Bipolar Breakthrough

Sean Costello was one of the most brilliant blues-based artists of his generation. His deeply soulful singing, songwriting and guitar playing crossed effortlessly between genres. Sean entered the scene as a child prodigy, and soon became regarded as a torchbearer, one of the leading lights of the new century. He had already gained international recognition when he died tragically in 2008, on the eve of his 29th birthday. IN THE MAGIC SHOP is Sean Costello’s previously unreleased 2005 studio album, produced in New York City by his longtime friend, collaborator and advocate, four-time Grammy Award winner Steve Rosenthal, in his recording studio, The Magic Shop. This is Sean Costello at his best, performing his stunning original compositions and well-chosen covers with band mates Paul Linden, Melvin Zachery and Ray Hangen, along with a few guests. This should have been Sean’s breakthrough record — but it remained unmixed and unheard for almost ten years.

Ahead of their appearance at this year’s When We Were Young festival, Say Anything shared an early look at the title and tracklisting of their forthcoming album, Say Anything …Is Committed, with Alternative Press.
To accompany the reveal, Say Anything released the new cut “Carrie & Lowell & Cody (Pendent),” one that shows his love for Sufjan Stevens and his knockout record Carrie & Lowell. The LP also includes singles “Psyche!,” which we called “a riveting, uplifting emo anthem,” and “Are (You) In There?” Brad Wood (Sunny Day Real Estate, Mewithoutyou), who previously worked on the 2007 double album …In Defense of the Genre, is back as producer.