Alan Cross's weekly musical recommendations: Friday the 13th, with feeling – National

Let's face it: the new release program last week was a bit of a dog, thanks to two national holidays

This week, however, is a little more lively.

1. Cowboy Junkies, All that matters

Is it really six years since the release of the last album? The Junkies come back with what they called their most profound and complete record of all time. "We've always tried to make records that fit what we are as people," says Michael Timmins. "These songs are about counting on a personal level and counting on a social level." Like all Junkies albums, this one is probably best appreciated after dark with lighted candles and a glass of Chardonnay

2. Rick Astley, Beautiful Life

I have a friend in Singapore who honestly believes that Rick Astley is the greatest artist of his generation. Since he is the only person I know who is thrilled to be unopened, my wedding gift was an autographed photo of Astley. He is very happy about the revival of his career (remember that he retired in 1993), which includes, among other things, a close friendship with the Foo Fighters. His latest album, 50 was a hit in the charts in the UK. Chances that he's doing well with this one too.

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3. Dirty Projectors, Lamp Lit Prose

I try to include a joker or two in each weekly list, and the ninth album of Dirty Projects Brooklyn certainly qualifies. Singer David Longstreth seems to have overcome his sorrow (the theme of an eponymous album from 2012) and produced a less dancey and more guitar-oriented record. Beautiful harmonies too. The album features appearances from members of HAIM, Rostam of Vampire Weekend, and Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes. A good choice if you're feeling adventurous about your broadcast choices this weekend.

4. Slightly Stoopid, Everyday Life, Ordinary People

This punky group from San Diego has spent some time over the past two years trying to print a playable disc made of hashish resin. So far, all attempts have failed, but they have not been too troubled by this, as they have just broken the bad pressings and smoked them. This new album features many appearances as a guest (Ali Campbell of UB40, Love G., Sly & Robbie, to name a few). I think we can assume that the studio control room was a smoky place.

5. Amy Shark, Love Monster

Amy Billings, a native of the Gold Coast in Australia, has already become a good home business thanks to the well-known successes of her first EP of last year, Night Thinker . The song that intrigues me the most is this duo with Mark Hoppus blink-182

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London Caller – The Fernweh, Next Time Around

This Liverpool Group (not to be confused with an LA group of the same name) says that their name is a German word that describes a Some type of wanderlust: this feeling that you get when you start looking for holiday ideas every second. You will immediately hear a lot of the golden age influences of the British as well as groups like Byrds. March

Coming out of Morganville, West Virginia, this group evokes memories of some type of alt-pop found in the 1990s. This single comes from their first EP, Spruce . Pleasant

Returning Thursday – Kazzer, Pedal to the Metal

When Mark Kaspryzk of Binbrook, Ont., Was relegated to a Canadian National Judo for the 2000 Olympics, he decided that a career in music might be a better option. By signing with Epic Records, he released a first album under the name of Kazzer, nominated for the prize for the best new year at the Junos two years later. He then worked with the Redlight Kings Group and now works under the name of Mr. Rivers.

Alan Cross is a Broadcaster with 102.1 The Edge and a Commentator for Global News

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