Good morning! Welcome to each of you who joined us this past week! Looking for a place to share the music you love with like-minded people? You’re in the right spot.
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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:
Looking for a holiday playlist? I got you covered. Click here.
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? How are your AOTY lists coming along? Any upcoming releases or shows you’re excited about?
I love seeing your pick from The Smithereens! I saw them "back in the day" a couple of times, and I particularly remember a crazed version of Whitecastle Blues!
Lately, my listening has focused on a few of my absolute favorites of 2024
I’ve listened to less new music in the last month or so and have been revisiting releases from earlier in the year. I’ve made three year end playlists. The edited highlights is my top 25 tracks of the year:
I’ve also made a playlist featuring one track from each of my 40 favourite albums this year, an idea I borrowed from Gabbie at New Music For Old Heads (and which I believe she borrowed from elsewhere):
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It got stuck in my head and hung around for a little bit.
thank you for sharing these! As you may have seen, I can’t get enough of BODEGA. Also great to see Tristan Dolce getting some love! I really enjoyed that record.
Nice to see some All Shook Down love on the list! Great songs and I love the dry production. I so wanted to love Quivers...but it didn't happen. I got to see Fun Facts in their album release show on Saturday night and it was delightful. Check out Apartment Rock (https://open.spotify.com/album/2c5HFjKRe0LCkFCiixYWnE?si=LJ9GTLfTRg2foh9xlQYsCw) and see them if they come to your town. Ben Seretan opened the show with a fantastic ambient set and there were also some cool pan-Latin songs by an artist calling themselves Cachabacha. Speaking of pan-Latin stuff, I also spun Desvio Onirico, the 2017 live album by Boogarins that I just now got on vinyl when I realized it was no longer on Spotify. Check out Bacuri, their latest album, which IS on Spotify! Other than that, it's all about my Top 25, which is coming this week.
ASD never gets enough love, IMO. I know it’s easy for purists to rag on, but man, I love it. Will keep an eye out for Apartment Rock. I’m also exited to see what your top 25 looks like. Please share it here if you think of it.
I am a high school art teacher, and last year, when one of my students, who I have had all four years, graduated, she gifted me an original mono copy of Getz/Gilberto! I didn't have the heart to tell her I already owned it; however, the copy she gave me is in better shape and mono, so it has replaced my stereo copy.
She is Cuban and Ecuadorian, and her dad is a big Gilberto fan. I think he helped her with the LP choice. That said, she does have good music taste! I still have the stereo mix, but the mono is the one I now play (I have a mono switch on my receiver).
Christmas! After hearing Greg Lake's "I Believe In Father Christmas" my entire life, I finally LISTENED to it. What a phenomenal production and take on the entire Christmas scene. I also have been revisiting my favorite Christmas album of all time, Bob Dylan's "Christmas in the Heart" and am experiencing the joy that only Billy Idol and Scott Weiland can pour with their holiday releases. Here's a playlist I made: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AuY1OuIKfq92oGPpbVeR1?si=JMYWi4DHStK2WousgzW4FQ
Greetings from Dalhart, TX! It's the first stop on our four-day trek to Milwaukee.
Fun story about the All Shook Down cover. It was taken in my hometown of Newport, KY (just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati) by Michael Wilson. When he took the photo, he was working at the same educational textbook publisher that I started my career at (and met my wife at) a few years later. A colleague knew someone at Warner Bros, so Michael sent his portfolio in. That photo was chosen for the cover, his first, and he's since gone on to shoot covers for Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell, Allen Toussaint, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, and many more. Check out his covers here + while you're there, see his Commissioned Photographs section. He's incredible.
My week was busy with our last week of packing for our move and I continued down the rabbit hole inspired by that Quietus piece on Boys of Summer, which took me to Don Henley's solo albums, Sheryl Crow's first two records, and revisiting The Eagles with fresh ears.
Looking forward to the playlist -- have a great week, everyone!
Waiting patiently by the mail box for the Huggy Bear biog "Killed (Of Kids)" - the fierce 90s agitpunk band out of London. 2025 will see the next (next) gen Lambrini Girls smash the world (check 'em out). These folk tore it up. This is a comp of singles and EPs. "Her Jazz" will one day be recognised as one of the great call to arms fo the kids eveywhere!
Saint Etienne - The Night. Yes, I took a listen to it after your review of it dropped into my notes feed. It's certainly different to what I normally listen to - field recordings mixed in with relatively sparse instrumentation - but it's not bad. "Nightingale" is my favorite off of this record.
That was pretty sweet. They’re coming here next summer, and my wife wants to go. We’ll see.
We saw them in 2016 at Wembley Stadium. It was a great show. I would recommend.
Indilla - Love Story 💙
That’s a new one for me. I’ll check it out ASAP!
Oh, love Soul Coughing! Thank you for the list.
I'm getting into the holiday spirit with Dark Mark Does Christmas, which is positively addictive for me so it's in heavy rotation for now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiq6edbdfYA&list=TLPQMTYxMjIwMjQ0CmJ9pkJtAQ&index=2
I love the Wishy song - I came across it while given a listen to the "critics" top songs of 2024. I also like these fresh new cuts:
Remy Wolf, Cinderella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3pEI2k7BZ0
Ride, Portland Rocks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q11Ucg_rl4
The Cure, Drone:NoDrone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TEkX8WjHoA
Holy, Holy, Geordie Greep, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsxNhZGGYNk (It's kinda weird)
Killer mix, Jon!
Hey Kev. Here's my weekly playlist thing. Hope you're well. https://open.substack.com/pub/recentanddecent/p/recent-and-decent-51?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1z6rnh
Thank you! I hope all is well on your side of the Pond as well.
i was tasked with year-end reviews for a couple of albums - and these songs - any feedback is welcome - and yes - quite different genres - lol
https://open.spotify.com/track/6PXYOVPBzO3xojFhQAvmde?si=2a34b067a4ea4f9c
https://open.spotify.com/track/3p84R45PM75ngq8XRoe45o?si=535d68f88b334f92
Definitely two different records. Lol. Are these reviews for mxdwn?
yes sir - for their year end album review- also working on an interview for Opeth -
I’ve recently been listening to my favorite reissues of the year:
Ghetto Brothers Power-Fuerzo
https://vampisoul.bandcamp.com/album/power-fuerza
Rail Band by Rail Band
https://mississippirecords.bandcamp.com/album/rail-band
Congo Funk! - Sound Madness from The Shores of the Mighty Congo River
https://analogafrica.bandcamp.com/album/congo-funk-sound-madness-from-the-shores-of-the-mighty-congo-river-kinshasa-brazzaville-1969-1982-analog-africa-no-38
Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds in the Diaspora, 1980-93
https://soundwayrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ghana-special-2-electronic-highlife-afro-sounds-in-the-diaspora-1980-93
Skateland Soundtapes, 1980-1986
https://deathisnot.bandcamp.com/album/skateland-soundtapes-1980-1986
I have three of these (and they are all superb!): Ghetto Brothers, Congo Funk, and Ghana Special!
All new to me! Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me. 😀
NEW & SHINY:
* White Denim '12'
* Saint Etienne 'The Night'
* Personal Trainer 'Still Willing'
* Amen Dunes 'Death Jokes II'
* Jeff Parker & ETA IVtet 'The Way Out of Easy'
POLISHED GEMS:
* Panchiko 'D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L
* Idlewild 'The Remote Part'
It took me a second to get into the new St. Etienne, but man, I am *all* in now.
Good Morning from California
Here is what has been in my ears:
1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=9e02865d4d5146a3
2. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71PrDfTT9eNSnK4nHDJCqx?si=0e777c54b8824d48
3. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EpBbYmYjaqNaa?si=23ef291be11448dd
Great stuff as always, Jon!
Home Front
YES! I put Games of Power on after seeing you mention it, and haven’t really stopped.
It’s incredible.
I'm really enjoying "Leon", the new album by Leon Bridges. His best work so far in my opinion.
I know! His three first records are great, but this one is a lot more personal. It hits differently.
That’s a high bar!
I love seeing your pick from The Smithereens! I saw them "back in the day" a couple of times, and I particularly remember a crazed version of Whitecastle Blues!
Lately, my listening has focused on a few of my absolute favorites of 2024
Sprints - Letter to Self
MJ Lenderman - Manning Fireworks
Mary Timony - Untame the Tiger
Oh man, I love that you got to see them play! “Untame the Tiger” is incredible.
The Baby's - just cuz I think they're great.
“Every Time I Think of You” (happily) reminds of a very specific, very short window in a past life of mine.
I’ve listened to less new music in the last month or so and have been revisiting releases from earlier in the year. I’ve made three year end playlists. The edited highlights is my top 25 tracks of the year:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4BKjMnGIaGdBKlAPixpuWW?si=JzqmbBRLQzuYdjg0qTAxDw&pi=e-zMfHJCArQE6p
The extended version is my top 100 tracks of this year:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6FoKyczRfbxxk75NaO8nbY?si=ZTrGcKsLQmqyLZTXWOu8wQ&pi=e-Ka1qPkEARgCn
I’ve also made a playlist featuring one track from each of my 40 favourite albums this year, an idea I borrowed from Gabbie at New Music For Old Heads (and which I believe she borrowed from elsewhere):
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0VqEFtgumclaG6Uws1UpvL?si=0yOq6t1YQlu2w37nB-P8jw&pi=e-cAUdhqqqRbqE
Just having a listen to your playlist now. Love the Quivers track!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It got stuck in my head and hung around for a little bit.
thank you for sharing these! As you may have seen, I can’t get enough of BODEGA. Also great to see Tristan Dolce getting some love! I really enjoyed that record.
Nice to see some All Shook Down love on the list! Great songs and I love the dry production. I so wanted to love Quivers...but it didn't happen. I got to see Fun Facts in their album release show on Saturday night and it was delightful. Check out Apartment Rock (https://open.spotify.com/album/2c5HFjKRe0LCkFCiixYWnE?si=LJ9GTLfTRg2foh9xlQYsCw) and see them if they come to your town. Ben Seretan opened the show with a fantastic ambient set and there were also some cool pan-Latin songs by an artist calling themselves Cachabacha. Speaking of pan-Latin stuff, I also spun Desvio Onirico, the 2017 live album by Boogarins that I just now got on vinyl when I realized it was no longer on Spotify. Check out Bacuri, their latest album, which IS on Spotify! Other than that, it's all about my Top 25, which is coming this week.
ASD never gets enough love, IMO. I know it’s easy for purists to rag on, but man, I love it. Will keep an eye out for Apartment Rock. I’m also exited to see what your top 25 looks like. Please share it here if you think of it.
This weekend it was the new Saint Etienne, 'The Night' and KLF's 'Chill Out'
I’m loving the new St. Etienne l.
Little Feat - Dixie Chicken
Various - Hard To Find Hits From The 70s
Various - Best of Rockin' 70s
Godspeed You! Black Emperor! - F#A#∞
Snarky Puppy - We Like It Here
I missed last week because I was on the road but here are some of my newest additions:
Astronaut - Tears for Fears https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyerIpcCoQw
Long Live the Wilderness - Babe Rainbow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IHfR6GZloA
The Bend - Tommy Newport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NYAG4aGVjk
Mama, I Made It - Lauren Watkins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgfoIlzFuvY
Night or Day - Franz Ferdinand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC1r33iVFAQ
Accidental Tourist - Tommy Newport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULk3-fmFScI
Been revisiting our Top 10 picks and feeling pretty confident about my list after a year of reshuffling.
Have to say "Getz/Gilberto" is a delightful jazz album. Also been jamming out to Steve Lacy's "Gemini Rights" and the Internet's "Ego Death."
I am a high school art teacher, and last year, when one of my students, who I have had all four years, graduated, she gifted me an original mono copy of Getz/Gilberto! I didn't have the heart to tell her I already owned it; however, the copy she gave me is in better shape and mono, so it has replaced my stereo copy.
That's awesome! Your students have great taste. I'll take that extra copy off your hands lol
She is Cuban and Ecuadorian, and her dad is a big Gilberto fan. I think he helped her with the LP choice. That said, she does have good music taste! I still have the stereo mix, but the mono is the one I now play (I have a mono switch on my receiver).
I love this! What a gift (literally, metaphorically, etc.).
If I had a nickel for every time mine was shuffled before we locked 'em in... lol.
Seriously! I thought last year was stacked and then my list ended up being 30 albums that could’ve cracked my top 10.
Wrapped Top Songs 2024:
Love In a Trashcan, The Raveonettes
Fuck Up, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers
Beverly, Low Cut Connie
Smoko, The Chats
Lewis, Yo La Tengo
That’s a well balanced mix!
I heard another new song from Milky Chance the other day I liked called "Naked and Afraid" it came out sometime this year, I think.
Cracker's retrospective
I didn’t realize they’d put one out! I’m on it.
Christmas! After hearing Greg Lake's "I Believe In Father Christmas" my entire life, I finally LISTENED to it. What a phenomenal production and take on the entire Christmas scene. I also have been revisiting my favorite Christmas album of all time, Bob Dylan's "Christmas in the Heart" and am experiencing the joy that only Billy Idol and Scott Weiland can pour with their holiday releases. Here's a playlist I made: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AuY1OuIKfq92oGPpbVeR1?si=JMYWi4DHStK2WousgzW4FQ
Right on! Thanks for the playlist, Scott!
Jethro Tull
The Broadsword and the Beast
Crest of a knave
Thick as a brick
Budapest is a fantastic song. Despite the Grammy debacle, Crest of a knave is a really great album.
Greetings from Dalhart, TX! It's the first stop on our four-day trek to Milwaukee.
Fun story about the All Shook Down cover. It was taken in my hometown of Newport, KY (just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati) by Michael Wilson. When he took the photo, he was working at the same educational textbook publisher that I started my career at (and met my wife at) a few years later. A colleague knew someone at Warner Bros, so Michael sent his portfolio in. That photo was chosen for the cover, his first, and he's since gone on to shoot covers for Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell, Allen Toussaint, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, and many more. Check out his covers here + while you're there, see his Commissioned Photographs section. He's incredible.
https://www.michaelwilson.pictures/record-covers
My week was busy with our last week of packing for our move and I continued down the rabbit hole inspired by that Quietus piece on Boys of Summer, which took me to Don Henley's solo albums, Sheryl Crow's first two records, and revisiting The Eagles with fresh ears.
Looking forward to the playlist -- have a great week, everyone!
Love the ASD story (and album). Best of luck to you on the move!
Thanks, Glenn!
I love it! This is my kind of serendipity. Safe travels on your way up to the M-K-E!
Thanks, Kevin!
what a cool idea! great way of building a music-centered community !
Thank you! I’m glad you’re here!
Waiting patiently by the mail box for the Huggy Bear biog "Killed (Of Kids)" - the fierce 90s agitpunk band out of London. 2025 will see the next (next) gen Lambrini Girls smash the world (check 'em out). These folk tore it up. This is a comp of singles and EPs. "Her Jazz" will one day be recognised as one of the great call to arms fo the kids eveywhere!
https://open.spotify.com/album/1Rp1H2vIpfCWuCa905u8fH?si=5pHaxaKhRvGAwASA0dHOJg
New this week:
Saint Etienne - The Night. Yes, I took a listen to it after your review of it dropped into my notes feed. It's certainly different to what I normally listen to - field recordings mixed in with relatively sparse instrumentation - but it's not bad. "Nightingale" is my favorite off of this record.
No repeat listens this week.