Every Friday, 88Nine music director Erin Wolf and Lilliput Records co-owner Tanner Musgrove tell you about the new albums you can’t miss on a new episode of On Vinyl. Check out their top picks and a list of this week’s other releases, and listen to their full conversation using the player on this page or on the 88Nine airwaves at 1 p.m. every Friday.
It’s not often we get a solid live concert vinyl, let alone a band’s first-ever non-studio album. Today, we do. The newest Bon Iver release chronicles some tip-top performances from the band in recent years, and each song seamlessly blends into the next, despite being from various stages and moments.
Also out today is the one, the only (the “bass-iest?”) Thundercat, who gets funky once again on his new album, Distracted, while also collecting loads of collabs to make for a really fun listen. Besides that, we’ve got Arlo Parks unwinding in the club as she dips into scenes from her hometown of London, her new home of L.A. and even New York. Finally, folkie Joe Pernice treats us to a warm batch of songs that wryly reflect on a life well-lived, however imperfect.
Happy New Music Friday!
Best new albums out April 3
Thundercat, Distracted
The funkiest of all cats returns with his latest album, and the anticipation has been bubbling thanks to the lead singles he’s shared. With guest collabs from artists like Tame Impala, Lil’ Yachty and WILLOW, his fifth full-length is bursting with creativity; the collaborative spirit is strong with this one, and he even includes something tender for fans of the late Mac Miller.
Guest producers abound on this album, including Flying Lotus, Kenny Beats and power-pop band The Lemon Twigs. Looking over it all as main producer is Greg Kurstin, known for his work with some of the biggest names in pop (Adele, Paul McCartney, Sia and Beyoncé, to name a few biggies).
Find Distracted released as an indie exclusive with a black smoke effect variant from Brainfeeder Records at your local record store.
Bon Iver, VOLUMES: ONE
This is a nice little in-between treat for those who enjoyed SABLE, fABLE and are waiting for the Eaux Claires music festival this July. The live album doesn’t cover Bon Iver’s previous performances at that festival, but it does encompass live sets from around the same time period. The span of performances you’ll hear run from 2017 to 2023, going from St. Paul and Chicago to Indonesia and Australia.
Notably, this is the first non-studio release from Bon Iver, with Justin Vernon sharing that it showcases the band at their “most whole” and that “there’s a warmth and exuberance across the full album, as well as the muscular sound you can really only get at a live show.”
They’re dropping this one on “ducky yellow” vinyl via Jagjaguwar, which you can pick up at your local shop.
Arlo Parks, Ambiguous Desire
The English singer-songwriter and poet hit the ground running when debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams came out in 2021 to much critical acclaim. After all that attention at such a young age, Parks took some time to collect herself musically and personally, making the move to L.A. and exploring beyond that city into the NYC club scene, all of which inspired much of this new album. The tempo is up, but with the help of producer Baird, it still sounds like the Arlo Parks we’ve come to know and love.
If you want to catch Parks on the Ambiguous Desire tour, she’ll be at Chicago’s Thalis Hall on Sept. 29. More immediately, go find this album on an indie-exclusive blue variant or standard black at an independent shop near you.
Joe Pernice, Sunny, I Was Wrong
You might remember Pernice from some of the bands he’s fronted, including The Scud Mountain Boys, Chappaquiddick Skyline, The New Mendicants and The Pernice Brothers. We’re loving the warmth he brings to the overall feeling of world-weariness on this new solo album.
Sunny, I Was Wrong has a handful of notable features, including Aimee Mann, Rodney Crowell, Norman Blake and others. For those who love signed albums, you’ll want to get your hands on the indie-exclusive blue and black variant that has an autographed jacket from Pernice. There’s also a classic black vinyl version available at the record shop of your choice.