Recent Releases 5 Albums And An EP

Recent Releases 5 Albums And An EP

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Posted 2022-10-16 by Steven Gfollow
Recent Releases – 5 Albums And An EP

2022 continues to come up with some great music, and here are some more albums worth considering.

I will state, however, that only one of these albums really made an impact on the charts, so these are albums that I like and I think more people should know about.

These are in order of release date, June to September, 2022, and don't include albums I've already reviewed.
**June 17, 2022
the storm before the calm by Alanis Morissette**

I was not sure what to make of this album the first time I heard it. It's been 27 years since her landmark Jagged Little Pill album was released, and this album could not be further from that one in sound. I had to listen to this with no distractions at all, and it works. This is a meditative album, an album of longer pieces that flow through you like water. It is like an updated Kitaro (for those who remember that artist), with lush synths and dreamy musicscapes. It is actually a stunningly beautiful collection, and something that a few decades ago would have been referred to as "New Age". It is more than that. Go into this one with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.

**July 29, 2022
Surrender by Maggie Rogers**

Do you like pop music? Dance? Folk? Rock? Acoustic? Well, this is the album for you – it is a bit of everything. And it works together so well. I prefer this album to Rogers' debut – a rare second album that improves upon the first. Her voice is great on all the tracks, and my mood will dictate which song I like the best in the collection. If I'm feeling introspective, then 'Different Kind Of World' does me. If I want something pumping, then 'Shatter' serves nicely. It's that sort of album, running a gamut of emotions in one collection. If you liked her debut, you are going to really enjoy this. This, by the way, is the only charting album on this list.

**July 29, 2022
Rat Beat by Beach Rats**

Beach Rats are described as a surf-punk band. But, to me, this is punk rock they way they used to do it, back in the 1970s, 1980s. This is not the pop-punk of the early 2000s, but straight-ahead, in-your-face, real rock, and I loved every single song on this collection. 12 tracks, and only two are over 2 minutes long for a total play time of less than 25 minutes. If you don't like a song, don't worry, it'll be over soon! A collection of great short songs that just brings a smile to my face. But there are also more melodic songs here; it is not a one-trick pony. Punk rock done right.


**September 9, 2022
Patient Number 9 by Ozzy Osbourne**

The last Ozzy Osbourne album was a surprising return to form, albeit with a little too much that veered away from what made Ozzy great. Well, this one is better than that. There are quite a few different styles here, but they are all rock-based and Ozzy tackles them so well. This is like an old friend coming home. It feels like a celebration of being alive, even if it has an amazing ballad called 'God Only Knows' near the end which is just depressing in its really strong lyrics and doom-laden guitars. But the whole album is so very good. He is here to stay for a while, and I hope we get another album out of him while he is on such a roll.

**September 30, 2022
This Machine Still Kills Fascists by Dropkick Murphys**

If you are expecting some of the high-octane Dropkicks Murphys rock, then… sorry. This is the band's first all-acoustic album, and it has been recorded without regular singer Al Barr (who is going through some personal issues, but all say he will be back). More than that, all the lyrics were written by late, great Woody Guthrie. His daughter Nora allowed the DMs to go through some unreleased song lyrics and the like, the band put Woody's words to music, and this is the outcome. Now, don't get me wrong – they still rock, but this sound is different and, much like Springsteen did with The Sessions Band, this is a nice change of pace, and shows that Guthrie's lyrics are timeless. This is, I guess, a folk-rock album, but is still an amazing collection.

And… an EP!
**September 24, 2022
The Cage EP by Billy Idol**

4 tracks, and Idol sounds more like his 80s heyday now than he has in years. Each of the four songs on this collection are really strong, but my favourite is 'Running From The Ghost', a slower track that shows he can still sing. And know what's really cool? Steve Stevens is still his guitarist and co-writer after all these years! That is so good to read. But if you liked Idol's 1980s music then this EP (and his last EP The Roadside (2021) as well) are going to satisfy that itch. I like this – releasing just a few tracks at a time. It really does make the listener want "more, more, more…"

5 albums and an EP. There is something here for everyone, and I could not pick a favourite, though, if pressed, the Dropkick Murphys would just win out. Like I said, 2022 has seen some amazing music. It's just that very little of it has reached the charts, and that's a shame. The safe option is not the best option. Awesome music exists elsewhere.

Hope there is something here for you to enjoy.

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83208 - 2023-06-11 06:39:10

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