FIONN REGAN
The Meetings of the Waters ★★★★
Abbey Records
The title track from Fionn Regan's fifth studio album has received this cryptic video treatment, courtesy of director Yousef Eldin and actor Cillian Murphy. The film, conceived jointly by the musician and the actor, is about overcoming trauma by finding "newer, more healing paths". In it, a motorist driving at night experiences anxiety attacks, becomes paranoid, and ultimately abandons his vehicle to flee into the wilderness on foot, for no obvious reason. (NB Viewers affected by the issues raised should really consider selecting just about any alternative course of action.)
ZARA LARSSON ft. TY DOLLA $IGN
So Good ★★★
Epic
The Swedish singer, whose Lush Life hit you secretly thought was Rihanna for the longest time, is back here, promising that her love "is more potent than anything in that cup you're holdin'." Which is fine as long as person she's addressing isn't Bill Cosby.
JULIE BYRNE
Sleepwalker ★★★
Ba Da Bing!
Why did it have to be a park ranger? One of 2017's most critically acclaimed albums, so far, has been Not Even Happiness by Julie Byrne. And the most interesting titbit about this New York singer-songwriter is that she continues to work, on-and-off, as a park ranger. The album's best track is this song about sleeping outdoors, under the stars. In terms of a danger assessment, I'd urge caution though. According to my best research, the average National Park grizzly is thought to be smarter than the average bear.
LADY GAGA
Super Bowl LI Half Time Show ★★★★
Gaga's Super Bowl performance last Sunday reminded me very much of Springsteen's set eight years ago. Which is to say, she's written far more hits than I'd previously given her credit for. But the NFL still shut that stadium down to a candlelight the minute she tried to play any crap off her new album.
