Happy Monday, and a huge hello to those of you that joined us over the weekend. It’s great to have you here! We kick the week off with some of what I’ve been spinning over the last week or so. Some of these were suggestions from the community, and as always, I’m grateful for the picks. Keep ‘em coming!
What’s everyone been listening to? Got something we should all be checking out? Want to share a win from crate digging this weekend? A band we have to hear? Share it below!
Listening to a lot of disco lately (as you know from reading me!), but I enjoyed that Doves track...has a "Heat Wave"-vibe (at least to its start). The Squeeze track made me wonder if you've ever heard their "Squabs on Forty Fab" single. I think it was around '80 or '81, and was their take on the "Stars on 45" scare about that time.
"Squabs" was a medley of about 8 or 10 of their songs, and I don't even think it was an editing thing (like was done on all the "Stars On" singles). Some of the songs (of which "Another Nail in My Heart" is one) sound faster, slower, or some sort of different than their original...in other words, newly-recorded. Worth checking out if you haven't! Hear it enough (like I have), you'll instinctively start singing the next tune on "Squabs," as I did at the proper point on "Another Nail"!
"Higher" by SAULT has been on repeat for me. This song is on one of the FIVE (yes) projects they released to the public on Friday and honestly each one sounds different and excellent in its own way. "Diverse" is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to them.
Your playlist is eerily close to my own. I have been playing the latest RBCF album a bit and the new Phoenix. Not as much as I would like as I had to prep for my discussion about Danger Mouse/Sparklehorse' Dark Night of the Soul album. So was listening to all of the Sparklehorse albums this week. Needing some lightness to balance out the heaviness of those albums.
Yes! I need to write the recap -- I'm so swamped with non-writing work that I've had no time to write my weekly substack or the recap. It was a lively discussion and I was happy that Charles showed up too! Expect the recap this weekend. And I'm gonna try and listen to some new releases as my soundtrack (always a challenge to write to music with lyrics). sunn O))) is often a nice, heavy wordless accompaniment!
I've been catching up on The Laughing Chimes since they joined Slumberland and their first release with them drops this Friday. Jangle pop from Athens...Ohio.
Definitely some nostalgic songs here, and a few that were new to me. So, Kevin, I just participated in the November Album zoom call, and got volunteered to do the December session. Learned that I should join Medium (done) and check out "The Riff" (done)--and belatedly realized what I've gotten myself into. So I need a little help. I've left you my email on your twitter, please check it and get back to me. Thanks!
The 'New York' bands section in the latest chapter of my serialised novel - challenge69.substack.com - sent me back to listen to the referenced debut (and only) album released by QTY in 2017.
I still love this album (especially 'Rodeo' and 'Dress/Undress') and expected QTY to go on to even greater things, but absolutely nothing since! Does anybody know what happened to them/what they did next? A Google sdearch just ends up in a big void.
My kid has got me listening to Steve Lacey, who is pretty good. Bad Habit is a very solid pop song.
Been listening to him since he started his career (literally) and to see him become a small superstar in real time has been amazing.
Saw him on SNL recently and he definitely has superstar vibes
Was just listening to 7Horse
They are two of the members of my fav band of all time, Dada
Listening to a lot of disco lately (as you know from reading me!), but I enjoyed that Doves track...has a "Heat Wave"-vibe (at least to its start). The Squeeze track made me wonder if you've ever heard their "Squabs on Forty Fab" single. I think it was around '80 or '81, and was their take on the "Stars on 45" scare about that time.
"Squabs" was a medley of about 8 or 10 of their songs, and I don't even think it was an editing thing (like was done on all the "Stars On" singles). Some of the songs (of which "Another Nail in My Heart" is one) sound faster, slower, or some sort of different than their original...in other words, newly-recorded. Worth checking out if you haven't! Hear it enough (like I have), you'll instinctively start singing the next tune on "Squabs," as I did at the proper point on "Another Nail"!
I haven't heard it; on the list to check out today!
"Higher" by SAULT has been on repeat for me. This song is on one of the FIVE (yes) projects they released to the public on Friday and honestly each one sounds different and excellent in its own way. "Diverse" is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to them.
Right on. I downloaded the series, but haven't dug into it yet.
Doves and RBCF are a plus on any playlist. Was so happy when Doves returned a few years ago - The Last Broadcast is one of my all-time favs!
If you’re looking for some instrumental “new age” to accompany the cold weather, I highly recommend the new Seahawks album, Infinite Echo.
It's definitely gross/cold up here today. I just cued Infinite Echo up.
Andy Shauf's new song is nice. https://andyshauf.bandcamp.com/album/norm
Loved this. The synth parts out on the edge caught my ear.
Your playlist is eerily close to my own. I have been playing the latest RBCF album a bit and the new Phoenix. Not as much as I would like as I had to prep for my discussion about Danger Mouse/Sparklehorse' Dark Night of the Soul album. So was listening to all of the Sparklehorse albums this week. Needing some lightness to balance out the heaviness of those albums.
Great minds think alike. :)
And am I'm sorry I wasn't able to make it to the discussion. I assume all went well?
Yes! I need to write the recap -- I'm so swamped with non-writing work that I've had no time to write my weekly substack or the recap. It was a lively discussion and I was happy that Charles showed up too! Expect the recap this weekend. And I'm gonna try and listen to some new releases as my soundtrack (always a challenge to write to music with lyrics). sunn O))) is often a nice, heavy wordless accompaniment!
Right on! I'm happy to hear it went well (though not happy that I managed to miss another one). I'll keep an eye out for the recap.
I've been catching up on The Laughing Chimes since they joined Slumberland and their first release with them drops this Friday. Jangle pop from Athens...Ohio.
https://thelaughingchimesband.bandcamp.com
I'm a total sucker for the sound on "Ice Cream Skies." How are these guys just kids?!
Definitely some nostalgic songs here, and a few that were new to me. So, Kevin, I just participated in the November Album zoom call, and got volunteered to do the December session. Learned that I should join Medium (done) and check out "The Riff" (done)--and belatedly realized what I've gotten myself into. So I need a little help. I've left you my email on your twitter, please check it and get back to me. Thanks!
Lucky you! I'm happy to walk you through anything you might need.
I messaged you back. Let me know if there are any issues.
The 'New York' bands section in the latest chapter of my serialised novel - challenge69.substack.com - sent me back to listen to the referenced debut (and only) album released by QTY in 2017.
I still love this album (especially 'Rodeo' and 'Dress/Undress') and expected QTY to go on to even greater things, but absolutely nothing since! Does anybody know what happened to them/what they did next? A Google sdearch just ends up in a big void.
NTO is my jam these days:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd_8mm906GA