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.“
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.
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:
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any luck crate digging? Some yard sale finds? Are there any upcoming releases or shows you’re excited about?
So whatcha got? Share your thoughts in the comments!
📻📻📻
P.S. Have you seen this yet? Some of your favorite music writers got together and wrote about your favorite records. Check it out!
Before my excessive journal this week: wishing all of you - if you are in the States - a happy and safe Fourth of July! Very grateful to be part of this community and look forward to this post every Monday (thanks for doing this, Kevin!).
New:
O. - WeirdOs. This record has a pace to it. Got some noisy bits. Good beats. No vox. I very much like this record. There is a single and EP if you need more from O. ASAP, like I did. Did I mention I liked this record? Let me escalate this a bit: after a few listens this just made my AOTY shortlist.
Shellac - To All Trains. I missed giving this a spin after poker all-star Steve Albini’s unexpected tournament exit. 1000 Hurts is legend to my ears. TAT is not a disappointment.
Wilco - Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP. Just finished reading How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy earlier in the week. Wilco releases new Wilco and I am loving it.
Hiatus Kaiyote - Love Heart Cheat Code. Lush and sweeping vocals. Space music? YES.
Guided By Voices - Strut of Kings. Digging IT. GBV is still new territory for me, gotta make up for lost time.
Gum & Ambrose Kenny-Smith, Wand, SUUNS, The The, and ORB. New songs for some; new records for all soooooon!
Middle ground:
SPRINTS - Letter to Self. Had to take a break from O. And Local H. Solid record that is really growing on my ears.
Pond - Stung! Senor Fix said it best: “Heavy Metal soundtrack fell in a blender with The Lemon Twigs.” Well, I’m stung!
Old:
Local H. Read that Whatever Happened To PJ Soles turned 20 via the official Local H newsletter. Thanks, newsletter! Local H was hard to miss in southeastern Wisconsin back a few years ago (90’s and early 2000’s). Q101 in Chiraq and 102.1 in MKE made sure to play Local H’s several hits after every 19th playing of NIN’s Closer (Closer interspersed between Oasis Wonderwall,). It was fun to change between stations during commercial breaks and end up listening to the same handful of songs you were just listening to on one station, repeated on the other (thank the stars for the iPod). Local H were at Summerfest every year, so we saved cans of soup to get in free most days between 1:15pm and 1:18pm. Still fun listening all these years later. LH’s cover of TV on the Radio’s Wolf Like Me is god-tier ear-meat for this guy. SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: WHTPJS got at least 3 plays over the last week. Yeah, uh-huh, that’s what they all say…
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard records. Fun records, entertaining some would say. No playlist, just pick track 1 on a record and go.
The Beatles, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young, Cream, Black Sabbath, and many others. Delightful visit to a shuffle thru the 60’s/70’s/80’s.
Daniel Rossen - You Belong There. One of my favey-faves from ‘22. I could live inside of It’s a Passage and Unpeopled Space for a long time.
Won’t be making the long trek down for any shows @ this years summerfest. Going to QOTSA @ Breese / Madison in October is my only concert sesh planned this year + whatever I can find locally in the Wausau megalopolis.
Not all of this will be your cup of tea (and you might not be able to see it, bcz Pandora), but I put together an instrumental playlist I listen to every day while I'm writing, and there's a fair bit of Satie on there:
In a year in which Slumberland Records feels like the best label around for indie rock (esp jangle/power pop), Exploding in Sound Records has also put out a great crop of records, and Friday they put out yet another fascinating album from a Bay Area band called Sour Widows (Bay Area also making its claim to scene of the year in 2024). Interesting mix of soft and loud textures and solid songwriting. Feels like it throws together slowcore, prog, and a few other things all in the mix. I-90 has been the song I've gone back to. https://sourwidows.bandcamp.com/album/revival-of-a-friend
Hank III 💖🎵 I got excited for a minute thinking it was a new release, and then I remembered it wasn't... sigh... the grandson does sometimes outdo both the father and grandfather (imo)
Woops, sorry about that! I do agree about Hank III occasionally outdoing papa and gramps though. He’s just one of those artists who’ve always fascinated me. Plus his music kicks holy ass.
Had no idea the D3 record was out - thanks for the heads up. On the edge of my seat. And I'm immediately turning next to anything that references Sault.
Speaking of the Bay Area - just posted a new piece with our review of Neutrals, which gets better with every listen. But I've also had GBV's "queen of cans and jars" from Bee Thousand on repeat, which I gave a personal reflection on as well (on top of Etran de l'Air and Zimbabwe's Mokoomba, which is always great in the summer) - https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/the-60gs-celebrate-other-ogs-neutrals
It was a really busy week so I didn't get to check out as much new music as I usually do. My highlights were:
* Wilco - YHF box set and the Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP -- 2024 has inadvertently turned into the Year of Wilco for me. What began as a decision to check out more of the post-Jay Bennett catalog has led me down a rabbit hole that includes two of Jeff's books and Greg Kot's book, the Sam Jones and Jay Bennett documentaries, and now the YHF box set, which might be the nicest box set I've ever seen. The coffee table book is illuminating and beautifully designed and the unreleased material is really fun to listen to. And like Operation Plowshare and Senor Fix, I dig the new EP.
* The Cardinals EP -- I don't remember where I saw this, so if someone here posted it, I'm sorry for not giving you credit. They're being hyped as the next good guitar band out of Ireland.
This morning I was spinning “Faith” by George Michael, inspired by my latest article. The influence this album has had (and continues to have) in my life is monumental.
I'm not sure if you're familiar with this or not, but one of my favorite Billy Joel moments of all time, and what I think is one of the best live albums of all time, is Billy Joel Live at Madison Square Garden. This live version of Keeping the Faith, which is for my money, the definitive version, ends with a brief homage to George Michael. I'm sure you'll hear it. If you listen. It gives me chills every time.
Brand X - Product. A very good mostly instrumental album powered by Phil Collins drumming. And So to F... is the major highlight on this one; it sounds like it could have been in a part of an instrumental break on a long Genesis song.
Jose Iglesias - OMG. This song is in Spanish, and owing to the way he sings the lyrics, I can't really understand what he's saying, but my god, it's a great dance tune (And a great way to engage the crowd at a baseball game!).
I also did some extensive research into what it will take to get to one of Aurora's concerts, namely the one in Boston on 12/4 (as sadly she is not coming to my hometown, Buffalo). It's quite pricey, and the weather might be terrible, but I'm not going to squander another opportunity to see her. Already did that once.
This week’s playlist looks great. I’m in London today so looking forward to having a listen on the train home later tonight.
Bloc Party are celebrating 20 years of Silent Alarm (😱) with a big show at Crystal Palace this Sunday coming. I was lucky enough to get tickets for the warm up show last Friday at a tiny venue in Birmingham (incredible show!). As a consequence, I have been listening to the album a lot. It’s so good!
It’s also 10 years since the release of TV en Français by We Are Scientists. They have commemorated this with a deluxe reissue. Double vinyl won’t arrive until August but the three disc digital version is now available to stream. There’s not often a week when I don’t listen to this album any way but the reissue has been on pretty much constant play since Friday!
In new music, I’m enjoying Girl In The Computer by Wynona
Train journey completed, I’ve now managed to listen to this week’s playlist and I have to say it’s excellent! The Eddie Vedder and Queen of Jeans tracks have both been added to my June playlist. Thank you.
After bypassing Guided By Voices 738th album and getting blasted in the face by the venom of Megan Thee Stallion's "HISS" I settled back in with one of my favorite artists in these tumultuous times: Sierra Ferrell. A slightly "Alternative Version" of "American Dreaming" came out, but it is really the entire of work of "Trail Of Flowers" that keeps getting my attention. She is truly an American treasure and is blazing a trail and attracting fans like a magnet, sending them into the world as missionaries attracting even more. Rounder Records includes Glamour’s recent interview of her in their weekly e-mail: https://www.glamour.com/story/sierra-ferrell-trail-of-flowers-interview
I'm still making my way through Chuck Berry's live recordings (I always have a preference for live recordings over studio, for the organic energy of them). I found Live at the Fillmore, which totally surprised me, because it's not the Chuck Berry I think of when I think of Chuck Berry (and probably when everyone does). It's straight up heavy late 60s psychedelic blues, and it's luscious.
I'm increasingly impressed with Chuck Berry as arguably the only '50s legacy rocker who made the transition to the Sixties, and while I don't have time to look into it, I do wonder why he wasn't more prominent and relevant during that time and following, given his easy transition into the harder stuff.
Also The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl (the Hollywood Bowl version of "Long Tall Sally" is one of the reasons I'm happy to be alive on this planet:
I think it was a combination of things. In 1962, he was convicted of the Mann Act for transporting a 14-year-old girl across state lines and served about 18 months in prison. Then, he left Chess Records for Mercury in 1966 and never seemed to regain his commercial foothold. It wasn't until 1969, when he played a scorching set at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival (a festival of hitmakers from the 1950s that also featured a set from John Lennon and Yoko Ono with Eric Clapton on guitar) that his career really got a boost.
Thank you! Yes, that'll make sense. His Toronto set is indeed scorching (as is Johns, before Yoko does her... thing and gets them booed off the stage) Highly recommend, along with the concert at the Fillmore, for anyone who has not heard it.
It also probably didn't help that as I understand it, he didn't tour with a regular band and just hired local players. Sometimes that worked out amazingly, as in the Fillmore and Toronto , sometimes not so much.
ALways does! I just finished Mark Rivera's book (sax player and musical director for Billy Joel and Ringo Starr) and he does a very good job of talking about that. It's a good read.
Many of the 1950s icons — Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley come to mind — worked that way. I saw Berry twice, once in 1978 and again in 1986, both times with different bands. And I came away from both thinking he's working with inferior players because folks were going to love him no matter what.
Lastly, I’ve been listening to a lot of Sarah McLachlan’s “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” after seeing her at Radio City last week. If you get a chance to catch her on this tour, take it. She sounds amazing!!
I posted before I’d fully absorbed the playlist. Omigod I love that Flesh For Lulu song! That “Some Kind of Wonderful” soundtrack was so epic (as was “Pretty in Pink”). Man, John Hughes had some great tunes in his movies.
I’m so glad you posted this comment or I’d definitely still be trying to work out where I knew this song from. You’re right, it’s a fantastic soundtrack!
Currently writing a film review on "The Session Man" about the late Nicky Hopkins and discovered two of his late career recorded pieces were with the Jayhawks on their 1992 release Hollywood Town Hall, "Two Angels" and "Martin's Song." Kind of a mind blow for me.
Dead Moon on repeat!!! Full disclosure: I work at Qobuz. We just got the first chunk of the catalog in Hi-Res. Dead Moon Kings and Queens of mono direct to lathe recording in Hi-Res audio.... yes I am aware that might sound strange, but it sounds unreal. such a nice change from in the box brickwall compression.
Also the new MC5, Jill Barber, and back to Carwheels on a Gravel Road
Love to see Save it for Later by Eddie Vedder on your list too!! Love it so much!! And ooh, haven’t thought about Flesh for Lulu in too long!! I keep thinking about taking my vinyl soundtrack for Some Kind of Wonderful to a vinyl night at a local brewery!
There’s some good stuff in the new season of The Bear!! I totally had to stop and look up the Eddie Vedder song immediately!! Some Cocteau Twins, Weezer, Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Kate Bush, Beastie Boys, The Sundays! And one of my favorite Replacements songs! This time, I wrote them down when they came on so I don’t have to go episode hunting 😂
Currently: Kid Charlamagne on A Decade of Steely Dan. Heard this a thousand times in 70s 80s, Never read the lyrics, Damn!
Purchased: Was (Not Was) Born to Laugh at Tornadoes cassette for trip in friend's car to once again hear Ozzy rap "You can't sue Buddha for libel, You can't rewrite the bible." Also Zaz Turned Blue ft Mel Torme
Sprints - Letter to Self (Wow! some awesome new tunes here)
Idles - Tangk
New and Old?
Neil Young - Early Daze
Regarding this weeks playlist, we played the Eddie Vedder and English Beat versions of Save It For Later a few times after hearing it during an episode of The Bear this last week. It is such a great song!
The brand new album by SUPER 8 is quite good and went to their listening party for the new album and every song was great. Mixing elements of The Monkees, with more modern sounds like The La's and maybe a bit of Shack and what makes it even more amazing is everything is written, performed and produced by one person Paul {Trip} Ryan 👌
Vedder’s cover of “Save it for Later” has been in heavy rotation. I think it does everything a good cover should do: new interpretation with a nod to the original. Also really enjoying Nathaniel Rateliff’s newest, which does a nice job of balancing his solo indie folk side with the Night Sweats movers and shakers.
Been digging that new Hiatus Kaiyote album, which makes it the 14th album that is eligible for my top 10 albums of 2024. And there’s still 10 more albums on my radar that haven’t dropped yet.
Before my excessive journal this week: wishing all of you - if you are in the States - a happy and safe Fourth of July! Very grateful to be part of this community and look forward to this post every Monday (thanks for doing this, Kevin!).
New:
O. - WeirdOs. This record has a pace to it. Got some noisy bits. Good beats. No vox. I very much like this record. There is a single and EP if you need more from O. ASAP, like I did. Did I mention I liked this record? Let me escalate this a bit: after a few listens this just made my AOTY shortlist.
Shellac - To All Trains. I missed giving this a spin after poker all-star Steve Albini’s unexpected tournament exit. 1000 Hurts is legend to my ears. TAT is not a disappointment.
Wilco - Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP. Just finished reading How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy earlier in the week. Wilco releases new Wilco and I am loving it.
Hiatus Kaiyote - Love Heart Cheat Code. Lush and sweeping vocals. Space music? YES.
Guided By Voices - Strut of Kings. Digging IT. GBV is still new territory for me, gotta make up for lost time.
Gum & Ambrose Kenny-Smith, Wand, SUUNS, The The, and ORB. New songs for some; new records for all soooooon!
Middle ground:
SPRINTS - Letter to Self. Had to take a break from O. And Local H. Solid record that is really growing on my ears.
Pond - Stung! Senor Fix said it best: “Heavy Metal soundtrack fell in a blender with The Lemon Twigs.” Well, I’m stung!
Old:
Local H. Read that Whatever Happened To PJ Soles turned 20 via the official Local H newsletter. Thanks, newsletter! Local H was hard to miss in southeastern Wisconsin back a few years ago (90’s and early 2000’s). Q101 in Chiraq and 102.1 in MKE made sure to play Local H’s several hits after every 19th playing of NIN’s Closer (Closer interspersed between Oasis Wonderwall,). It was fun to change between stations during commercial breaks and end up listening to the same handful of songs you were just listening to on one station, repeated on the other (thank the stars for the iPod). Local H were at Summerfest every year, so we saved cans of soup to get in free most days between 1:15pm and 1:18pm. Still fun listening all these years later. LH’s cover of TV on the Radio’s Wolf Like Me is god-tier ear-meat for this guy. SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: WHTPJS got at least 3 plays over the last week. Yeah, uh-huh, that’s what they all say…
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard records. Fun records, entertaining some would say. No playlist, just pick track 1 on a record and go.
The Beatles, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young, Cream, Black Sabbath, and many others. Delightful visit to a shuffle thru the 60’s/70’s/80’s.
Daniel Rossen - You Belong There. One of my favey-faves from ‘22. I could live inside of It’s a Passage and Unpeopled Space for a long time.
Just wrote about GBV (https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/the-60gs-celebrate-other-ogs-neutrals) so I wish you well on that journey. Also living Shellac, which makes Albini's death ever more tragic. Also excited for the coming Wand record.
Also been going back to SPRINTS as I work through midyear list. This was my review in January -- think it's mostly right but record growing on me more as well. https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/words-and-guitar-2024-sprints-sleater
There's new Wilco? How did I miss that?! Cheers!
I only know ‘cause it was mentioned here not too long ago!
Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you’re here!
Speaking of Summerfest, are you planning to go to any shows this year (or maybe have already)?
Also: did not know LH cover TVOTR. That’s gonna be a must-listen for me.
Won’t be making the long trek down for any shows @ this years summerfest. Going to QOTSA @ Breese / Madison in October is my only concert sesh planned this year + whatever I can find locally in the Wausau megalopolis.
What’s on your concert agenda this summer?
Hurray for the Riff Raff and New Pornographers are both here next weekend. Also hoping to make the GBV show in MKE in August.
Taken 'How To Write One Song' off of my bookshelf and making a start. Good call, thanks :)
It’s a fun book!
Satie: The Early Piano Works, especially Danses de travers I-III
https://open.spotify.com/album/5DdNqbGtviveMwcZhDVEZQ?si=LF_K3aMqTbefc5LPc1qWbA
Satie is great! Very creepy. Have we talked about him before here?
Not to my knowledge, no!
My faves are the Gnossiennes, I think. So very creepy, so very appropriate for so many weird/dark moments!
Absolutely! I admire the simplicity of Satie’s melodies too.
Not all of this will be your cup of tea (and you might not be able to see it, bcz Pandora), but I put together an instrumental playlist I listen to every day while I'm writing, and there's a fair bit of Satie on there:
https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:144865057153483011:74638688
Not that I remember?
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
Excellent!
Just found out that my favorite band, The Call, recently released a collection of lost recordings. It’s been on repeat ever since.
Always nice to see another fan of The Call!
If you haven't heard this yet, Abandoned Albums recently hosted Jim Goodwin and Tom Ferrier from the band. It's a fantastic listen.
https://www.abandonedalbums.com/episode-803-rock-legends-in-conversation-the-calls-jim-goodwin-tom-ferrier-share-their-musical/
Oh wow! Thank you. I can't wait to listen to this.
Ohhhhhhhhh thanks for the heads up on this!
In a year in which Slumberland Records feels like the best label around for indie rock (esp jangle/power pop), Exploding in Sound Records has also put out a great crop of records, and Friday they put out yet another fascinating album from a Bay Area band called Sour Widows (Bay Area also making its claim to scene of the year in 2024). Interesting mix of soft and loud textures and solid songwriting. Feels like it throws together slowcore, prog, and a few other things all in the mix. I-90 has been the song I've gone back to. https://sourwidows.bandcamp.com/album/revival-of-a-friend
found Slumberland on Spotify
Slumberland absolutely cannot miss these days.
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Hank III - Hillbilly Joker
Underworld - Dubnobasswithmyheadman
Hank III 💖🎵 I got excited for a minute thinking it was a new release, and then I remembered it wasn't... sigh... the grandson does sometimes outdo both the father and grandfather (imo)
Woops, sorry about that! I do agree about Hank III occasionally outdoing papa and gramps though. He’s just one of those artists who’ve always fascinated me. Plus his music kicks holy ass.
"His music kicks holy ass" should be his Spotify bio.
Love me some Underworld. I was just listening to Barbara, Barbara, We Face a Shining Future recently.
Oh, that’s a great one too!
Ooh - Queen Of Jesus sounds cool! Thanks.
My uneasy mindset weas somewhat mollified by all of the NEW & EXCEPTIONALLY SHINY music that I listened to this past week.
Wilco 'Hot Sun Cool Shroud' - Unexpected surprise!
Mabe Fratti 'Sentir Que No Sabes' - Not to be missed.
The Felice Brothers 'Valley of Abandoned Songs' - Sigh...
Dirty Three 'Love Changes Everything' - Gives me chills.
Johnny Cash 'Songwriter' - Another sorta surprise!
Cruza 'Cruzafied' - Woozy, downtempo psychedelia. Sault + quaaludes
why was Songwriter a surprise for you? #justcurious
Though I read misc music press and forums I was unaware of the albums existence until I happened upon it this past week.
Gotcha. I thought maybe you were surprised by the album itself, so I was curious (I haven't listend to it in awhile, so I don't remember it very well)
I think it was just released... though I'm no Cash expert.
Neither am I and I was confusing it with his American recordings. You're right. Thank you for the heads up. I'll take a listen.
Had no idea the D3 record was out - thanks for the heads up. On the edge of my seat. And I'm immediately turning next to anything that references Sault.
Speaking of the Bay Area - just posted a new piece with our review of Neutrals, which gets better with every listen. But I've also had GBV's "queen of cans and jars" from Bee Thousand on repeat, which I gave a personal reflection on as well (on top of Etran de l'Air and Zimbabwe's Mokoomba, which is always great in the summer) - https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/the-60gs-celebrate-other-ogs-neutrals
I know we’ve talked about them before, but Neutrals are fantastic! Seablite too, for that matter.
It was a really busy week so I didn't get to check out as much new music as I usually do. My highlights were:
* Wilco - YHF box set and the Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP -- 2024 has inadvertently turned into the Year of Wilco for me. What began as a decision to check out more of the post-Jay Bennett catalog has led me down a rabbit hole that includes two of Jeff's books and Greg Kot's book, the Sam Jones and Jay Bennett documentaries, and now the YHF box set, which might be the nicest box set I've ever seen. The coffee table book is illuminating and beautifully designed and the unreleased material is really fun to listen to. And like Operation Plowshare and Senor Fix, I dig the new EP.
* The Cardinals EP -- I don't remember where I saw this, so if someone here posted it, I'm sorry for not giving you credit. They're being hyped as the next good guitar band out of Ireland.
https://open.spotify.com/album/6ljdAA4873Yi5Yoj2eX2Cp?si=YOzAQf4zRI2ANKRseQ8gjw
https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/meet-cardinals-the-next-great-guitar-band-to-emerge-from-ireland-40309/
* Lou Tilsley's killer post-punk playlist -- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Vq5H3sL5DzX1Vh36vIhZF?si=IEXnVGasSBKN1EAIrvZnSg&pi=e-ILRa94dFQmOa
* Mallie Hart's jangle rock playlist -- https://substack.com/home/post/p-145981977
Have a great week, everyone!
Thanks for the mention and for taking the time to listen!
How the hell did I miss this, Lou?! Looks awesome!
Lou and Mallie always have the best lists!
This morning I was spinning “Faith” by George Michael, inspired by my latest article. The influence this album has had (and continues to have) in my life is monumental.
I'd love a full piece on Vinyl Room about this, if you haven't written one already.
Thanks for this great idea! I haven’t yet, but I will, and I’ll dedicate it to you! 😊
I'm not sure if you're familiar with this or not, but one of my favorite Billy Joel moments of all time, and what I think is one of the best live albums of all time, is Billy Joel Live at Madison Square Garden. This live version of Keeping the Faith, which is for my money, the definitive version, ends with a brief homage to George Michael. I'm sure you'll hear it. If you listen. It gives me chills every time.
https://open.spotify.com/track/1E6nmKGhOa7jJjb890dufq?si=Zl7IX5VvSva2QA2tP3NOcw
Thanks! Wasn’t familiar. Will definitely check it out!
It's just a little moment at the end, but it's one of my all-time favourite moments.
Just listened to it. Nicely done!
For anyone scrolling the comments, Andy’s article is well worth your time!
https://open.substack.com/pub/vinylroom/p/on-love-crime-and-feeling-proud?r=3cbf2&utm_medium=ios
Thank you so much!!
New this week:
Brand X - Product. A very good mostly instrumental album powered by Phil Collins drumming. And So to F... is the major highlight on this one; it sounds like it could have been in a part of an instrumental break on a long Genesis song.
Jose Iglesias - OMG. This song is in Spanish, and owing to the way he sings the lyrics, I can't really understand what he's saying, but my god, it's a great dance tune (And a great way to engage the crowd at a baseball game!).
I also did some extensive research into what it will take to get to one of Aurora's concerts, namely the one in Boston on 12/4 (as sadly she is not coming to my hometown, Buffalo). It's quite pricey, and the weather might be terrible, but I'm not going to squander another opportunity to see her. Already did that once.
I hope you make it to the show!
Good morning from the left coast. My ears found old sounds comforting over the weekend:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=f46d68e31f154ffa
I haven't thought about the Mavericks for years. Thanks for reminding me about them.
back together and sounding good
Nick Lowe and John Hiatt on the same list? Yes please!
This week’s playlist looks great. I’m in London today so looking forward to having a listen on the train home later tonight.
Bloc Party are celebrating 20 years of Silent Alarm (😱) with a big show at Crystal Palace this Sunday coming. I was lucky enough to get tickets for the warm up show last Friday at a tiny venue in Birmingham (incredible show!). As a consequence, I have been listening to the album a lot. It’s so good!
It’s also 10 years since the release of TV en Français by We Are Scientists. They have commemorated this with a deluxe reissue. Double vinyl won’t arrive until August but the three disc digital version is now available to stream. There’s not often a week when I don’t listen to this album any way but the reissue has been on pretty much constant play since Friday!
In new music, I’m enjoying Girl In The Computer by Wynona
https://open.spotify.com/track/6JbYCahTPrKDTB0AkEhK9o?si=pJh3JnvsRFSKpSjL5dIWkg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6UKCwtFy7LRdmOfrO1LfEK
And Running Out Of Time by Ashe
https://open.spotify.com/track/3H5cGzWfaWla53nt7Craeh?si=r5tRASSmRRaIqioGrkIRRw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A4c24YVXh460XLcuAcro3Z0
Train journey completed, I’ve now managed to listen to this week’s playlist and I have to say it’s excellent! The Eddie Vedder and Queen of Jeans tracks have both been added to my June playlist. Thank you.
Right on! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀
Always look forward to these! This week I've been listening to Queen Kwong, The Red Pears, Hermanos Gutierrez and Aaron Lee Tasjan
I happy to hear it. These are some great picks! Does Tasjan have a new one out?
Yes, Aaron Lee has a new single out so I dove into some previous albums of his to amp myself up.
New in rotation for me:
The Island of Me - Fastball (didn't know these guys were still around!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgIkpyuBQSE
Neon Pill - Cage the Elephant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgxBIiG5lLI
Love Neon Pill!!
Oh, me too! I think possibly my favourite track from the album.
I haven’t listened to the whole album yet, but should 😂
Oh! Definitely do! It’s excellent 👌
I didn’t know they were still around either!
After bypassing Guided By Voices 738th album and getting blasted in the face by the venom of Megan Thee Stallion's "HISS" I settled back in with one of my favorite artists in these tumultuous times: Sierra Ferrell. A slightly "Alternative Version" of "American Dreaming" came out, but it is really the entire of work of "Trail Of Flowers" that keeps getting my attention. She is truly an American treasure and is blazing a trail and attracting fans like a magnet, sending them into the world as missionaries attracting even more. Rounder Records includes Glamour’s recent interview of her in their weekly e-mail: https://www.glamour.com/story/sierra-ferrell-trail-of-flowers-interview
✌️✌️✌️
It’s only their 737th. The next one won’t be out for another 3 weeks. 😂
You’re right! I was counting one of their compilations. 🤣
"1,000,000" by R.E.M. AND Young Fresh Fellows. Great way to start a Monday!
The best way to kick off the week! I was lucky enough to finally see YFF recently, and it was worth the wait.
Bill Callahan - 'Apocalypse'
Annie Booth - 'Lazybody'
Parquet Courts - 'Wide Awake'
Always a good time for some PQ!
I'm still making my way through Chuck Berry's live recordings (I always have a preference for live recordings over studio, for the organic energy of them). I found Live at the Fillmore, which totally surprised me, because it's not the Chuck Berry I think of when I think of Chuck Berry (and probably when everyone does). It's straight up heavy late 60s psychedelic blues, and it's luscious.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5FJCM8i8sWEjra1sXI9mIQ?si=cw0qRzJjTkWQL7UgO9ObZQ
I'm increasingly impressed with Chuck Berry as arguably the only '50s legacy rocker who made the transition to the Sixties, and while I don't have time to look into it, I do wonder why he wasn't more prominent and relevant during that time and following, given his easy transition into the harder stuff.
Also The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl (the Hollywood Bowl version of "Long Tall Sally" is one of the reasons I'm happy to be alive on this planet:
https://open.spotify.com/track/3gluwLob4WQKYDPDKi09Ql?si=d678a7a70c6b456e)
And Paul's new release of "One Hand Clapping," and the new remixes of John Lennon's "Mind Games."
And some classic Willie.
Good question(s) about Berry! I’d be curious to hear more about that.
Me too at some point maybe. BTW, he was backed by the Steve Miller Blues Band at the Fill.
I think it was a combination of things. In 1962, he was convicted of the Mann Act for transporting a 14-year-old girl across state lines and served about 18 months in prison. Then, he left Chess Records for Mercury in 1966 and never seemed to regain his commercial foothold. It wasn't until 1969, when he played a scorching set at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival (a festival of hitmakers from the 1950s that also featured a set from John Lennon and Yoko Ono with Eric Clapton on guitar) that his career really got a boost.
Thank you! Yes, that'll make sense. His Toronto set is indeed scorching (as is Johns, before Yoko does her... thing and gets them booed off the stage) Highly recommend, along with the concert at the Fillmore, for anyone who has not heard it.
It also probably didn't help that as I understand it, he didn't tour with a regular band and just hired local players. Sometimes that worked out amazingly, as in the Fillmore and Toronto , sometimes not so much.
ALways does! I just finished Mark Rivera's book (sax player and musical director for Billy Joel and Ringo Starr) and he does a very good job of talking about that. It's a good read.
Many of the 1950s icons — Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley come to mind — worked that way. I saw Berry twice, once in 1978 and again in 1986, both times with different bands. And I came away from both thinking he's working with inferior players because folks were going to love him no matter what.
I think that's probably too. And his music is more or less made for pick up bands, who had no doubt covered most of it for years anyway.
Really been enjoying Loma’s latest “How Will I Live Without a Body?”
Also been listening to Blondie’s “Eat To The Beat” on the back of this great post by Marshall Bowden on his always great New Directions In Music ‘stack: https://open.substack.com/pub/newdirectionsinmusic/p/in-ten-tracks-blondie
Lastly, I’ve been listening to a lot of Sarah McLachlan’s “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” after seeing her at Radio City last week. If you get a chance to catch her on this tour, take it. She sounds amazing!!
I would LOVE to see Sarah McLachlan! Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is among my very top favorites!
She was amazing! My latest post has a few videos from the show if you’re interested
Marshall’s newsletter is a gem. Only thing wrong with it is that he doesn’t publish enough. 😀
I posted before I’d fully absorbed the playlist. Omigod I love that Flesh For Lulu song! That “Some Kind of Wonderful” soundtrack was so epic (as was “Pretty in Pink”). Man, John Hughes had some great tunes in his movies.
Guessing you've seen the 'Life Moves Pretty Fast' collection... bills itself as The John Hughes Mixtapes.
https://www.discogs.com/master/2862382-Various-Life-Moves-Pretty-Fast-The-John-Hughes-Mixtapes
I have indeed! A great selection of tunes on there!!
I’m so glad you posted this comment or I’d definitely still be trying to work out where I knew this song from. You’re right, it’s a fantastic soundtrack!
The Brats documentary has launched me down a rabbit hole of these so I tracks and related songs.
Redd Kross
The new one?
Currently writing a film review on "The Session Man" about the late Nicky Hopkins and discovered two of his late career recorded pieces were with the Jayhawks on their 1992 release Hollywood Town Hall, "Two Angels" and "Martin's Song." Kind of a mind blow for me.
Dead Moon on repeat!!! Full disclosure: I work at Qobuz. We just got the first chunk of the catalog in Hi-Res. Dead Moon Kings and Queens of mono direct to lathe recording in Hi-Res audio.... yes I am aware that might sound strange, but it sounds unreal. such a nice change from in the box brickwall compression.
Also the new MC5, Jill Barber, and back to Carwheels on a Gravel Road
They sound terrific! I linked to them last week (I think?).
Hey Kev. Haven't heard of most of this playlist so will check it out, knowing there will be some nugget in there!
Here's my week's playlist (we're sharing Mount Kimbie!) https://substack.com/inbox/post/146141791
Thanks for the link! Ed Harcourt opened for the Afghan Whigs and The Church this past Friday. I’d never heard him before.
Happy Canada Day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXzauTuRG78
Bywater Call - Remain
Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan
Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever
Eddie Schwartz - Schwartz
Ronnie Hawkins - The Giant of Rock 'n' Roll/Rock and Roll Resurrection
Douglas Adams - The Hitch-hikers Guide To The Galaxy Part Two
Kris Kristofferson - Collections
Greg Laswell - Through Toledo
Simon & Garfunkel - 20 All-Time Greatest Hits
Buddy Holly - The Buddy Holly Story
The Kinks - Essential Kinks
Fantastic picks!
Love to see Save it for Later by Eddie Vedder on your list too!! Love it so much!! And ooh, haven’t thought about Flesh for Lulu in too long!! I keep thinking about taking my vinyl soundtrack for Some Kind of Wonderful to a vinyl night at a local brewery!
There’s some good stuff in the new season of The Bear!! I totally had to stop and look up the Eddie Vedder song immediately!! Some Cocteau Twins, Weezer, Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Kate Bush, Beastie Boys, The Sundays! And one of my favorite Replacements songs! This time, I wrote them down when they came on so I don’t have to go episode hunting 😂
Full list here (will be on Saturdays post as well):
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/every-song-in-the-bear-season-3-cocteau-twins-joyce-manor-adrianne-lenker-kate-bush-james-more-playlist/
Thank you for that!!! I had missed a few!
Currently: Kid Charlamagne on A Decade of Steely Dan. Heard this a thousand times in 70s 80s, Never read the lyrics, Damn!
Purchased: Was (Not Was) Born to Laugh at Tornadoes cassette for trip in friend's car to once again hear Ozzy rap "You can't sue Buddha for libel, You can't rewrite the bible." Also Zaz Turned Blue ft Mel Torme
It was only recently that I discovered the lyrics to Kid Charlemagne are not:
"Did you realize
That you were Italian in their eyes."
I’m not sure I’ve ever read the lyrics either!
This last week has been fun. . . .
Old and Awesome
Led Zeppelin I
Jimi Hendrix - Are you Experienced
New (2024)
Sprints - Letter to Self (Wow! some awesome new tunes here)
Idles - Tangk
New and Old?
Neil Young - Early Daze
Regarding this weeks playlist, we played the Eddie Vedder and English Beat versions of Save It For Later a few times after hearing it during an episode of The Bear this last week. It is such a great song!
So, so good!
The brand new album by SUPER 8 is quite good and went to their listening party for the new album and every song was great. Mixing elements of The Monkees, with more modern sounds like The La's and maybe a bit of Shack and what makes it even more amazing is everything is written, performed and produced by one person Paul {Trip} Ryan 👌
Worth noting that Ryan is also just an incredibly nice guy.
Vedder’s cover of “Save it for Later” has been in heavy rotation. I think it does everything a good cover should do: new interpretation with a nod to the original. Also really enjoying Nathaniel Rateliff’s newest, which does a nice job of balancing his solo indie folk side with the Night Sweats movers and shakers.
Gil Scott Heron The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.
Yessir. It's good. Looking forward to the new doc.
Right on!
The B-52'- Cosmic Thing
The Courtneys - II
Shellac - To all Trains
Urge Overkill - Exit the Dragon
The Wedding Present - George Best
Also listening to more Mdou Moctar after seeing their incredible live show at the Paradise in Boston.
Been digging that new Hiatus Kaiyote album, which makes it the 14th album that is eligible for my top 10 albums of 2024. And there’s still 10 more albums on my radar that haven’t dropped yet.
Nothing...Bathroom remodel demo with ear plugs. It was pure netherworld.
thanks
New vinyl: I bought the new vinyl release of the Goo Goo Dolls 2004 July 4th concert LOL I couldn't resist
I am back on Rammstein again
That Eddie Vedder song was featured on Season 3 of The Bear! That show has a really great playlist.