sugar Ray releases Music For
Cougars July 21. But of more interest to those who have a local
heart, The Prospector’s Union drop their debut Sycracuse, and
Dog Day’s seven-inch—featuring four new songs produced by Rick
White—arrive on the scene July 21. Ever-expanding super group The Got
To Get Got release Sahalee July 28 alongside York Redoubt’s
self-titled record, Kestrel’s Primary Colours and Milks and
Rectangles’ self-titled.
And further along as well as further away, just as the lazy days of
summer draw to a close, Interpol’s Paul Banks releases a solo record
with his alter-ego Julian Plenti taking the credit August 4. According
to Billboard magazine, Banks has written and performed under the
moniker for the past decade, but most importantly the album promises to
deliver the cocksure sexiness expected from Interpol’s frontman.
This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2009.