Entering the second quarter of the year, April hit us with more terrific records than I can count in this monthly wrap-up and I’m sure many great albums from this month will be in rotation for the rest of 2024 and beyond. In addition to the heaps of music released in the last thirty days (including good stuff from Pearl Jam, Cloud Nothings, Nia Archives, Still House Plants, Jlin, and even more!), it would be a shame and almost criminal to not mention the sprawling, epic, two-hour, double album from none other than Cindy Lee, of course. According to the YouTube page (the only source to hear the album unless you download the .wav files from a Geocities site (seriously)), it was uploaded on March 30 so it falls just out of range to take the top spot in April, but it’s a staggering record and one of the year’s best records so I can’t go without mentioning Diamond Jubilee and highly suggest it in addition to the ones listed below.
Album of the Month:
Fabiana Palladino | Fabianna Palladino
Slinky R&B that hits with an ‘80s charm that recalls the delectable funk of Prince’s Dirty Mind and ultra-neon streaked synths, Fabiana Palladino’s debut is a sleek and sharp affair of cushy dance numbers. Hints of disco pleasure rise into the mix as well with glistening hi-hats, but with a bit of a noir-tone that suggest something more provocative and intimate. The sultry, steamy vibes here are impeccable and the studio smartness is highly apparent. Palladino has spent years studying the all-time greats and her refreshing take on pop music appeals to those who typically stick to Top 40 just as much as those who spend hours digging through record crates in search of the perfect underground white label 12 inch. The signing to Jai Paul’s label and appearance from the enigmatic artist only boosts the reputation, but really the craft and talent are all her own.
EP of the Month:
Jane Penny | Surfacing
Breathy vocals and distilled synths are the centerpiece of this blissful new EP from TOPS singer Jane Penny. Glassy piano notes and an endless shimmer are other hallmarks from the artist and they glisten with delightful glee as this low-stakes affair offers a charming and poised burst of effervescent, twinkling pop. Albeit rather reserved, the soft touches of disco and yacht rock touchstones give it a velvety feel and a carefree attitude that serves as a sugary sweet soundtrack for glowing sunsets perhaps best viewed with a refreshing drink in hand and with your toes dipped into the sand.
Live album of the Month:
Neil Young / Crazy Horse | Fu**in’ Up
This probably seems a bit biased since if you’re reading this, you probably already know about my admiration for Neil Young. Still, this live recording from an intimate show in 2023 captures Neil and his infamous backing band Crazy Horse playing their excellent 1990 renaissance album Ragged Glory in full. Aside from the wear and tear to Neil’s voice over the years (honeyslides are a helluva drug, man), the band sounds charged-up and ready to go and as they jam on some of these tracks in excess of ten minutes, their instincts from playing together for close to half a century lock in and their trusty skills show no signs of… rust.
Don’t miss:
Bill Frisell | Orchestras (Live)
Container | YACKER
Maggie Rogers | Don’t Forget Me
Oren Ambarchi / Johan Berthling / Andreas Werliin | Ghosted II
Shabaka | Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace
Concerts (in review)
Arlo Parks at Brooklyn Steel // 4.02.24
Olivia Rodrigo at Madison Square Garden // 4.09.24
Real Estate at Webster Hall // 4.18.24
Shabaka at National Sawdust // 4.23.24
Waxahatchee at Brooklyn Paramount // 4.27.24
Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet at (le) poisson rouge // 4.30.24