Four Songs You Should Listen to Right Now: Pete Molinari, Father John Misty, Sylvan Esso, Parquet Courts

Pete Molinari – “Hang My Head in Shame”

I opened a package with the Pete Molinari album last night and everything about it said folk – the cover art of him with a guitar, a list of influences that include Woody Guthrie – but when I put it on, I was met with “Hang My Head in Shame” which in anything but.

It’s an incredibly catchy rock track that features Barrie Cadogan (Primal Scream).

I love everything about it, an immediate new favorite.

The UK artist claims Bruce Springsteen among his fans and Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) lends his talents to another track on his fourth album, “Theosophy”, which was released last week.

Father John Misty – “Trouble”

When I heard that Father John Misty had covered Cat Stevens, I could not click play fast enough. And it was everything I hoped it would be!

“Harold & Maude” is easily one of my favorite movies and the music is an integral part. (Fun fact: The soundtrack wasn’t formally released until a few years ago when Cameron Crowe put it out on limited edition vinyl.)

This cover version will be included in the first ever documentary on filmmaker Hal Ashby officially sanctioned by his estate. It’s being directed by Amy Scott and will be called “ONCE I WAS: The Hal Ashby Story”.

Shout out to Aquarium Drunkard for the tip!

Sylvan Esso – “Wolf”

Sylvan Esso’s self-titled album was a slow burner for me. It took a little while for me to get into it, which seems crazy now since some of the songs are so infectious.

This synth-pop success story comes from a somewhat unlikely duo – singer Amelia Meath (of folk trio Mountain Man) and Nick Sanborn from rockers Megafaun.

Her voice anchors all the songs, but the beats propel them. They make a great team.

“Coffee” and it’s “get up get down” refrain is the obvious single, but I’m a big fan of “Wolf”.

Parquet Courts –“Black and White”

Parquet Courts are Pitchfork favorites who generated a ton of buzz and critical acclaim around their last album, but many are considering the recently released “Sunbathing Animal” a stronger effort.

If you need an injection of rock energy into your week, might I suggest checking out this band, particularly “Black and White”. Jason Bentley has taken a liking to it and it’s easy to see why.

The Brooklyn-based band captured their neighborhood in a recently released video showing singer Andrew Savage taking a stroll. It’s simple, but very cool.

RR