The news isn’t really Brian Wilson related, although he does have a new record out soon and good to hear he’s sticking to his guns even if “fans” disagree (see his reaction here), but there are two other records due out soon that are worth a mention as both could well be the album of the year (so far it’s sun kil moon‘s “Benji”)

The first is the singer of my little boy’s favourite band Dinosaur Jr. (in case you’re interested, his second is the fall, whereas at his age I only listened to my dad’s Queen and Michael Jackson tapes!) – the one and only J Mascis whose new album “Tied to a star” comes out on 25th August and you can hear on youtube a track below. His previous effort, 2011’s “Several Shades of Why” remains one of the best albums of the last few years and, along with Bob Mould, he’s an emo rock hero to more than the hipster reception class set.

The second one is a guy I’ve only just got into, after hearing some stuff on the radio. It’s Hiss Golden Messenger, with an intriguing title called “Lateness of Dancers” out on 9th September. He made a soulful video explaining the record which just about blows my mind, you can check that radness out below too along with some tour dates.

If you missed the Norah Jones Blue Note performance, here’s one last chance to watch her play with a trio of jazz superstars which was sensational, oh yes!

That’s enough, I’m all emotional after the world cup opening match, so can’t write any more except these 6 magical letters…. Brazil.

Hiss Golden Messenger Tour
11-07 Winnipeg, Manitoba – Winnipeg Folk Festival
15-07 Nijmegen, Netherlands – Valkhof Festival
16-07 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso
18-07 Suffolk, England – Latitude Festival
19-07 London, England – Bush Hall
20-07 North Devon, England – Somersault Festival
25-07 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle (Merge 25 Festival)
26-07 Winston-Salem, NC – Southeastern Center of Contemporary Art
01-08 Happy Valley, OR – Pickathon
28-08 Asheville, NC – Harvest Records Transfigurations II Festival
20-09 Montreal, Quebec – Ukrainian Federation (Pop Montréal)