Wednesday Roundups #47: 27 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream last week’s releases from Khruangbin, Devin Morrison, Zeina, Marv Won, RiTchie, Stetsasonic, Kandace Springs, Edy Forey, Marcus King, José James, Michelle David & The True-Tones, and more.

Welcome back to another issue of Wednesday Roundups!

Diving into the ​world of ​music can be ​overwhelming with ​the constant influx ​of albums. ​That’s where Shatter ​the Standards ​steps in, making ​your musical ​navigation easier every ​Wednesday. They ​slice through the ​noise, bringing ​you a curated ​list of ​noteworthy new drops ​accessible on ​streaming platforms. Just ​last week, ​they spotlighted fresh ​beats from ​a diverse lineup, ​including Khruangbin, Devin Morrison, Zeina, Marv Won, RiTchie, Stetsasonic, Kandace Springs, Edy Forey, Marcus King, José James, Michelle David & The True-Tones, Fabiana Palladino, Alice Russell, Cedric Burnside, Chris Standring, sagun & AKTHESAVIOR, Eddie Kaine & Big Ghost Ltd, Estee Nack & Futurewave, The Musalini & Cookin Soul, 100GrandRoyce & Dame Grease, Mickey Diamond, Serengeti, Sinkane, Louis Culture, Iman Europe, Aida Lae, and Sheila E.

​If you’re struggling ​to keep ​up with the ​ever-evolving music ​scene, subscribing to ​the Shatter the ​Standards newsletter is ​your ticket ​to staying in ​the loop. ​They don’t just ​skim the ​surface with mainstream ​hits; they ​dive deep, bringing ​hidden gems ​right to your ​inbox weekly.

​In today’s rapid-fire ​release culture, ​it’s easy to ​miss out ​on some real ​musical gems. ​Shatter the Standards ​does the ​heavy lifting for ​you, sifting ​through the latest ​releases and ​handpicking the ones ​that make ​a mark. Stay ​ahead of ​the curve and ​discover music ​that steps outside ​the mainstream ​box by joining ​their newsletter.

Khruangbin: A LA SALA (Alternative)

Khruangbin’s fourth studio album, A LA SALA, follows a series of live productions, remixes, and collaborations with many artists, and the Texas trio once again showcases their usual style. Their musical adventure this time leans more toward reserved, smooth melodies with almost no vocals. Although the music structure is relatively simple, it shows the band’s consistent musical charm. The album’s melody is relaxed and open. Although it is not as strong as previous works, A LA SALA, the simplest form of expression, can still touch the hearts of loyal fans.

[Listen]

Devin Morrison: Dreamsoul Ballads (R&B)

Devin Morrison is back. It’s been five years since the release of Bussin’, which became a slept-on project in the late 2010s. He released his long-awaited second album (more like an EP) with Dreamsoul Ballads. As you would expect, it’s a seven-song project that contains his usual mix of late ‘80s and early ‘90s R&B influences within the production. His latest effort includes three previously-released singles featuring “Anita Valentine,” “Veronica Flair” with Braxton Cook, and “Sahara Sahara.”

[Listen]

Zeina: Eastend Confessions (R&B)

When mentioning the musical works of the singer Zeina, people can’t help but mistakenly think that these are new songs in 2024 rather than the masterpieces collected 20 years ago. The Montreal-born singer’s debut full-length album serves as a vivid callback to the dance-pop and R&B influences she developed in the late millennium, summoning both the era’s proudly incendiary songs. The oud-based melodies, tambourine rhythms, and exaggerated percussion on sweat-inducing dance tracks like “NASTY” and “Problematic” are more than just window dressing to help her release.

[Listen]

Marv Won: I’m Fine, Thanks for Asking (Hip-Hop)

Marv Won is a Detroit musical alchemist—a street poet of honor, deeply embedded in the battle rap scene, and a cinematic, world-class producer. His first Mello Music Group album, I’m Fine, Thanks for Asking, is a soul-baring endeavor, weaving stories of struggle and triumph, drawing inspiration from his storied life in the Motor City. The album, which featured collaborations with Quelle Chris, eLZhi, Freeway, Little Brother’s rapper Big Pooh, and others, solidified Marv Won’s status in the rap world. Marv Won’s narrative goes beyond simple verse to paint a vivid picture of life in Detroit. Across ten self-produced tracks, Marv showcases his abilities behind the scenes with tracks that incorporate epic music.

[Listen]

RiTchie: Triple Digits [112] {Hip-Hop}

Injury Reserve was rising before the sudden passing of Stepa J. Groggs. Members RiTchie and Parker Corey took time to breathe quietly. In releasing and touring the trio’s latest album, When I Get to Phoenix, RiTchie and Corey were able to pay tribute to their beloved friend, as well as their journey and history as a group. Likewise, Ritchie’s debut solo album, Triple Digits [112], is a unique and defined record, but its underlying emphasis on exhaling and letting go of stress seems part of a broader process.

[Listen]

Stetsasonic: Here We Go Again (Hip-Hop)

Stetsasonic remains the first hip-hop group in Brooklyn, New York, with members including Daddy-O, MC Delite, Wise, and Bobby Simmons. They only released three full-length albums together in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s; however, as a group, they remained inactive, but their efforts ultimately paved the way for other groups. After releasing singles over the past three years, the band announced their return for their fourth album, Here We Go Again, executive produced by Public Enemy frontman Chuck D. This is a homecoming for the band, both production-wise, and everyone is genuinely happy to be making their music again.

[Listen]

Kandace Springs: Run Your Race (Jazz)

Kandace Springs is back with her latest album, Run Your Race. What makes the album more cohesive is that co-producers Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers chose to use the same players throughout the production - bassist Karen Bryant; drummer Camille Gainer; guitarist Carl Sturken himself and Bob Pamir; cellists Karen Bryant, Theo Griffin and flutist Elena Pinderhuis. There’s a live string section and excellent backing vocalists (including Cindy Mizell). The chemistry between all parties is evident, and together, they create a perfect album of late-night fantasy, reflection, and introspection.

[Listen]

Edy Forey: Culture Today (Neo-Soul/Jazz)

When immersed in the complex and varied music of Edy Forey’s album Culture Today, it is hard to believe that this is the debut album of a new band. This Scottish jazz duo consists of visual artist, vocalist, and bedroom producer Edy Szewy and keyboardist Guilhem Forey, originally from Poland and France, respectively. The two met in Edinburgh and bonded over their shared interests. They started working together when Szewy’s six-piece New Soul band desperately needed a keyboardist.

[Listen]

Marcus King: Mood Swings (Singer-Songwriter)

Marcus King fans might be in for a few surprises when they hear Mood Swings. The South Carolina musician has managed to gain popularity with his rough vocals and rich guitar sounds, neatly fitting him into the tradition of Southern jam bands. On his new album, King collaborated with another production guru, Rick Rubin, who helped King change things up and bring out the soulful side of his sound: less guitar, more piano, strings, and R&B style sounds.

[Listen]

José James: 1978 (Jazz)

José James has released 12 studio albums since the release of The Dreamer in 2008, and the latest, 1978, once again shows his musical talent. This forward-thinking artist isn’t limited to jazz; his music spans multiple styles and is heavily influenced by R&B superstars such as Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Leon Wall. 1978 was produced by James himself, incorporating his deep love for jazz and hip-hop music while paying homage to these R&B heroes in songwriting and production.

[Listen]

Michelle David & The True-Tones: Brothers & Sisters (Soul)

This band has conquered many music festivals and clubs with its melodic rhythms, powerful vocals, and excellent melodies. On this new album provided by Michelle David & The True-Tones, arguably their best work to date, Brothers & Sisters once again masterfully captured the infectious and soulful vibe of their live performances in the studio. The band’s ability to seamlessly translate the raw, dynamic nature of their live shows into recorded tracks showcases their musicianship and focuses on preserving the authenticity of their sound. Rougher and livelier than ever, drawing inspiration from old gospel music to famous Stax Records classics.

[Listen]

Alice Russell: I Am (Soul)

I Am is the most personal work of Alice Russell’s career and the first new music she has brought us in more than a decade, marking a new era in her remarkable career. This beloved British soul singer shows us through her work what authentic self-exploration and growth are. In this process, she is not alone. She has her long-term partner, TM Juke, working hand in hand. Together, the two weave a musical story about self-healing, love, and deep connection.

[Listen]

Fabiana Palladino: Fabiana Palladino (Pop)

After the end of a long relationship, it means a new beginning. Fabiana Palladino’s album is like an extensive letter, turning the emotional whirlpool and introspective profound dialogue into a musical exploration. The album blends personal monologues and deep reflections on universal emotions as she confronts complex issues about love, loneliness, and the normatively of relationships through her music. The ten-track self-titled full-length debut is not only about its varied sound but also inspired by the R&B, soul, pop, and disco large-scale studio productions of the 80s and 90s and recreated through modern techniques. The album features superb performances by family members and close friends, including Paul Institute co-founder Jai Paul, her father, renowned bassist Pino Palladino, brother and Yussef Daye’s band bassist Rocco Palladino, as well as renowned drummers Steve Ferrone and String performance by violinist Rob Moose.

[Listen]

Cedric Burnside: Hill Country Love (Country)

In 2022, Cedric Burnside won a Grammy Award for his album I Be Trying in the traditional blues category. Not only was it a victory for him, but it was also the first win for a Mississippi mountain blues artist. Get the golden gramophone. His newest LP, Mountain Love, was recorded in Ripley, Mississippi, in an unconventional recording location, a former law office. Originally intended to be Burnside’s bar, the space creates an authentic and resonant sonic environment that captures the essence of the album’s soulful and gritty aesthetic. Produced with the assistance of Luther Dickinson, the album’s 14 songs were completed in an extraordinary two-day session, highlighting the spontaneous and raw energy of Burnside’s music.

[Listen]

Chris Standring: As We Think (Jazz)

Guitarist Chris Stranding enters 2024 with Reminiscing. The album contains 11 dynamic music pieces, which were specially invited to perform by Los Angeles’s top drummers and horn players, and also has some special guests. This extraordinary, soulful musical journey contains exotic arrangements and dazzling solos integrated into Chris’ unique modern jazz style.

[Listen]

sagun & AKTHESAVIOR: U R Not Alone (Hip-Hop)

sagun and AKTHESAVIOR released their U R Not Alone album, marking the end of a series of singles. As a Brooklyn rapper, AKTHESAVIOR has collaborated across continents with Nepali lo-fi music producer sagun to blend powerful lyrics with lo-fi beats perfectly. sagun is responsible for all production work on this album, using looped lo-fi melodies as the background to complement AK’s lyrics. The album contains a total of 16 songs, among which the highlight tracks include “Dear World,” “Problem,” “Humble,” a collaboration with Pink Siifu, “Tetsuo’s Way,” a collaboration with Mick Jenkins, and “Without a Trace.”

[Listen]

Eddie Kaine & Big Ghost Ltd: Last Exit to Crooklyn (Hip-Hop)

Eddie Kaine returns with Big Ghost on Last Exit to Crooklyn. He has captured the attention of rap music fans for nearly a decade. This album continues his successful debut, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, showing a mature and authentic hip-hop style. In this album, Big Ghost cleverly combines the background of boom-bap music, adding elements of soul, jazz, and minimalist production, bringing a new look to this album. Eddie brilliantly demonstrates his musical prowess with insightful lyrics, relatable rhymes, and impeccable delivery, making this album an enjoyable listening experience worthy of repeated viewing.

[Listen]

Estee Nack & Futurewave: STONE TEMPLE PYREX (Hip-Hop)

On the streets of New York, under a street lamp, you can often hear underground musicians using their clumsy and innocent syllables to tell music stories beyond the hustle and bustle of the market. And Estee Nack is just such a person. He once left his chapter in Griselda’s music hall with the album Nacksaw Jim Duggan. Now, the artist is not complacent. On the contrary, he is working harder. Nack’s latest collaborator, emerging producer Futurewave, is again at the helm of the production, following joint projects with Rome Streetz and Boldy James. Futurewave produced the entire album, and Rome Streetz, Raz Fresco, and Daniel Son also left their glorious signatures on it.

[Listen]

Cookin Soul & The Musalini: MACKARONI (Hip-Hop)

New York rapper and Jamla Records artist The Musalini and Cookin Soul release his sixth EP with MACKARONI. The Musalini began to rise to prominence after releasing his debut mixtape, Musalini Season, in 2018 and signed to TCF Music Group after releasing 3 albums and a mixtape. The achievements of Cookin Soul in the past few months make people look forward to the release of this collaboration.

[Listen]

100GrandRoyce & Dame Grease: The Fix (Hip-Hop)

Harlem-based rapper 100GrandRoyce once again proves his unique status in music with his tenth EP produced by Dame Grease. From his beginnings as a member of The Stackboys to the decision to go solo in 2011, to the spring of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the release of his fifth EP, Prodigal Sun, produced by 183rd. The Return, Triple Crown, and Unfinished Business were followed closely, reaching the high standards set by previous efforts.

[Listen]

Mickey Diamond: Super Shredder (Hip-Hop)

Detroit rapper Mickey Diamond is one of the most outstanding rappers, and his music has been released on his 12th album, Super Shredder. He first became prominent when he released his debut EP in early 2020. Since then, he has gradually attracted attention in the underground rap circle with his previous 11 albums, 7 EPs, and a mixtape. In the past year, Mickey has continuously released some of the best works of his career.

[Listen]

Serengeti: KDIV (Hip-Hop)

If you’re in for nice raps with solid beats and Sufjan Stevens interludes, look no further than Serengeti’s KDIV. Throughout the past decade, Serengeti has cultivated a singular artistic vision, releasing an impressive oeuvre of 14 albums that showcase the distinctive style he has meticulously honed over the course of his career. His music serves as a rich drapery, intricately woven with threads drawn from his personal life and the communities he inhabits. With each successive album, Serengeti fearlessly explores new sonic territories, deftly incorporating elements from an eclectic array of musical genres to create a sound that is unmistakably his own.

[Listen]

Sinkane: We Belong (Funk)

Sinkane, the Sudanese-American musician’s stage name, has become the name of his musical collective and can also be considered a state of mind. A joyful, celebratory spirit can be felt throughout his ninth album, We Belong. On this album, gospel music, African rhythms, 1970s funk, and Sudanese soul are intertwined in upbeat rhythms and songs interspersed with stories of their hometown.

[Listen]

Louis Culture: I Can’t Wait to See U Again - EP (R&B)

Louis Culture has shared his new EP, I Can’t Wait to See U Again. A unique voice, Louis Culture draws various sounds to create distinctive work. Released under Different Recordings, Louis Culture has collaborated with Alex Cosmo Blake, Bobby Billingham, and Nott DVR, who appears on the EP closer, “Hide Your Pills.”

[Listen]

Iman Europe: Moneymorphosis - EP (R&B)

“The Story of Moneymorphosis: I took an entomology class back when I attended college, and since then, I’ve been fascinated with the process of metamorphosis. The idea that a being can begin in one form and completely evolve into something better is a concept that has always resonated deeply with me. Above all else, it gave me hope—that maybe one day I could evolve past my current circumstances and into the woman I always wanted to be. Moneymorphosis is a journey through the evolution of my perspective on money. It isn’t until you attain it that you realize money is merely a tool—used to help us build the life we want. So, while it is essential, the ultimate goal is alignment. Aligning with your calling, aligning with integrity, aligning with your purpose. When we focus our attention on intention, we further our expansion and live a more fruitful life. Moneymorphosis is the journey through this experience.” — Iman Europe

[Listen]

Aida Lae: XO EGO - EP (R&B)

Aida Lae’s long-awaited EP, XO EGO, has been officially released. After months of hard work and dedication from Aida and the entire team, each track uniquely showcases her worldview.

[Listen]

Sheila E.: Bailar (Música Tropical)

Sheila E., an essential figure in the music industry, is known as the “Queen of Percussion.” Her instrumental skills span drums, bongos, tambourines, etc.; she performs each with vividness and grace. In addition to being an accomplished percussionist, Sheila E. also dabbles in singing and producing, setting an example for all musicians. Her first Spanish-language album, Bailar, with the first single, “Bemba Colora,” released with Gloria Estefan and Mimi Succar, demonstrates her musical diversity. The album brings together artists including Ruben Blades, Luis Enrique, Tony Succar, Gloria Estefan, Mimi Succar, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jean Rodriguez, Victor Manuelle, Mycheal Gabriel, Debi Nova and Jose Alberto El Canario to showcase the musical unbounded and far-reaching influence.

[Listen]