Your New Music Monday selections for November 14 celebrate German electro-folk, a synth-happy return and a supreme lyricist:
“Everybody’s got stories to tell. I’m no different – or can’t you tell?”
He’s got the kind of stories worthy of a best-selling memoir – and when your ears latch onto Garrett Owen‘s “Sad Eyed Son” for the first time, you’ll notice a definite difference, right off the bat. Championed by his fellow local artists Matt Tedder and Jacob Metcalf, and in writer Eva Raggio’s recent piece in the Dallas Observer, Garrett Owen is the consummate artist – a poet’s poet and a player with a style all his own. His love-at-first-listen self-titled debut arrives in January – 11 songs conveying an astute wisdom and vision beyond his years.
With an astounding knack for the kind of lyricism and rhythm some artists take years to painstakingly cultivate, Maggie Rogers first came to the attention of Pharrell Williams and the rest of the music-loving public with breakout smash “Alaska.” It wasn’t long before Capitol took notice and signed her, and as she’s busy in the studio putting the finishing touches for her first record, “Dog Years” is another gem that’ll keep you sated until that comes out in February.
“Stolen Dance” was the runaway hit of 2013, and Sadnecessary was the debut that put this this German duo on the map. “Cocoon” marks their return of Milky Chance, showcasing a similarly gentle pop-folk aesthetic with understated, hypnotic hooks and lyrics reflecting the necessity of not letting all the noise of everyday life take up valuable real estate in your head.
Four long years have passed since Coexist, so fans of London trio The XX should rejoice and mark January 17 in big, blazing red letters for the release of I See You, part of which was recorded out in Marfa and features a sweet sampling of a Hall & Oates classic. I See You promises to be a less sleepy and beat-driven affair, judging by the sound of the first single, “On Hold.” No doubt this’ll be on the set list when they make their SNL debut this Saturday, November 19.
Happy listening!
XOXO
G.
