The Fat Angel Sings

This week, Pulp shared a new song, “Begging for Change.” It’s the fourth single from “HELP(2)“, the ambitious new charity album to benefit War Child UK. It’s due out March 6th via War Child Records. The song features a backing choir that includes Damon Albarn (of Blur and Gorillaz), Grian Chatten (of Fontaines D.C.), Kae Tempest, and Carl Barat (of The Libertines).

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker had this to say about the song in a press release: “Thirty years ago we gave our Mercury Prize (and the prize money) to War Child. This year we have given more. How much more? You’ll have to wait and see..”

Pulp won the Mercury Prize for their classic 1995 album, “Different Class”.

Cocker took part in our 2025 Protest Issue and his sign read “I’m Begging for Change.” Perhaps he already had this song written or in mind when he wrote that sign.

Pulp released More, their first new album in 24 years, last year via Rough Trade. It was one of our recommended Albums of 2025.

The basic tracks for “Begging for Change” were recorded during the “More” sessions, but the song remained unfinished until the HELP(2) sessions at Abbey Road Studios.

“MTV Unplugged” finds Dylan recasting 11 of his old songs, both famous and obscure. The most obvious example of how Dylan can transform his own songs is his new rendering of “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” When he first recorded it for the ’64 album of the same name, the song was a clarion call to action, a triumphant promise that better times were just around the corner. When he performed it for MTV, it became a dirge-like march, a prophet’s dire warning that the world is going down the tubes in a hurry. The new version opens with weepy dobro and funereal organ, and Dylan’s slowed-down, low moan gives an entirely different spin to such phrases as “The line it is drawn, the curse it is cast,” or “Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command.” 

Bob Dylan’s Classic MTV taping from 1995 featuring the standards “The Times They Are A-Changin'” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” Also included “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Rainy Day Women # 12 and 35,” plus “Dignity” that had just been released on his Greatest Hits Vol. 3 that previous November, as well as “John Brown,” a powerful antiwar song from 1963 + “Love Minus Zero / No Limit” which wasn’t available on the original release.

Jon Anderson has announced shows for his 2026 tour with the Band Geeks. The nine dates, consisting of seven in the U.K. and two in Sweden, follow a series of concerts in the U.S. that were previously announced for this spring. The U.K. shows will be Anderson’s first performances in his home country since a one-show appearance with the Rock Academy in 2023. The tour is billed as “YES Epics, Classics, and More” and will feature songs recorded during his 40 years as the lead vocalist of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The show will also include songs from his 2024 album with the Band Geeks, 

“To be back home in the U.K. performing YES music with the Band Geeks, who are dedicated YES fans, is a dream come true for me,” said Anderson, one of the most recognizable voices in music,

The New York-based Band Geeks came to Anderson’s attention in 2023 and has led to a partnership that has already completed three highly successful U.S. tours with a fourth starting this April. They are currently in production for their second album to be released by Frontiers Music Srl. Anderson and the Band Geeks also released a live album, “Perpetual Change”, in 2025.

This live album is a snapshot of an unforgettable event, a rejuvenated artist which explores his musical roots with a band of young virtuoso musicians who are able to breathe new life in classic songs that truly need no introduction to the fans!

Sep 15- Birmingham, UK – Symphony Hall
Sep 17- Bath, UK – Forum
Sep 20- London, UK- Palladium
Sep 22- Liverpool, UK- Philharmonic
Sep 26- Manchester, UK- Opera House
Sep 28- Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
Oct 01- Gateshead, UK- Glasshouse

Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in the mid-1980s, the Beggar Weeds were a trio who chased the offbeat—driving miles out of their way on tour to visit strange museums and roadside oddities. Their music reflected that same fascination with the eccentric: a jangly mix of R.E.M., the almost-falling-apart-ness of the Replacements, and the rumbling melodicism of Hüsker Dü, filtered through Southern folk and punk grit. Their lone 1988 EP, “Sure Pants A lot”, captured their raw, fast, and fiercely melodic sound—equal parts humour, heartbreak, and rural storytelling.

Michael Stipe of R.E.M. became an early fan, co-producing unreleased sessions that now appear on their career retrospective “Tragedy in U.S. History“, out February 20th, 2026 via Strolling Bones Records. Their inclusion marks the first time these songs have been officially compiled, making the release a crucial document of Southern indie rock.

From the album “Tragedy in U.S. History” out February 20, 2026 on Strolling Bones Records

The experience of Youth Lagoon’s latest album, “Rarely Do I Dream“, embraces sentimentality and memory, but the project is not gobsmacked by melancholy. Rather, it’s a collection of music filled with kind self-reflection and hopeful imagination, as Trevor Powers approaches the totality of life through small, digitized and grainy moments, showcasing and scattering them across irresistible melodies and buttery piano leads propelled by infectious drumming. The field recordings of him and his family, including his brother Bobby, become a compositional element and ground the surreal character portrayals in vibrant snapshots of childhood, forming the foundation for Powers to, once again, reinvent Youth Lagoon.

Above the found audio lies Powers’ most sonically diverse album to date, injecting the smooth atmosphere of 2023’s “Heaven Is a Junkyard” with fuzzy synthesizers, reverb-drenched guitar leads and infinitely groovy basslines. “Heaven Is a Junkyard” was a fresh return to Youth Lagoon after Powers had abandoned the project, replacing lo-fi bedroom pop with crystal clear percussion—drums, bass and serene piano layers floating atop every song. It’s a wonderful listen that lives forever in its pillowy atmosphere, whereas “Rarely Do I Dream” changes channels almost every song, flipping a switch to a new scene. 

The Black Keys “Peaches!” is the Akron duo’s fourteenth studio album (their sixth since 2019), a visceral and raw 10-song collection described by singer Dan Auerbach as the band’s “most natural record” since their 2002 debut, The Big Come Up. In similar DIY spirit, the album was recorded with all musicians playing in the same room with few overdubs, and is the first record mixed entirely by the band themselves since 2006’s Magic Potion. The songs chosen reflect Auerbach and bandmate Patrick Carney’s obsessive record-collecting habit, which in recent years has escalated into an ongoing series of Record Hang DJ-set dance parties where they spin vintage 45s for packed, high-energy dancefloors in the coolest spots across the globe.

The cover art for Peaches! is based around an iconic image from Memphis-born photographer, William Eggleston, and marks the return of Patrick’s brother, Michael Carney, overseeing the art direction.

The Sherlocks are a British indie/alternative band hailing from Bolton upon Dearne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. With their catchy melodies and energetic performances, they have gained a loyal following in the music scene. Known for their distinctive sound and heartfelt lyrics, The Sherlocks continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of indie rock and alternative music.

Formed in 2010 the band consists of brothers, Kiaran & Brandon Crook along with Alex Procter & Trent Jackson. . They first gained recognition with their debut single which received widespread acclaim. Since then, The Sherlocks have released several successful albums including “Everything Must Make Sense” being the last.

With their infectious energy and captivating stage presence, The Sherlocks have become known for delivering unforgettable live performances. Their passion for music shines through in every song they create, making them a must-see act for any music lover.

“In Your Hands” is the brand new single from The Sherlocks.

“Trilateral Machine’ on a limited run of rusty red vinyl. Flip Top Head knows when to shift things around, making this EP such a visceral listen. Though they’re still honing their voice, Flip Top Head has all the hallmarks of a truly unique sound.

While there are plenty of post-punk and orchestral art rock bands vying for attention, there is a searing originality that marks Flip Top Head apart. The six-piece group from Brighton showcase the full range of their influences on their second EP

“avant-garde art-rock packed with wry lyricism…there is a searing originality that marks Flip Top Head apart” – NME

“Ambitious acts like Man/Woman/Chainsaw, The Orchestra (For Now) and Flip Top Head are forging a new vanguard…” – CLASH

“packs a lyrical punch, transforming the mundane into the remarkable in a way that’s characteristic of Larkin’s poetry.” – So Young Magazine

“A stirring, seismic package…striking a delicate balance between experimental and accessible” – DIY

released January 23rd, 2026

All songs written and performed by Flip Top Head.
Additional songwriting by Alfie Beer.
Produced by Theo Verney.

The new Brown Horse single’s got an immediate buy-in from vocalist Nyle Holihan: “I like the voices on the radio, I like the feeling of changing lanes.” That sounds good to me. If you missed out on “All the Right Weaknesses” last year you can still reserve a spot for “Total Dive” in a few months. “Twisters” is a twangy ace in the hole with Neve Cariad singing backup—country guitars in bold lettering, whacked-out pickers each with a lead foot on their fuzz pedals.

This is lubed-up rock and roll—road-worn riffage you can catch a fix from anytime. If you’re a Jason Molina fan you’re gonna dig a barroom blitz like this, because Brown Horse are rambling around in a strange, disarming grin. It’s a good pocket to be in, especially when Emma Tovell’s pedal steel starts crying. “I hope a whip of lightning cuts me right in two” means something to me. “Twisters” rules because it’s spilling out all over the place.

We’ve been talking about Brown Horse as sort of the UK’s answer to MJ Lenderman/Wednesday type indie-country bands, and this new single from their upcoming third album “Total Dive” is a very fine example of why they deserve that title.

The album “Total Dive” is out April 10th 2026 on Loose Music.

Low co-founder Alan Sparhawk has shared two new songs featuring Eric Pollard on Drums and Sparhawk’s son, Cyrus Sparhawk, on bass.

Sparhawk shares about both singles:
“JCMF”: This is a song I’ve had for a few years, but couldn’t find the right way to play or record it. We started playing it last year in the Alan Sparhawk Solo Band, on tour, and with each month, the sentiment of the song only increased. I feel like the song has become a rebuke against the fascist/authoritarian streak that several world leaders have taken on and to the people who have been blinded into supporting them.

“No More Darkness”: Inspired by a David Lynch quote (“Don’t fight the darkness. Don’t even worry about the darkness. Turn on the light and the darkness goes. Turn up the light of pure consciousness. Negativity goes.”) This song reminds me to choose light in especially dark times. We were ending our set with this tune all year, and it is my wish for everyone, especially those who feel alone.

Both tracks were written, composed, and produced at 20 Below Studio in Duluth, MN, with Nat Harvie mixing. They feature Sparhawk on Guitar/Vocals, Eric Pollard on Drums and Sparhawk’s son, Cyrus Sparhawk, on Bass.

Sparhawk will be donating a portion of his royalties from these songs to the International Institute of Minnesota.

released February 17th, 2026

© 2026 Sub Pop Records