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Albums Out Today: The Smile, Katy Kirby, Future Islands, Torres, and More

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on January 26, 2024:


The Smile, Wall of Eyes

The Smile have released their sophomore album, Wall of Eyes, via XL. Ahead of its arrival, Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner previewed the follow-up to 2022’s A Light for Attracting Attention with the songs ‘Bending Hectic’, the title track, and ‘Friend of a Friend’, which has a new video from director Paul Thomas Anderson out today. Previous collaborator Sam Petts-Davies produced and mixed the LP, which was recorded between Oxford and Abbey Road Studios and features string arrangements by the London Contemporary Orchestra.


Katy Kirby, Blue Raspberry

Katy Kirby has followed up her 2021 debut Cool Dry Place with Blue Raspberry, her first album for ANTI- Records. It was preceded by the singles ‘Cubic Zirconia’‘Table’, ‘Party of the Century’, and ‘Hand to Hand’. “This record is much more personal than I intended it to be” the New York-based singer-songwriter explained in press materials. “I was in a period of experimenting with how I write, and what came out was a song about a woman, about an imagined her – I didn’t think I was writing as or about myself, but these kinds of songs kept coming out, with fragments of overlapping lyrics linking them together like beads on a string. They seemed to inhabit the same world.”


Future Islands, People Who Aren’t There Anymore

Future Islands are back with a new album, People Who Aren’t There Anymore, out now via 4AD. The follow-up to 2020’s As Long As You Are includes the previously released songs ‘Peach’, ‘King of Sweden’, ‘Deep in the Night’, ‘The Tower’, ‘The Fight’, and ‘Say Goodnight’. Steve Wright co-produced the group’s seventh full-length record, which was mixed by Wright and Chris Coady, who hasn’t worked with the band since 2014’s Singles. The LP is named after a painting by New Mexico-based artist Beedallo, whose painting Fading Memory of a Face serves as its cover art.


Torres, what an enormous room

Torres has returned with a new LP, what an enormous room, out now via Merge Records. The 10-track effort follows 2021’s Thirstier and was previewed by the singles ‘I got the fear’‘Collect’, and ‘Wake to flowers’. Mackenzie Scott produced the album alongside Sarah Jaffe, recording at Stadium Heights Sound in Durham, North Carolina in September and October 2022. Julien Baker, who wrote the album’s bio, had this to say: “What I can say about TORRES is I think the music comes from a convicted place. […] And I think it’s just incredibly good music to listen to.”


Courting, New Last Name

Liverpool-based four-piece Courting have dropped their sophomore LP, New Last Name. Billed as “a theatrical play within an album,” the follow-up to 2022’s Guitar Music was recorded with Gary and Ryan Jarman of the Cribs and features guest production from DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ. “We didn’t want this to become an overbearing concept album where you couldn’t just listen to the songs because you’re too worried thinking about how the plot is progressing from song to song,” frontman Sean Murphy-O’Neill said in our Artist Spotlight interview. “We wanted to strike that balance where you could listen to this record as a casual listener and just enjoy the songs, or if you want to really think about what it means and get involved in the narrative and details that we’ve hidden across the record, then you can do that as well.”


Benny the Butcher, Everybody Can’t Go

Everybody Can’t Go, Benny the Butcher’s debut for Def Jam Recordings, has arrived. The Buffalo rapper’s four solo LP was produced entirely by Hit-Boy and the Alchemist, and it features collaborations with Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Armani Ceasar, Babyface Ray, Conway the Machine, Jadakiss, Kyle Banks, Stove God Cooks, Peezy, Rick Hyde, and Westside Gunn. The singles ‘Big Dog’, ‘One Foot In’, and ‘Bron’ preceded the album.


Ty Segall, Three Bells

Ty Segall has put out new album, Three Bells, through Drag City. Following last year’s “Hello, Hi”, the record was promoted with the tracks ‘Eggman’, ‘Void’, ‘My Room’, and ‘My Best Friend’. It was co-produced by Cooper Crain, who also engineered and mixed the LP. Segall collaborated with his wife Denée on five of its songs, while members of his Freedom Band helped flesh out the record.


Mall Girl, Pure Love

Oslo experimentalists Mall Girl – vocalist Bethany Forseth-Reichberg, guitarist Iver Armand Tandsether, and drummer Veslemøy Narvesen – have come through with Pure Love, the follow-up to their eclectic 2022 debut Superstar. Out now via Jansen Records, the record includes the advance tracks ‘Inzane’, ‘All I Should Have Said’, ‘Super Lazy Girl’, and ‘Emo Shred’. “I guess the album is like a break up album meets a Bildungsroman (is it like an episode of Girls? Maybe),” Forseth-Reichberg explained. “Ironically, the ‘post-college-rock’ sound could maybe go hand in hand with the post college experience I’ve had a go at writing about. I am glad we wrote this album and slightly (very) nervous to let people hear our take on Pure Love.”


Astrid Sonne, Great Doubt

Out now via Escho, Great Doubt is the third LP from Danish, London-based composer and singer-songwriter Astrid Sonne, who came up in the same circles as ML Buch and Erika de Casier. The 9-track album, which follows 2021’s outside of your time, features the previously unveiled tracks ‘Boost’, ‘Staying here’, ‘Do you wanna’, and ‘Give my all’, an homage to Maria Carey’s ‘My All’. Alongside Sonne’s trusted viola, it finds the musician expanding her sound with beats, woodwinds, and detuned piano.


Other albums out today:

Craig Warden, The Dream Dreaming; Tom Odell, Black Friday; Philip Glass, Philip Glass Solo; Fabiano do Nascimento and Sam Gendel, The Room; Sarah Jarosz, Polaroid Lovers; NewDad, MADRA; Alkaline Trio, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs; Lyrical Lemonade, All Is Yellow; nehan, an evening with nehan; Caligula’s Horse, Charcoal GraceFrank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Dark Rainbow; Dead Poet Society, Fission; Office Dog, Spiel; Eye Flys, Eye Flys; Gruff Rhys, Sadness Sets Me Free; The Umbrellas, Fairweather Friend; Lucifer, Lucifer V; Goth Babe, Lola; Leslee Smucker, Breathing Landscape.

Tierra Whack Announces Debut Album, Releases New Single ‘Shower Song’

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Tierra Whack has released ‘Shower Song’, the latest preview of what’s billed as the Philadelphia rapper’s debut album. It follows recent single ‘Chanel Pit’. Check it out below.

World Wide Whack, the follow-up 2018’s Whack World, drops March 15 via Interscope. “I really took my time with this, so I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do,” Whack wrote on Instagram. In 2021, she released a trilogy of EPs – Rap?, Pop?, and R&B? – as well as a string of singles including ‘Walk the Beat’, ’76’, ‘8’, and ‘Link’.

 

Liam Gallagher and John Squire Drop New Song ‘Mars to Liverpool’

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Liam Gallagher and John Squire have released ‘Mars to Liverpool’, the second single from their forthcoming collaborative album. It arrives on the heels of lead cut ‘Just Another Rainbow’, which came out earlier this month. Check it out below.

Lil Nas X Shares New Song ‘Where Do We Go Now?’

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Lil Nas X has dropped a new song, ‘Where Do We Go Now?’, which he teased with the caption “good news yall im dropping new music to match with your depression.” The track was written with Omer Fedi and Blake Slatkin for his documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which airs on HBO tomorrow (January 27) after debuting at the Toronto Film Festival last year. Listen below.

Lil Nas X released his comeback single ‘J Christ’ earlier this month. His debut album, Montero, came out in 2021.

Ice Spice Shares New Single ‘Think U the Shit (Fart)’

Ice Spice is back with a new single called ‘Think U the Shit (Fart)’.The Bronx rapper first teased the track with a snippet on X over by an image of Super Mario smoking and the lyrics “Bitches be thinking they the shit, but they ain’t even the fart.” Listen below.

‘Think U The Shit (Fart)’ follows Ice Spice’s Rema collaboration ‘Pretty Girl’, which dropped in October. After releasing her debut EP Like..?, the rapper joined Nicki Minaj for ‘Barbie World’ from the Barbie soundtrack and linked up with Taylor Swift for a remix of ‘Karma’.

Sunny Day Real Estate Share ‘Novum Vetus’, First New Song in 10 Years

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Sunny Day Real Estate have returned with their first original song in a decade, ‘Novum Vetus’, which they teased on Instagram last week. The track originated during the sessions for the Seattle emo band’s 1998 album How It Feels To Be Something On; Jeremy Enigk, Dan Hoerner, and William Goldsmith laid it down at London Bridge Studios with new members Greg Suran and Chris Jordan. Listen to the seven-and-a-half-minute track below.

‘Novum Vetus’ appears on an upcoming live-in-studio version of their 1994 debut Diary called Diary (Live at London Bridge Studio), which arrives on May 3 via Sub Pop. Sunny Day Real Estate are going on tour to celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary.

Elevate Your Evening Dinner with Sparkling Wine: A Toast to Culture and Elegance

When it comes to evening dinners steeped in culture and sophistication, there’s no better way to elevate the experience than with a bottle of sparkling wine. Whether you’re hosting a formal gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night in, sparkling wine adds a touch of luxury and effervescence to your evening. In this article, we’ll explore the world of sparkling wine, its cultural significance, and how it can enhance your evening dinner experiences.

A Cultural Tradition

Sparkling wine, often synonymous with champagne, has a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries. It was first developed in the Champagne region of France in the 17th century, where winemakers stumbled upon the natural effervescence that occurs during secondary fermentation. Initially, it was considered a flaw in the wine, but over time, it became a celebrated feature.

France’s influence on the world of sparkling wine is undeniable. The term “champagne” is protected by French law, and only wines produced in the Champagne region can bear this prestigious name. Champagne has become synonymous with celebrations and luxury, making it an integral part of French culture and worldwide festivities.

Beyond Champagne, other regions, such as Italy’s Prosecco, Crémant from France and Spain’s Cava, have also made their mark in the world of sparkling wine. Each region offers its unique flair, flavors, and cultural significance.

A Symphony of Bubbles

The effervescence of sparkling wine is like a symphony of bubbles that dance in your glass, teasing your senses and creating an aura of celebration. The tiny bubbles carry aromas and flavors to your nose and palate, enhancing your dining experience. The lively, effervescent nature of sparkling wine makes it an ideal choice to kick off an evening dinner.

Pairing Sparkling Wine with Culture Dinners

Now, let’s delve into how sparkling wine can elevate your culture dinners. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Italian pasta dish, savoring the complexities of French cuisine, or exploring the bold flavors of Spanish tapas, sparkling wine can be the perfect accompaniment.

Italian Delights: If you’re serving Italian cuisine, a bottle of Prosecco is an excellent choice. Its crisp, fruity flavors and lively bubbles complement dishes like risotto, seafood pasta, or antipasti. The Italians have a rich tradition of celebrating with Prosecco, making it a natural fit for any Italian-inspired culture dinner.

Crémant: A Sublime Choice for French Elegance: When it comes to classic French dinners, Crémant emerges as an enchanting alternative to champagne. With its toasty notes and refined effervescence, Crémant pairs beautifully with French delicacies like oysters, foie gras, or coq au vin. The allure of Crémant lies in its ability to align seamlessly with the elegance of French cuisine, adding an extra layer of sophistication to your dining experience.

Spanish Fiesta: Spanish cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant dishes. When hosting a Spanish culture dinner, consider serving Cava. Its bright acidity and crisp bubbles complement dishes like paella, tapas, and churros with chocolate. Cava’s affordability also makes it an accessible choice for festive occasions.

Global Fusion: If your culture dinner explores diverse culinary traditions, opt for a versatile sparkling wine like a Brut or Extra Brut. These drier styles work well with a variety of dishes, from sushi to Indian curries to Middle Eastern mezze. Their versatility allows you to bridge different cultural flavors seamlessly.

The Ritual of Opening Sparkling Wine

The act of opening a bottle of sparkling wine is a ceremonial affair that can add an extra layer of sophistication to your culture dinner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly open and serve sparkling wine:

  1. Chill: Ensure the bottle is properly chilled. Sparkling wine is best served between 45°F and 48°F (7°C to 9°C).
  2. Select the Glass: Use tall, flute-shaped glasses for champagne and sparkling wine. These glasses help preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aromas.
  3. Remove the Foil and Cage: Carefully remove the foil covering the cork, exposing the wire cage. Be cautious, as the pressure inside can cause the cork to pop prematurely.
  4. Hold the Bottle Securely: Grasp the base of the bottle firmly while keeping your thumb on top of the cork.
  5. Twist the Bottle, Not the Cork: Gently twist the bottle in one direction while keeping the cork stationary. The cork should ease out with a subtle sigh rather than a loud pop.
  6. Pour Gracefully: Tilt the glass at a slight angle while pouring to prevent excessive frothing. Fill the glass halfway initially, allowing the bubbles to settle, and then top it off.
  7. Sip and Savor: Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and effervescence before sipping. Sparkling wine is meant to be savored slowly.

Conclusion

As you prepare for your culture dinners, consider the transformative power of sparkling wine. Whether you’re honoring the elegance of French cuisine, the boldness of Spanish dishes, or the diverse flavors of a global fusion feast, sparkling wine can elevate your evening dinner experience. Its cultural significance, effervescence, and versatility make it a fitting choice for any occasion. So, raise your glass, toast to tradition, and enjoy the magic of sparkling wine at your next culture dinner. Cheers to a memorable evening filled with culture, elegance, and effervescence!

Megan Thee Stallion Shares New Song ‘Hiss’

Megan Thee Stallion is back with a new song, ‘Hiss’. It follows last November’s ‘Cobra’, as well as the Cardi B collaboration ‘Bongos’ and her Dicks: The Musical contribution ‘Out Alpha the Alpha’. Check it out below.

Last weekend, Megan Thee Stallion joined Reneé Rapp on Saturday Night Live to perform their Mean Girls track ‘Not My Fault’. Her last album was 2022’s Traumazine.

How Digital Currencies are Changing the Casino Game

In recent years, cryptocurrency has become a buzzword, attracting attention across various sectors. Essentially, cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual forms of money. They use cryptography for security, making them difficult to counterfeit. Unlike traditional currencies, they are not controlled by any central authority, giving users a unique level of freedom and anonymity.

The gambling industry, always keen on adopting technological advancements, has started to recognize the potential of cryptocurrencies. Online casinos, in particular, are beginning to accept digital currencies as a form of payment as well as offering free spins no deposit crypto bonuses. This shift is not just a trend but a significant move towards more innovative, secure, and efficient ways of handling financial transactions in gambling.

Cryptocurrencies offer several advantages in gambling. They allow for quick and secure transactions, often with lower fees compared to traditional banking methods. Moreover, they provide a level of anonymity, which is something that many online gamblers appreciate.

Cryptocurrency and Casinos: A Synergistic Relationship

Online casinos are no strangers to adopting new technologies to enhance the user experience. In recent years, one of the most significant changes has been the integration of digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum into the gambling ecosystem.

What does this integration look like? Well, it’s quite simple. When you visit an online casino that accepts cryptocurrencies, you have the option to deposit and withdraw funds using these digital coins. This means that instead of relying solely on traditional payment methods like credit cards or bank transfers, you can use your cryptocurrency wallet to make transactions.

Advantages of Using Cryptocurrency At Casinos

Why are online casinos embracing cryptocurrencies? It’s because digital currencies bring several advantages to the table:

  1. Speed: Cryptocurrency transactions are lightning-fast. Deposits and withdrawals are processed quickly, allowing players to access their funds almost instantly.
  2. Security: Cryptocurrencies use advanced encryption techniques, making them highly secure. This reduces the risk of fraud and unauthorized access to financial information.
  3. Lower Fees: Traditional payment methods often come with fees, which can eat into your gambling budget. With cryptocurrencies, transaction fees are typically lower, if not non-existent.
  4. Anonymity: Cryptocurrencies offer a level of anonymity that traditional methods can’t match. While online casinos still require verification for legal reasons, the use of cryptocurrency can add an extra layer of privacy for players.

This shift towards digital currencies in the casino industry is not just a passing trend. It represents a fundamental change in how transactions are conducted, offering benefits for both players and casino operators.

Enhanced Security and Anonymity for Players

Blockchain technology enhances the security and anonymity of players. When you make a cryptocurrency transaction at a blockchain-based casino, you can be confident that your financial data is secure. The decentralized nature of blockchain means that there’s no central point of vulnerability for hackers to exploit.

Moreover, while online casinos still require player verification for legal reasons, the use of cryptocurrencies can provide an added layer of privacy. You can play your favorite casino games without revealing sensitive personal information, which is a significant advantage for those who value their privacy.

The adoption of blockchain technology in the gambling industry represents a significant step forward in ensuring the trustworthiness of online casinos. It’s a technological advancement that aligns with the core principles of cryptocurrencies: security, transparency, and user empowerment.

Impact on Casino Revenue and Transactions

The introduction of cryptocurrencies into the world of online gambling has brought about notable changes in the financial aspects of the casino industry. One of the most significant impacts can be seen in casino revenue and transactions.

Cryptocurrencies offer a more efficient and cost-effective way to handle financial transactions within online casinos. Traditional payment methods often involve intermediaries like banks and payment processors, which can result in delays and additional fees. With cryptocurrencies, these intermediaries are bypassed, leading to quicker and less expensive transactions.

For casinos, this means reduced operational costs and the potential to pass on these savings to players. It also allows for faster and more frequent payouts to winners, enhancing the overall player experience.

Cryptocurrency Market Volatility

It’s important to note that cryptocurrencies can be subject to price volatility. The value of a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin can fluctuate significantly over a short period. While this volatility can present investment opportunities, it can also affect the gambling experience.

Players using cryptocurrencies for gambling may experience variations in the value of their assets. A winning bet in Bitcoin today may be worth more or less tomorrow. This adds an element of unpredictability to the gambling process, which some players find exciting, while others may consider it a risk.

Online casinos that accept cryptocurrencies often provide options for players to convert their winnings into stable coins or traditional currencies to mitigate this volatility. These choices give players greater control over their gambling experience.

The adoption of cryptocurrencies in the casino industry is reshaping the financial landscape of gambling. It introduces efficiency and flexibility while also requiring players to navigate the unique characteristics of digital currencies.

New Opportunities for Gamers

The integration of cryptocurrencies into online casinos also opens up new opportunities for gamers and gamblers alike. Cryptocurrencies are not limited to traditional casino games; they extend to the world of esports betting, online poker, and even decentralized applications (DApps) that offer unique and innovative gaming experiences.

Additionally, the ability to invest in and hold cryptocurrencies provides players with investment opportunities within the gaming ecosystem. Some casinos offer their own tokens or coins that players can acquire and use within the platform, creating an ecosystem where players can earn, spend, and invest in a decentralized manner.

In Summary

As the casino industry continues to evolve, it’s evident that digital currencies are here to stay. Their impact is not merely a passing trend but a fundamental transformation in how casinos operate and how players engage with these platforms. The future holds exciting possibilities for the integration of cryptocurrencies, including further innovations and a broader acceptance in the gambling world.

Players can look forward to enhanced experiences, while operators benefit from improved efficiency and reduced costs. However, it’s essential to navigate the unique characteristics of digital currencies, including their price volatility, to make informed decisions.

In conclusion, the marriage of cryptocurrency and casinos is changing the game, offering a new era of accessibility, efficiency, and innovation in the gambling industry. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting developments on the horizon.

World of Warcraft improving your gaming experience

In the ever-evolving realm of online gaming, World of Warcraft (WoW) stands out as one of the most iconic and enduring massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). With its expansive virtual world, rich lore, and challenging gameplay, WoW has attracted millions of players worldwide since its launch in 2004. As the game continues to grow and introduce new content, a trend known as https://epiccarry.com/wow/ has become increasingly popular, offering players a shortcut to enhance their gaming experience.

What is WoW Boosting?

World of Warcraft boosting involves hiring a skilled player, often referred to as a “booster,” to assist in advancing a character’s progress within the game. Boosting services can cover a wide range of in-game activities, including leveling up characters, completing challenging dungeons or raids, acquiring rare items, and achieving prestigious titles or achievements.

Types of Boosting Services

Leveling Boosts: One of the most common forms of WoW boosting is leveling up a character. This service is particularly popular among players who want to quickly reach the maximum level or explore high-level content without investing the time required for traditional leveling.

Dungeon and Raid Boosts: Boosting services also extend to completing dungeons and raids. Players may hire boosters to help them conquer challenging in-game encounters, earning valuable loot and achievements.

PvP Boosts: For those interested in player-versus-player (PvP) content, boosting services can provide assistance in achieving higher ranks, acquiring prestigious gear, and mastering various PvP modes.

Profession Boosts: In WoW, characters can choose from various professions. Boosting services can expedite the leveling of these professions, allowing players to craft powerful items and enhance their gameplay.

Pros and Cons of WoW Boosting

Time Efficiency: Boosting services offer a quicker way to experience high-level content, saving players time and allowing them to enjoy end-game activities sooner.

Access to Elite Rewards: Boosting can help players obtain rare mounts, gear, and achievements that may be challenging to acquire through regular gameplay.

Skill Improvement: Players can learn from skilled boosters, gaining insights into advanced strategies and techniques that can improve their own gameplay.

Cons

Financial Cost: Boosting services often come with a monetary cost, and some players argue that paying for in-game advantages undermines the spirit of fair competition.

Risk of Account Compromise: Entrusting an account to a booster comes with the risk of account security issues. Players should carefully choose reputable boosting services to mitigate this risk.

Potential Negative Community Perception: Some players frown upon boosting, viewing it as a shortcut that diminishes the sense of accomplishment associated with in-game achievements.

Ethical Considerations

The debate around WoW boosting raises ethical questions within the gaming community. While some argue that boosting is a personal choice that enhances the gaming experience, others contend that it disrupts the integrity of the game by introducing imbalances and devaluing in-game accomplishments.

World of Warcraft boosting has become an integral part of the gaming landscape, offering players a shortcut to the pinnacle of in-game achievements. As the debate over the ethical implications of boosting continues, it is essential for players to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make informed decisions that align with their gaming values. Ultimately, the World of Warcraft boosting phenomenon reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the gaming industry, where players continually seek new ways to optimize their virtual adventures.