Every Friday, 88Nine music director Erin Wolf and Lilliput Records co-owner Tanner Musgrove tell you about the new albums you can’t miss on a new episode of On Vinyl. Check out their top picks and a list of this week’s other releases, and listen to their full conversation using the player on this page or on the 88Nine airwaves at 1 p.m. every Friday.
We’ve got some delightful heavy hitters and sleeper hits alike in this particular bunch of Friday vinyl releases: household names like Gorillaz and Iron & Wine, and indie darlings like Lala Lala and Voxtrot.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s something to suit and soothe every mood — from upbeat dance to introspective navel-gazing. The common thread is that the majority of this crop has a Milwaukee connection, whether it’s an upcoming show (Iron & Wine at Turner Hall, Lala Lala at Cactus Club) or a label home (Voxtrot). Tap into that magical connection with wax as the conduit.
Happy New Music Friday!
Best new albums out Feb. 27
Gorillaz, The Mountain
The virtual British band return at last with their ninth studio album. The original release date was bumped up to today from March 20, so fans get their Gorillaz fix even earlier than anticipated. Maybe they had more leeway because this is the first Gorillaz album released without a major label (it’s out on the group’s own label, Kong).
However it’s being released, The Mountain promises to be a super fun listen. There are no shortage of collabs from outliers like the late Mark E. Smith (of the Fall) and Dennis Hopper, but also musicians like Bobby Womack, Johnny Marr, Tony Allen, Sparks, De La Soul, Omar Souleyman and many, many more.
The vinyl is at your fave indie shop packaged as two black 12-inch discs housed in a gatefold sleeve, with original artwork by the iconic graphic artist Jamie Hewlett. There is also an indie exclusive yellow bio-vinyl version available as well.
Iron & Wine, Hen’s Teeth
The songs for Hen’s Teeth were recorded during the same sessions as previous album Light Verse, but Sam Beam of Iron & Wine says the latest batch is not necessarily kin to its predecessor.
“For the last couple years,” he explained, “one of my go-to’s has been Van Morrisson’s Astral Weeks — that style where jazz musicians play folk music and it blossoms in different ways than folk musicians are normally interested in doing.” That’s pretty beloved inspiration, which makes Hen’s Teeth all the more promising. It’s out on a clear “loser edition” or plain black via Sub Pop at your local shop.
Lala Lala, Heaven 2
Co-produced with Melina Duterte (aka Jay Som), Lala Lala’s new album is her fifth studio effort and boasts additional contributions from Sen Morimoto, Macie Stewart and Aaron Maine of Porches. The album centers around Lillie West’s musings on a year-plus of wanderlust and globe-trotting and is available on marbled navy wax at your favorite indie record store via Sub Pop Records.
Voxtrot, Dreamers in Exile
American jangle-pop band Voxtrot is back with their first studio album since 2007 and their second overall (they focused on EPs when they were active between 2003-2010). The band reformed for a reunion tour in 2022, which inspired this new album. Fun fact for Milwaukee fans: Voxtrot released their debut 7-inch single on The Bus Stop, which is Lilliput co-owner Brian Kirk’s former record label. This one is available on standard black vinyl at your fave shop via Cult Hero Records.
More of our picks
- Bill Callahan, My Days of 58
- Bruno Mars, The Romantic
- Buck Meek, The Mirror
- cootie catcher, Something We All Got
- Heavenly, Highway To Heavenly
- Nothing, a short history of decay
- Tōth, And The Voice Said
