Each Tuesday, record store clerks unpack boxes of albums and re-stock shelves with this week's newest music releases. There's a whole bunch of good stuff, so we've gathered a few notable albums as a starting. This batch includes parody craftsman Weird Al Yankovic, Grammy-winning singer Jill Scott and Wisconsin indie folkster Bon Iver.
Bon Iver
It's been four years since Wisconsin project Bon Iver released its album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Since then, frontman Justin Vernon has been in the studio laying down vocals with Kanye West, and more importantly, working on the band's latest self-titled album. One of the most apparent differences between Bon Iver and For Emma, Forever Ago is influx of musicians and instrumentation. Bon Iver's debut release was centered around the isolated sounds of Vernon's acoustic guitar, whereas the band's new album features a multitude of instruments and musicians, including The Arcade Fire's Colin Stetson. On Bon Iver, each song represents a place, such as the obviously titled tracks "Perth" and "Calgary." Bon Iver's slightly haunting sound is still present in Bon Iver, just with more horns.
Jill ScottIt's been four years since Wisconsin project Bon Iver released its album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Since then, frontman Justin Vernon has been in the studio laying down vocals with Kanye West, and more importantly, working on the band's latest self-titled album. One of the most apparent differences between Bon Iver and For Emma, Forever Ago is influx of musicians and instrumentation. Bon Iver's debut release was centered around the isolated sounds of Vernon's acoustic guitar, whereas the band's new album features a multitude of instruments and musicians, including The Arcade Fire's Colin Stetson. On Bon Iver, each song represents a place, such as the obviously titled tracks "Perth" and "Calgary." Bon Iver's slightly haunting sound is still present in Bon Iver, just with more horns.
Since her early years as a spoken word artist, Jill Scott has released four studio albums, including this most recent effort, The Light Of The Sun. The fifteen-track album shows the progress Scott has made in her career, from working with the Roots and pursuing and acting career. Scott's track, "Shame," featuring Eve, is a summary of her self-confidence, as she sings "I'm a Queen on my throne/I'm magnificent" and "You're missin' out on me/And it's a shame." Jill Scott will be performing in St. Louis on August 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.
Weird Al Yankovic
Just shy of five years since his previous album, Weird Al Yankovic returns to the music scene with Alpocalypse. The lead single was almost halted when Lady Gaga refused to give Yankovic permission to release his take on her new single, "Born This Way." However, with some social media coercion from Weird Al fans, permission was granted and "Perform This Way," was released as the first single from Alpocalypse. It is written from Lady Gaga's perspective on her sense of fashion and concert style. The parody king was just in St. Charles on June 9 at the Family Arena.