Spencer Griffin's New Music Mondays

 here they are: "Crumble" by The National (featuring Rosanne Cash):  "Crumble" marks the second time on The National's latest album where they've collaborated with a female musician. Previously, they collaborated with pop star Taylor Swift on "The Alcott." For "Crumble," they went more classic country with the Man in Black's daughter, Rosanne. As a result, the song sounds more country than The National typically does while retaining the typical indie sound The National usually go for. The song is a downbeat track, like many National songs are, but there's something oddly nostalgic about this one that most National songs do not have. An interesting collaboration, to be sure! "Get Back" by Margaret Glaspy: Not to be confused with the Beatles track of the same name, Margaret Glaspy's latest song, "Get Back," lacks the blues-y muscle that most of her other songs do, but her distinctively raspy yet melodic vocal

 here they are: "I'm Still" by Bahamas:  Bahamas live up to their island-y sounding name in this chill, beach-y track. A combo of Jimmy Buffett/Jack Johnson-esque "tropical" folk-rock guitar and a breezy wash of electric make this one of the ultimates in mellow rock for this year. Somehow, this song winds up being 5 and a half minutes, but it sure doesn't feel like it is. It's basically the musical equivalent of being in a spa and getting your back massaged. The lyrics tend to contradict the song's vibe, though, about feeling uncertain about life but trying to find reassurance nonetheless.  "Impressively Average" by Brigitte Calls Me Baby: Brigitte Calls Me Baby?! Are people running out of band names?! It's a cool name, but it's also one that says to me, "all the good names were taken"! Anyway, their debut single, "Impressively Average" is more impressive than it is average. It's hard to call a band with a Ki

 here they are: "Spotless" by Zach Bryan (featuring The Lumineers): Country music and alt-rock might seem like strange bedfellows at first, but if you know that most Lumineers songs are basically folk songs performed through a rock lens, it might not seem near as weird that country musician Zach Bryan and indie-folk darlings, The Lumineers, are collaborating together. "Spotless" is one of those songs that holds equal appeal to contemporary country fans and those who prefer their country music to have more of a rock edge and/or older sound. Though the song may sound fluffy and lighthearted, make no mistake. Zach Bryan is not the kind of country singer you'd want to introduce your grandparents to, at least not for this song. Swear words pepper the lyrics to "Spotless," and the lyrics of the song pertain to subjects like smoking, drinking, and losing faith in humanity. The title of the song, in fact, comes from how Zach claims that neither he nor the list

 here they are: "Atomic City" by U2:  U2 were and still are one of the biggest rock bands in the world, and they have stayed together for over 40 years! Although many know who they are and are familiar with their songs, not many seem to know that in their early years, U2 were heavily influenced by punk and post-punk groups of the day. It really shows here on their latest song, "Atomic City." Mixing darkly avant-garde poetry reminiscent of Patti Smith, the chugging beat and instrumentation of The Clash's "London Calling," and the vocal patterns and rhythm of Blondie's "Call Me," "Atomic City" sounds more like it would be at home in 1979 than in 2023, yet here it is! U2 have had many "comebacks" over the years, but they've rarely been as strong or compelling as this one! Highly recommended!! "Cherry Baby" by Jenny Lewis: A short but sweet song, clocking at not even two and a half minutes, Jenny Lewis' &