With over 20 new artists added to the WGRE music log last week, campus airwaves are filled with fresh tracks from a wide range of genres. Minnesotans Trampled By Turtles are back with three bluegrass tracks from their seventh album, “Wild Animals”, while Devonte Hynes of Blood Orange features a dreamy score from James Franco’s “Palo Alto”. Although the WGRE staff is stoked about additions like these, four particular artists nab our attention as the most impactful new artists. All situated at impressive points in their careers, these artists show that their sound is fit for the test of time.
Mary J. Blige – At 44-years old, one might imagine that Mary J. Blige’s career would have regressed since her “Be Without You” days. Nine years since her sensual masterwork, The Breakingthrough, Blige returns with The London Sessions. Her 13th album to date is bumpin’, and her first full length release since Think Like A Man Too. With a strong feature from Disclosure and songs co-written with Emeli Sande and Sam Smith, this album impresses from top to bottom.
D’Angelo & The Vanguard – For over 10 years, R&B all-star D’Angelo was more publically aligned to his absence from music than his contributions. In and out of so-called musical sabbatical since 1995, D’Angelo’s musical longevity seemed hazy. After abstaining from interviews and touring, most fans believed the multi-instrumentalist was limited to his guest appearances on friends’ releases. His recent release, Black Messiah, proves otherwise. It’s essentially a composition of unreleased tunes made over the course of his unconventional career. Frankly, it’s already receiving album of the year nods.
Sleater-Kinney – Punk rock three-piece Sleater-Kinney have collectively strayed from the spotlight since their 2005 release, The Woods. As guitarist Carrie Brownstein took her talents to ‘Portlandia’ and gained increasing fame, critics and fans alike wondered whether the multi-talented act would resume her duties with the band, or if each member was destined for solo callings. After releasing No Cities To Love, though, the band has been clearly restored as a rock commodity. Having already been named a headliner for Pitchfork Music Festival this summer, expect the Washington based band to become increasingly present across countless music outlets.
Smashing Pumpkins – Progression hasn’t been easy for Billy Corgan. The Chicago native has served as the centerpiece of the Smashing Pumpkins since the late ‘80s. Due to a half dozen band mates leaving since, though, the Pumpkins have had difficulty following ‘90s staples like Siamese Dream and Melancholy and The Infinite Sadness. After adding drummer Tommy Lee, Corgan and company seem in synch on their tenth album, Monuments For An Elegy. Released in December, this disc will appease diehard fans still upset over the several album whiffs over the past decade.
