New Vinyl Alert: Must-Have Records Released This Week [18th June 2024]

"Vinyl isn't just a format; it's a lifestyle. It demands patience, reverence, and a true love for the art of music."

If you're on the hunt for new vinyl treasures, look no further. This week brings a diverse array of releases, from iconic albums reimagined to brand-new masterpieces. Perfect for those who appreciate the depth and warmth of vinyl, these records are ready to be the centerpiece of your next listening session.

1. Got A Story To Tell by Thee Sacred Souls: Recorded and produced by Gabriel Roth at Penrose Recorders, Daptone's studio in Riverside, CA, "Got A Story To Tell" captures an explosion of creativity, resulting in the band's best songs to date. Written by founding members Alejandro Garcia, Salvador Samano, and Josh Lane, the album blends decades of soul music and beyond, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The tracks savor the moment, taking their time to unfold. The album kicks off with “Lucid Girl,” a tribute to independent women, featuring some of the band’s most robust drum and bass work to date. The album is rich with characters and narratives, with “Lucid Girl” setting the scene. Throughout the album, you'll find layers of strings, expressive guitar, dynamic piano, conga beats, and vibrant horns, making for a rewarding listening experience with each play.
2. American Football by American Football: The self-titled album "American Football" sees the band returning with new material that takes a serendipitous detour down a familiar path. It’s filled with swelling emotions reminiscent of memories sparked by a familiar scent or a crack in the pavement, or the rush of warm apprehension when encountering a past lover before the fire of their connection had fully extinguished. In an era where reunions can feel routine, American Football stands out as an anomaly. There’s no past glory they aim to relive or reignite, nor any burden to diverge from a well-trodden path. Seventeen years later, everything still feels brand new because it is for them. After closing the lid on their creative output just as they were on the rise, the band returns with the advantage of greater maturity and enhanced musicianship. Their sound is now more expansive, the lyrics less naive and more world-weary, and the songs offer deeper layers and complexities to uncover and explore.
3. 9 Lives by Koe Wetzel: "9 Lives" is the fifth full-length album from Texas singer-songwriter and genre disruptor Koe Wetzel. Produced mainly by Gabe Simon (known for Noah Kahan’s "Stick Season"), the album also features contributions from trusted collaborators like Josh Serrato, Amy Allen, Carrie K, and Sam Harris of X Ambassadors. Hailing from Pittsburg, Texas, Wetzel has cultivated a devoted cult following, showcasing his versatility as a writer and his skill in interpreting songs. "9 Lives" blends country with rock, hip-hop, and grunge, illustrating the depth of Wetzel’s musical journey. The album includes big, emotional ballads such as "Damn Near Normal," "Sweet Dreams," and "Hatchet," as well as laid-back country singalongs like "Bar Song," "Casamigos," and "Reconsider." Some of Wetzel’s vocal performances verge on the sublime, softening his image as an unrepentant hellion.
4. Short N' Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter: "Short n’ Sweet" captures the vibrant energy of Sabrina Carpenter, the petite pop sensation with an enormous artistic impact. With a gold album and multiple platinum singles to her name, it's no surprise that "Espresso," the debut single from her forthcoming album, hits all the right notes. The track features lyrics that will make you both laugh and blush, coupled with songwriting so clever, you'll wish you had thought of it first.
5. The Secret of Us by Gracie Abrams: Gracie Abrams returns with her sophomore album, "The Secret of Us," released via Interscope Records. This album represents her most expansive work to date, both sonically and narratively. Following the success of her debut album "Good Riddance," Gracie demonstrates significant growth as a songwriter and vocalist in this extroverted collection of songs. Continuing her collaboration with Aaron Dessner, Gracie also co-wrote several tracks with her best friend Audrey Hobert. "The Secret of Us" captures the urgency of sharing every moment of a night with a close friend, with Gracie’s live experiences over the past year deeply influencing the album’s identity.