Current tips: Ringo as a country star: These are the music highlights of the week

He unabashedly does whatever he feels like doing, and in this case that is: another country album. On “Look Up”, the new long player from Ringo Starrthe ex-Beatle plays, among other things Larkin Poe and Alison Krauss. There is also something new and worth listening to from “Alpenbarbie” Melissa Naschenweng and the indie rock stars Franz Ferdinand.

Ringo Starr – Seek High

He hadn’t had to do anything for a long time. And no matter what he does, he will probably never achieve the same artistic recognition as Lennon, McCartney or even Harrison. But that consequently also means: Ringo Starr can do whatever he wants and whatever he enjoys. The 84-year-old ex-Beatle has managed many a surprising coup in the past, and in this one category Also drops his first new album since 2019.

“Look Up,” a country record. fans from Ringo Starr will remember that the Brit once made an excursion into this very American genre, which he has always loved very much. That was in 1970 when he… Nashville his second Studio album Recorded “Beaucoups Of Blues”. Now, over 50 years later, he is also presenting a new country work – with a lot of verve, with greatness Joy of playing and with his typical carefree coolness.

“Look Up” contains a total of eleven songs, most of which were written and produced in collaboration with the legendary T Bone Burnett. In addition, it was Ringo Starr supported in the studio by a few very well-known country and roots rock professionals – alongside Molly Tuttle and the sister band Larkin Poe is, among other things, the 27-time Grammy winner Alison Krauss included. It’s a big one Joy to record this album explains Ringo Starr“and I hope it is.” Joy is to hear it”. Yes, it is!

Melissa Naschenweng – Alpine Barbie

Some first think of the pink tractor or the harmonica, others of the beautiful mountains Melissa Naschenweng loves to sing. But, either way, the singer from Villach has definitely made a name for herself in recent years. Winner of an Amadeus Award six times and most recently at the top of the Austrian charts with three albums in a row DiagramsThe 34-year-old has long been a big star in her home country. As a traditional-modern “Alpine Barbie”, you will now take the next step in this country.

19th place was in the Germans Diagrams Your best result to date (“Glück”, 2022), there is certainly even more to come with what is now the seventh long player. Melissa Naschenweng As usual, relies on a wild musical mix Bat, Folk musicPop and rock’n’roll, and she also likes the content to be wild. She sings about long party nights, hot flirts and “Michl with the Sichl”. Women’s world rejoices when he is Tool unpacked”). Shows in between Melissa Naschenweng – you haven’t seen that from her so far – but also her serious, thoughtful side a few times. In “Himmelvota,” for example, she, no longer the predictable “Alpine Barbie,” makes her faith and the close bond with her grandparents, who have since passed away, the theme.

Franz Ferdinand – Human Fear

Franz Ferdinand – does anything else ring a bell? If so, then only for people over 40. In the mid-2000s, the Glaswegians were once a really big number, whose songs were played at many parties outside of the indie rock scene. Light-hearted rock riffs and catchy pop melodies were the style back then trend and filled large halls. Then at some point things go a little downhill – at least commercially. Report after a few very quiet years Franz Ferdinand now returns with “The Human Fear”.

Has anything changed since “Always Ascending” (2018), Franz Ferdinand’s last album to date? The jagged beats that are so fun to dance to are still characteristic of the Scottish band’s sound. The special Franz Ferdinand punch is now provided by Audrey Tait, who has been replacing Nicholas McCarthy since 2021 Drums sits.

Otherwise unchanged in terms of personnel, the musicians around frontman Alex Kapranos have obviously thought a lot about philosophical topics in the long time since their last album, and especially about fear. The eleven new songs repeatedly deal with how it shapes – and enriches – our existence. Kapranos explains, “Fear reminds you that you are.” Life are. I think we’re all addicted to it in some way Intoxicationthat they can give us.” There is a fear that no one actually wants to have Franz Ferdinand also something good. For Kapranos, working on “The Human Fear” was “one of the most life-affirming experiences” he has ever had.