Another week is upon us once again and so is another My Four — four more artists for your musical pleasure, courtesy of Fourculture and myself, Mark Sharpley. We begin this week with…
CARL BARAT & THE JACKALS
One of the heroes of the indie music scene, Carl Barat is here this week with the release of his first album with his new band Let It Reign. The band in question is The Jackals, all part of Barat’s seemingly busy schedule with the revelation of future recordings with his original band, The Libertines. With a few solo albums and releases from The Libertines and the vastly underrated Dirty Pretty Things, Barat has quite a decent back catalogue and there is something for everyone. Let It Reign is the one to focus on and it promises to be a belter. Available on the Cooking Vinyl Records label, this is the single “Glory Days”. www.carlbaratandthejackals.com
ELLE KING
Next up this week is Los Angeles’ very own Elle King, and the release of her new album, Love Stuff. Her musical styles are a mixture of country, soul, rock and blues but it was a copy of The Donnas‘ album being given to her at the age of 9 that turned her attentions to the music scene. Also at that age, she starred in the film Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo alongside her father, Rob Schneider. She has also resided in cities such as Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Copenhagen before settling down in Brooklyn. Now her musical prowess is here for everyone’s enjoyment. Available on the RCA Records label, this is the video for “Ex’s & Oh’s”. www.elleking.com
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS
New York’s own A Place To Bury Strangers are the third choice this week with the release of their new album Transfixiation. Formed in 2002, lead singer Oliver Ackermann is the only original member from the incarnation of the band. It was back in 2006 (when the band was at full capacity) that APTBS (another way they like to be known) made an appearance with The Brianjonestown Massacre and gained considerable critical acclaim. It was from there on that their live performances earned them the title of “New York City’s loudest band” — a title I doubt they have let go lightly. Available on the Dead Oceans Records label, this is the video for “Straight”. www.aplacetoburystrangers.com
IMAGINE DRAGONS
And finally this week, it’s Imagine Dragons and the release of their second studio album, Smoke + Mirrors. I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t forgotten their hit single “Radioactive” from 2013 and indeed that song smashed a few records along the way. This second album is a different animal from their debut and we should all thank lead singer Dan Reynolds as it was a New Year’s resolution he made to make the album. Just remember that come midnight 2016. Available on the Interscope Records label, this is the video for the single “Shots”. www.imaginedragonsmusic.com
And that is that for another week. Join us again next time as we delve into the musical stratosphere to bring you more of the tracks you need to know about. Keep on keeping on…
