This bumps to Great Lake Swimmers, a band that I have seen live several times and have a heavy handful of their vinyl to keep my ears happy until I see them again. I just realised that I don't have their new album, oops, a trip to my favourite store, Record Collectors Paradise.
I think their catalog has a steady improvement all the way to Disintegration, which is their peak in my opinion. Their material declined for me after that. However, they play some new, unreleased songs at the show, and they were mostly excellent. I’m excited for the new album whenever it drops.
Yes, Kevin! Squeeze is on your playlist. I’m in post-production for my next Squeeze podcast. But listening to SiriusXM and the Classic Vinyl channel: it still gives me pause that subscribers (for the July 4th holiday) still vote this song as the top album track: Stairway To Heaven. What is it about this ditty that still resonates with listeners? Ingrained in DNA? Nostalgia? Being told not to riff ‘that song’ on every Strat at Guitar World? Comments welcome!
Golly, Amy.....Deep thinking on a Monday! I love that human nature/"top album track" conundrum! I just don't know the answer, but that won't stop me from taking a stab: Taking into account that particular Sirius venue, I'm gonna guess the listeners think "STH" is what they "should" answer! Your suggestions play a part, too, I think: the genre's inherent DNA through half-a-century can't be discounted, as well as the *sigh* nostalgia of that song, etc.
Plus, it's a great way for the "CV" channel to engage its listeners in a "feel good" communal event around a holiday I'm sure they're correctly guessing their audience will not be working, and thus, be looking to them to help pleasingly pass the time. What I don't know is whether their gambit was multiple choice or an open-ended "hey, just e-mail/phone your answer in."
I'm sure similar polls are being run on other Sirius/XM channels this holiday week, and with predictable results: Beach Boys' channel: "Good Vibrations," Billy Joel channel (if that periodically-run channel is "up")? "Piano Man," Sinatra channel? "Fly Me to the Moon," if there were a Journey channel? "Don't Stop Believin'," etc! Human nature: As predictable as it is complex!
I love Squeeze! Any idea when your next episode will be out?
As for Stairway, I have no idea. At this point, it's become a song people think they are "supposed" to like, even if they otherwise might not. I know it's heresy in come circles, but I just don't like it that much. They put out plenty of others that are better, IMO.
I’m beginning to think (after fifty years) that it’s all a STH conspiracy. There. I’ve said it. Don’t even get me started on ‘Freebird.’ But I’m seriously thinking of working on an academic essay on why ‘Freebird’ elicits the reaction it does.
In any case, next Squeeze podcast should be out very very soon.
Great playlist, Kevin. Thanks for sharing! I'm listening to the new kids, like Kyle Rising and Taj Farrant, who are bringing back the classic rock, reggae, and blues vibe. I love seeing the new generation inspired by legends like Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. I hope you have a rockin' good holiday.
Hi Kevin and fellow readers/writers! Bluesy weekend for me. I was spinning Sam Cooke’s “Night Beat” and thinking “man, what a singer”. Immediately followed by “The Heart of Saturday Night” by Tom Waits and, again: man, what a singer. Funny how two very different singers can trigger the same reaction 😅
So Devendra Banhart has a new album coming out in September, and I'm playing the single, "Twin" on my my WPKN radio show this Thursday...The album's called "Flying Wig" - he worked on it with Cate Le Bon, in a recording studio cabin in Topanga, which sounds so enviable and delicious!
Also re-visiting the 1990 album "Wrong Way Up" by Brian Eno and John Cale
Some great and very different takes on a few of the covers. The Crabber cover of Controversial Girlfriend was recorded for our upcoming tribute to Edward Ball but we encourage bands to use their songs anywhere they can so mote people get to hear them.
I love finding new music on compilations. I as just browsing through some old Mojo compilations I'm happy listening to the Lower Than Underground. Thanks.
I had a pretty punishing weekend, intense rehearsals for 2 separate shows with different bands this month. Been unwinding by revisiting the North African band Mdou Moctar, and letting the hypnotic grooves carry me away.
And...the Byrds are a favorite, along with Squeeze (of course!). Have a fun and safe 4th yourself. I have at least two, maybe three if today’s meet & greet goes well, clients tomorrow and a party to go to...so I’ll be having fun!!! Take care, my friend!
Some great ones on this diverse playlist Kevin! A few new ones on there that I’m enjoying (Tough Age, Zivi, NewDad, Gal Mussette). Hopefully we’ll see albums coming from those last three, I enjoyed them all.
This past week here’s what I’ve spent a lot of time spinning (ok streaming):
I'm happy to hear it! Zivi's comes out September 15th. Gal Musette's comes out later this year, but I'm not 100% sure on the date. No sure about New Dad, either.
I’m on an extended Meat Puppets binge. And to honor the holiday about to be celebrated with loud explosions, forcing a majority of dogs under beds and huddled beneath thunder shirts is this classic.
Multiple replays of Robyn Hitchcock's new album On Pain had me in a mellow & contemplative mood, in a good way. Still, it was nice that Bdrmm's latest album I Don't Know along with TV Girl's new Grapes Upon The Vine remedied that. Wonderful music all around.
Hah, Lloyd Cole. In my defense, same generation? French Exit's new album is good but so far their previous one French Exit is still superior and certainly worth a listen.
Eek, my brain is rebelling. TV Girl's previous album French Exit, is what I meant to write. Substack needs to add an effort feature to comments! Of course I could just proofread... apologies.
"Purple Picasso" by Curren$y, Vico and Harry Fraud (he produced it) is one of my favorites right now. It comes from their project VICES and I feel like it captures the essence of the project's cover excellently. I have never been in Miami, on a speedboat or alive in the 80s but this song makes me feel like I'm experiencing all three lol
As a side note, the Neal Brennan Blocks episode on YouTube with Josh Homme was a revelation. I wouldn't call myself a huge QOTSA fan and knew nothing about him, so this was kinda great. https://youtu.be/2c0xHqm4xc8
It's been a busy, busy week with lots of good tunes. https://weatheredmusic.ca/2023/07/05/on-repeat-201/ Highlights for me were Marianne Faithful – Broken English & Fleetwood Mac – Kiln House. Two albums that I have "on repeat."
It has been a busy, busy week. Highlights were Marianne Faithful on Broken English and Fleetwood Mac with Kiln House. For more of what I listened to: https://weatheredmusic.ca
Deep listening to sort out my June Listening podcast, which published yesterday, and my Best Of 2023 (so far), which is coming shortly! Also picked up the debut solo album by John Kay (Steppenwolf), Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes, which is really good. $2 well spent for the version of Hank Snow’s I’m Movin’ On alone!
Hi! Here is a song "Rise Up" featuring some soulful chill bluesy happenings.... 🤩💯 -Appreciating your content as someone who is looking for new artists. :) There is also a Cure cover - reggae-rock version of Lovesong :)
This bumps to Great Lake Swimmers, a band that I have seen live several times and have a heavy handful of their vinyl to keep my ears happy until I see them again. I just realised that I don't have their new album, oops, a trip to my favourite store, Record Collectors Paradise.
I went to see The Cure on Friday. I tend to forget how great a band they are. I've had Disintegration on repeat since then.
Saw them last weekend in Philly and they were amazing! Robert Smith still going strong at 64
I couldn’t believe how great they sounded! Amazing!
I just started getting into them. Made it through their debut and Pornography. And I just missed them playing in Toronto lol
I think their catalog has a steady improvement all the way to Disintegration, which is their peak in my opinion. Their material declined for me after that. However, they play some new, unreleased songs at the show, and they were mostly excellent. I’m excited for the new album whenever it drops.
That’s what it seems like so far. That’s still 6-7 quality albums that I’m looking forward to listening to.
That record is a masterpiece.
Drive Like Jehu 🥲
Rick Froberg forever. Had the office to myself earlier this week. Good excuse to play Yank Crime loud.
Yes, Kevin! Squeeze is on your playlist. I’m in post-production for my next Squeeze podcast. But listening to SiriusXM and the Classic Vinyl channel: it still gives me pause that subscribers (for the July 4th holiday) still vote this song as the top album track: Stairway To Heaven. What is it about this ditty that still resonates with listeners? Ingrained in DNA? Nostalgia? Being told not to riff ‘that song’ on every Strat at Guitar World? Comments welcome!
Golly, Amy.....Deep thinking on a Monday! I love that human nature/"top album track" conundrum! I just don't know the answer, but that won't stop me from taking a stab: Taking into account that particular Sirius venue, I'm gonna guess the listeners think "STH" is what they "should" answer! Your suggestions play a part, too, I think: the genre's inherent DNA through half-a-century can't be discounted, as well as the *sigh* nostalgia of that song, etc.
Plus, it's a great way for the "CV" channel to engage its listeners in a "feel good" communal event around a holiday I'm sure they're correctly guessing their audience will not be working, and thus, be looking to them to help pleasingly pass the time. What I don't know is whether their gambit was multiple choice or an open-ended "hey, just e-mail/phone your answer in."
I'm sure similar polls are being run on other Sirius/XM channels this holiday week, and with predictable results: Beach Boys' channel: "Good Vibrations," Billy Joel channel (if that periodically-run channel is "up")? "Piano Man," Sinatra channel? "Fly Me to the Moon," if there were a Journey channel? "Don't Stop Believin'," etc! Human nature: As predictable as it is complex!
Love Classic Vinyl channel...right up there with Deep Tracks.
I love Squeeze! Any idea when your next episode will be out?
As for Stairway, I have no idea. At this point, it's become a song people think they are "supposed" to like, even if they otherwise might not. I know it's heresy in come circles, but I just don't like it that much. They put out plenty of others that are better, IMO.
I’m beginning to think (after fifty years) that it’s all a STH conspiracy. There. I’ve said it. Don’t even get me started on ‘Freebird.’ But I’m seriously thinking of working on an academic essay on why ‘Freebird’ elicits the reaction it does.
In any case, next Squeeze podcast should be out very very soon.
Currently listening to Slaid Cleaves - Together Through the Dark. I don’t remember where I heard about it, but I like it.
Stevie Wonder right now! "Sir Duke" at the moment. Wow!
Nice!
Great playlist, Kevin. Thanks for sharing! I'm listening to the new kids, like Kyle Rising and Taj Farrant, who are bringing back the classic rock, reggae, and blues vibe. I love seeing the new generation inspired by legends like Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. I hope you have a rockin' good holiday.
It was pretty good, thanks! Hope yours was as well.
Can't You See by The Marshall Tucker Band
Hi Kevin and fellow readers/writers! Bluesy weekend for me. I was spinning Sam Cooke’s “Night Beat” and thinking “man, what a singer”. Immediately followed by “The Heart of Saturday Night” by Tom Waits and, again: man, what a singer. Funny how two very different singers can trigger the same reaction 😅
Right?
Dave Alvin’s “Fourth of July,” of course. Also, American Aquarium’s 2020 album “Lamentations” based on an interview I did with BJ Barham.
I think I listened to X's version about 5-6x yesterday, and Alvin's twice. I love his take.
Do you have a link for the interview?
Not yet. Coming out this week or next. Will share it when I do!
Keith Jarrett SPHERES/Mary Lou Williams (piano & bass duo) LIVE AT THE COOKERY/Big Star RADIO CITY
So Devendra Banhart has a new album coming out in September, and I'm playing the single, "Twin" on my my WPKN radio show this Thursday...The album's called "Flying Wig" - he worked on it with Cate Le Bon, in a recording studio cabin in Topanga, which sounds so enviable and delicious!
Also re-visiting the 1990 album "Wrong Way Up" by Brian Eno and John Cale
Loved this one. Such a good vibe/groove!
For anyone wanting to tune in to the show, it starts at 10AM eastern.
https://wpkn.org/
I've been enjoying this compilation
https://oldbadhabitslabel.bandcamp.com/album/lower-than-underground-vol-1-compilation-with-1st-issue-of-lower-than-underground-fanzine
What a cool comp! I was not expecting to like the "Indian Summer" cover nearly as much as I did.
Some great and very different takes on a few of the covers. The Crabber cover of Controversial Girlfriend was recorded for our upcoming tribute to Edward Ball but we encourage bands to use their songs anywhere they can so mote people get to hear them.
I love finding new music on compilations. I as just browsing through some old Mojo compilations I'm happy listening to the Lower Than Underground. Thanks.
Great playlist as always!
Been jamming Harlem Shakes' only album, criminally underrated indie rock from 15ish years ago: https://open.spotify.com/album/3UnbNX9XiSFpjCstMQYU3H?si=ESJPBU9ZQk2L1XDYijYhTA
Thank you! I completely missed this one when it came out.
New song from Zeus is floating my boat: https://open.spotify.com/track/1SPjbZNKNVcfSAUecvHO81?si=85888831f905401f
Just heard “Moonlight Feels Right” by Starbuck...I’m old 😅
If that makes you old, then I'm right there with you. lol. I love that one!
I had a pretty punishing weekend, intense rehearsals for 2 separate shows with different bands this month. Been unwinding by revisiting the North African band Mdou Moctar, and letting the hypnotic grooves carry me away.
https://youtu.be/m9Ow87OwVbA
Nice! When/where are the shows?
It was update week for my playlist, so this is the result: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6EcLhgESeOBX3Fvfxt8SH4?si=jxhqQmYnTcyJfoRNt2n0IA
And...the Byrds are a favorite, along with Squeeze (of course!). Have a fun and safe 4th yourself. I have at least two, maybe three if today’s meet & greet goes well, clients tomorrow and a party to go to...so I’ll be having fun!!! Take care, my friend!
Some great ones on this diverse playlist Kevin! A few new ones on there that I’m enjoying (Tough Age, Zivi, NewDad, Gal Mussette). Hopefully we’ll see albums coming from those last three, I enjoyed them all.
This past week here’s what I’ve spent a lot of time spinning (ok streaming):
Robin Kester’s Honeycomb Shades (https://open.spotify.com/album/7omXNhCNZQn5DFs0kSjoY9)
Blondshell’s eponymous debut (https://open.spotify.com/album/46r4MXX8kzBWSwJg2WVm9Y)
Thomas Azier’s The Inventory of Our Desire (https://open.spotify.com/album/0kRXiNC2Yd1ZUaXZfjJJAW)
And one of my favorite relaxing albums, Pianette by Bruno Sanfilippo (https://open.spotify.com/album/1XmAIBudG9Gmrk7NTztzNv)
Happy 4th to you and yours!
I'm happy to hear it! Zivi's comes out September 15th. Gal Musette's comes out later this year, but I'm not 100% sure on the date. No sure about New Dad, either.
I want to give a shoutout to McKinley Dixon and his banger of a jazz-rap album "Beloved! Paradize! Jazz!?"
I’m on an extended Meat Puppets binge. And to honor the holiday about to be celebrated with loud explosions, forcing a majority of dogs under beds and huddled beneath thunder shirts is this classic.
Lake of Fire
Where do bad folks go when they die?
They don't go to heaven where the angels fly
They go to the lake of fire and fry
Won't see them again 'till the fourth of July…
After seeing your post yesterday, I spent a good part of the late morning/early afternoon down an "Up on the Sun" and "Mirage" rabbit hole.
My dog was absolutely not amused yesterday...
By having to listen to the Meat Puppets or the fireworks?;)
Multiple replays of Robyn Hitchcock's new album On Pain had me in a mellow & contemplative mood, in a good way. Still, it was nice that Bdrmm's latest album I Don't Know along with TV Girl's new Grapes Upon The Vine remedied that. Wonderful music all around.
Robyn Hitchcock or Lloyd Cole? I really like the new Bdrmm record. TV Girl is a new one for me. I'm on it!
Hah, Lloyd Cole. In my defense, same generation? French Exit's new album is good but so far their previous one French Exit is still superior and certainly worth a listen.
I only knew 'cause I went to go play it, and Cole's record was all that came up. :)
Eek, my brain is rebelling. TV Girl's previous album French Exit, is what I meant to write. Substack needs to add an effort feature to comments! Of course I could just proofread... apologies.
Second this - I would start with French Exit if you want to be introduced to TV Girl. I wrote about them here, if you want some context: http://anearful.blogspot.com/2015/08/channel-surfing-with-tv-girl.html?m=1
I’ve had Danzig flying through my brain all week
Hell yeah
New Sonny Rollins compilation, collecting recordings from the late '50s https://open.spotify.com/album/0sGxLK0kQ2BntttzYGIJc1?si=OmdImWrwTN6A71FARQv_lw
Oh man, this looks great!
It’s been a long day. I’m tired. And hot. I’m hanging dried herbs around my house like a witch and listening to Tracy Chapman. It’s a vibe. 😂
That's definitely a vibe! Might be a good time for some (iced) floor tea? :)
The Happiest Times I Ever Ignored by Hayden Pedigo was on repeat for me most of Friday
https://haydenpedigo.bandcamp.com/album/the-happiest-times-i-ever-ignored-2
For serious Counting Crows fans, this has been played in our house on the 4th the past few years:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D38QF6-mhnI
That setlist! Their take on "Friend of the Devil" is awesome. I'd never heard it.
Missed this yesterday! Been listening to the new album from one of my favorite noise pop duos, Special Friend.
This was great. Thanks for getting it on my radar!
Happy to spread the word!
"Purple Picasso" by Curren$y, Vico and Harry Fraud (he produced it) is one of my favorites right now. It comes from their project VICES and I feel like it captures the essence of the project's cover excellently. I have never been in Miami, on a speedboat or alive in the 80s but this song makes me feel like I'm experiencing all three lol
The new QOTSA album. A little obsessed by the song Sicily. https://open.spotify.com/track/1nFQ1uPlxDUiJsiPSjZFkn?si=9449215fdddd41d3
As a side note, the Neal Brennan Blocks episode on YouTube with Josh Homme was a revelation. I wouldn't call myself a huge QOTSA fan and knew nothing about him, so this was kinda great. https://youtu.be/2c0xHqm4xc8
It's been a busy, busy week with lots of good tunes. https://weatheredmusic.ca/2023/07/05/on-repeat-201/ Highlights for me were Marianne Faithful – Broken English & Fleetwood Mac – Kiln House. Two albums that I have "on repeat."
It has been a busy, busy week. Highlights were Marianne Faithful on Broken English and Fleetwood Mac with Kiln House. For more of what I listened to: https://weatheredmusic.ca
Great read! I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Kiln House? Always nice to see something besides Rumours being discussed.
Deep listening to sort out my June Listening podcast, which published yesterday, and my Best Of 2023 (so far), which is coming shortly! Also picked up the debut solo album by John Kay (Steppenwolf), Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes, which is really good. $2 well spent for the version of Hank Snow’s I’m Movin’ On alone!
Nice! Love that Jeffrey Silverstein made the cut.
If anyone wants to check this out, it's at:
(Not an ad)
https://open.substack.com/pub/anearful/p/monthly-listening-june-2023?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Hi! Here is a song "Rise Up" featuring some soulful chill bluesy happenings.... 🤩💯 -Appreciating your content as someone who is looking for new artists. :) There is also a Cure cover - reggae-rock version of Lovesong :)
https://open.spotify.com/track/6Pzza8RDP8LuF47rvhvCnf?si=74f9e6e1d1054768
Great stuff, Freddy! Thank you for sharing it with us!