Finally, both The Strokes and Local H have released their full-length albums. The New Abnormal and LIFERS, respectively, are both available on Spotify for your enjoyment.

Local H celebrated 30 years in the music industry, and the release of their 9th album LIFERS, by live-streaming a record release party from their rehearsal space in Chicago. The new songs they debuted sounded rich and powerful. Songwriter Scott Lucas wrote a concept album that was produced by local legend Steve Albini. Hard to believe this was the first time Lucas and Albini have worked together. Check out “Winter Western” and see if you can hear Juliana Hatfield singing?

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The Strokes chose Rick Ruban to produce The New Abnormal, their first release in seven years, and 6th album overall. I would say it works on about half the album, while the other half is slow to get off the ground, if at all. Not sure which party is responsible for the direction they’ve taken, but this one will definitely take some getting used to. Maybe that’s a good thing?

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Hey now, The Kooks release a new EP called Unshelved: Pt.1. Well, this is exciting!

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Butch Walker releases the second single from his upcoming rock opera, AMERICAN LOVE STORY (out May 8th) and “Gridlock,” might be better than it’s predecessor, “Pretty Crazy?” Yes, that is pretty crazy. I think this album is going to be great!?

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It’s so good to hear Damon singing on the new Gorillaz song, “Aries,” I miss his voice. JR JR releases another fun single called “The Way I Do,” and Rogue Wave returns with new music, “Aesop Rock.”

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Now I had no idea that rapper Aesop Rock had a new single out called “Rogue Wave?” Apparently, this is their answer.

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Washed Out’s “Too Late” is nice and lush, while Juliana Hatfield’s Police cover, “Truth Hits Everybody,” is too sparse and could stand to be a little more rich and layered.

Sinatra in his younger days? Yes, “The Nearness Of You” sounds pleasant as Frank gets remastered. Big B records a drinking song that will help you through this #ShelterInPlace.

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I’ll be damned if we didn’t wake up to an Active Child LP? WTF? I heard nothing about this ten-song drop called In Another Life.

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A nice surprise this week is the pretty and eloquent, “Love Song For The Haters,” from Fleece. The Dropkick Murphy’s release a banger called “Mick Jones Knicked My Pudding, ” which was also a treat. Pop and punk, what else do we need?

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A little jazz? Well, Henrik Janson’s “Chopin’s House,” is both classical and jazz, so meditate on this for a few minutes.

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