Whatever you’re looking for (folk-rock, modern-funk, instrumental guitar-core?), you’ll find it on one of this week’s newly released albums. Twenty years on from his breakthrough debut, Ray LaMontagne found inspiration in Townes Van Zandt for his ninth album, Long Way Home. Her first album of originals in over 15 years, Nikka Costa’s Dirty Disco is a welcome return from the eclectic soul-pop auteur. Blind Pilot stage their own return after a dozen years away; In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain is the fourth LP from the evocative Portland quartet. On the heels of a 25^th anniversary reissue of her signature album, Shelby Lynne teams up with a dynamic Nashville-based crew for Consequences of the Crown.

Though virtuoso guitarist Steve Marion doesn’t vocalize, lyrical licks are nonetheless the focus of Delicate Steve Sings, a tasteful set of originals and covers. Gliding melodies and breakbeat rhythms make Wishy’s Triple Seven a readymade soundtrack for either late summer or early 1998. More than just a remaster of their 1993 debut, Velocity Girl’s UltraCopacetic (Copacetic Remixed and Expanded) contains a wealth of bonus material, including a fresh remix and rare Peel session recordings.

Listen for spotlights on new records like these (and more) every week on the XPN Morning Show and Indie Rock Hit Parade.

PRESS PLAY on these new releases

Ray Lamontagne – Long Way Home
CHECK OUT: “Step into Your Power” “I Wouldn’t Change a Thing”

Nikka Costa – Dirty Disco
CHECK OUT: “Keep it High” “It’s Just Love”

Blind Pilot – In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain
CHECK OUT: “Just a Bird” “Jacaranda”

Shelby Lynne – Consequences of the Crown
CHECK OUT: “Over and Over” “But I Ain’t”

Delicate Steve – Delicate Steve Sings
CHECK OUT: “Baby” “Easy for You”

Wishy – Triple Seven
CHECK OUT: “Sick Sweet” “Love on the Outside”

Velocity Girl – UltraCopacetic (Copacetic Remixed and Expanded)
CHECK OUT: “Audrey’s Eyes” “Copacetic (Peel Session)”

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Music News - Ray LaMontagne