Staff Playlist – August

“Rent I Pay”
SPOON

After flirting with R&B horns and demo-drowned scruff on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and Transference, respectively, this Austin band strips its bedrock beat down to the bone on this track, a throaty hint at the hard charging signature sound of new album They Want My Soul, out Aug. 5.

“Brill Bruisers”
THE NEWPORNOGRAPHERS

While individual members of the New Pornographers continue churning out terrific solo work, they haven’t left behind the indie supergroup. With a fifth album out later this month, the title track is a quick jolt of power pop with A.C. Newman singing over a thick layer of backing vocals.

“Big Girls Cry”
SIA

With the release of “Big Girls Cry,” innovative Australian jazz artist Sia Furler is back with punchy sounds and powerful lyrics on this vulnerable first track from new album 1000 Forms of Fear.

“Every Morning”
J. MASCIS

The guitarist known for his wizardly gray hair and relentless solos returns with a solo album; a laid-back, calm affair unlike the fierce rock of his main gig as leader of Dinosaur Jr.