Neal Francis will release the “bittersweet scraps” of his breakthrough 2021 album In Plain Sight as a new EP, Sentimental Garbage, out on November 18th via ATO Records. Tuesday’s announcement arrives alongside a pair of singles including a cover of Shuggie Otis‘ “Strawberry Letter 23” and the original “Very Fine, Pts. 1 & 2”.
Both singles deliver on Francis’ patented blend of suave R&B nostalgia, whether it’s the disco ball-turning “Strawberry Letter 23” cover or the forceful horns and tender backup vocals of “Very Fine Pts. 1 & 2”. The new seven-song collection is named after the In Plain Sight track “Sentimental Garbage”, while “In Plain Sight” is found on Sentimental Garbage. The tracklist also features a “Parsonage Mix” of the standout In Plain Sight track, “Can’t Stop The Rain”. A “parsonage” refers to a house provided by the church to a member of the clergy, and Francis recorded much of his 2021 album inside a church where he lived for a time following a breakup.
Related: Neal Francis Welcomes David Shaw For “Can’t Stop The Rain” In New Orleans [Photos/Videos]
“Sentimental Garbage was the working title of our last LP, which includes the track of the same name,” Francis said. “We ended up calling that record In Plain Sight while removing the title track from the sequence. I knew this was my last chance to slap Sentimental Garbage on a record jacket, the thought of which always brought me great joy. It also works because this record is compiled of bittersweet scraps. I guess we could have also titled the record Burnt Ends.”
Listen to Neal Francis’ new singles “Very Fine, Pts. 1 & 2” and “Strawberry Letter 23” from Sentimental Garbage, available here for pre-order. The pianist is currently on tour supporting Marcus King, with a two-night run at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on September 15th and 16th.
Neal Francis – “Strawberry Letter 23” (Shuggie Otis)
Neal Francis – “Very Fine, Pts. 1 & 2”