For another week, the NoiseTrade Friday Four comes to you live and direct from Chicago while I bask in the last few days of pre-thesis vacation. As I wait out this rain to see if I’m going to be able to catch my first game within the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, I hope you enjoy this week’s selections.
(As always, be sure to click on each album title for a link to the artist’s download page.)
Eisley
Currents… and More Sampler
Indie-pop family band Eisley curated this sampler in conjunction with last year’s release of Currents, their fourth full-length studio album, and it’s loaded to the brim with amazing tunes. Featuring two tracks from Currents, the entirety of their Deep Space EP, and an acoustic version of “Ambulance” from 2011’s The Valley, this sampler can function as either a great introduction to their music or a fantastic inclusion alongside any other of their releases.
Propaganda
Crimson Cord
With Crimson Cord, Propaganda once again proves that he is one of hip-hop’s truest poets. More than just a rapper or lyricist, his aggressively beautiful combination of content, context, form, and flow is unparalleled. If you’re not already a fan, be sure to check out “Daywalkers” and “Framed Stretch Marks” to change that with the quickness.
The Marvelous Beauhunks
SCUD [EP]
I’ve raved about these Canadian mod-rockers before, but they’re back with a new EP so I’m going to do it again! The Marvelous Beauhunks mix 60s-era The Who, 70s-era The Jam, and 80s-era The Smiths to create a sneeringly melodic sonic assault with just the right amount of attitude. “Top of the World” is a perfect kick-off to your choice of Friday night shenanigans.
Ben Watt
Hendra / Romany and Tom
Ben Watt is an unstoppable force in the UK music scene – you may know him best as half of electronic duo Everything But The Girl – but alongside his many musical endeavors, he’s a talented author as well. This unique NoiseTrade exclusive combines three tracks from Ben’s new solo album Hendra, as well as the first two chapters of his new memoir Romany and Tom.
When writer Will Hodge isn’t missing, you can find him running off at the keyboard about music, concerts, and vinyl at My So-Called Soundtrack