2/19/2021 Music Releases

 Before I get to the one big release this week, I’d like to talk about the music I’ve enjoyed so far this year, which has helped me immensely because I’m still fighting depression due to the lockdown and the extremism which has seemingly flourished in our nation.

 

Easily the best release this year so far is Brandi Carlile’s cover of “Black Hole Sun.” It’s truly amazing how her voice fits the grungy sound of the cover and how true to the original it is.  The Foo Fighters’ songs “Waiting On A War” and “Holding Poison” also readily come to mind for excellent music from the local scene, and last week Grace McKagan, daughter of Guns N Roses bass player Duff McKagan, released a great rock song called “So Lucky” that I can already tell I’m going to be listening to years from now.

 

I have played “Righteous Days” from The Dead Daisies’ new album quite a lot, as well as “Heroes” from Sammy Hagar and the Circle’s new album, both being fantastic songs that I love to listen to.  “Softly and Tenderly,” the first single from Carrie Underwood’s upcoming Gospel album, is also a great song to get introspective with and ask yourself what it means to follow Jesus/what do you need to do?  Joel Hoekstra’s 13 had a great song called “Heart Attack” that’s just a plain good rocker, as was “Tommy’s Instrumental” from the Tommy Bolin album last week.  I’m actually still working through the Joel Hoekstra’s 13 album on Spotify since I like to listen to music when I add new music to the playlist.

The one big release this week is the soundtrack to the following:

The United States vs. Billie Holiday: This is a covers album of Billie Holiday songs done by Andra Day.  Since February is Black History Month and Billie Holiday was one of the key movers and shakers in the music business for African-Americans, bringing light to the lynching in the Southern States with "Strange Fruit," this is an important release that probably should be listened to at least once.  I don't know how it will measure up to the original recordings or Bettye LaVette's wonderful cover last year, but it should be listened to regardless due to the times we find ourselves in.