This is a test video that I had to do for television, but I wanted to throw it up on my channel as well. This could be coming back!
(3,2,1 New Music Monday Intro)
Welcome to Music That Matters with 3, 2, 1 New Music Monday.
This week: We’re starting with a couple of throwback alt-rock heavyweights, one massive voice from the 2000s, a country surprise from Taylor Swift, a new single from Role Model, and yes — vinyl from the Wizard himself.
(Countdown Video)
3, 2, 1, – New Music Monday:
3 major album drops.
First up — Death Cab for Cutie with I Built You A Tower.
(“Riptides” clip)
This one finds Death Cab reconnecting with some of their indie-rock roots — even calling back to the feel of The Photo Album, which is now 25 years old.
(“Punching the Flowers” clip)
Next — Modest Mouse with An Eraser and a Maze, their first studio album in five years. (“Picking Dragons’ Pockets” clip)
At the start of 2026, I would not have had a new Modest Mouse album high on my radar, but I’m really glad this one is here because I keep going back to listen.
(“Third Side of the Moon” clip)
And Evanescence returns with their sixth studio album, Sanctuary.
(“Who Will You Follow” clip)
“Who Will You Follow” hit number one on Billboard’s Hard Rock Songs chart, but the album closer “Wide Open Heart” is where Amy Lee gets to do what Amy Lee does — build everything toward that huge vocal release.
(“Wide Open Heart” clip)
2 new singles.
Taylor Swift surprised everyone with a return to her country roots for the Toy Story 5 soundtrack.
(“I Knew It, I Knew You” clip)
She wrote “I Knew It, I Knew You” specifically for Jessie the Cowgirl.
Also new this week — Role Model with “High Hopes 3000.”
(“High Hopes 3000” clip)
That one sets up his upcoming concept album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass, due later this summer.
(Countdown Reel of 1)
And finally, depending on your generation, when you hear the name Jeff Goldblum, you may think of The Fly, Jurassic Park, or Wicked.
But this week, it’s jazz.
(“Misty” clip)
His new album Night Blooms is streaming now, but collectors may want the exclusive alternate-cover color vinyl, which includes a signed 11-by-11 art card from Jeff himself.
That’s your 3 albums, 2 singles, and 1 vinyl for the week.
This has been 3, 2, 1 New Music Monday
Until next time.
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While Metallica was releasing Load in June of 1996…
a band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina
was releasing a 1930s-style jazz song
about eternal damnation.
(Music Cut #2)
Squirrel Nut Zippers with their song “Hell.”
Now, before it ever became a hit –
the band’s entire existence was threatened
by a candy company.
(Music Cut #3)
Turns out –
a vintage candy called a “Squirrel Nut Zipper”
already existed.
Instead of changing their name,
the band worked out a deal to help promote the candy.
Soon, they were tossing actual Squirrel Nut Zippers
into crowds during concerts –
which helped revive sales of the forgotten treat.
(Music Cut #4)
LYRIC OF THE DAY: “Beauty, talent, fame, money Refinement, job skill and brain But all the things you try to hide Will be revealed on the other side.” – by Squirrel Nut Zippers
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was the self-titled debut album from Days of the New.
(Music Cut #2)
Led by 17-year-old Travis Meeks –
the band exploded with “Touch, Peel and Stand.”
and was played alongside heavier bands like Creed, Foo Fighters, and Tool.
But there was one major difference.
(Music Cut #3)
There isn’t a single electric guitar anywhere on the entire album.
(Music Cut #4)
LYRIC OF THE DAY: “Yes, I’ve finally found a reason I don’t need an excuse I’ve got this time on my hands You are the one to abuse.” – Days Of The New – “Touch, Peel and Stand”
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