This is a day late, but it sure as hell isn’t a dollar short. Last week’s three stars are definitely worth the wait. Since I’m late, let’s jump right in!
The Number 3 Star: IRKED – Crippling Empath
This five-member band from Tyne and Wear in North East London formed in 2022. Their debut limited-edition physical EP was released last month and sold out quickly. Describing themselves as a modern garage punk band, IRKED has been named a BBC Introducing Ones to Watch for 2024. The band is currently working on its first full-length LP.
The Number 2 Star: Yassassin – Way In Way Out
Any band that takes its name from a David Bowie song automatically catches my attention…and this British/Swedish quartet immediately impressed me. They cut their teeth touring with Albert Hammond Jr. and playing with Echo and the Bunnymen. This is their third release from an upcoming EP, set to drop sometime in the autumn.
The Number 1 Star: Jack White – That’s How I’m Feeling
As you may have heard, the release of Jack White’s sixth studio solo album last month. It was offered as an add-on for anyone who made a purchase at select record stores in Detroit, London, and Nashville. The only thing people knew about it was the two words on the all-white label, No Name. Eventually, people figured out what it was. This track was initially known as “Track 3”. When the album was officially released on July 27, the official name of the songs were revealed. Props to White and his label, Third Man Record, for this bit of marketing brilliance.
Ian Shane is the author of In Ten Years, Postgraduate and Radio Radio and creator of the blog, Liner Notes. His “almost memoir,” Sundry Notes of Music, is now available in paperback and Kindle. He currently lives in Denver with his cats.