Upcoming Album of the Week (Ending February 24)

I'm sure by now we've all seen Fergie's interesting rendition of the national anthem before the NBA All Star game. I probably don't have any thoughts on it that haven't been said before, just seems like an overly-stylistic performance that was not fully committed to. I don't think she's a bad singer, and she did release a few not-band singles last year for her Double Duchess album. If she sticks to the recorded stuff for a while and announces any new music, be sure to keep an eye out for it on my Upcoming Releases page!

This week, the incredible Janelle Monáe announced her fourth album, Dirty Computer.

pitchfork.com

Monáe came onto the scene in 2007 with the EP, Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase), debuting her highly-conceptual style and her alter ego, the ArchAndroid. She followed with her debut album in 2010, named for her alter ego, and another album in 2013.

Following her second album, she started to make moves in a new industry, starring in two films, Hidden Figures and Moonlight, which were both nominated for several Oscars. I thought that, with her quick success in the industry, she would shift her career focus, but was apparently already in the studio at work on her latest record.

She announced the new album on Thursday, along with two new songs and videos! Dirty Computer is set to be released on May 4.

Also announced this week:

Alexis Taylor - Beautiful Thing (April 20)
Buzzy Lee - Facepaint EP (April 27)
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane Reissue (April 20)
David Bowie - CHANGESTWOBOWIE Reissue (April 13)
Father John Misty - “Mr. Tillman” (out now)
Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour (March 30)
Matt & Kim - Almost Everyday (May)
Parquet Courts - Wide Awake! (May 18)
Remember Sports - Slow Buzz (May 18)
Shamir - “Room” 7” (March 9)
Simian Mobile Disco - Murmurations (May 11)
Sorority Noise - YNAAYT (March 16)
Speedy Ortiz - Twerp Verse (April 27)
Twin Shadow - Caer (April 27)
The Who - Live at the Fillmore East 1968 (April 20)
YG - “Suu Whoop” (out now)
You Were Never Really Here: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (March 9)
Zola Jesus - Okovi: Additions (April 6)