Erin’s Prime Slices of the Week (2/11-2/17)

Ezra Furman – Transangelic Exodus // psychedelic rock, musical novel

This album is really intense and wonderfully unique conceptually. The entire thing tells a story in which Ezra is “in love with an angel, and a government is after [them], and [they] have to leave home because angels are illegal, as is harboring angels”. The angels are “Transangelic” because “they have an operation, and they’re transformed [into angels]… and it causes panic”. Pretty intense stuff. The music really reflects the urgency of this story with its mixture of strings, synths, and distorted guitars. Ezra’s voice is haunting and seeping with emotion and just perfect for the role. You’ll be on the edge of your seat with every track.
Favorite Tracks: God Lifts Up The Lowly, Compulsive Liar, Psalm 151
Listen Here: https://soundcloud.com/bella-union/ezra-furman-love-you-so-bad-1
Citizen Kay – Belly of the Beast // soul, jazz, hip hop
Australian rapper, Citizen Kay, says he has really tried to push himself lyrically in “Belly of the Beast”, and I would 100% agree. I picked up a lot of funk/jazz in his basslines and chord progressions, and I could hear some Thundercat influences in some of the general instrumentation, specifically in “These Kicks” (track 3). The album as a whole is really fearless in execution and there is such a clear and thought out  flow from one track to the next.
Favorite Tracks: Early, These Kicks (feat. Georgia B.), For Me, Whatchu Got
Listen Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHfoqKjGQy0&list=PLMXAV37tQo2HSteuggFPGW1DEeQmmJ4tH
Lucy Dacus – Addictions [Single] / Night Shift [Single] // indie alt
 
I just love Lucy Dacus’ voice and general vibe. When she performs, its a story – like she’s sitting down with her best friend, sharing her most personal ideas, regrets, insecurities,etc.. Lucy’s words are deep and rich, both lyrically and vocally.The first line of “Night Shift” is genius, but then again the whole song is written so well; somehow balancing in the space between stream of consciousness and beautifully hand crafted poetry. I really recommend going in on her past repertoire. She really is a genuinely good artist that writes such genuine music it hurts my heart. Just go listen.
Listen Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WDZdT04ls4  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab9aaiI7SkU