This week we have two huge releases by !!! (Chk Chk Chk) and Arcade Fire. Both albums had us waiting patiently, whittling our fingernails down, while they release single after single, prepping us for the big day. They’re here!

The last two songs on Let It Be Blue, “Crazy Talk,” and “This Is Pop,” really remind me of The Clash. The latter screams PULP to me, but the title track, “Let It Be Blue,” falls closer to what their fanbase is used to, and I love how funky the rhythm is. This should be a fun one, break out those platform shoes, “Let’s Dance” like Bowie.

Things get more serious with this Arcade Fire release WE. So far they have dropped some incredible singles, and “Age of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole)” is their latest. A seven-minute journey that has you feeling like you’re wandering down a rabbit hole of keyboards, and drum machines. After one listen it’s obvious the band wanted to try new things, and they let the songs go where they take them.

“End Of The Empire I-III” feels Lennon-esque, while “Unconditional II (Race and Religion)” gives Régine Chassagne her moment in the spotlight alongside, the man, the myth, the legend, Peter Gabriel. Kind of cool for Arcade Fire to have Peter in the studio, double-tracking his trademark vocals. I’m sure peeps will be mentioning this for Album Of The Year.

Young Charlie Burg has hit his stride with “97 Avalon” and “Break The Rhythm.” After a string of numbered EPs, and his Blue Wave Mosaic mixtape he’s found his voice, and vibe, that lies somewhere between John Mayer and Ed Sheeran. Stay tuned, big things are ahead for this man.

Night Moves is releasing an album this year at their own leisure, and we’ve received a few singles so far. They just did one of these Jam In The Van sessions, and wouldn’t you know it, they recorded a version of my favorite track, “Mexico.” Man does it sound sweet!

There’s a great vibe on this new Dawes single, “Someone Else’s Cafe/Doomscroller Tries To Relax.” Jazzy, funky, and relaxed, with intricate instrumentation, this thing hums for nine minutes of stress-free enjoyment.

Kid Bloom is on some Michael Jackson/The Weeknd shit. Not sure why I never heard “Like I Never Left” back in November, but he’s on my #RADAR now.

Chiddy is back with “Minor Issues” and this might be his best single to date. He’s been prepping his new record for a while, and some of the singles haven’t quite been up to par. Xaphoon is no longer behind the decks, and for that reason, the beats have suffered along with Chiddy’s creativity. “Minor Issues” is a smooth return to form, with quality lyrics.

“How you sitting there, trying to give the kid advice/It’s better off you take your own and try to live your life.”

Shuko and Saib get together for your Jazz Cut Of The Week. “Who’s World Is This?” is more of that hip jazz, as I have coined it. Hip-hop beats with jazzy instrumentation, and man is this one special. Shuko’s production quality is second to none. Check out his single, “Jamal,” for more reference.

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