New Music From Geordie Greep, Billy Strings and more
On this edition of Discologist, Eduardo and Kevin discuss The New Sound, the debut solo album from black midi’s Geordie Greep, bluegrass phenom Billy Strings’ Highway Prayers, new music from Dawes, Bill Frisell, The Hard Quartet, and much, much more!
Featured Albums
The New Sound
Geordie Greep
If your relationship with black midi skews toward “It’s complicated,” then Geordie Greep’s debut solo album, The New Sound, isn’t likely to move that needle for you one way or the other. That sound in question, while it has evolved towards something that can best be described as “prog salsa,” leans heavily on the more theatrical elements of black midi’s songs, feeling at times like a one-size-too-tight polyester shirt was slipped over whatever coiled beast powered that now-defunct band. And that’s not a bad thing.
Over eleven tracks, Greep gets down in the filth with a series of protagonists who are, at best, pathetically toxic men. Often are something far, far worse. These are the major dudes that Fagen and Becker only ever hinted at (Mr. Lapage, Cousin Dupree). These are the men who take regular trips to Burroughs’ Interzone where they can order their lunch as naked as they like.
Greep never loses sight of his characters’ awfulness, often outright mocking them. But The New Sound is at its best when he suggests that as terrible as these people are, there is still a chance that they have something resembling a heart beating somewhere beneath their their pit-soaked business attire. A legitimately gorgeous record about the corrupting power of ego and self-delusion that doesn’t let anyone off the hook, least of all the listener. - Kevin
Highway Prayers
Billy Strings
Billy Strings has been almost everywhere these last few years. From hype as the token bluegrass player you should know to playing a special gig in a friend's old metal band to being friends with Post Malone to jamming with Bob Weir and Billy Kreutzmann, Strings has had an eventful few years. His latest, Highway Prayers, plays like a confident walk-through of modern bluegrass. That may be a strength to some and a liability to others, but there's no doubting Strings' enthusiasm and dedication to his craft. - Eduardo
Worth a Listen
Show Notes
We’re able to bring you great shows like this and more
because of your generous support.
Please consider making a one time gift or a recurring donation today!
