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On to the music:
For those of you who are new, we kick off every week by sharing what we’ve been playing.
The playlist below is some of what I’ve had in heavy rotation. This week’s list leans more toward “deep cuts from favorite bands” territory, but we also get some killer new sounds from places like (checks notes) Colorado Springs.
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any new releases or shows you’re looking forward to?
As some of you may have seen, I recently wrote about a Best Record of 1989 challenge and noted that I'd be occasionally writing some of these up.
I've started doing some quick hits of each match up and posting them directly to the page here. There's probably some typos. Check 'em out and let me know your thoughts! Chin wags & hot takes welcome! Sharing and restacks always appreciated.
Also: As most of you have seen, I am a huge fan of the music streaming platform Qobuz. The sound quality is second to none, and the entire UX is fantastic. Thanks to our friend Kenn Richards, you can now see it for yourself.
I’m thrilled to share this exclusive offer for 2 free months. Not an ad, and there’s no catch. Just hella good sound quality, solid recommendations tailored to your tastes, and editorials well worth your time.
Note: The codes will be sent out by an actual human over the next several days. Please be patient.
Robbie Williams: Angels (👼) Just saw his film biopic “Better Man” and Celine Dion singing “I Drove All Night” because I’ve been doing more than my average amount of driving in the last week
The Williams biopic was much more creative and inventive. The Dylan one I watched when it came out and enjoyed it but it’s what you’d expect of a bigger budget mainstream yet also “indie” vehicle. Williams was outside the box 📦
I felt the same way. I wrote an essay earlier this spring about how biopics tend to make demigods of the artists whose stories they tell. It's like the human act of making music or art gets lost along the way. From that perspective, for me, making Robbie a chimp actually preserved his humanity.
Over at 3Albums6OldGuys, I just posted my Best of 2025 so far -- https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/og-brads-25-best-of-2025-so-far. Would love feedback. Horsegirl, Fust, Mei Semones, Yugen Blakrok, and Dead Gowns make up my top 5. Late risers on the list included Valerie June (realizing how inspired a choice it was for her to work with M. Ward as producer) and Aesop Rock.
I'm on it! Thanks for sharing the link here. I will say that Fust is incredible. I'm still not sure who first tipped me off to that record, but I owe 'em a thank you.
Currently on a long road trip inching our way home. Last night we were camped in Oakley, Kansas. Nothing but the high, flat plains landscape, a highway, very few trees, and a blazing hot sun. It was so hot we had rabbits seeking shade from our vehicle.
Once the sun went down, I hit play on a Stephen Stills playlist I made that compiles my favorite tracks from his first three solo albums, his ‘68 demos, Manassas, and his best tracks from Buffalo Springfield and CSN/CSNY. Perfect music in this landscape.
The beautiful Dark of Life by Atreyu (Metalcore), Welcome to Hell by Mono Inc. (Goth Rock), Welcome to Sky Valley by Kyuss (Stoner Rock), Corrosion of Conformity by Corrosion of Conformity (Metal)
I listened to the first two discs: LA Garage Sessions '83 and The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions. The former is fine and worth returning to. The latter is intriguing and I want to listen more closely with headphones.
- The Chameleons
They never made an impression on me in their heyday, but we caught them at Milwaukee's Summerfest between The English Beat and The Psychedelic Furs so I dug into their catalog. The English Beat were fun and I was surprised by what a massive crowd turned up for them. The Furs were fantastic as always, but it was sad to see them without Mars Williams on sax. Only bummer of the night was that Devo were on at the same time as the Furs.
- Amble
This Irish acoustic trio from Leitrim and Sligo were the surprise of the second weekend of Summerfest. Backed by three other Irish mates, they sounded terrific and were clearly enjoying themselves in front of a welcoming crowd. Bonus points for a great cover of "Ooh La La." Two years ago, they were schoolteachers -- now they're touring as Hozier's opener.
This morning on my turntable Stevie’s Innervisions (first UK pressing). Sublime.
Now streaming the new album by Durand Jones & The Indications — sounds like I’ll be getting it on vinyl soon. Shoutout to Mark Nash who reminded me of its recent release.
I recently heard a track I liked from Animal Liberation Orchestra, "Dead Still Dance," but after giving some of their stuff a spin, I have learned the band, on the whole, is not my kind of band. I guess it's like how I only like "Touch of Gray" by the Grateful Dead. And don't get me started about my dislike of DMB.
Jam bands are just not my thing.
I also recently learned about Baltimore-based Iluvatar, a prog band off the Genesis tree. I do like what they're putting into the world, although I'm not sure how regularly they're playing anymore.
I just finished the REM biography The Name of this Band is REM. I was an early-ish onset REM listener, finding them through a mixtape that had Talk About the Passion and Green Grow the Rushes Grow. I soon jumped in with both feet w/ Life's Rich Pageant then moved to and fro through everything. I was 15 when I first heard them I believe. I got my first guitar at 16 or 17 and dove in to learn it all. I fell away at Monster but recall seeing Accelerate coming out and loved their return to guitar driven songs.
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Drove to Canada last Friday and Saturday and did a deep dive into the Summer albums of my life 1984-2025, the criteria being that I really played the album start to finish often. It's an interesting exercise. I have a vivid memory gap when ipods came and albums almost immediately were erased....this is the list so far w/ a link to the playlist.
I'm glad you liked that! Not for nothing, I've been doing a "Best record of 1989" challenge and writing quick dispatches about each matchup. In today's Yo La Tengo takes on Prefab Sprout.
I'm seeing Wu-Tang Clan next week so been I put together a playlist of the songs they've been playing on tour, and been bumping that for a couple weeks straight. Can't wait for that show, I'm so excited.
Am I allowed to plug my own music, Kevin? I hope so, as i certainly plug other people's! To that end, the new Hudson Palace single, 'Holding Hands With Strangers' is our first self composition, after previously having fun covering Buzzcocks and The Who. Inspired by a trip to Costa Rica and with percussion by Mercury Rev's Joe Magistro, it has been receiving some lovely compliments from near and far. https://hudsonpalace.bandcamp.com/track/holding-hands-with-strangers
And I am right now enjoying Natalia Lafourcade's De Todas las Flores thanks to a lovely and evocative article about the Mexican star on Dada Drummer ss.
This past week I managed to listen to Lorde's latest record, Virgin. I was excited when it was announced earlier this year, but I didn't have many expectations for it, per se. Really, the only expectation I had was that I would get good lyrics, which Lorde seems to do pretty well with.
My first impression: it's pretty good, although I think it's a small step down on Solar Power. There's a few questionable moments, particularly the beginning of Hammer and the entirety of Clearblue (perhaps these will grow on repeat listens). However, Favourite Daughter and If She Could See Me Now are among her best songs.
I dived into Pink Floyd at the end of this week, and they will start off next week. Always a favourite of mine. The band's early recordings are often overlooked due to the popularity of their post-1973 releases, including Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall. Not on my turntable, they get close to equal billing.
Sam Phillips The Indescribable Wow
Murray McLauchlan Whispering Rain
Isaac Hayes New Horizon
Various Oh! Canada
Various Strong Hand of Love
Various Heavenly Praises
Pink Floyd Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (1969 repress)
Pink Floyd Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (2018 Record Store Day Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Mono, 180 Gram)
Pink Floyd A Saucerful of Secrets (1968 The "6000" Series)
I also found myself listening to Anoushka Shankar's We Return To Light, the third Chapter is a trilogy of short LPs or long EPs in which she has worked with other musicians to create an interesting fusion. The whole project had passed me by, including the Chapter III which came out in March. I really am enjoying it.
Superchunk and the 'Mats alone get me excited. Great list.
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.
Robbie Williams: Angels (👼) Just saw his film biopic “Better Man” and Celine Dion singing “I Drove All Night” because I’ve been doing more than my average amount of driving in the last week
Did you like Better Man? I saw it the same week I watched the new Bob Dylan biopic. I much preferred the Williams option.
The Williams biopic was much more creative and inventive. The Dylan one I watched when it came out and enjoyed it but it’s what you’d expect of a bigger budget mainstream yet also “indie” vehicle. Williams was outside the box 📦
I felt the same way. I wrote an essay earlier this spring about how biopics tend to make demigods of the artists whose stories they tell. It's like the human act of making music or art gets lost along the way. From that perspective, for me, making Robbie a chimp actually preserved his humanity.
That’s a really good way of framing it.
Are you planning to review Better Man for your newsletter? if so, please feel free to link to it here! Also: "Rock DJ" is quite underrated, IMO.
I'm assuming the car time is due to peak sports/summer camp/activities?
Over at 3Albums6OldGuys, I just posted my Best of 2025 so far -- https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/og-brads-25-best-of-2025-so-far. Would love feedback. Horsegirl, Fust, Mei Semones, Yugen Blakrok, and Dead Gowns make up my top 5. Late risers on the list included Valerie June (realizing how inspired a choice it was for her to work with M. Ward as producer) and Aesop Rock.
I'm on it! Thanks for sharing the link here. I will say that Fust is incredible. I'm still not sure who first tipped me off to that record, but I owe 'em a thank you.
And two albums that just launched on Friday that I'm loving:
-- Lightheaded: https://areyoufeelinglightheaded.bandcamp.com/album/thinking-dreaming-scheming; amazing power/jangle from NJ on the indomitable Slumberland Records
-- Greek Death: https://greetdeath.bandcamp.com/album/die-in-love; some very loud and lovely shoegaze combined with some slowcore gems - another great loud rock band from Michigan
Hello - Lionel Ritchie
Stevie Wonder, my dude!
Rad!
Currently on a long road trip inching our way home. Last night we were camped in Oakley, Kansas. Nothing but the high, flat plains landscape, a highway, very few trees, and a blazing hot sun. It was so hot we had rabbits seeking shade from our vehicle.
Once the sun went down, I hit play on a Stephen Stills playlist I made that compiles my favorite tracks from his first three solo albums, his ‘68 demos, Manassas, and his best tracks from Buffalo Springfield and CSN/CSNY. Perfect music in this landscape.
Not sure where this'll find you, but hopefully this trip is going great!
The beautiful Dark of Life by Atreyu (Metalcore), Welcome to Hell by Mono Inc. (Goth Rock), Welcome to Sky Valley by Kyuss (Stoner Rock), Corrosion of Conformity by Corrosion of Conformity (Metal)
My week was about:
- Springsteen - Tracks II
I listened to the first two discs: LA Garage Sessions '83 and The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions. The former is fine and worth returning to. The latter is intriguing and I want to listen more closely with headphones.
- The Chameleons
They never made an impression on me in their heyday, but we caught them at Milwaukee's Summerfest between The English Beat and The Psychedelic Furs so I dug into their catalog. The English Beat were fun and I was surprised by what a massive crowd turned up for them. The Furs were fantastic as always, but it was sad to see them without Mars Williams on sax. Only bummer of the night was that Devo were on at the same time as the Furs.
- Amble
This Irish acoustic trio from Leitrim and Sligo were the surprise of the second weekend of Summerfest. Backed by three other Irish mates, they sounded terrific and were clearly enjoying themselves in front of a welcoming crowd. Bonus points for a great cover of "Ooh La La." Two years ago, they were schoolteachers -- now they're touring as Hozier's opener.
Here's a live cut from The Late Late Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWzEO8VxVpA
Looking forward to the playlist and your picks!
I spent my weekend working through Tracks II and I've heard 6 of the 7 so far. Lots of process, but plenty of good songs.
I finally checked out Sharp Pins' Radio DDR and enjoyed it.
I was also listening to other albums to try to get a new post off the ground before I left for vacation, but I leave in about an hour, so no go.
Safe travels!
This morning on my turntable Stevie’s Innervisions (first UK pressing). Sublime.
Now streaming the new album by Durand Jones & The Indications — sounds like I’ll be getting it on vinyl soon. Shoutout to Mark Nash who reminded me of its recent release.
I recently heard a track I liked from Animal Liberation Orchestra, "Dead Still Dance," but after giving some of their stuff a spin, I have learned the band, on the whole, is not my kind of band. I guess it's like how I only like "Touch of Gray" by the Grateful Dead. And don't get me started about my dislike of DMB.
Jam bands are just not my thing.
I also recently learned about Baltimore-based Iluvatar, a prog band off the Genesis tree. I do like what they're putting into the world, although I'm not sure how regularly they're playing anymore.
https://iluvatar.bandcamp.com/album/iluvatar
Can I just say that I loved the story of how you found this band, and everything that needed to line up "just so" for it to happen?
For anyone scrolling the comments: https://seanpatricklittle.substack.com/p/lucky
Thanks, Kev. Much appreciated.
I just finished the REM biography The Name of this Band is REM. I was an early-ish onset REM listener, finding them through a mixtape that had Talk About the Passion and Green Grow the Rushes Grow. I soon jumped in with both feet w/ Life's Rich Pageant then moved to and fro through everything. I was 15 when I first heard them I believe. I got my first guitar at 16 or 17 and dove in to learn it all. I fell away at Monster but recall seeing Accelerate coming out and loved their return to guitar driven songs.
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Drove to Canada last Friday and Saturday and did a deep dive into the Summer albums of my life 1984-2025, the criteria being that I really played the album start to finish often. It's an interesting exercise. I have a vivid memory gap when ipods came and albums almost immediately were erased....this is the list so far w/ a link to the playlist.
1984- U2 Under a Blood Red Sky
1985- Tears for Fears-Songs from the Big Chair
1986- The Cult-Electric
1987- The Smith's-Louder Than Bombs
1990-Better than Ezra-Surprise
1992-Toad the Wet Sprocket-Pale
1993 - Frank Black-Frank Black
2010-Vampire Weekend-Contra
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XNeVL9hef9o8prUogvqMo?si=e491d374a7784fed
Can you name all of REM’s albums in chronological order including all singles off of each album?
Doing the lords work over here @Kevin Alexander
Albums? Maybe. Singles? Not a chance. lol.
Let’s see:
Murmur
Reckoning
Fables
Life’s Rich Pageant
(Dead Letter Offfice is here, I think?)
Document
Green
(Eponymous is in here somewhere)
Out of Time
AFTP
Monster?
New Adventures in Hi-Fi?
Up
Reveal
Accelerate
Around the Sun
(Not 100% sure of the order of these last few)
Collapse Into Now
Was testing the porn bot. Not you ;)
Lol. I shoulda known! Hopefully all the comments are gone now.
I've been known to be snarky in the past but certainly wouldn't bust up on your posts like that. 😂
- Dorothy's excellent 2022 release, Gifts From The Holy Ghost
https://open.spotify.com/album/258YZ2TUzI1SJBU626eYFc?si=WC0ee0PBR6W1WYj3-jdkaA
- The Moving Sidewalks; Billy Gibbons was the guitar player in this group before joining ZZ Top. I believe I heard this tune on Steve Earl's Hardcore Troubadour show which had me dig into their work a little further. https://open.spotify.com/album/0zOs4x77Wfg9ixVaNuJNRP?si=4cMwQweTRC-gcDhC9eUqEQ
- Fats Domino Swings from 1959 https://open.spotify.com/album/3vte37u7rIAmMZJwNyJSjf?si=FFswYxyuQfauE11jSgtxMA
All the feels for Prefab Sprout!
I'm glad you liked that! Not for nothing, I've been doing a "Best record of 1989" challenge and writing quick dispatches about each matchup. In today's Yo La Tengo takes on Prefab Sprout.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thekevinalexander/p/the-best-record-of-1989-day-27?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Excel
Seam McVerry’s album Steve has had extensive listening this week. I absolutely love it. Stand out track is probably Time As A Stage, but the whole thing is excellent https://open.spotify.com/track/5vtpdbAQMjpXoKEFDlaCcG?si=0VfEMgFDRMW8xtqUhxk0nQ
I’ve also been enjoying Come And Get Me by Ryli who I think came on my radar through one of your playlists, Kevin, so thanks for that!
Japanese Breakfast has also had some listening as I’m going to their show in Bristol tomorrow night.
Right on! Ryli is fantastic. I'm always happy to hear someone is enjoying the work.
I'm totally in love with Foxwarren's latest album, "2".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3d3dLyEKiY
Close to the Edge is a monster here, I am losing my mind.
Been loving the new releases from Durand Jones and the Indications (https://open.spotify.com/album/7zyILGPU1W58PNTgEgRNvO) and Adrian Quesada (https://open.spotify.com/album/12gMpdC16uCaCJk3qdrtkW)
Also very much enjoyed Disc 6 (“Twilight Hours”) from Springsteen’s Tracks II.
After reading Marshall Bowden’s fantastic post on Cher’s 1969 album 3614 Jackson Highway (https://open.substack.com/pub/newdirectionsinmusic/p/3614-jackson-highway) I’ve given the album several listens and have thoroughly enjoyed it, one of my best “Substack discoveries” of the year so far: https://open.spotify.com/album/3Q4MLOhuoqRLaOtB6ybvNE
Latest favorite song: “No Longer Young” by Propagandhi.
I'm seeing Wu-Tang Clan next week so been I put together a playlist of the songs they've been playing on tour, and been bumping that for a couple weeks straight. Can't wait for that show, I'm so excited.
Am I allowed to plug my own music, Kevin? I hope so, as i certainly plug other people's! To that end, the new Hudson Palace single, 'Holding Hands With Strangers' is our first self composition, after previously having fun covering Buzzcocks and The Who. Inspired by a trip to Costa Rica and with percussion by Mercury Rev's Joe Magistro, it has been receiving some lovely compliments from near and far. https://hudsonpalace.bandcamp.com/track/holding-hands-with-strangers
And I am right now enjoying Natalia Lafourcade's De Todas las Flores thanks to a lovely and evocative article about the Mexican star on Dada Drummer ss.
You are always more than welcome to plug your own music here, Tony!
Nice -- congrats, Tony!
This past week I managed to listen to Lorde's latest record, Virgin. I was excited when it was announced earlier this year, but I didn't have many expectations for it, per se. Really, the only expectation I had was that I would get good lyrics, which Lorde seems to do pretty well with.
My first impression: it's pretty good, although I think it's a small step down on Solar Power. There's a few questionable moments, particularly the beginning of Hammer and the entirety of Clearblue (perhaps these will grow on repeat listens). However, Favourite Daughter and If She Could See Me Now are among her best songs.
I dived into Pink Floyd at the end of this week, and they will start off next week. Always a favourite of mine. The band's early recordings are often overlooked due to the popularity of their post-1973 releases, including Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall. Not on my turntable, they get close to equal billing.
Sam Phillips The Indescribable Wow
Murray McLauchlan Whispering Rain
Isaac Hayes New Horizon
Various Oh! Canada
Various Strong Hand of Love
Various Heavenly Praises
Pink Floyd Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (1969 repress)
Pink Floyd Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (2018 Record Store Day Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Mono, 180 Gram)
Pink Floyd A Saucerful of Secrets (1968 The "6000" Series)
Pink Floyd Complete BBC Sessions 1967-1968
Kim Jung Mi - Now
Unbelievable (not sure that’s the right word) that she was ostracised for having a so-called ‘vulgar’ voice
I also found myself listening to Anoushka Shankar's We Return To Light, the third Chapter is a trilogy of short LPs or long EPs in which she has worked with other musicians to create an interesting fusion. The whole project had passed me by, including the Chapter III which came out in March. I really am enjoying it.
https://open.qobuz.com/album/wbksw2zh6y4pa
Here's a couple new ones Kevin: https://danpal.substack.com/p/new-music-from-shey-baba-and-another?r=lru5s