PORTLAND, Maine — New music and books are hitting the shelves at Bull Moose this month. Chris Brown and Lauren Pattenaude joined us to share some of those new releases. Here’s their full list.
Shannon and The Clams – The Moon is in the Wrong Place: (CD, vinyl) - Proud Misfits and Glam Garage Punk Psych Rock Gods, Shannon and The Clams are back with The Moon is in the Wrong Place on May 10. Another produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, it is a complex album written with urgency after the tragic, unimaginable death of singer Shannon’s fiancé just before their wedding. Shannon’s fiancé, nicknamed "Farmer Joe," was a fantastic person, friend, and musician. The band's intricate and intense bond shines like sunshine refracted through stained glass in the shank of the evening. Shan asks, "Was it real?" and the boys answer, "It was so real." I’m proud of Shan, Cody, Will and Nate for this beautiful documentation of grief, love, life and the spirit to dance and rock on.
Elise Juska – Reunion (hardcover) – "Reunion" is the story of three college friends who return to coastal Maine for their 25th college reunion. Elise Juska attended Bowdoin College and her fictional town of Sewall, Maine, which will remind you of Brunswick. If you've ever been to your 25th college reunion, you know what it is like to feel like your life is a mess and everyone else is rich and happy. Will the friends be honest with each other and how many golf carts will they steal? Recommended if you are having a mid-life crisis.
Jessica Pratt - Here in the Pitch: This is the kind of record that makes one feel instantly cooler. Though the vibe reminds me of Lisa Germano or Nico or Edith Piaf, Jessica lives alone in her own genre. Quiet measured power with lyrics that may hit you hours later. I imagine Jessica winking slyly as she soundtracks your soul. "Here in the Pitch" is a ride you'll want to take again and again.
Laufey – Bewitched: The Goddess Edition CD, vinyl, cassette
Laufey – Typical of Me EP – vinyl reissue of 2021 EP
Laufey is a pop jazz singer and composer from Iceland. She has two things out right now, an expanded version of 2023’s "Bewitched," with four additional tracks, and a vinyl issue of an EP from 2021. Some of her tracks, especially from the 2021 EP, have sparse textures underpinned by gentle guitar. Laufey’s voice doesn’t sound like Astrud Gilberto, but she seems to love bossa nova. Other tracks are lushly orchestrated and might remind one of Ella Fitzgerald’s 1960s albums for Verve. Again, she doesn’t sound like Ella (who could?) but you can hear the influence. Laufey sounds like herself, which is how it should be.
Sia – Reasonable Woman: It’s undeniable that Sia is an extraordinary musical talent who is enigmatic but accessible while being a wonderful math problem lit by a disco ball. Reasonable Woman has some bangers and gives some deep feels. It’s an interesting turn from her. Overall, I want nothing more for Sia than to be able to dance all night and feel all right.