With the weekend ahead of us, there’s no better time than now to update your favourite playlists with some recently-released tunes, from the evocative musical stylings of Arlo Parks to a new album from Yusuf/Cat Stevens and Everything But The Girl’s comeback for good measure. And if long walks or road trips are on the agenda this weekend, we have also lined up a selection of addictive podcasts to subscribe to for some entertaining and informative listening.
New Albums | New Podcasts
New Albums
Arlo Parks
My Soft Machine
A deeply personal exploration of the singer’s experiences navigating life in her 20s, Arlo Parks’ new album was recorded between London and Los Angeles and features collaborations with producers such as Paul Epworth, Ariel Rechtshaid, Romil Hemnani, Buddy Ross and Carter Lang. It follows the success of Parks’ award-winning debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, and is a reflection of life through Parks’ lens, delving into themes of anxiety, substance abuse, love, grief, self-sabotage and joy.
Song to start with:
Pegasus feat. Phoebe Bridgers
Everything But The Girl
Fuse
Renowned for being bona fide 80s and 90s icons, Everything But The Girl (EBTG) hasn’t released an album since 1999. Now, the duo behind it, Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt have released their first studio album in over two decades, titled Fuse. And it’s a doozy.
Song to start with:
Run a Red Light
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
King of a Land
One of the most iconic singer songwriters of the 70s returns as Yusuf/Cat Stevens releases his 17th studio album, King of a Land. Produced by the legendary Paul Samwell-Smith, the album features 12 tracks, including the lead single ‘Take the World Apart.’ With contributions from renowned musicians like bassist Bruce Lynch and drummer Russ Kunkel, King of a Land promises to be an unforgettable musical journey that showcases Yusuf’s unique talent and spirit.
Song to start with:
Take the World Apart
Ed Sheeran
Subtract
Having recently released his sixth studio album, ‘-,’ Ed Sheeran is closing the chapter of albums titled with mathematical symbols. The new release features 14 tracks written with Aaron Dessner of The National, and marks a return to Sheeran’s traditional singer-songwriter style. Sheeran actually scrapped 10 years of work on the album after a series of personal events in 2022, restarting to create what most consider one of his most honest and heartfelt outings yet.
Song to start with:
Boat
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Council Skies
The legendary Noel Gallagher returns with his fourth solo album, Council Skies, a varied and accomplished record that pays homage to the musician’s Mancunian roots. From the psychedelia-inspired single ‘Easy Now’ to the album’s orchestral sound, Gallagher continues to elevate and transform music in his unique way, making this a must-listen for any fan of the iconic songwriter.
Song to start with:
Pretty Boy
New Podcasts
High Brow
Hosted by Mina Le, this podcast is a weekly destination for fashionable and intellectual young women. Tune in to gain insight into the latest cultural and fashion trends, as Le offers a unique perspective from someone who balances online savvy with real-life experience.
Tom Sainsbury’s Small Town Scandal
In this thrilling six-part murder mystery series, voiced entirely by New Zealand’s leading comedic satirist Tom Sainsbury, listeners are transported to the farming community of Te Hoiho in the Wairarapa. The story follows Mitch Buchanan’s mysterious death and his nephew’s search for the truth.
This Little Light
This podcast delves into the inspiring journeys of renowned musicians. Hosted by Flea (of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers), it explores the pivotal role of music education and mentorship in shaping the creative paths of artists, while supporting a worthy cause through the Silverlake Conservatory of Music.
Succession Podcast
Step into the world of Waystar RoyCo with this riveting podcast. Expertly hosted by Kara Swisher, this weekly show offers a behind-the-scenes look at the final season of Succession, as well as insights from real-life insiders on the power dynamics, political machinations, and cut-throat strategies that drive the world’s elite.
Fixable
Combining the expertise of two of the world’s top leadership coaches — Frances Frei and Anne Morriss (who also happen to be married) this helpful podcast delivers insightful and actionable advice to listeners and guests alike, helping them to solve workplace challenges and achieve their full potential with speed and efficiency.
