Good morning! Welcome to each of you who joined us over this past week! You’ve landed at what was recently described as “the nicest place on the internet.“
If you’re looking for a place to share the music you love with like-minded people, you’re in the right spot.
It’s great to have you here.
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:
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any luck crate digging? Are there any upcoming releases or shows you’re excited about?
So whatcha got? Share your thoughts in the comments!
I downloaded free trials of Qobuz and Tidal over the weekend. I'm going to give "Loveless" a "spin" inn these premium streaming services and see if I want to keep one of the services permanently.
I'm not a huge audiophile but I would love to know if the difference in quality is noticeable.
I’ve been using Tidal since Neil & Co. pulled their songs from Spotify (of course, he’s back on Spotify now). Never regretted the move. Interface is very similar, but I feel like Tidal is a bit more artist/music centric.
How about audio quality? Any noticeable improvement with similar listening tech (not getting tricked-out new headphones or digital-to-analog converters or whatever else)?
On my stereo yes, but headphones not too much. I ran a test using Jimmy Smith’s The Sermon/Van Gelder Remaster. (A Blue Note classic that features a deep blues groove and swing.) Listened to it on my stereo system via WiFi. The stereo delivery from my speakers was much better using Tidal as compared to Spotify. Not much difference in sound coming out of the L v. R speakers on Spotify. When I compared using my headphones (plug-in Bose SoundSports) there was some difference, but it was not as noticeable.
Thanks for this, Marcus! I've never used Tidal, but am at the point where I don't even stream Spotify to my stereo anymore. I guess I've been spoiled by Soundcloud & Qobuz.
I'm genuinely interested to see what you find/don't find. For me, there's a big difference, but I also have terrible hearing, and every little bit of dynacism helps.
For the past couple of months I've been obsessed with Robert Caro's biography of Lyndon Johnson, and have been playing the audiobooks nonstop. Fantastic writing by Caro, great narration by Grover Gardner. Highly recommend them!
Right on! I hope you found a couple of new favorites in there. 'Chairs Missing' is an all-timer for me. Your 3 Recent Shiny descriptions have got my curiosity piqued!
I early adopted a Pearl Jam release for the first time in years, and I am really enjoying “Dark Matter.” Also been hanging out in Seattle listening to Mark Arm & Steve Turner’s other band Monkeywrench.
Lastly, listening to Debbie Harry’s book, so some 70s and 80s NYC is in the mix.
Maybe it's just me, but 'Dark Matter' really feels like a return to form for the band. I'm really enjoying it as well.
Speaking of Seattle, Jen Zug tipped me off to this podcast about the city's Teen Dance Ordinance, and the outsized effect it had on the scene there. It's well worth your time if you're looking for something to lsiten to after Harry's book.
I spent Friday night at an 80s “Goth Prom” night with a large portion of my best music buddies! It was so super fun! Depeche Mode, New Order, Bronski Beat, Joy Division, Ministry, etc…
Best thing about that song was when Butlins, which runs family holiday parks in the UK, used it in a TV advert showing merry, wholesome children spinning right round on a ride of some sort. Dead Or Alive frontman Pete Burns was a crossdressing, possibly transgender, queer rights activist.
No!! But, they should have been!! It was from 8-12, two DJs taking turns - and I know the one said he ended up having to cut stuff due to time constraints 😂
Thee Heavenly Music Association, Teethe, Glixen, Superhaven, Blvck Ceiling - All, s0cliché - 50 Shades, NarrowHead - All , Filejacker - All, Teaching In Trips, Johnny Goth - These Days R Mine, DIIV - Roy's Song, Glitterer... 🫴🏼
Sxmpra & Vana - Black Sheep
Ängie - "Here For My Habits / Venus In Furs"
Brat
Gel
The Jealous Sound - There's No Hope For Us
Knapsack
SAMIAM!
BRONSON - complete l.p.
Health
Fleshwater
F*cking "Ethel Cain" - Everything!
Lund
Softcult - Everything
Gatecreeper
A Beacon School
Corbin
Provoker
🖤🖤🖤 Wax Idols R.I.P.
...that "oughta" hold ya for a min. Heheh much L🖤VE plz keep it up!
Hey there - first post here for me. With traveling last week I had limited listening time, but I did get quality spins and a lot of joy from -
St Vincent - All Born Screaming (full album listens, but really enjoyed Big Time Nothing and All Born Screaming)
Neil Young - Fu##in’ Up (live version of Ragged Glory recorded last year with Crazy Horse and it sounds amazingly good. I am a bit biased when it comes to Neil though)
Back from my weekend in Leeds to 'Suedehead: The Best of Morrissey', The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour' and venturing into new sonic experiences now with 'Can: The Singles.' On Repeat is a lovely place :)
Looking forward to digging into the playlist as there are several artists I'm not familiar with. It's wild that The Veldt are back -- I saw them open for someone (Jesus & Mary Chain, I think) in the late 80s/early 90s.
My last week was dominated by Calexico, T-Bone Burnett's new one, and St. Vincent's new one (I always wish that I like her better than I do, especially since I study with her drummer, but she's just not my thing).
My main listening was going down the rabbit hole with The Conet Project and other recordings of shortwave radio numbers stations in search of a sample to fit a song on my record. I found it and got permission to use it! If you're not familiar with numbers stations, you might know them from the spooky voice at the end of Wilco's "Poor Places" repeating "Yankee...Hotel....Foxtrot." I'm fascinated by them. Here's a good primer. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24910397
Have a great week, everyone! I'm looking forward to your recommendations.
Guided by Voices - Serene King single. Alright, alright ya’ll have talked me into it: time to dive into GBV properly. Really like this first single from the upcoming Strut of King.
Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee. Thanks to the multiple folks last week for this recommendation. I listened. I donated. I love. I continue to listen.
St. Vincent - All Born Screaming. Mmmmmmm, ear candy on every track. I was really excited for this record, now I can’t stop listening to it.
Same old thing(s):
Black Keys. Got tix to see in Minneapolis later this year. Ohio Players is a fun listen.
SESSANTA @ Red Rocks 4/25 and 4/26: A Perfect Circle + Puscifer + Primus + the best outdoor venue = excellent shows. The weather was not great either night, but damn were those two shows outstanding.
The new Justice album, ‘Hyperdrama,’ is an absolute dream. Had it on repeat all weekend—“Mannequin Love” might actually be my own personal song of the summer 😆
Got Keith Emerson's "Live at BB King's" recording from a friend, so I've been playing that a lot. But that also made me go back and bust out John Wetton's "Sub-Rosa: Live in Milan" concert, which for my money is one of the best live albums I've ever heard. It's an acoustic show recorded in an old stone church, so the guitar absolutely transcends because of the natural reverb. I also played Rush's "Vapour Trails" a few times this week.
I love that new Bodega record (to be fair, I love all of their albums). I saw them on their current tour and picked it up on vinyl.
Other acts with new material I’ve been listening to a lot lately:
La Luz, always a favorite. Other than frontwoman Shana Cleveland the members have all fully turned over but they’ve maintained a remarkably consistent, summery, psychedelic west coast sound.
Japanese Television. Like La Luz, more surf-adjacent but smart music that brings some new sounds to an otherwise tired genre.
Grazia. Some twee punk via That Dog’s edgier mid-90’s work. Sounds like many other artists, but there’s something enjoyable about their songwriting approach.
Adrienne Lenker. I’ve never been much of a country person, but I predict that’s soon changing in all of us if this sort of thing continues to happen. Holy moly.
Uranium Club. I’ll always be a sucker for any experimental espionage-themed pop.
Still need to see Bodega live! It's a tough ticket to snag here in NYC... Speaking of La Luz, did you listen to Shana Cleveland's Manzanita? Fantastic album.
My friend went knew the Natural History, which is how I found out when the Spoon version came out. Somewhere I have MP3s for an unreleased album by them, pretty good stuff.
Some good picks here, thanks! I'm probably gonna add Metallica to "Still Great" (just IMO, the original is every bit as awesome). Will do some noodling on the others, especially Steely Dan!
I just discovered Amelia Cobrun. Take a little Mazzy Star and mix it up with The Wicker Man. LP is fantastic! Video reminds me that music videos can be awesome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A73yMsJcPU
I can always count on the comments from “What’re you listening to?” to unearth some new or new to me hidden gem and this is a great one! Thanks for the rec!!
I love rabbit holes when they unearth (see what I did there?) stuff you'd think was an Onion spoof if someone told you about it. Meet Matisyahu, a Jewish American singer, rapper, beatboxer, and reggae musician. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV8cTCDdfME
It was a light week for listening, however I did score some new vinyl, Joe Ely and Warpaint. I have listened to various members of The Flatlanders for many, many years and I picked up Warpaint at a bargain price, they are very atmospheric, sort of like Low with an all female cast. Peter Gabriel is another veteran of the turntable. I have a deep catalogue of Iron & Wine, so I had to listen to their newest offering, it is quite possibly the best of their recordings, I am enamoured by it, now I have to hunt down a hard copy.
I’ve been listening to Neil Young’s On the Beach album that turns 50 this year. And a Brooklyn Band named Hospitality album Trouble that turned 10 this year. I really like the track, Last Words, off of Trouble.
Since I'm the father of a teenage girl, and I have 11 female fifth graders in my class, I was obligated to listen to Tortured Poets Department. I have to admit, aside from the first two tracks, I had to keep checking to see when a new song was playing because everything seemed like one, VERY LONG track.
In my classroom, I've been spinning Beach Boys' Pet Sounds and Al Green's Greatest Hits. Great music for independent student work time.
They call it Stormy Monday so I just queued up my blues folder
Bessie Smith --- > Blind Boys of Alabama ---- > Buddy Guy --- > Buffalo Nichols
If you like blues and are wondering if there are vibrant blues artists less than 80 years old you should check out Buffalo Nichols. Old timey blues song structure but modern themes.
Dumpstaphunk. I've been to New Orleans several times and really like the street music. This is just a fun band with somewhat that sound. Ivan Neville is the son of Aaron Neville and musical talent seems to run in the family.
Glad to see Bodega on the playlist. I’ve had that on heavy rotation the last couple of weeks. Some other stuff, mostly older, I’ve been enjoying lately:
Great playlist! I’m enjoying the Ducks Ltd album and I absolutely love MADRA. Sickly Sweet is definitely my track of choice.
I’ve been giving the English Teacher album a lot of play this week. It really is excellent! Bess Atwell also released a new EP yesterday which is beautiful. She has a fabulous voice. I’ve been unrelated exposed to the Parquet Courts ‘Stoned and Starving’ on two separate occasions this week which has prompted me to investigate the rest of their music. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Been leaning in to Marika Hackman’s latest, Big Sigh, and was excited recently to learn she has an accompanying acoustic EP (Little Sigh).
Other than that I’ve spent much of the last week enjoying Hats, the 1989 release by The Blue Nile. A track from the album was included on Ian Sharp’s LP playlist last weekend and it reminded me of one of my best friends from high school that passed away at the beginning of last year.
Fraser had introduced me to the album, which he adored, back when it was released. But try as I might (and I tried hard because he was one of my “musical mentors” with impeccable taste in music), as a reggae-crazed 18-year old, I just didn’t get it. It didn’t work for me.
Fast forward 36 years, and over three decades since I’d even thought of the band, and I found myself loving the album. My musical taste has clearly changed or matured to the point where I found myself kinda falling in love with it.
Fraser’s birthday was on Friday - he would’ve been 53 - and I haven’t felt as close to him since his death as I did last week listening to Hats.
I've been prepping for a gig I'm sitting in on with a local band so my week and weekend was spent learning their songs: https://www.cosmicsuperheroes.com/audio
Friday I was most psyched for the new Iron & Wine (very good, but can't deal with Fiona Apple so that's one song down) and most surprised by Golden Drag's Twin Paradise (it's been a few years and this is even better than the last one). Other than that, spent most of the weekend editing clips for my April podcast - coming soon!
Love seeing Ducks Ltd. on there - good Canadians! Other recent Canadian gems include Charlotte Cornfield, Close Talker and POSTDATA. And Cowboy Witchcraft by Kue Varo is a really great album.
Thanks Kevin, I've been listening to a lot of the music by The Cat's Miaow which has recently been reissued by World Of Echo - some beautiful soft pop sounds by the folks who were also in Hydroplane and Bart & Friends -
Also I had quite a bit of good fortune scouring the CD dollar bins of several record stores during our trip through a few States and picked up 45 albums for less than the price one new record would cost me and been slowly going through them - found 2 albums by The Innocence Mission that I thoroughly enjoyed as well as albums by The Mighty Lemon Drops, Elvis Costello, Tim Finn, David Kilgour, Amy Rigby & a two for 1 album by Shoes to name a few - it's going to take me a while to go through them all :)
When I don't know what else to listen to, I press shuffle on this massive playlist I've put together over the years I've worked on a novel of the same name. Feel free to do the same! But hold on to your hat--this trip to the Underworld has more than one unexpected turn! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0N9HmbCMThDDn3mYnyNON1?si=41633b3b4b954462
I downloaded free trials of Qobuz and Tidal over the weekend. I'm going to give "Loveless" a "spin" inn these premium streaming services and see if I want to keep one of the services permanently.
I'm not a huge audiophile but I would love to know if the difference in quality is noticeable.
I’ve been using Tidal since Neil & Co. pulled their songs from Spotify (of course, he’s back on Spotify now). Never regretted the move. Interface is very similar, but I feel like Tidal is a bit more artist/music centric.
How about audio quality? Any noticeable improvement with similar listening tech (not getting tricked-out new headphones or digital-to-analog converters or whatever else)?
On my stereo yes, but headphones not too much. I ran a test using Jimmy Smith’s The Sermon/Van Gelder Remaster. (A Blue Note classic that features a deep blues groove and swing.) Listened to it on my stereo system via WiFi. The stereo delivery from my speakers was much better using Tidal as compared to Spotify. Not much difference in sound coming out of the L v. R speakers on Spotify. When I compared using my headphones (plug-in Bose SoundSports) there was some difference, but it was not as noticeable.
Thanks for this, Marcus! I've never used Tidal, but am at the point where I don't even stream Spotify to my stereo anymore. I guess I've been spoiled by Soundcloud & Qobuz.
I'm genuinely interested to see what you find/don't find. For me, there's a big difference, but I also have terrible hearing, and every little bit of dynacism helps.
Cheri Cheri Lady - Modern Talking
Yana,
this weekend I listened to BROTHER LOUIE.
It was in the context of CONTENT CATNIP [a blog] discussing the songs of their adolescence.
Their latest blog is all about the Velveteen Rabbit and getting real.
For the past couple of months I've been obsessed with Robert Caro's biography of Lyndon Johnson, and have been playing the audiobooks nonstop. Fantastic writing by Caro, great narration by Grover Gardner. Highly recommend them!
Title: "The Years of Lyndon Johnson"
1) Path to Power
2) Means of Ascent
3) Master of the Senate
4) Passage of Power
Your playlist looks stellar - Locked and loaded!
NEW LOVE
St. Vincent: 'All Born Screaming'
Fat White Family: 'Forgiveness Is Yours'
RECENT SHINY
Friko: 'Where We've Been, Where We...' - Conor, is that you?
Bill Ryder-Jones: 'Iechyd Da' - Words can't capture this gem.
Tapir: 'The Pilgrim, Their God...' - Is this a Broadway show?! Going to take some time to process.
OLD GEMS
Wire: 'Chairs Missing'
Television: 'Marquee Moon'
The Heartbreakers: 'L.A.M.F.'
Just ordered the Tangerine vinyl of "All Born Screaming." Great album.
Right on! I hope you found a couple of new favorites in there. 'Chairs Missing' is an all-timer for me. Your 3 Recent Shiny descriptions have got my curiosity piqued!
I early adopted a Pearl Jam release for the first time in years, and I am really enjoying “Dark Matter.” Also been hanging out in Seattle listening to Mark Arm & Steve Turner’s other band Monkeywrench.
Lastly, listening to Debbie Harry’s book, so some 70s and 80s NYC is in the mix.
Have a great week.
Maybe it's just me, but 'Dark Matter' really feels like a return to form for the band. I'm really enjoying it as well.
Speaking of Seattle, Jen Zug tipped me off to this podcast about the city's Teen Dance Ordinance, and the outsized effect it had on the scene there. It's well worth your time if you're looking for something to lsiten to after Harry's book.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-the-kids-dance/id1737130706
Thanks. I’m definitely going to check out the podcast. Appreciate the recommendation.
Love to see Blake Babies on your list!!
I spent Friday night at an 80s “Goth Prom” night with a large portion of my best music buddies! It was so super fun! Depeche Mode, New Order, Bronski Beat, Joy Division, Ministry, etc…
That sounds like a blast! And now I have "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" stuck in my head early on this Monday morning. ;-)
Yes!!! That’s been stuck with me too lol
Best thing about that song was when Butlins, which runs family holiday parks in the UK, used it in a TV advert showing merry, wholesome children spinning right round on a ride of some sort. Dead Or Alive frontman Pete Burns was a crossdressing, possibly transgender, queer rights activist.
Ha, that's awesome!
I'm guessing OMD was in there as well.
No!! But, they should have been!! It was from 8-12, two DJs taking turns - and I know the one said he ended up having to cut stuff due to time constraints 😂
That sounds like a LOT of fun! And the music--clearly these are my people.
Thee Heavenly Music Association, Teethe, Glixen, Superhaven, Blvck Ceiling - All, s0cliché - 50 Shades, NarrowHead - All , Filejacker - All, Teaching In Trips, Johnny Goth - These Days R Mine, DIIV - Roy's Song, Glitterer... 🫴🏼
Sxmpra & Vana - Black Sheep
Ängie - "Here For My Habits / Venus In Furs"
Brat
Gel
The Jealous Sound - There's No Hope For Us
Knapsack
SAMIAM!
BRONSON - complete l.p.
Health
Fleshwater
F*cking "Ethel Cain" - Everything!
Lund
Softcult - Everything
Gatecreeper
A Beacon School
Corbin
Provoker
🖤🖤🖤 Wax Idols R.I.P.
...that "oughta" hold ya for a min. Heheh much L🖤VE plz keep it up!
Stay Blessed 😙👌🏼💨
You've definitely given us plenty to root through! Please keep 'em comin'!
This week I listened to
Ben Webster from Straub's new book
Meade Lux Lewis
Little Mix's Secret Love
banjo players
Ariana Grande
Megan Thee Stallion
Taylor Swift
Les Miserables soundtrack from London
Remasters from Maggie Reilly's ECHOES and MIDNIGHT SUN [26 April 2024]
All the songs from AFTER THE PARTY especially the theme song JAMAICA.
Great list! And now I'm going to have 'Master of the House' stuck in my head for a while. lol.
My LES MIS earworm is LOOK DOWN, LOOK DOWN, NOW EVERYONE LOOK DOWN.
Hey there - first post here for me. With traveling last week I had limited listening time, but I did get quality spins and a lot of joy from -
St Vincent - All Born Screaming (full album listens, but really enjoyed Big Time Nothing and All Born Screaming)
Neil Young - Fu##in’ Up (live version of Ragged Glory recorded last year with Crazy Horse and it sounds amazingly good. I am a bit biased when it comes to Neil though)
Gotta check out Neil's new album. Pumped to see him in Toronto in July.
Welcome! Hope the trip was great and you got some good shots out of it. I've gotta check out that St. Vincent record!
Back from my weekend in Leeds to 'Suedehead: The Best of Morrissey', The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour' and venturing into new sonic experiences now with 'Can: The Singles.' On Repeat is a lovely place :)
Thank you! I'm glad you're here. Sounds like quite the weekend!
Looking forward to digging into the playlist as there are several artists I'm not familiar with. It's wild that The Veldt are back -- I saw them open for someone (Jesus & Mary Chain, I think) in the late 80s/early 90s.
My last week was dominated by Calexico, T-Bone Burnett's new one, and St. Vincent's new one (I always wish that I like her better than I do, especially since I study with her drummer, but she's just not my thing).
My main listening was going down the rabbit hole with The Conet Project and other recordings of shortwave radio numbers stations in search of a sample to fit a song on my record. I found it and got permission to use it! If you're not familiar with numbers stations, you might know them from the spooky voice at the end of Wilco's "Poor Places" repeating "Yankee...Hotel....Foxtrot." I'm fascinated by them. Here's a good primer. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24910397
Have a great week, everyone! I'm looking forward to your recommendations.
The Veldt have long been favorites of mine, but this article by Billy Cuthrell got 'em back on ym radar:
https://infectioustunes.com/p/the-veldt?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
And thanks for the heads up on the Conet Project! I'm fascinated by that sort of thing, and wound up going down that same rabbit hole.
Tortured Poets Department: Taylor Swift and also just finished the Smartless podcast interview with Larry David (not music but entertaining enough)
Larry David is always entertaining.
(brb. gotta download that episode)
New:
Guided by Voices - Serene King single. Alright, alright ya’ll have talked me into it: time to dive into GBV properly. Really like this first single from the upcoming Strut of King.
Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee. Thanks to the multiple folks last week for this recommendation. I listened. I donated. I love. I continue to listen.
St. Vincent - All Born Screaming. Mmmmmmm, ear candy on every track. I was really excited for this record, now I can’t stop listening to it.
Same old thing(s):
Black Keys. Got tix to see in Minneapolis later this year. Ohio Players is a fun listen.
SESSANTA @ Red Rocks 4/25 and 4/26: A Perfect Circle + Puscifer + Primus + the best outdoor venue = excellent shows. The weather was not great either night, but damn were those two shows outstanding.
Glad red Rocks was good (weather aside)!
As for GBV, you're in for a wild ride. Everyone has their favorite record, and they're right.
The new Justice album, ‘Hyperdrama,’ is an absolute dream. Had it on repeat all weekend—“Mannequin Love” might actually be my own personal song of the summer 😆
That's a new one for me. I'm on it!
That new St. Vincent album is fire.
Metallica's Ride the Lightning
IMO, this is their best record. 'Trapped Under Ice' is an all-timer.
Totally agree! Are you familiar with the Baltimore hardcore band Trapped Under Ice?
I'm not! I'll have to find them.
https://reaperrecords77.bandcamp.com/album/trapped-under-ice-secrets-of-the-world
Thank you!
Ride the Lightning walked so Master of Puppets could run 😜
This is my take - MOP #1, RTL #2.
Lol.
Got Keith Emerson's "Live at BB King's" recording from a friend, so I've been playing that a lot. But that also made me go back and bust out John Wetton's "Sub-Rosa: Live in Milan" concert, which for my money is one of the best live albums I've ever heard. It's an acoustic show recorded in an old stone church, so the guitar absolutely transcends because of the natural reverb. I also played Rush's "Vapour Trails" a few times this week.
Oh, that Sub-Rosa record sounds awesome! I'll see if I can find it to play.
I don't see it on Spotify, but one of the tracks is on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/aSVJ3dBW_ns?si=W90CTAGaGjLSQNRZ
Thank you!
I love that new Bodega record (to be fair, I love all of their albums). I saw them on their current tour and picked it up on vinyl.
Other acts with new material I’ve been listening to a lot lately:
La Luz, always a favorite. Other than frontwoman Shana Cleveland the members have all fully turned over but they’ve maintained a remarkably consistent, summery, psychedelic west coast sound.
Japanese Television. Like La Luz, more surf-adjacent but smart music that brings some new sounds to an otherwise tired genre.
Grazia. Some twee punk via That Dog’s edgier mid-90’s work. Sounds like many other artists, but there’s something enjoyable about their songwriting approach.
Adrienne Lenker. I’ve never been much of a country person, but I predict that’s soon changing in all of us if this sort of thing continues to happen. Holy moly.
Uranium Club. I’ll always be a sucker for any experimental espionage-themed pop.
Still need to see Bodega live! It's a tough ticket to snag here in NYC... Speaking of La Luz, did you listen to Shana Cleveland's Manzanita? Fantastic album.
Yes! Her solo show in support of “Manzanita” was my favorite last year.
I went to see if Bodega was coming anywhere near here soon, only to find that they'd played Chicago the night before. (sigh) Maybe next time.
Some great (and new to me) picks on here to root through. Thank you for these!
New to my Top Ten this week:
Girlfriend is Better - girl in red (from the upcoming Talking Head tribute album) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBbowjdK5A8
Listen - Jordan Jones https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja7kL5pmHHk
Don't Let Me Go - The Black Keys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMrr7lfAHcY
I love this Girl In Red track. If the rest of the tribute record is as good as this, we're all in for a good time.
TONS of Paul Weller the last few weeks. I bought tickets for his DC show in September and am way too excited about it.
That's awesome that you'll see him. We caught him in NYC on his last tour and he was amazing.
Really can’t wait. Also looking forward to the new album next month!
As you should be! :)
Just for discussion/thinking, here are 2 playlists I'm slowly working on/building up:
1. https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:128498826574047793:74638688 ("Covers That Are Better")
2. https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:166355011918365480:74638688 ("Covers That Are Still Great")
If you have some favorite covers, let me know what they are! If you disagree with my picks, why?
I have a fabulous cover from Ella Hooper and Gina Rose Bruce:
they did DID IT AGAIN which was originally a Kylie Minogue song in her under-rated album IMPOSSIBLE PRINCESS.
This cover was played for the first time on Double J's 10th anniversary [2014-24].
Can you possibly link to the song? Appreciate the idea!
Andrew:
I asked Double J very nicely about the Bruce/Hooper cover and this is what I found
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/doublej-special/dylan-lewis-and-ella-hooper/103763262
You may well find some other songs you enjoy as well that Lewis and Hooper talked about.
[I do hope so!]
The way it works is the songs are on YouTube and Spotify.
Impossible Princess is definitely underrated!
Kevin:
Oh yes!
My first exposure to IMPOSSIBLE PRINCESS was this radio-friendly version of SOME KIND OF BLISS back in October 1997.
And then there were these whole different personas Kylie was trying on at that point.
I can’t view these playlists in the UK but one of my favourite covers is the Joyce Manor version of OMD’s Souvenir
Lou:
It does seem that the Spotify lists are geoblocked.
Thank you for sharing that Joyce Manor version of SOUVENIR.
One I would like to share is Angie Olsen's version of Roxy Music's MORE THAN THIS which came out a few years ago [2019 or 2020].
Hey Andrew, I posted a “Lovely Covers” playlist last year with some of my favorite covers if you’re interested: https://open.substack.com/pub/joyinthejourney/p/jitj-playlist-002-lovely-covers
Thanks, Mark! I just opened this in a new tab for later.
So many good covers squished into one article!
Better:
Hendrix - AATW (of course)
Spoon - Did You Evah
Metallica - Stone Cold Crazy
Holly Miranda - Nick Of Time
Still Great:
Hole - Credit In The Straight World
801 - T.N.K.
Richard Aufrichtig - One More Cup
Steely Dan - East St. Louis Toodle-Oo
TIL that 'Don't You Evah' was a cover. I had no idea! I'm off to find the original.
My friend went knew the Natural History, which is how I found out when the Spoon version came out. Somewhere I have MP3s for an unreleased album by them, pretty good stuff.
Some good picks here, thanks! I'm probably gonna add Metallica to "Still Great" (just IMO, the original is every bit as awesome). Will do some noodling on the others, especially Steely Dan!
These are a few of my favorite things:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AvkaAiOocc63yDWhdqaLF?si=a038e902f62f42f0
Perfect, thanks! I will disagree with some of these, but even if I get one or two, totally worth the dive.
Life would be boring if we agreed on everything! :)
I agree!
Wait a sec...
I just discovered Amelia Cobrun. Take a little Mazzy Star and mix it up with The Wicker Man. LP is fantastic! Video reminds me that music videos can be awesome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A73yMsJcPU
I can always count on the comments from “What’re you listening to?” to unearth some new or new to me hidden gem and this is a great one! Thanks for the rec!!
Same here! It always makes this part of the week fun.
That's a new one for me. I'll check her LP out!
I love rabbit holes when they unearth (see what I did there?) stuff you'd think was an Onion spoof if someone told you about it. Meet Matisyahu, a Jewish American singer, rapper, beatboxer, and reggae musician. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV8cTCDdfME
I've seen him live a couple times, he was great.
I loved him in 2006 and 2007!
Yes - the deep reggae.
Oh yeah, Matisyahu was a favorite of mine back in the day!!
It was a light week for listening, however I did score some new vinyl, Joe Ely and Warpaint. I have listened to various members of The Flatlanders for many, many years and I picked up Warpaint at a bargain price, they are very atmospheric, sort of like Low with an all female cast. Peter Gabriel is another veteran of the turntable. I have a deep catalogue of Iron & Wine, so I had to listen to their newest offering, it is quite possibly the best of their recordings, I am enamoured by it, now I have to hunt down a hard copy.
Peter Gabriel - Shaking The Tree
Joe Ely - Joe Ely
Joe Ely - Honky Tonk Masquerade
Warpaint - Warpaint
Iron & Wine - Light Verse
This is a solid mix!
Thanks
I’ve been listening to Neil Young’s On the Beach album that turns 50 this year. And a Brooklyn Band named Hospitality album Trouble that turned 10 this year. I really like the track, Last Words, off of Trouble.
New: Hovvdy's new S/T double album. Hard to go wrong with song names like 'Song For Pete'
Old: Extraordinary Machine by Fiona Apple
Embarrassing: Having to explain to your 16yo that the new girl in red song is a cover
On the plus side, it's a good cover.
If you can make any of GBV's shows this Spring/Summer/Fall, just do it. You will *not* regret it.
https://www.guidedbyvoices.com/tour
Of course their setlist is 40+ songs
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/guided-by-voices/2024/madison-theater-covington-ky-3bab2408.html
I may or may not have already put a time off request in for August 25th...
Since I'm the father of a teenage girl, and I have 11 female fifth graders in my class, I was obligated to listen to Tortured Poets Department. I have to admit, aside from the first two tracks, I had to keep checking to see when a new song was playing because everything seemed like one, VERY LONG track.
In my classroom, I've been spinning Beach Boys' Pet Sounds and Al Green's Greatest Hits. Great music for independent student work time.
What do the kids think of Pet Sounds and/or Al Green?
They don’t recognize any Al Green, but love the overall vibe. More students recognize The Beach Boys and sing along while they work.
They call it Stormy Monday so I just queued up my blues folder
Bessie Smith --- > Blind Boys of Alabama ---- > Buddy Guy --- > Buffalo Nichols
If you like blues and are wondering if there are vibrant blues artists less than 80 years old you should check out Buffalo Nichols. Old timey blues song structure but modern themes.
From Milwaukee.
You had me at 'Milwaukee.'
Not by accident I added that minor detail :)
Dumpstaphunk. I've been to New Orleans several times and really like the street music. This is just a fun band with somewhat that sound. Ivan Neville is the son of Aaron Neville and musical talent seems to run in the family.
This morning I listened to Chet Faker’s “Thinking in Textures” EP on vinyl. His cover of No Diggity is 🔥
Recently read a fantastic book about Peasants by Patrick Joyce, hence the tone of this season’s mix I finished last week.
https://spotify.link/R9SQDZYrcJb
Any playlist that stats off with 'Faron Young' is alright by me! That's a great mix.
Thank you!!!!
Glad to see Bodega on the playlist. I’ve had that on heavy rotation the last couple of weeks. Some other stuff, mostly older, I’ve been enjoying lately:
John Coltrane, Ole
Radiohead, Amnesiac
Mission of Burma, Signals Calls & Marches
The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis
Bowie, “Heroes”
I listened to The Messthetics last night while I was at my son's soccer practice. What a record!
I'm not surprised. Someone had suggested I start with Live At Stubbs and it made me want to be there
Today I'm listening to Fairport Convention, their self titled US Pressing from 1969.
Right on!
The Dave Matthews Band were recommended to me a few days ago and now I can’t get enough of them.
T. Rex ‘Electric Warrior’ for my most recent post, and other Marc Bolan odds and ends.
I’ve not listened yet, but have just read an interview with Fat White Family in The New Cue and I’m intrigued.
I haven't caught up to your article yet, but I'm hoping to read it later today!
For anyone reading, this is the one Ian mentions:
https://open.substack.com/pub/iansharp/p/trex-electricwarrior?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you 😊
Great playlist! I’m enjoying the Ducks Ltd album and I absolutely love MADRA. Sickly Sweet is definitely my track of choice.
I’ve been giving the English Teacher album a lot of play this week. It really is excellent! Bess Atwell also released a new EP yesterday which is beautiful. She has a fabulous voice. I’ve been unrelated exposed to the Parquet Courts ‘Stoned and Starving’ on two separate occasions this week which has prompted me to investigate the rest of their music. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Please do! Lots of Parquet Courts fans here.
Been leaning in to Marika Hackman’s latest, Big Sigh, and was excited recently to learn she has an accompanying acoustic EP (Little Sigh).
Other than that I’ve spent much of the last week enjoying Hats, the 1989 release by The Blue Nile. A track from the album was included on Ian Sharp’s LP playlist last weekend and it reminded me of one of my best friends from high school that passed away at the beginning of last year.
Fraser had introduced me to the album, which he adored, back when it was released. But try as I might (and I tried hard because he was one of my “musical mentors” with impeccable taste in music), as a reggae-crazed 18-year old, I just didn’t get it. It didn’t work for me.
Fast forward 36 years, and over three decades since I’d even thought of the band, and I found myself loving the album. My musical taste has clearly changed or matured to the point where I found myself kinda falling in love with it.
Fraser’s birthday was on Friday - he would’ve been 53 - and I haven’t felt as close to him since his death as I did last week listening to Hats.
Oh man, I'm sorry about your friend. I'm glad the record brought some relief!
I've been prepping for a gig I'm sitting in on with a local band so my week and weekend was spent learning their songs: https://www.cosmicsuperheroes.com/audio
Right on! When's the show?
Friday I was most psyched for the new Iron & Wine (very good, but can't deal with Fiona Apple so that's one song down) and most surprised by Golden Drag's Twin Paradise (it's been a few years and this is even better than the last one). Other than that, spent most of the weekend editing clips for my April podcast - coming soon!
I'm looking forward to it!
Love seeing Ducks Ltd. on there - good Canadians! Other recent Canadian gems include Charlotte Cornfield, Close Talker and POSTDATA. And Cowboy Witchcraft by Kue Varo is a really great album.
Thanks Kevin! May 24th, downtown Raleigh at a place called Slim's. Funny how I listen to songs so differently when I have to play them.
Thanks Kevin, I've been listening to a lot of the music by The Cat's Miaow which has recently been reissued by World Of Echo - some beautiful soft pop sounds by the folks who were also in Hydroplane and Bart & Friends -
https://thecatsmiaow.bandcamp.com/album/skipping-stones-the-cassette-years-92-93
Also I had quite a bit of good fortune scouring the CD dollar bins of several record stores during our trip through a few States and picked up 45 albums for less than the price one new record would cost me and been slowly going through them - found 2 albums by The Innocence Mission that I thoroughly enjoyed as well as albums by The Mighty Lemon Drops, Elvis Costello, Tim Finn, David Kilgour, Amy Rigby & a two for 1 album by Shoes to name a few - it's going to take me a while to go through them all :)
Some great finds Wally!
When I don't know what else to listen to, I press shuffle on this massive playlist I've put together over the years I've worked on a novel of the same name. Feel free to do the same! But hold on to your hat--this trip to the Underworld has more than one unexpected turn! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0N9HmbCMThDDn3mYnyNON1?si=41633b3b4b954462
I just queued it up and put it on shuffle. Should be a fun morning!