ON THE RECORD FULLY BOOKED

By Yo La Tengo

If you’re into alternative music, then this is an album to watch out for. An American indie rock band, Yo La Tengo was formed in 1984. Although some of the members have changed over the years, core duo, Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley have remained constant. Bass player James McNew joined in 1992.

This Stupid World has a unique stringsy sound. At the same time, it gives off indie vibes with atypical beats – the songs don’t try to maintain a beat just to qualify as club hits like on Tonight’s Episode. Ira’s singing style is easy going, as if he were jamming out of his bedroom-turned-studio, which offers a rustic edge as in Fallout Georgia on Aselestine will blow you away. The track has a different pace and energy compared to others on the LP; like warm sunshine thawing your cold heart. The words are raw, hitting the right spot. Speaking of lyrics, Until It Happens gives the listener a reality check. “Prepare to die/ Prepare yourself while there's still time/ It's simple to do/ And then it happens to you.”

There’s a heaviness that looms throughout, surfacing in songs such as Apology Letter, which ironically also proves to be the remedy. This release via Matador Records comes after three years, and, it’s safe to say, the wait has been worth it.

By Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen’s latest release via Big Loud Records offers elements of country music with the acoustic guitar and Wallen’s addictive Southern accent, but with a modern touch, so to speak. Catchy tunes and simple words characterise this 36song album – ideal for a long drive. There are references to God throughout and even the music on many occasions seamlessly alternates between country and gospel. On Man Made A Bar , Wallen sings, “So God made a girl, His best work of art/ Oh, but he didn't make no place to go when she breaks your heart/ So man madе a bar”. But then, Wallen seems to have his own idea of God and religion. On In The Bibl e – “Lord knows I'd be one hell of a disciple/ If bein' country was in the Bible” and on Don’t Think Jesus – “Boy moves to city, lives fast and goes hard/ Starts chasin' the devil through honky-tonk bars”. There are references to imbibing, relationships and heartbreak too. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine these tracks being played on a loop in someone’s bedroom. One Thing at a Time is only Wallen’s third creation but is nonetheless promising.

By Brendan Slocumb

A terrible title for a fun and gripping read in which the works of a musical maestro are called into question. Music professor Bern Hendricks is called in to authenticate a lost opera from America’s most famous composer, Frederick Delaney. But, his research uncovers a shocking tale of stolen inspiration involving a young, black, jazz-age musician. The powerful foundation, which protects Delaney’s works, will stop at nothing to keep the secret hidden while Bern and his techsavvy chum Eboni will move heaven and earth to discover the truth.

By Ella Berman

A summer in Greece heralded the unthinkable for three young friends – only two made it home. The survivors, Bess and Joni, were cleared of any involvement in their pal’s demise but still, they were subjected to intense media speculation. One milked the tragedy to become a successful public speaker while the other hid away to lick her wounds. Now, 10 years on, successful Joni is entangled in a similar situation and Bess must decide whether to support her friend and at the same time face up to what happened on that fateful night in Greece.