By Noni Kigera
Murder Most Foul | Bob Dylan
Murder Most Foul by Bob Dylan is his latest and longest release in eight years. The 17-minute single is about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
The opening line of the song is, “It was a dark day in Dallas, November ’63 …” as Dylan sings with story-telling like cadence most similar to 2012 Tempest or 2006 Modern Times. In a rich, mellow tone, he discusses the details of the events surrounding the murder, but he also touches on cultural references from iconic musical acts to infamous bank robbers like, Bugsy Siegel and Pretty Boy Floyd. These somber lyrics are laid over an even more somber melody featuring violins, piano, and percussion.
Dylan said he recorded the track a while ago and he just decided to release it as something interesting for his fans.
Listen to Dylan’s musical account of history below.
Bob Dylan- Murder Most Foul (Official Audio)
Ghosts V: Together & Ghosts VI: Locusts | Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails released two new albums, Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts, yesterday. The double feature is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and an expression of their emotions associated with the crisis.
In an intimate note on their website, the duo described the album as “two different different records for two different mindsets.”
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross wrote, “Ghosts V: Together is for when things seem like it might all be okay,” and “Ghosts VI: Locusts… well, you’ll figure it out.”
In the midst of the ever changing news alerts, the two self-proclaimed “antisocial-types” saw the need and value of connection and they went to music to cope. They shared these songs to extend hope and help fans feel “a little less alone in the world.”
Stream here or download the albums for free.
Nine Inch Nails- Letting Go While Holding On (Audio Only)
Gigaton | Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam released their long anticipated album, Gigaton, today. The album, originally announced in January, features 15 tracks and it’s their 11th full album since Lightning Bolt – which was released seven years ago.
Gigaton is an experimentation of new sounds and styles while simultaneously capturing, “the spirit of the band.” Prior to the album drop, Pearl Jam fans could listen to 30 second previews of each track via a hotline and leave the band a voicemail.
Guitarist Mike McCready said in a statement, “Making this record was a long journey. It was emotionally dark and confusing at times, but also an exciting and experimental road map to musical redemption.”
Although the dates for the North American tour have been postponed, many fans take comfort in the sounds of their beloved artist during this time.
In addition to the album, they released their first music video in seven years to the single “Dance of the Clairvoyants” last month, available here.
Listen to Gigaton on Spotify.
Life In Quarantine | Ben Gibbard
Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie dropped a new song via livestream titled, Life In Quarantine.
Life In Quarantine comes after days of his nightly “Live from Home” concerts. In these daily performances Gibbard has covered artists like Radiohead and Postal Service favorites, to connect with others and extend kindness.
He took a break from his digital shows to partner with organizations supporting the city and create Life In Quarantine.
The song is a solemn tune with lyrics including, ““The airports and train stations are full of desperate people/ Trying to convince the gate agents that not all emergencies are equal” and, “’Cause people have a way of getting crazy when they think they’ll be dead in a month.”
Proceeds from the release will be donated to Seattle-area relief organizations, and non-profit homelessness-support services such as Aurora Commons. Gibbard included the address for Aurora Commons at the end of the video.
Due to the pandemic, Gibbard was forced to cancel his solo tour.
Life In Quarantine- Ben Gibbard
The Best (feat. Alice Merton) | AWOLNATION
AWOLNATION released a reworked version of their song The Best featuring No Roots singer Alice Merton.
The band and Merton teamed from two different parts of the world to create this song according to a post by frontman Aaron Bruno.
On his Instagram, he said, “glad we found a way to connect even though we are in different parts of the world stuck at home …”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PcfQAJi8k/
The synthy pop song is an upbeat dance vibe with repetitive lyrics about self improvement and the video features the band rocking out and freely dancing in a room with Merton.
Joining the livestream trend, AWOLNATION and Merton to connect with fans and audiences following today’s release.
The full album Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders, is set to drop on April 24th.
Stream The Best (feat. Alice Merton).
AWOLNATION- The Best (feat. Alice Merton)
Photo: Getty
