Welcome to The Notebook. Every month explore the new sounds that the Hult Center team (and some special guests) are listening to.
It took a little longer to get June in order but it was worth it and we’ve a great collection of music to add to your playlist.
Rich Hobby – Director of Marketing
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed seeing the return of Yeah Yeah Yeahs last year and their album “Cool it Down” was a fantastic return to form with thunderous production, which is why I’ve been enamored with a recent single of “Spitting Off the Edge of the World” (Lush Version), which is a stripped down acoustic styling of the top banger from the album. However, it’s the nuance and the pulled back style of this version that does the wonderful trick of making you fall in love with the song in a completely different way. While the original is dark and moody, the new version is sultry and almost whimsical at the end. Of course, I also have to note that Perfume Genius is also such a treat of a vocal cameo on both versions, and always worthy of a deeper dive if you have yet to devour their catalogue.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Spitting Off the Edge of the World
Eryn Hummel – Marketing Coordinator
Rum Jungle’s “Everything is Easy” makes me wish it would last another 5 minutes. Kaleidoscopic Aussie beach vibes crash into a chorus I love to get lost in – 10 out of 10 for summer reflections. I’m keeping this one and the band’s kinetic single “Her and the Sun” in heavy rotation for warm days.
The new-to-me track “Best of Me” released by The Brummies earlier this year is another I find myself skipping ahead to. Lucid guitar lines trace gauzy vocals and the sum fits into a category of transcendent indie chill that is hard to not love.
Rum Jungle – Everything is Easy
The Brummies – Best of Me
Daniel Olbrych – Content and Design Coordinator
Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse) is one of my all time favorite songwriters. Ever. His songs are beautiful. They are sad and fragile. He committed suicide in 2010.
13 years later, Mark’s brother Matt has delicately completed Bird Machine, the final Sparklehorse album and it’s set for release this September. “Evening Star Supercharger” is a pretty hard listen for obvious reasons. I cannot imagine what it was like for Matt and others to complete this record. Like bringing someone back. It’s heartbreaking but I’m so grateful for one last record from one of the best.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Talk To Someone Now. The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential. Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Sparklehorse – Evening Star Supercharger
Greg – House of Records
It’s not surprising that Dave Grohl directly addresses the shocking death of Taylor Hawkins–his close friend and the group’s drummer–in the lyrics for these new songs. What is surprising is that he didn’t hire another drummer. Instead Grohl himself takes the drum stool, and reminds us what a true powerhouse he is. Listening to this record, it’s hard to deny that Grohl is one of his generation’s greatest drummers; he may be one of the best in the history of rock and roll, period.
Dusty Adair – Talent Buyer
True Babe took me back to the 90’s when I listened to No Doubt and I love it. Gwen hasn’t released a song since 2021, but after this one I hope there is more to come. This song is perfect for summer and I will be adding it to my playlist.
I was very excited about the new Kelly Clarkson album since she hasn’t release one since 2017. The album is about the all the feels a breakup causes. The songs go from being upbeat to sad and slow. The lyrics to all the songs really take you on a roller-coaster of emotions. I recommend giving it a listen.
Gwen Stefani – True Babe
Kelly Clarkson – Chemistry
