Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
I miss a few weeks and I come back and what do I find? Nothing but new albums from artists way past their prime. Do these dinosaurs still have what it takes? And is Ariana Grande old-school now? Heck, I don’t know. I’ll be back with some artists of today next time, I promise!
Mick, Keith & Co. Keep Rolling
The Rolling Stones ain’t going quietly. Foreign Tongues, their latest, even features Charlie Watts from beyond the grave. Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, and other greats appear too. It’s available on CD and double-LP, and of course there’s an Indie Exclusive version with a gatefold sleeve and heavyweight 180g green vinyl. Of course. Pre-order here.
Madonna Has Some Things to Confess
Andrew Watt produced the Stones’ new one, and Watt pops in on a couple of tracks on the Material Girl’s latest album too. Madonna gets some things off her chest on Confessions II, which includes a track featuring and co-written by her daughter Lola Leon.
The immersive Confessions II – The Film premiered at the 25th Tribeca Film Festival last month.
And Madonna will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on July 19 in New Jersey. Provided this week’s red card controversy doesn’t derail the whole tournament…
Jack White: Cassettes Are Cool!
Almost as old-school, Jack White’s label Third Man Records is dropping his new album Frozen Charlotte on July 10. White’s backed by Patrick Keeler on drums, Dominic Davis on bass, and Bobby Emmett on keyboards. And for that old-school cred, you can grab it not just on CD and vinyl but on cassette!
Ariana Grande: Pearly White
The Good Witch’s eighth studio album is coming out at the end of the month on Republic Records. This one has a “translucent pearly white vinyl” edition. Of course. But will it defy gravity? Pre-order here.
Collective Soul Goes New Wave
The hit-making collective goes old-school with Touch and Go, out July 31. It’s described as “something new musically for the band, taking inspiration from The Cars” – which I guess explains the title – “and New Wave music.” And in case you’re wondering, their vinyl edition is “teal marble” colored.
