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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. New year, new us? Not a chance. lol.
The playlist below is some of what I’ve had in heavy rotation:
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any 2025 releases or shows you’re excited about?
And as has been true for the last many months, have Birthday Girl DC and Flowers for the Dead on repeat, especially as they play together this Saturday night in DC, as part of the nationwide "festival" happening at different venues in support of reproductive rights. https://songbyrddc.com/event/gct-presents/
My week was all about Midnight Oil after I learned that The Hardest Line, a documentary that premiered in Australia last year, is finally available in the US on Apple TV. It's fantastic and covers their long career of music and activism. After that, I ran through their catalog in order from the beginning. I was fortunate to see the Oils in '90 and '93 and they're still one of the best live bands I've seen.
One of my favorite songs, "Sometimes," is especially appropriate today: "Sometimes you're beaten to the call, sometimes / Sometimes you're taken to the wall, but you don't give in."
Several years ago, I opened for Matthew Ryan. I briefly met his band's bassist before the show. Only later did I learn it was the Oils' Bones Hillman, who had moved to Nashville while the Oils were seemingly retired. I missed a chance to geek out over an Oil! (Probably for the best. 😄)
Thanks for the doc recommendation! I know there're a couple things we're looking to binge on Apple TV, so I'll try and squeeze this in during the trial.
Really loving new single from Seattle band Museum of Light off their second album, which drops in March. Crushing riffs mixed with tranquil step-backs and ethereal vocals
I busted out Frightened Rabbit's "Painting of a Panic Attack" for the first time in a while. (RIP, Scott Hutchinson) It hasn't lost anything in the last decade. Still a masterpiece.
I also have been on a Twisted Sister kick lately. I think I have a subconscious desire to go back to fourth grade when life was simpler. Anyhow, still impressed by Dee Snider's vocals. Guy is underrated.
I also got a somewhat rare Fish concert from a buddy of mine who works at a used CD store in the Twin Cities, so I've been playing "Tales from the Big Bus" on repeat a lot.
And if you like jazz in any way, in just the last 45 days or so, the amazing label Moochin' About has just released three insane collections of jazz, about 400 songs in all from more or less all of the giants. This will keep you covered for all of 2025, and beyond:
I've been replaying the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack to accompany a thing I've been writing for the last two weeks. I really like it, but I'm ready to move on to the Baby Driver soundtrack, now. Or, maybe I should just go on a Jon Spenser tear...
Wright is pretty inspired with needle drops. When Bell Bottoms started at the beginning of Baby Driver, I kinda lost my mind. And it’s pretty fitting given it’s basically a modern day Elvis movie.
I’ve been listing to Mac Miller’s posthumous album “Balloonerism” that dropped Friday and it’s a must listen for anyone who’s even remotely interested in the genre/style!
I took down my Christmas lights this morning, and listened to exactly nothing on the way into work. A somber mood seems fitting and I suppose I'll run with the no-music thing for the rest of the day.
However, last week I listened to
--the Cannonball-by-himself half of Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley. Outstanding and elegant.
--Darkthrone - A Blaze in the Northern Sky. This black metal classic had been in my foobar lists for a little bit and so I'd heard random tracks here and there, but last week was the first time I listened to it all through and in order. I probably liked "In the Shadow of the Horns" best and it's definitely . . . . OK.
--Wooden Shjips Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. Another thing that I thought was only OK a month or so back was V., by this San Fran band. But for whatever reason I decided to dig a little deeper and I found these two odds and sods compilations and I *really* liked these two. Really crazy, really jammy, full of manipulated vocal tracks and fuzz tone. Almost Butthole Surfers territory in places.
EIAFUAWN - Birds in the Ground. Again. This is my easy listening.
I can't lie, I've been deep down a Bob Dylan rabbit hole since seeing the the Timothée Chalamet biopic. Discovering a lot of deep cuts I'd never heard.
Also been diving into the catalogue of Haroumi Hosono, founding member of Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra; I've enjoyed a lot of what I've heard, but particularly like Philharmony: https://tidal.com/album/109729705?u
Mac Miller's "Ballonerism" is already an early contender for my top albums of the year. Very abstract, atmospheric, and heady. I've gained a lot of respect for him as an artist over the years.
That Andy Bell/Dot Allison song is pretty good! I'm still marveling over the Leaving Records fire-relief compilation I shared on Friday. It's chock full of good stuff, mostly in the ambient electronics vein, with a little hip-hop and indie-folk to spice things up. If that sounds like your jam and you have $10 to spare, go here: https://staying.bandcamp.com/album/staying-leaving-records-aid-to-artists-impacted-by-the-los-angeles-wildfires. I also love the Melissa Mary Ahern album, Kerosene, also from last Friday. If your local radio station isn't playing The Truth, call and request it. Finally, Saturday was my daughter's 26th birthday and she made a playlist with one song from each year she's been alive. Find it here - it's great! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WyEOP97I04ZaIZchLNr7U?si=62c1622e76634679
Thanks for the links! I'm am about a week behind in my inbox, and hadn't seen the Leaving Records LP yet. Good records for a good cause? Yes please!
Happy belated birthday to your daughter! this playlist is a gift. Depreston is a criminally underrated track. And apparently inspired at least in part by The Go-Betweens' "Streets of Your Town." A great listen if you have time: https://songexploder.net/courtney-barnett
Love that you have a single from the new Throwing Muses on here! I meant to go listen last week after your newsletter.
My middle boys are super into Kanye, Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, and Tylor the Creator- so they’ve been playing a lot of that on the way to school. Friday one of them played “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube on the way to school.
My daughter not only played “Drink Before the War,” my favorite Sinead song, but she also pulled out “She’s My Baby” by Mazzy Star 🎉🎉🎉 Raising these kids right!!
I listened to the new Kim Deal album, which to me sounded a lot like Throwing Muses/Kristin Hersh influenced. I’m going to give it another listen or two.
A Substacker turned me on to Cameron Winter's album 'Heavy Winter'. Which is a bit of a wow. He's the lead singer of Geese but this has a different feel. It's an impressive album.
Given the weather I couldn't help pondering about makes a great winter song. Hard to beat a guy who wants to be the world's best hockey player so he can use his fame and fortune to rid the world of all the bad stuff. (For the record I'm one of the .0001% of Canadians who don't give a hoot about hockey so don't @ me, as the kids say.) Here's The Vandals' Change The World With My Hockey Stick:
The latest NYT's Amplifier playlist that features Neko Case.
That reminded me to listen to Neko Case's latest album, Wild Creatures, which reminded me to listen to The New Pornographers 2010 release Together, which led me to the excellent 2010 release by Limblifter and finally on to 2004's Ripple Rock by the Evaporators.
I've been on a Nick Piunti kick today with his solo albums Trust Your Instincts (2106) and Temporary High (2018) and the 3 billed as Nick Piunti & the Complicated Men - 2020's Downtime, 2022's Heart Inside Your Head, and 2024's Up and Out of It. It's been a great afternoon of peerless power pop.
I saw them live in a little club. Great jam band, but that is limiting their sound. Harmony guitar solos, baritone sax, and infectious beats. Check them out!
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme. This seminal record came out 60 years ago this month - and that was reason enough to put it on while doing some baking. Man, it is an very relaxing, yet fulfilling listen. I need to listen to some more jazz in general.
I don't even know where to begin with the music I hear in cafes and such in Spain. It runs the gamut from American rock (of course !) to salsa/bachata, lots of Argentinian artists and some Spanish music. Luckily, I don't hear as much reggaeton as I thought I would!
Anyhow, as I get settled, I think this experience is going to help expand my musical tastes. I might try to write something about it for The Riff soon!
Sunwatchers' Illegal Moves which came out in 2019....If you dig polyrythmic krautrock(oxymoron intended), hard psych, and Alice Coltrane covers then this will be right up your alley. Also has an all time album cover.
Please Mr. Postman - The Carpenters
10,000 Maniacs - Stockton Gala Days
Taylor Swift - A Video Compilation of all the song bridges from Tortured Poets Department
Carly Simon - Nobody Does it Better
Huge fan of 10,000 Maniacs!
A deep cut from 10000 Maniacs! Nice!
The Clash - Clampdown
Psychedelic Furs ‐ President Gas
Propagandhi - The Only Good Fascist Is A Dead Fascist
Asylum Choir -Thieves In The Choir
Gil Scott Heron - Winter in America
Legendary Pink Dots - So Gallantly Screaming
Andrew Jackson Jihad - F.W.P.
Well done.
12 outta 10 playlist, no notes.
Now this is a mix! (and a timely one)
Love that Lily of the Sea track - glad to see it on the list. Already a bunch of new stuff I am loving:
-- Little Oso -- https://littleoso.bandcamp.com/album/how-lucky-to-be-somebody (pure and gorgeous indie rock, a bit shoegaze, a bit twee)
-- Prism Shores -- https://prismshores.bandcamp.com/album/out-from-underneath (glorious jangle power pop; if you were in to the Ducks Ltd record, this is another Canadian release for you)
-- good flying birds - https://rottenapplelabel.bandcamp.com/album/good-flying-birds-talulahs-tape (bandcamp daily flagged this one and compared it to the Parsnip album from last year, which was on my year-end list - https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/oh-my-stars-og-brads-favorites-of -- and this one is worth a listen. All over the place but has some excellent tracks if you can stick with it)
-- Songhoy Blues -- https://songhoyblues.bandcamp.com/album/h-ritage-2(One of my favorite Malian bands is back after 5 years with a more acoustic but still excellent record)
-- Observe since '98 - https://lorettarecordsusa.bandcamp.com/album/and-thats-when-i-saw-gawd -- Fantastic old school hip-hop sounds with a fairly blistering takedown of hypocritical religious leaders
-- Solarfive -- https://solarfive.bandcamp.com/album/please-dont-get-cocaine-in-the-faders (The title of the record alone deserves a listen but the lyrics deliver)
And as has been true for the last many months, have Birthday Girl DC and Flowers for the Dead on repeat, especially as they play together this Saturday night in DC, as part of the nationwide "festival" happening at different venues in support of reproductive rights. https://songbyrddc.com/event/gct-presents/
Little Oso is awesome, and their previous EP was one of my faves of the year. Better yet? they're just really cool/down to Earth people.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thekevinalexander/p/release-radar-little-oso-happy-songs?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
70’s hits. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/78FqYlkfzD3EEhLeDGpfPT?si=xSK7vqs5T_i_Zgd9Zi03oQ&pi=u-gWZfhSdUTBex
Love this list! Playing "What A Fool Believes" as I type this.
My week was all about Midnight Oil after I learned that The Hardest Line, a documentary that premiered in Australia last year, is finally available in the US on Apple TV. It's fantastic and covers their long career of music and activism. After that, I ran through their catalog in order from the beginning. I was fortunate to see the Oils in '90 and '93 and they're still one of the best live bands I've seen.
One of my favorite songs, "Sometimes," is especially appropriate today: "Sometimes you're beaten to the call, sometimes / Sometimes you're taken to the wall, but you don't give in."
Several years ago, I opened for Matthew Ryan. I briefly met his band's bassist before the show. Only later did I learn it was the Oils' Bones Hillman, who had moved to Nashville while the Oils were seemingly retired. I missed a chance to geek out over an Oil! (Probably for the best. 😄)
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXPdBRH9W8o
If you're not familiar with the Oils' catalog beyond the hits, this late-period live record is a great place to start:
https://open.spotify.com/album/06IomVnydMul6Yn1hDg4G1?si=1bOlCZ9ySTSOWll3Rka8AA
Looking forward to the playlist and your recommendations. Have a great week, everyone!
Thanks for the doc recommendation! I know there're a couple things we're looking to binge on Apple TV, so I'll try and squeeze this in during the trial.
Really loving new single from Seattle band Museum of Light off their second album, which drops in March. Crushing riffs mixed with tranquil step-backs and ethereal vocals
https://museumoflightband.bandcamp.com/album/diviner
This rips!
Parchman Prison Prayer #2
I busted out Frightened Rabbit's "Painting of a Panic Attack" for the first time in a while. (RIP, Scott Hutchinson) It hasn't lost anything in the last decade. Still a masterpiece.
I also have been on a Twisted Sister kick lately. I think I have a subconscious desire to go back to fourth grade when life was simpler. Anyhow, still impressed by Dee Snider's vocals. Guy is underrated.
I also got a somewhat rare Fish concert from a buddy of mine who works at a used CD store in the Twin Cities, so I've been playing "Tales from the Big Bus" on repeat a lot.
I'll add my RIP for Scott. :(
Life in 4th grade doesn't sound so bad, tbh.
Laura Jane Grace and Catbite playing Op Ivy: https://catbite.bandcamp.com/album/operation-ivy-live-at-the-empty-bottle-laura-jane-grace-catbite
And if you like jazz in any way, in just the last 45 days or so, the amazing label Moochin' About has just released three insane collections of jazz, about 400 songs in all from more or less all of the giants. This will keep you covered for all of 2025, and beyond:
-- https://moochinaboutltd.bandcamp.com/album/like-a-blessed-baby-lamb-the-pioneers-of-avant-garde?from=fanpub_fnb (70+ avant-garde tracks, mainly Archie Shepp, Ornette Coleman, and my personal favorite, Eric Dolphy)
-- https://moochinaboutltd.bandcamp.com/album/1958-a-year-in-jazz-ii (count 'em - 181 tracks from every legend you can think of. Oh to have been alive and in NYC in 1958).
-- https://moochinaboutltd.bandcamp.com/album/1958-a-year-in-jazz
these look great!
I spent the last 8 days at a trade show, all I could hear was the licensed Muzak on the audio system in our booth. I need therapy.
and you need it STAT!
We're here to help!
I look forward to your play list Kevin as all are new to me.
Good Morning from a Santa Ana swooping down Left Coast.
Here is what has been in my ears:
1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=552c5ab8aa49414e
2. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71PrDfTT9eNSnK4nHDJCqx?si=2bcb1ffc70db40a2
3. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EpBbYmYjaqNaa?si=c08e51d6aa6e45d8
Have a great ear candy week.
JP
Thanks for these, Jon!
For anyone scrolling the comments that might need a moment of Zen or two these days, check out Jon's feed for his photos of SoCal.
I've been replaying the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack to accompany a thing I've been writing for the last two weeks. I really like it, but I'm ready to move on to the Baby Driver soundtrack, now. Or, maybe I should just go on a Jon Spenser tear...
Loved that movie and loved the soundtrack too!
Wright is pretty inspired with needle drops. When Bell Bottoms started at the beginning of Baby Driver, I kinda lost my mind. And it’s pretty fitting given it’s basically a modern day Elvis movie.
Why not both? :)
The original vinyl pressing of Janet Jackson’s “All For You”. The mastering is sublime.
Still a banger. I was in Costa Rica when this came out and it was inescapable.
It’s so good isn’t it? That sample is just pure bliss.
YES!
I’ve been listing to Mac Miller’s posthumous album “Balloonerism” that dropped Friday and it’s a must listen for anyone who’s even remotely interested in the genre/style!
Been seeing this on a LOT of TLs lately. I've clearly been missing out!
I took down my Christmas lights this morning, and listened to exactly nothing on the way into work. A somber mood seems fitting and I suppose I'll run with the no-music thing for the rest of the day.
However, last week I listened to
--the Cannonball-by-himself half of Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley. Outstanding and elegant.
--Darkthrone - A Blaze in the Northern Sky. This black metal classic had been in my foobar lists for a little bit and so I'd heard random tracks here and there, but last week was the first time I listened to it all through and in order. I probably liked "In the Shadow of the Horns" best and it's definitely . . . . OK.
--Wooden Shjips Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. Another thing that I thought was only OK a month or so back was V., by this San Fran band. But for whatever reason I decided to dig a little deeper and I found these two odds and sods compilations and I *really* liked these two. Really crazy, really jammy, full of manipulated vocal tracks and fuzz tone. Almost Butthole Surfers territory in places.
EIAFUAWN - Birds in the Ground. Again. This is my easy listening.
Can't say I blame you! A little Cannonball Adderley always helps.
I love that Phantogram track 🙌🏼
I can't lie, I've been deep down a Bob Dylan rabbit hole since seeing the the Timothée Chalamet biopic. Discovering a lot of deep cuts I'd never heard.
"One Too Many Mornings" is a quite little fave of mine: https://open.spotify.com/track/5ATUmaVJWUTTagmPwQLck3?si=c0f5b80804024077
A good rabbit hole to be in!
Le Tigre
YES!
From Fujiwara, Japan - Maya Ongaku's Electronic Phantoms: https://mayaongakuggb.bandcamp.com/album/electronic-phantoms
Also been diving into the catalogue of Haroumi Hosono, founding member of Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra; I've enjoyed a lot of what I've heard, but particularly like Philharmony: https://tidal.com/album/109729705?u
i have been digging into Ennio Morricone - you may not know his name, but you will know his songs
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1nIUhcKHnK6iyumRyoV68C?si=mhIaeGZLRGi_MCD0rVilNw
I have the CD of Yo-Yo Ma playing Ennio Morricone. It's wonderful!
i gotta look for that - have you heard this
https://youtu.be/eWSPQlbm33A?si=f77zzcxzolECAo6M
That was great. Thanks! Their Sweet Child of Mine was another great one.
And if you don't know his songs, you'll recognize his sound/influence in many of your favorites!
NEW & SHINY:
* Alpaca Sports 'Another Day' - Shimmery, sweet, musical confections.
* The Weather Station 'Humanhood' - is it too early to start saying AOTY inclusion?
* 20/20 'Back To California' Huh?! They're back and this may be their best album yet.
* Prism Shores 'Out From Underneath'
POLISHED GEMS:
* Brand New 'Science Fiction'
* Sufjan Stevens 'Carrie & Lowell'
* OMD 'Dazzle Ships'
Never too early to start the AOTY chatter, and a huge +1 to your thoughts on 20/20. Very pleasant surprise.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6m4HWTYMRSJkaUuvXTaNmE?si=f0a9c7efcf6d4da7
https://open.spotify.com/track/6PrKZUXJPmBiobMN44yR8Y?si=c6d4c4c4f5534cd1
Mac Miller's "Ballonerism" is already an early contender for my top albums of the year. Very abstract, atmospheric, and heady. I've gained a lot of respect for him as an artist over the years.
Don't know if it's serendipity or what... "Get Off My Cloud," The Rolling Stones.
The universe works in mysterious ways!
That Andy Bell/Dot Allison song is pretty good! I'm still marveling over the Leaving Records fire-relief compilation I shared on Friday. It's chock full of good stuff, mostly in the ambient electronics vein, with a little hip-hop and indie-folk to spice things up. If that sounds like your jam and you have $10 to spare, go here: https://staying.bandcamp.com/album/staying-leaving-records-aid-to-artists-impacted-by-the-los-angeles-wildfires. I also love the Melissa Mary Ahern album, Kerosene, also from last Friday. If your local radio station isn't playing The Truth, call and request it. Finally, Saturday was my daughter's 26th birthday and she made a playlist with one song from each year she's been alive. Find it here - it's great! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WyEOP97I04ZaIZchLNr7U?si=62c1622e76634679
Thanks for the links! I'm am about a week behind in my inbox, and hadn't seen the Leaving Records LP yet. Good records for a good cause? Yes please!
Happy belated birthday to your daughter! this playlist is a gift. Depreston is a criminally underrated track. And apparently inspired at least in part by The Go-Betweens' "Streets of Your Town." A great listen if you have time: https://songexploder.net/courtney-barnett
Love that you have a single from the new Throwing Muses on here! I meant to go listen last week after your newsletter.
My middle boys are super into Kanye, Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, and Tylor the Creator- so they’ve been playing a lot of that on the way to school. Friday one of them played “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube on the way to school.
My daughter not only played “Drink Before the War,” my favorite Sinead song, but she also pulled out “She’s My Baby” by Mazzy Star 🎉🎉🎉 Raising these kids right!!
I listened to the new Kim Deal album, which to me sounded a lot like Throwing Muses/Kristin Hersh influenced. I’m going to give it another listen or two.
Raisin' 'em right indeed!
Absolutely loving the Mary and the Hyenas soundtrack by Billy Nomates. Well worth your time. The Matilda Mann EP Just Because is also very good.
Right on! Thanks for both of these. I only know Nomates from when se featured on a Sleaford Mods track.
A Substacker turned me on to Cameron Winter's album 'Heavy Winter'. Which is a bit of a wow. He's the lead singer of Geese but this has a different feel. It's an impressive album.
Given the weather I couldn't help pondering about makes a great winter song. Hard to beat a guy who wants to be the world's best hockey player so he can use his fame and fortune to rid the world of all the bad stuff. (For the record I'm one of the .0001% of Canadians who don't give a hoot about hockey so don't @ me, as the kids say.) Here's The Vandals' Change The World With My Hockey Stick:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGEF6I5aS68
Until now, I didn't think there were any Canadians who didn't like hockey. :)
Jokes aside, I've been thinking about what makes a good winter song as well, and I'm still not sure other than to say you know it when you hear it.
I love what you posted this morning!
Thank you! I'm happy to hear it!
The latest NYT's Amplifier playlist that features Neko Case.
That reminded me to listen to Neko Case's latest album, Wild Creatures, which reminded me to listen to The New Pornographers 2010 release Together, which led me to the excellent 2010 release by Limblifter and finally on to 2004's Ripple Rock by the Evaporators.
These are the best sorts of stream of consciousnesses! Not for nothing, but that same article led me to listening to "Whiteout Conditions."
RORO AND SNAPIR
https://weatheredmusic.ca
I've been on a Nick Piunti kick today with his solo albums Trust Your Instincts (2106) and Temporary High (2018) and the 3 billed as Nick Piunti & the Complicated Men - 2020's Downtime, 2022's Heart Inside Your Head, and 2024's Up and Out of It. It's been a great afternoon of peerless power pop.
Ron Gallo, Young Lady, You’re Scaring Me
FAZE Big Upsetter EP
Golden Feather - ST
I saw them live in a little club. Great jam band, but that is limiting their sound. Harmony guitar solos, baritone sax, and infectious beats. Check them out!
I'm on it!
New this past week:
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme. This seminal record came out 60 years ago this month - and that was reason enough to put it on while doing some baking. Man, it is an very relaxing, yet fulfilling listen. I need to listen to some more jazz in general.
Same!
I don't even know where to begin with the music I hear in cafes and such in Spain. It runs the gamut from American rock (of course !) to salsa/bachata, lots of Argentinian artists and some Spanish music. Luckily, I don't hear as much reggaeton as I thought I would!
Anyhow, as I get settled, I think this experience is going to help expand my musical tastes. I might try to write something about it for The Riff soon!
I hope you will! I'd love to see it!
.Sam Fender. Hearing him for the first time. I like this guy. He's got his third album dropping in, I think, just a few days.
.Sunny Jain, Taboo.
.SAULT, Acts of Faith and AIIR. Every time you turn around, it seems like he/they have released three more albums. I can't keep up.
.Son of a Broken Man, Fantastic Negrito. The more I listen to it, the more in love with it I am.
Sunwatchers' Illegal Moves which came out in 2019....If you dig polyrythmic krautrock(oxymoron intended), hard psych, and Alice Coltrane covers then this will be right up your alley. Also has an all time album cover.