Happy Monday, and welcome to each of you who joined us over the weekend! It’s great to have you here with us.
The playlist below is some of what I’ve been playing. There are still plenty of new releases popping up, and no signs of that slowing down anytime soon—but a lot of older stuff again found its way back into heavy rotation for me this week.
Maybe that happened to you too?
What caught your ear this week? Who should we have on our radar? Find anything good while crate digging? Is there an upcoming release or show you’re excited for?
I've been listening to the Happy Mondays as well- specifically "Wrote For Luck," and "Hallelujah." Not for nothing, their "Bummed" LP turns 35 next week.
Also: Ned's Atomic Dustbin is a perennial On Repeat favorite!
Sham 69, The Gears, Social Distortion, and The Dickies.
I also went dumpster diving at a small record store in Kansas City last week and found a Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass album. I listen to that album three or four times over the weekend, spectacular.
Sham 69! That's a name I haven't heard in a minute. I know herb Alpert records have become a running joke on places like Reddit, but I unironically like his stuff- even the later tracks like "Route 101," and "Rise."
Not something I ever expected to read here, either, but if you're into it, that's awesome. You never know when a track will work it's way into becoming an earworm.
Most of the time, when someone tries to put together a song that sounds like Sgt. Pepper's-era Beatles, they completely miss the mark. Aside from the Rutles.
I haven't heard this in so long, Rick! Aside from their brilliant of-the-era musical approach, our heroes also do, lyrically, an equally-amazing effort! As funny as you'd expect from the duo, but also as knife-sharp witty as John & Paul loved to be!
And, I can't think of any other artist who could "get away" with such blatant genre-copping....their career gravitas precedes them, and I gotta think any Beatle who heard this would be tickled to be "xeroxed" this cleverly (and, each Beatle, I'm willing to bet, knew F&E, and certainly were well aware of their complete canon...and, were respected)! A lesser artist than F&E would've been laughed off the turntable.
If you're talking about the Sampha album, it is fire all the way through. As for blink-182, it delivered what I expected, which was I really enjoyed half the album and it sounds like a worthy successor to their Untitled album, and the other half was ok.
It would have been my dad’s 83rd birthday this past Friday, so I’ve had him and John Lennon on the brain (check out my most recent essay). But the parent-related song that has stuck with me this past week is one from Jon Dee Graham: “Do Not Forget” (https://music.apple.com/us/album/do-not-forget/1342378552?i=1342378921). He’s definitely worth checking out
Happy Monday, Kevin and fellow music lovers! This morning I revisisted the debut album by Durand Jones & The Indications. Such a great record from beginning to end.
This is before your time, K-Al, but on the way to a class this morning on the oldies station I heard “Chantilly Lace,” by the Big Bopper, “Running Bear” by Johnny Preston, “Red Rubber Ball” by Bobby Vee, and for a slow dance, “A Thousand Stars” by Kathy Young & the Innocents. All from what was our sixth grade party playlist. I thought the spaceship had finally landed to bring me back home.
I’ve been alternating albums, old and new, attempting to keep up with some new releases while filling the base with old favorites. For new, I’ve played the latest Wren Hinds album, Phil Manzanera/Andy Mackay’s latest “AM.PM”, and the latest electro EP from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Older stuff has been revisiting Joe Jackson’s “Night and Day” which is still as fantastic as ever. And Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” for the next Album of the Month discussion next weekend!
As a kid I only knew Joe Jackson for Steppin’ Out. After listening to Graham Parker a few months back on the recommendation of a friend, and doing a little reading, I went back and listened to some Jackson. An underrated talent.
I'm a big fan of the CD reissue compilers from Europe, specifically Proper and Acrobat. A recent acquisition is Proper's "Rockin' Memphis" set, which deftly chronicles the musical scene in that American city during the 1950s.
So much to listen to :) I recently got back into Jamiroquai - Return of the Space Cowboy. After seeing Alanis Morissette, I picked up The Collection. On the local front (MIchigan), I'm jamming some deadly thrash metal from Convulsis, psych rock from Warhorses, and blackened death metal from Throne !
My favorite listen over the last week was Dylan LeBlanc’s “Coyote”. I’ve found myself starting most mornings with it and often closing out the evening with it.
I’ve also been digesting the new Metric album “Formantera II”. I need to give it some more space and time, but so far it doesn’t reach the level that last year’s Formantera achieved (was my #3 AOTY).
A few other albums I’ve enjoyed over the last few days:
“Good Time” by DAIISTAR
“Tomorrow’s Fire” by Squirrel Flower
“Fertile State” by Blue Ocean
“Such Ferocious Beauty” by Cowboy Junkies
“Goodnight, God Bless, I Love You, Delete” by ✝️✝️✝️ (Crosses)
Gorguts - Obscura (1998) - Canadian extreme death metal more in the spirit of Captain Beefheart than Morbid Angel. Relentless in its brutality but the impossible musicality and immaculate production makes it worthy of close listening (maybe in short bursts, depending on your appetite for constant dissonance).
I'm glad you liked that! One paragraph would have me wheezing with laughter, another would have me yelling at my screen, and then wildly agreeing with the next.
I've got the albums Seventeen Seconds and Disintegration on constant repeat. They are so different and if I could make a blend for my own music, I'd take one part A Forest, one part Plainsong and a dash of Lullaby.
I was working in a DuPont Circle record store, and one of the employees played Pornography all the time. Boy, I hated that record. Kinda like Friday I’m in love, though.
I haven't listened to LH in forever... personally, I would have gone with "Allison's Starting to Happen" or "Drug Buddy"...w/e. If you're in a 90s mood, maybe check this out: https://ifrqfm.substack.com/p/smells-like-bullshit
And you know the best thing about it? Their products are completely affordable, unlike the old arm-and-leg prices you had to pay for box sets in the old days.
Little Jimmy Scott Savoy 3 CD box. I just read the Scott/David Ritz autobiography, and used its discography to order the Billy Vera, Ray Charles & Atlantic CDs. The Savoy box is really great.
I've been listening to the Happy Mondays as well- specifically "Wrote For Luck," and "Hallelujah." Not for nothing, their "Bummed" LP turns 35 next week.
Also: Ned's Atomic Dustbin is a perennial On Repeat favorite!
Nice! Always a good time for some Ella.
Mary J Blige - Can't be without you :)
I don't know a whole of Blige's stuff past "Real Love," so I'll have to check this one out!
Sham 69, The Gears, Social Distortion, and The Dickies.
I also went dumpster diving at a small record store in Kansas City last week and found a Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass album. I listen to that album three or four times over the weekend, spectacular.
Sham 69! That's a name I haven't heard in a minute. I know herb Alpert records have become a running joke on places like Reddit, but I unironically like his stuff- even the later tracks like "Route 101," and "Rise."
Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb....weirdly....something I never expected myself to say.
Not something I ever expected to read here, either, but if you're into it, that's awesome. You never know when a track will work it's way into becoming an earworm.
This is a weird one.
Most of the time, when someone tries to put together a song that sounds like Sgt. Pepper's-era Beatles, they completely miss the mark. Aside from the Rutles.
But "We Are All Gumby" is maybe the best track Flo & Eddie ever did. It's from a 1989 Gumby tribute album https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_SdxSrFKIk
I haven't heard this in so long, Rick! Aside from their brilliant of-the-era musical approach, our heroes also do, lyrically, an equally-amazing effort! As funny as you'd expect from the duo, but also as knife-sharp witty as John & Paul loved to be!
And, I can't think of any other artist who could "get away" with such blatant genre-copping....their career gravitas precedes them, and I gotta think any Beatle who heard this would be tickled to be "xeroxed" this cleverly (and, each Beatle, I'm willing to bet, knew F&E, and certainly were well aware of their complete canon...and, were respected)! A lesser artist than F&E would've been laughed off the turntable.
More Flo & Eddie this week! I am here for it.
Hi Kevin! It was update week for my playlist, so these were the twenty-five chosen:
https://spotify.link/SyWvtItb8Db
Have a great week!!
Right on! Just in time for a deep work/writing session for me.
At this particular moment: Beatallica - "And Justice for All My Loving"
And their most well-known bop, "Here Comes the Sandman"
Just "Sandman"
https://youtu.be/m2e9dxX3Q_s
Wait, what?
Is Beatallica new to you? I wrote about them a while back: https://hubpages.com/entertainment/beatallica-beatles-and-metallica-mashup-album-rules
Completely new!
I will tip my hat and run away!
But also: enjoy! They're unique.
Mostly, I've been mixing so I don't want to get influenced by anything when I'm doing my own stuff, BUT.. I did enjoy this: https://youtu.be/Z42pqeCicIY?si=YHhCief4lnAsRdsR
The new Sampha album is ridiculous. Also the new blink-182 album has its flaws, but also has some quality tracks as well.
I've been leery of listening to it, but by and large, people seem to be really enjoying it, so I'll give it a spin here shortly.
If you're talking about the Sampha album, it is fire all the way through. As for blink-182, it delivered what I expected, which was I really enjoyed half the album and it sounds like a worthy successor to their Untitled album, and the other half was ok.
I was talking about Blink-182. but after reading this week's entire thread, it's clear I need to get to that Sampha record ASAP!
I just ordered the VMP exclusive vinyl of it. He definitely topped his debut album on this one. So excited to see him in a few weeks!
It would have been my dad’s 83rd birthday this past Friday, so I’ve had him and John Lennon on the brain (check out my most recent essay). But the parent-related song that has stuck with me this past week is one from Jon Dee Graham: “Do Not Forget” (https://music.apple.com/us/album/do-not-forget/1342378552?i=1342378921). He’s definitely worth checking out
I'm on it!
https://open.spotify.com/track/3uzDcSwbuCwh2JxPieMuK1?si=799a3a5e83d444a3
did you know Ennio Morricone (Modelo commercial is his "Ecstasy of Gold") has been remixed? It's awesome - take a listen
I did not! Thanks for getting that on my radar.
I just finished listening to Surround by Hiroshi Yoshimura.
* Sampha 'Lahia' - Ingeniously beautiful.
* Glen Hansard 'All That Was East Is West Of Me Now' - I loved The Frames & Swell Season so... I love this.
* Stones 'Hackney' - Good not great, but glad to have it.
* Israel Nash 'Ozarker' - Time capsule of lush, air guitar solo eliciting songs, but maybe too lush?
& Waits... a whole bunch of Tom Waits
Had totally forgotten the new Israel Nash came out last week. I loved Topaz. Pressing play on the new one - thanks!
I love Swell Season, so this sounds right up my alley.
I'm so glad you asked Kevin! Just discovered this Aussie band Glass Beams last night... or early this morning - check it out (shameless self-promotion, sorry!) - https://abandonedalbums.substack.com/p/insomnia-australia-and-grooves
I'm a week behind, but looking forward to checking this out.
And you are ALWAYS welcome to promote Abandoned Albums here! It's one of my faves.
I am now obsessed with the band Lewsberg. I heard a few songs and liked them. Then I watched this set on YouTube and I am all in.
https://youtu.be/gaLvATO9-yk?si=Q5SnNqVgicBDR4e6
Somehow Spotify decided that this was my new favorite band, so it's been feeding me a lot of their tracks, and I'm all in as well.
Whoa. Way to go algorithm!
Happy Monday, Kevin and fellow music lovers! This morning I revisisted the debut album by Durand Jones & The Indications. Such a great record from beginning to end.
I’m going to see Durand Jones in concert in two weeks! If you haven’t heard his debut solo album (released earlier this year) it’s fantastic.
That’s so cool! I’m so jealous 😊 Yes, got his solo album too. Great stuff. Enjoy!!! He must be amazing live.
If you're interested, Jeffrey Harvey did a great write up of Jones earlier this year.
https://medium.com/the-riff/durand-jones-digs-in-and-comes-out-39cd00f94853
Ooh that’s interesting! I’ll check it out. Thanks!!
Generacion Suicida
Lots of Wilco as I prepare for my first Wilco show this Wednesday. Shazam!
Saw them last year for the first time. Amazing show.
Enjoy the show! Wilco is great live. I’ve been going to their live shows for over 20 yrs. They never disappoint
Have fun tomorrow!
Thank you, sir!
New Stones album🎸
Friday brought new delights from Sampha, Historian (https://open.spotify.com/album/0WqwmqV4ItOahbaWkx3H55?si=Q3RNJwarSv-pjmmaOJWICQ), Maria BC, and Sister. (https://open.spotify.com/album/0QLMfum50nwBqHhJXfzVcp?si=xgBHO9JDSei8dOOH_BionQ), among others. I'm also obsessed with Stella Kola (https://stellakola.bandcamp.com/album/stella-kola) after seeing them open for Leah Senior at Mercury Lounge last week. Senior was also terrific as was Johanna Samuels, who opened the night.
if there's a theme from this week's comments, it's that I'm VERY late to the Sampha party, and need to change that immediately.
Indeed! His debut was #8 on my 2017 Top 25: https://anearful.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-2017-top-25.html.
This is before your time, K-Al, but on the way to a class this morning on the oldies station I heard “Chantilly Lace,” by the Big Bopper, “Running Bear” by Johnny Preston, “Red Rubber Ball” by Bobby Vee, and for a slow dance, “A Thousand Stars” by Kathy Young & the Innocents. All from what was our sixth grade party playlist. I thought the spaceship had finally landed to bring me back home.
Lol. I love it!
Re-watched the Hallelujah documentary, about Leonard Cohen, the song, the creation of the song, the life of the song.
Made a playlist of different versions of the song, including Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, Brandi Carlisle, John Cale.
Recent listening:
Steely Dan: Can't Buy a Thrill / A Decade of Steely Dan
Joni Mitchell Archives , Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975)
The Fugs: Refuse To Be Burnt-Out
Iris DeMent: Workin' On A World
John Trudell: AKA Grafitti Man
I wish more people knew about iris DeMent- what a voice!
That's for sure. Also, her album: The Way I Should, and any of her duets with John Prine.
I’ve been alternating albums, old and new, attempting to keep up with some new releases while filling the base with old favorites. For new, I’ve played the latest Wren Hinds album, Phil Manzanera/Andy Mackay’s latest “AM.PM”, and the latest electro EP from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Older stuff has been revisiting Joe Jackson’s “Night and Day” which is still as fantastic as ever. And Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” for the next Album of the Month discussion next weekend!
If pressed to name a favorite album, Girlfriend gets the nod.
As a kid I only knew Joe Jackson for Steppin’ Out. After listening to Graham Parker a few months back on the recommendation of a friend, and doing a little reading, I went back and listened to some Jackson. An underrated talent.
Incredibly underrated (Graham Parker, too, for that matter).
Graham Parker Howlin’ Wind & Heat Treatment are great, but I love The Up Escalator’s sound. After that, hit & miss
Night and Day is definitely as fantastic as ever! I was really happy to see "Girlfriend" got the nod for next week's discussion!
For anyone scrolling the comments, if you'd like to join the discussion Steve mentioned, you can find all the links & info here:
https://medium.com/the-riff/an-influential-critically-acclaimed-masterpiece-octobers-album-of-the-month-a395ebac4a92
Brent Cobb! I've over-listened to him at this point but he is so good!
That's a new name for me; I'll add it to the last! Anywhere in particular I should start?
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, DANCE SONGS FOR HARD TIMES.
I'm a big fan of the CD reissue compilers from Europe, specifically Proper and Acrobat. A recent acquisition is Proper's "Rockin' Memphis" set, which deftly chronicles the musical scene in that American city during the 1950s.
oh, that sounds fantastic!
Does seeing The Breeders on Friday count as my comment for the week? 😎
It absolutely does!
So much to listen to :) I recently got back into Jamiroquai - Return of the Space Cowboy. After seeing Alanis Morissette, I picked up The Collection. On the local front (MIchigan), I'm jamming some deadly thrash metal from Convulsis, psych rock from Warhorses, and blackened death metal from Throne !
(Waves from the other side of Lake Michigan)
Sounds killer. I don't think people realize just how much music comes from MI.
My favorite listen over the last week was Dylan LeBlanc’s “Coyote”. I’ve found myself starting most mornings with it and often closing out the evening with it.
I’ve also been digesting the new Metric album “Formantera II”. I need to give it some more space and time, but so far it doesn’t reach the level that last year’s Formantera achieved (was my #3 AOTY).
A few other albums I’ve enjoyed over the last few days:
“Good Time” by DAIISTAR
“Tomorrow’s Fire” by Squirrel Flower
“Fertile State” by Blue Ocean
“Such Ferocious Beauty” by Cowboy Junkies
“Goodnight, God Bless, I Love You, Delete” by ✝️✝️✝️ (Crosses)
I've played that DAIISTAR record 2-3x since you first shared it. Soooo good!
Obsessed with Otyken, a Siberian indigenous band that does wild yet hypnotic songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTdHaerMUeo
Whoa. You have a knack for finding some seriously off the radar stuff. Please keep it coming!
Did you have a chance to listen to more of their stuff? Gorgeous and completely insane.
Not yet! Hoping to dive in later today.
Here's a good one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD1f1Ian0kA
Thank you!
Gorguts - Obscura (1998) - Canadian extreme death metal more in the spirit of Captain Beefheart than Morbid Angel. Relentless in its brutality but the impossible musicality and immaculate production makes it worthy of close listening (maybe in short bursts, depending on your appetite for constant dissonance).
What the... That Petrol Emotion?!!!!! Another teeth-shattering memory from my alternative music days! My latest reco: Bobbie from Dutch trio Pip Blom.
Same thought here! I owned Babble back in the day.
Ha! what can I say? Great minds think alike! I love Pip Blom too. :)
I've been on a Be Good Tanyas kick this week. Maybe it's all the boygenius I've (also) been listening to?
Also R.E.M. Unplugged resurfaced from the Hellworld article you sent us
https://www.welcometohellworld.com/the-greatest-american-rock-band/
I really like the contrast between 2 sets separated by 10 years. And yeah, this version of Perfect Circle is 🔥 🔥 🔥
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgUq3lHpmWk
I'm glad you liked that! One paragraph would have me wheezing with laughter, another would have me yelling at my screen, and then wildly agreeing with the next.
Love seeing "Always Love" on your playlist - one of my all-time favorite songs from a great band.
As for me, I'm fully locked in with the new Uni Boys. The new Squirrel Flower is getting plays too.
Nada Surf rules. It's one of my faves by them too.
Kiley Larsen recently wrote about the new Uni Boys. if you haven't seen it yet, it's well worth a read!
https://kileylarsen.substack.com/p/the-power-pop-revival-is-in-full
Thanks for the heads-up.
Seeing That Petrol Emotion on the playlist brought back memories! In 1988 I recommend them to an acquaintance as a band “no one has ever heard of.”
New listen - Uni Boys, Buy This Now
Old listens - Tom Waits, Small Change; The War on Drugs, Lost in a Dream; John Coltrane, A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle
this is my kinda mix!
Going deep into the Cure and listening to all of the Sault.
I love it! Any Cure records/tracks in particular?
I've got the albums Seventeen Seconds and Disintegration on constant repeat. They are so different and if I could make a blend for my own music, I'd take one part A Forest, one part Plainsong and a dash of Lullaby.
I was working in a DuPont Circle record store, and one of the employees played Pornography all the time. Boy, I hated that record. Kinda like Friday I’m in love, though.
I haven't listened to LH in forever... personally, I would have gone with "Allison's Starting to Happen" or "Drug Buddy"...w/e. If you're in a 90s mood, maybe check this out: https://ifrqfm.substack.com/p/smells-like-bullshit
I hadn't listened to LH in forever either, but int he last few months, they seem to be popping up on my radar quite a bit.
Great article as well! Thanks for linking it here.
Thanks!
Currently listening to "Dawn Can't Decide" (from C'mon Feel), which I haven't heard in 25+ years and I still remember all the ba-b-ba-bas..lol
And you know the best thing about it? Their products are completely affordable, unlike the old arm-and-leg prices you had to pay for box sets in the old days.
The new Rolling Stones, Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, and an unexpected Christmas album by Manzanera & Mackay (for research, of course).
Of course! :)
I’ve gotta Bke
Bike
BLINK!!! I thought about writing that 182 times but I thought that would be too much. They would have love that tho lol The boys are Back!!
Little Jimmy Scott Savoy 3 CD box. I just read the Scott/David Ritz autobiography, and used its discography to order the Billy Vera, Ray Charles & Atlantic CDs. The Savoy box is really great.