From Kim Gordon to Fulminacci: what to listen to this week
And thank goodness that for some, Friday the 13th should bring bad luck like a sort of Friday the 17th. Instead, interesting records will be released, by artists who put quality at the center: on the Italian front comes the new project by Fulminacci, fresh from his Sanremo experience, on the international front there will be space for the return of the Black Crowes and that of Kim Gordon, one of the most important figures in the recent history of rock. For those who love urban music, the new recording chapter of Vaz Tè, a Genoese rapper, will also be released, who will bring with him his old friends, from Tedua to Bresh passing through the new Ligurian star Sayf. Below are Rockol’s advice.
Kim Gordon – “Play me”
The new solo album of the artist, former member of Sonic Youth, “Play me”, will be released on March 13th by Matador Records, with the production of Justin Raisen, already working with Charli and I knew I wanted an even more beat-oriented project than the previous one. Justin really understands my voice and my lyrics and understands how I work, which I felt even more on this record.” “Play me” is Kim Gordon’s third solo album, after “No home record”, from 2019, and “The collective”, from 2024.
Fulminacci – “Calcinacci”
“Calcinacci” is the fourth studio album by the Roman singer-songwriter who won the “Mia Martini” Critics’ Award at the last Sanremo Festival with his “Stupida unfortunate”. The title “Calcinacci” recalls the idea of daily rubble, small fragments of life from which one can start again. The album is built just like a collection of emotional and narrative fragments, between farewells and unfinished relationships, escapes and changes, imperfections and daily failures. The narrative approach maintains Fulminacci’s typical signature: irony, light melancholy and observation of ordinary life. The production is almost entirely handled by Golden Years (real name Pietro Paroletti), who also accompanied Fulminacci on the Sanremo stage as conductor. Two duets: with Franco126 on “Fantasia 2000” and with Tutti Fenomeni on “Mitomani”.
Black Crowes – “A Pound of Feathers”
Produced by Jay Joyce, the Black Crowes’ new album takes their blend of blues, soul and rock into new territory, showcasing the continuity of a career spanning four decades. “We made this record in eight or ten days,” says Chris Robinson. “Bringing the euphoria and inspiration of ‘Happiness Bastards’ into this album was a natural progression. We wrote instinctively and following the sensations of the moment. Rich brought a spontaneity to the record that I can’t describe, but it’s the best song he’s ever made.” The album follows the previous “Happiness Bastards” from 2024, nominated for best rock album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, confirming the artistic continuity of the Black Crowes without excess rhetorical.
James Blake – “Trying times”
Seventh studio album for James Blake, but the first published completely by independent artistvia his label Good Boy Recordsafter leaving the major labels he had previously worked with. “Trying times” comes after: the solo album Playing Robots into Heaven from 2023 and the collaborative project Bad Cameo with Lil Yachty from 2024. Blake described “Trying Times” as an album that reflects the pressure and frenzy of contemporary life, told with that minimalist electronica that has always characterized the musician’s productions.
Vaz Tea – “VT3SOR”
Within the new generation of Genoese rap there is a name that has made its way with ever greater force over the years. He is part of the Wild Bandana collective, the crew that revolves around Tedua, and today he is considered one of the most solid exponents of the Genoa scene. In his new album he brings together a network of collaborations around him that well illustrates the weight of his journey: there are the “Amici mia” of the so-called Drilliguria, Tedua, Bresh and Nader Shah, but also guests such as Sayf, Izi, also a member of Wild Bandana, Tormento and Latrelle, demonstrating a dialogue that starts from Liguria and goes beyond.
