James Spearing – In the latest installment of what should now be called “James’ WWSA of the month” (see our Best in January for the abbrevation), it’s Fabiana Palladino. There seems to be a fair bit of hype about her, which is something I usually try and avoid. But my are the songs good. You can only stream about five of them at the moment, but not one of them is a let down. The album and tour on the way are very exciting prospect for me. Its high-production 80s style RnB with a contemporary twist. Listen if you like Prince, Jessie Ware or the poppier end of Tirzah.
Another exciting album on the horizon is from Logic1000. Things were already shaping up nicely and new single ‘Promises’ continues that trend.
Tom Burrows – Sam basically said it all in his review: the new Brittany Howard album is great. The pure musical joy of What Now isn’t obvious on first listen – or at least it wasn’t to me. I thought it was musically chaotic and the hooks were few and far between. But a couple of plays later and I found those hooks amid the rapid exploration of multiple genres. Whether it’s the expansive psychedelia of ‘I Don’t’ or the dance pop of ‘Prove It To You’, the music is infectious – anchored by Howard’s consistently arresting vocals. Few artists can get away with zig zagging all over the shop musically like this, but Howard is one of them. It’s incredibly consistent, right up until the closer ‘Every Color In Blue’, 3 minutes of intense string plucking which gives way to a strangely emotive payoff. I don’t know why Howard’s cry that she’s “all out of rainbows” gives me chills, but it really gets me each time. A marvellous record.
Fran Slater – When I wrote last month’s entry for this feature, I tacked on a panicked but essential reference to The Smile‘s ‘Teleharmonic’ which I had heard for the first time that morning. Since then, I have spent many hours in the company of their second album Wall Of Eyes and I can happily say that it is a captivating listen from start to finish, bringing a more cohesive and complete sound than they did with their debut. ‘Read the Room’ and ‘Under Our Pillows’ are the other two standouts for me, but it is jam packed with interesting and ever evolving songs.
In February, we also saw the release of two albums by two of my favourite artists. Neither Nadine Shah or Hurray For The Riff Raff have disappointed, with the latter potentially releasing a classic. Give them both a listen.
Katie Burke – Feeling fortunate this month that two artists I rate have served up new releases, which has given me the opportunity to dive back into their back catalogues all over again. First up, female-fronted Nashville indie rock trio Mel Bryant and the Mercy Makers with ‘Tooth Fairy (Grin & Bear It)’. Mel’s voice and attitude match perfectly with this song about entitlement. Personal favourite ‘I love You I’m Sorry’ from their 2020 self-titled debut is the ode to over-apologisers I never knew I needed but have never felt more seen.
I’m a relative newcomer to Hurray for the Riff Raff, a folky, rocky, Americana outfit led by Alynda Segarra – thanks to the Spotify algorithm gods, I was served up a number of songs after listening to Jenny Lewis and Mal Bloom a few months back – and it certainly was a gift (see what I did there). Their ninth album, The Past is Still Alive, dropped over the weekend, although the ‘Hawkmoon’ single release earlier this month gave me the chance to become familiar with a number of the songs already; notably ‘Alibi’, the album’s lead track. So I have a lot of catching up to do, but so far I’m enjoying the journey.
Rick Larson – I’m pretty much still stuck in 2023, with not a lot getting me amped so far. I just keep listening to Geese’s 3D Country. I love EPs and Little Simz so I was excited for Drop 7, but it seems a bit tossed off. It’s ok. The new Hurray for the Riff Raff album is quite good if that’s your thing. It’s only mine occasionally.
Thirty years ago on Valentine’s Day, 1994, Pavement released Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. So, I listened to that to commemorate and it was, of course, the best thing I listened to this month. It is a quintessential album of California as the “high protein land” of stolen water and drowned drummers. Plus, it irreparably hurt Billy Corgan’s feelings. Five stars.
Sam Atkins – My first mention has to go to ‘Hiss’ by Megan Thee Stallion that has been on heavy rotation in my playlists since it came out at the end of January. The most direct and fiery rap song I have heard in years, it might be the song of 2024 so far.
For albums though it has to be What Now that I call out. Brittany Howard’s second solo record has only improved with every listen I’ve given it. Expansive in scale and ambition, this is really special music from someone fully in command of their craft.
That’s all for this month. Enjoyed these recommendations? Why not buy us a coffee at ko-fi.com/pickybastards?
Picky Bastards 
Leave a comment