Recapping some of what you heard on this week's show.
The Mutts – “So Many So Many” – Separation Anxiety (Mutts Music, LLC)
‘The Mutts,’ as a band name, has gotten some mileage in recent years. Neither the LA Mutts, nor the UK Mutts, this particular litter hails from Chicago and are Mike Maimone, Bob Buckstaff, and Chris Faller. These Mutts formed in 2009, having met as hired session musicians for Company of Thieves. A year later the prolific trio had released three EPs. Their new release, Separation Anxiety, summons the pea gravel growl of Tom Waits, the shuffle-y thump of Primus, and the delightfully twisted perspective of Captain Beefheart. (Audio below.)
The Sugarman 3 – “Rudy’s Intervention” – What the World Needs Now (Daptone)
It’s been ten years since their last, and this, their 4th album, was written and recorded over four days in apparently distraction-free Bushwick. Oozy funk instrumentals and affectionate covers with more than a nod to Burt Bacharach. This track is perhaps the ooziest. The Sugarman 3 are Neal Sugarman on sax, Adam Scone on the organ, and Rudy Albin on drums. Here and elsewhere on the album they get help from Dap-Kings trumpeter Dave Guy, Fernando Velez on the conga, Joe Crispiano on guitar, and label co-owner Bosco Mann on bass.
Sean Hayes – “Miss Her When I’m Gone” – Before We Turn to Dust (Sean Hayes Music)
Hayes is a new dad, so much of the album has that “I don’t wanna ever leave the house again” feel, and he brings you right down onto the couch and under the Snuggie with him. Also cuddling up on this album are Andrew Borger (Tom Waits/Norah Jones) and Ezra Lipp on drums, Devin Hoff on bass, and Eric Khun on keys and percussion. To be released in September.
Bibi Tanga & The Selenites – “My Heart is Jumping” - 40° Of Sunshine (Nat Geo)
Afro-Parisian outfit led by Central African born Bienvenu (Bibi) Tanga. Tanga’s father was a diplomat so he lived all over the world (including Brooklyn), which surely informs the music you then make. He credits the sound of the new album to the fact the band was "sunnier and happier" than usual when they recorded it. Having just completed an African tour where they'd played about a dozen countries, he says they felt bonded. It really shines through. Lots of tasty stuff on this album.
For more, listen to Thump and Growl with Kimberly Massengill, Tuesdays 10:00-noon. For full real-time playlists, click the "read more" link below.
Watch video
