Good morning! Welcome to each of you who joined us 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.
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Also, just a quick reminder that Sam Colt & I are counting down our Top 100 records. That comes out on Wednesday. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out! Get caught up & join us Wednesday for Part 6.
Lastly, many of you have heard me talk about this bookbefore. It’s full of great essays from some of your favorite indie music writers. Later this week, the Kindle version will be on sale for just .99. It’s a steal!
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. Lots of new (to me) stuff this week, and a couple of old favorites.
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any luck crate digging? How ‘bout at yard sales? Any upcoming releases or shows you’re excited about?
East Coast friends! On Repeat favorites, Dot Dash have an upcoming show, and you should be there! Dot Dash is a band that’s very good at what they do, and what they do is deliver commercial-grade jangle pop.
On Sept. 24, they’re opening for Marky Ramone (!) at the legendary Black Cat in D.C. Gig info is here.
Mustard is listening to the newest from Ginger Root. This has been one of their most anticipated albums since it was announced. Root does an excellent job of world building for his releases. Would not be surprised if this album becomes one of their most played on Bandcamp. Highly recommend treating your human ears to this album.
“Jane said” probably because of news of the brawl between Navarro and Farrell from their concert over the weekend. It hit close to home for me (Boston area)
It might be better if they cancel - then they can save some money. I feel bad for Love and Rockets, who know what it's like to tour with an unstable lead singer.
I wrote about this in an old post, but I saw Janes Addiction opening for Love and Rockets at a small club at San Jose State in 1987! No one knew who they were at the time (including me). It's all a blur but I remember it being an amazing show.
For those of us lucky enough to have seen them back in the day, I think it makes this implosion all the worse. we know they can tear the roof off; we've seen it.
We were at the Blossoms and Bones Music Festival at Ghost Ranch (best known for being the home and muse for Georgia O'Keeffe) in northern NM Thurs-Sun, so most of my listening was live. My new music recommendation from there is DakhaBrakha, a band from Ukraine that sounds like a cross between The Velvets, trip-hop, and old world folk music. They were brilliant. Here's a taste -- this one starts off with some spare noises and then builds into a groove.
- Lucinda Williams: she's physically diminished because of her stroke, but her voice is in fine form and she had a blast. The bonus for me was seeing the great Brady Blade on drums, as he doesn't tour much these days.
- Courtney Barnett: I've been a fan since the first EP and have never seen her. She was great, and the band was driven by Stella Mozgawa of Warpaint on drums.
My other discovery of the week was Jeffrey Foucault's The Universal Fire, tasteful singer-songwriter songs driven by a great band of John Convertino and Serge Mendoza of Calexico and Eric Heywood (Son Volt, Pretenders, Ray LaMontagne).
Looking forward to digging into the playlist and all the recommendations. Have a great week!
For Lucinda, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road is a perfect record and Essence, the follow-up is very good. Her early stuff is great, too, but less fully realized than For Courtney, I like The Double EP and Sometimes I Sit the best. Enjoy!
Mavis is on my bucket list. We've never managed to cross paths. Lucinda is always great; her book may be my favorite of the year thus far. And Courtney too? Lucky guy.
I'm currently enjoying a minor obsession with the Fab version of Chuck Berry's "Too Much Monkey Business" from the BBC Live albums. I'm so glad we have a recording of this. I love John's joy in his lead vocal, the band is 🔥🔥🔥 and also obviously having fun on their way up to the toppermost, and the whole thing just makes my heart happy to listen to--
PS John seems to have changed the lyrics (or just misheard them, as per usual) from the original "too much monkey business for me to get involved with" to "too much monkey business for me to imbibe again", which pairs nicely with his mention that Julian was born out of the bottom of a whiskey bottle and that he finds himself stuck with the "too much monkey business" of being a unwilling husband and a father. A lot of people don't realise John and Paul frequently altered lyrics in their cover songs to make them more autobiographical (and often just better lyrics).
Thanks to Kevin's picks for his top 100 albums we've been working on, I've been listening to:
- "Parallel Lines" - Blondie
- "Twin Cinema" - The New Pornographers (I love indie rock and I don't know how it's taken me this long to discover this)
In preparation for seeing St. Vincent on Saturday, I've been jamming out to her new album "All Born Screaming," and in preparation for seeing JPEGMAFIA and IDLES this week, I'll be diving into their catalogues as well.
Also, if you haven't, Kevin and I have wrapped up our bottom 50 of our top 100 albums.
Great to see Bad Moves on here. One of DC's finest - can't wait for their show here on Sept 27, with ekko astral opening. And really really enjoying the coeur al'index.
The latest release from Patrick Hardy, an artist I found via Threads, came out last week. It's awesome. Still trying to get into the latest from The Airborne Toxic Event. And I'm continuing to enjoy the latest from Chime School.
Listened to the The Airborne Toxic Event (twice) and it's fairly meh. They took their love of Springsteen to new levels here, even naming songs after his songs. But the violin always makes me happy, and Jollett has a strong voice when it's not mimicking. Will check out Patrick Hardy and Chime School (familiar with neither).
Yeah, the new one left me feeling the same, meh. It just doesn’t have the vitality of past releases. We’ll see if it grows on me. Hope you enjoy the two new listens. I think Chime School will appeal to you. It’s got a jangly guitar, retro vibe!
New: The War On Drugs - Live Drugs Again. As transcending as their studio albums, but with the added fun of feeding off a live audience. The high-energy is addictive.
“Old” - still digesting Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III. More on that later.
It depends on how big a Neil fan you are...then, it depends on how big a mid-period Neil fan you are. And, of course, if your budget and fandom can both justify it, I'd say go for it. It's big, and you'll need some time with it (I don't know when I'll be done), but for me, it's worth it.
Aidoneus. Named after its relation with Hades, the Greek god of death. The artist puts mythological themes to music. While the artist has no full albums out at the moment I did listen to two singles, Daniel and Kronos/Rhea. Both were good, although I preferred the former better as it sounded more "pure" to me.
It should be noted that this artist is transitioning to male, which, of course, doesn't detract the skill of the artist.
Dune Moss - Faedom. Dune Moss has a similar style to Aurora. You can almost sense that you are floating in the forest, particularly on tracks like "I Am My Own" and "Not Your Castle". The album does suffer a little bit with the production - on some tracks, I think the vocals are clipping, particularly on "Lullaby Please Don't Lie". But overall it's good, and I will have to check her 2022 effort out.
And two Middle Eastern records this week -- el-Khat, originally from Tel Aviv and now in Germany, does a fascinating blend of Yemeni and other Middle Eastern sounds. Just released a new one that is simply amazing - https://elkhat-music.bandcamp.com/album/mute. And then this album related to the renowned podcast "Nightingale of Iran" is also really entrancing. Modern band with an incredible singer integrating recordings from 1950, and the original singing style of Jewish Iranians in 1950s is jaw-dropping: https://galeetdardashti.bandcamp.com/album/monajat
That's quite a trio! Angel Dust is incredibly underrated, IMO. I was lucky enough to get a chance to gush about "Midlife Crisis" on Matt Madurski's Chart Chat 'Stack earlier this summer.
Wow, that was an amazing read! And I completely agree with every word you wrote. Also agree that Angel Dust is tragically overlooked. Personally, I think it’s Faith No More’s finest album, and it’s not even close.
Las Nubes has been in constant repeat around Thunderlove HQ. If you don't know them and you like heavy-sounding rock and roll, you should know them. Get to know them this Wednesday. :)
Very big The War on Drugs fan here...just listening to the new live record which sounds great, but feeling a little perplexed that in includes 2 songs that were on the other fairly recent live record??
I tend to agree for the Pain repeat (I would prefer a live version of Brothers), but the version of Under Pressure on the new album is unique enough that I think it stands apart from the live version on the 2020 album. The vocal delivery is quite different. (And that song is soooo good.) I don’t like the sequencing as much in this album compared to the 2020 live album. But I’m also not a big fan of I Don’t Live Here Anymore, and most of the tracks are from that album.
yeah, i was a little trigger happy...was listening through for the first time while making this comment... and now I totally agree that this version of Under the Pressure is great and worth it. I would have loved to have more Slave Ambient live tracks given the distance from those recording (brothers for sure!) but happy to have Come to the City. I guess they have to put the majority of the songs from the latest record and I'm also less of a fan of that one (though I think the title track is great). Also very glad to have Burning live.
I could swear somwhwre that I saw that this version "Under The Pressure" was stitched together from multiple shows? I'll have to go look. Either way, it's incredible.
Interesting...I imagine this could be confirmed with some googling that I am unwilling to do. BUT it makes me think of a good topic- how have live albums changed with recording techniques over time? how much more are they touched up and and how much can they do in post to make it more pristine sounding?
Gia Ford’s debut album Transparent Things was also released this week. I like it a lot and I’m going to see her at an instore tonight (and then DEADLETTER on Wednesday) Great week for music!
Wussy is all over the place lately! I think their new album comes out in November. I just saw BEAT in concert last week, so was listening to a lot of '80s King Crimson in preparation. It was a great show, and Steve Vai filled in admirably for Robert Fripp and Danny Carey for Bill Bruford.
I've been trying to catch up on some new releases earlier in the year such as:
Osees - SORCS 80 (it's batshit crazy, in a good way)
Mary Timony - Untame the Tiger
Old '97s - American Primitive
CVC - B-Real
Aaron Frazer - Into the Blue
Elephant Stone - Back into the Dream
And maybe my favorite new release, and likely a top for end of year-
Yeah it’s tough for funky/dance bands to exude their live energy in the studio. Though I haven’t seen CVC in concert so have nothing to compare. It works as a great soundtrack when I’m on the spin bike.
Bandcamp says records ship on/around November 8th and the digital version drops omn the 14th. neither of those can come soon enough. Haven't made it to the new OSEES yet, but I will. Their version of batshit crazy is one I like. 100% agree on the new Nada Surf. I've only listened to it all the way through once, but man, is it good!
Amazing that you have Lo Fidelity Allstars on there - I was just noting a similar smudgy sound to the vocals on that new album by The Dare everyone is talking about. And it's a fun album! Other than that, loved the new Father John Misty songs that came out over the weekend and also enjoying 100% Sahara Guitar by Etran de l'Air, Wasteland Baby by Kal Marks, My Anti-Aircraft Friend by Julie, and Indoor Safari by Nick Lowe/Los Straitjackets is his best in years!
I should have also mentioned Spells, the new song from Freak Slug that was my A Song For Friday last week. Get on board now so you're ready for their debut album in November!
Love seeing that Lo Fidelity All Stars track on the playlist! Loved that album!!
I’ve really been enjoying Lady Blackbird’s latest album. It’s quite different and not quite as good as her debut but excellent nonetheless.
Spent some more time with Rosali’s excellent album Bite Down which is likely an AOTY for me.
Also been listening to the most recent singles from Joan As Policewoman and REALLY looking forward to the new album that drops on Friday.
Currently listening to Cheatahs s/t album after seeing it on Kevin’s top 100 post last week. Very nice! May well have made my top 50 that year if I’d heard it!
Concert week (finally!) for me last week, so I spent time listening to James McMurtry, Betty Soo (check her out), Alejandro Escovedo, Isbell, and Springsteen in preparation for the three shows I saw/shot. My interview with Escovedo is up today, and I have another one from a Springsteen fan to go with my pics from the show that I'm posting probably tomorrow. It was a good week.
And in between, I'm still working my way through the Faces BBC box set. That one is killer. And Reckless Kelly, a favorite band from Texas, has what will likely be there last studio album out.
I've been listening to, Surburban Rock 'n' Roll, the third album from Liverpudlian band, Space. They were a band who I quite liked back in mid-late 90s enough to buy their first two albums when they were released. But for reasons (probably financially back then), I didn't keep up with their music. It's a good album, too!
I'm lucky to work in music and get to do the first Australian tour of ne of my favourite UK bands, The Primitives, in early 2025! The new singles are as good as anything they've done
Somewhere on here, I wrote up "Don't Know Where to Start" when it came out last year. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but was happily surprised; they haven't lost a beat.
Definitely Romance by Fontaines D.C., and Born In Fire by Sacred Skin. I *should* be listening to Sisters of Mercy to gear up for the show this weekend.
Mustard is listening to the newest from Ginger Root. This has been one of their most anticipated albums since it was announced. Root does an excellent job of world building for his releases. Would not be surprised if this album becomes one of their most played on Bandcamp. Highly recommend treating your human ears to this album.
https://gingerroot.bandcamp.com/album/shinbangumi
Kevin could swear he's written about Ginger Root before. He's had no idea there was a new release, and is very happy you've shared it here!
I can't tell you why - The Eagles
Smooooth!
“Jane said” probably because of news of the brawl between Navarro and Farrell from their concert over the weekend. It hit close to home for me (Boston area)
OMG that was insane! Friends have tickets for their show coming up soon! They are hoping they don’t cancel.
I can’t remember whether they have tickets for Chicago, Des Moines, or Omaha lol and I’m too lazy to Google tour dates
It might be better if they cancel - then they can save some money. I feel bad for Love and Rockets, who know what it's like to tour with an unstable lead singer.
For sure!! If I would have gotten a ticket with them, I’d have been more in to see Love and Rockets!!
I wrote about this in an old post, but I saw Janes Addiction opening for Love and Rockets at a small club at San Jose State in 1987! No one knew who they were at the time (including me). It's all a blur but I remember it being an amazing show.
For those of us lucky enough to have seen them back in the day, I think it makes this implosion all the worse. we know they can tear the roof off; we've seen it.
Just saw on their Facebook that they are canceling the remainder of the tour.
Wow. I hope L&R can find another band to tour with.
Right! A different friend had tickets to the Chicago show and was only going to see L&R 😢
Right?
Such a sad end to a tour so many were excited about. I know a lot of people are saying they saw it coming a mile away, but still...
It’s too bad
We were at the Blossoms and Bones Music Festival at Ghost Ranch (best known for being the home and muse for Georgia O'Keeffe) in northern NM Thurs-Sun, so most of my listening was live. My new music recommendation from there is DakhaBrakha, a band from Ukraine that sounds like a cross between The Velvets, trip-hop, and old world folk music. They were brilliant. Here's a taste -- this one starts off with some spare noises and then builds into a groove.
https://youtu.be/Hxg1dL_x0gw?si=-cm-dIJfHv5_VtFp&t=52
Other highlights were:
- Mavis Staples: so righteous and joyful at 85
- Lucinda Williams: she's physically diminished because of her stroke, but her voice is in fine form and she had a blast. The bonus for me was seeing the great Brady Blade on drums, as he doesn't tour much these days.
- Courtney Barnett: I've been a fan since the first EP and have never seen her. She was great, and the band was driven by Stella Mozgawa of Warpaint on drums.
My other discovery of the week was Jeffrey Foucault's The Universal Fire, tasteful singer-songwriter songs driven by a great band of John Convertino and Serge Mendoza of Calexico and Eric Heywood (Son Volt, Pretenders, Ray LaMontagne).
Looking forward to digging into the playlist and all the recommendations. Have a great week!
Just stopping in to say that I'm now remembering how stunning Ghost Ranch is. Jealous over here!
Very cool that you've been there. It's magical!
It is. I miss Northern New Mexico so much.
Lucinda and Courtney, both fairly new to me and both currently in rotation.
For Lucinda, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road is a perfect record and Essence, the follow-up is very good. Her early stuff is great, too, but less fully realized than For Courtney, I like The Double EP and Sometimes I Sit the best. Enjoy!
Courtney Barnett's "Depreston" is a favorite of mine, and covers suburban ennui like no toher.
Mavis is on my bucket list. We've never managed to cross paths. Lucinda is always great; her book may be my favorite of the year thus far. And Courtney too? Lucky guy.
Truly! All in a gorgeous setting, too: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_9YyhcvU7h/
I added Lucinda's book to my list, I've heard great things about it.
(leaves to look up flights to NM)
What a lineup! Sounds incredible. Mavis alone would be worth it. Thanks for the rec. as well; just cueing it up now.
Here's my weekly playlist. Will check out yours now! https://open.substack.com/pub/recentanddecent/p/recent-and-decent-38?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1z6rnh
Thank you, Matt!
I'm currently enjoying a minor obsession with the Fab version of Chuck Berry's "Too Much Monkey Business" from the BBC Live albums. I'm so glad we have a recording of this. I love John's joy in his lead vocal, the band is 🔥🔥🔥 and also obviously having fun on their way up to the toppermost, and the whole thing just makes my heart happy to listen to--
https://open.spotify.com/track/2NZ2FttCOXIGSLP7F9EvGW?si=382ed12d345646e6
PS John seems to have changed the lyrics (or just misheard them, as per usual) from the original "too much monkey business for me to get involved with" to "too much monkey business for me to imbibe again", which pairs nicely with his mention that Julian was born out of the bottom of a whiskey bottle and that he finds himself stuck with the "too much monkey business" of being a unwilling husband and a father. A lot of people don't realise John and Paul frequently altered lyrics in their cover songs to make them more autobiographical (and often just better lyrics).
This morning it has been Bad Astronaut and The Clash. Have a great week.
Thanks to Kevin's picks for his top 100 albums we've been working on, I've been listening to:
- "Parallel Lines" - Blondie
- "Twin Cinema" - The New Pornographers (I love indie rock and I don't know how it's taken me this long to discover this)
In preparation for seeing St. Vincent on Saturday, I've been jamming out to her new album "All Born Screaming," and in preparation for seeing JPEGMAFIA and IDLES this week, I'll be diving into their catalogues as well.
Also, if you haven't, Kevin and I have wrapped up our bottom 50 of our top 100 albums.
Kevin's List: https://thekevinalexander.substack.com/p/-the-100-greatest-albums-part-5?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web
My List: https://thatguyfromtheinternet.substack.com/p/another-100-best-albums-of-all-time-61d
This is my (now) regular pitch to anyone scrolling the comments:
If you're not reading this series, you're missing out! Part 6 drops tomorrow. Get caught up and join us!
Nice playlist Kevin, new names and Homosapien! Been awhile since I heard that album.
Another weekend full of NEW & SHINY
* Nilüfer Yanya 'My Method Actor' - Downbeat, achingly beautiful... she's done it again. I needed this album!
* Young Scum 'Lighter Blue' - Meanwhile, jangle pop is having quite the year.
* Bad Moves 'Wearing Out The Refrain' - Chugging, anthemic rock w/ quality lyrics. Makes me feel like watching Saturday morning cartoons?!
* Cœur À L’Index 'Adieu Minette' - Looking for music for your beach party... in France? Weee!
* Juniore 'Trois, Deux, Un' - What's that you want more of that tres chic French thang? You're welcome.
* Tindersticks 'Soft Tissue' - Yet another sublime album from an underappreciated band.
* Julie 'My Anti-Aircraft Friend' - Heavy, 90's noise rock/post punk. Sonic Youth+Autolux.
Great to see Bad Moves on here. One of DC's finest - can't wait for their show here on Sept 27, with ekko astral opening. And really really enjoying the coeur al'index.
Looks like a great show!
Listening to Bad Moves right now and really enjoying it.
Thank you! "Homosapien" popped into my head at random, and for a few days, i couldn;t shake it.
Gene Krupa 'Drummer Man' (1956)
The Complete Doris Day with Les Brown
As a once aspiring drummer, Krupa was one of my faves. Loved his style.
I love the songs that he did with Anita O'Day. She was such a great singer.
This morning I listened to Nina Simone’s Little Girl Blue album on vinyl. It was a real treat!
Great way to start the day/week!
Good morning from the left coast, back from a vacation on the central coast. Here are three play lists for your ears today.
1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/627aLiTKOjoWAfyqcdqQie?si=b1505c2a69174ba7
2. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=733f8caa24234ae8
3. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71PrDfTT9eNSnK4nHDJCqx?si=9cba0377482d4a04
Thank you, Jon! Hope your vacation was awesome!
Birds of Aston, my fave from Pete Wilmslow and the King Size Brass's Girl on a Test Card album.
And Roy Harper's one of Those Days in England (single vesion).
You have inspired me to listen to Bullinamingvase. Thanks!
Good choice! Although I'd recommend you play the version without Watford Gap on it for a better experience.
The latest release from Patrick Hardy, an artist I found via Threads, came out last week. It's awesome. Still trying to get into the latest from The Airborne Toxic Event. And I'm continuing to enjoy the latest from Chime School.
Have a great week, Kevin!
Listened to the The Airborne Toxic Event (twice) and it's fairly meh. They took their love of Springsteen to new levels here, even naming songs after his songs. But the violin always makes me happy, and Jollett has a strong voice when it's not mimicking. Will check out Patrick Hardy and Chime School (familiar with neither).
Yeah, the new one left me feeling the same, meh. It just doesn’t have the vitality of past releases. We’ll see if it grows on me. Hope you enjoy the two new listens. I think Chime School will appeal to you. It’s got a jangly guitar, retro vibe!
I'll second Mallie here; I think you'll dig Chime School. Another great release from Slumberland Records.
Thank you, Mallie! Hope your week goes great too! CHime School rules.
this was my "walk-off" song back when it came out. Due to recent life changes, it is now my current walk-off song.
"Homosapien" is an all-out must listen! Thank you, Kevin.
Of course! I'm glad you liked that. :)
New: The War On Drugs - Live Drugs Again. As transcending as their studio albums, but with the added fun of feeding off a live audience. The high-energy is addictive.
“Old” - still digesting Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III. More on that later.
I've been debating Archives Vol. III. There are so many expensive boxes this year that I'm not sure it's in the budget. Should it be?
It depends on how big a Neil fan you are...then, it depends on how big a mid-period Neil fan you are. And, of course, if your budget and fandom can both justify it, I'd say go for it. It's big, and you'll need some time with it (I don't know when I'll be done), but for me, it's worth it.
Live Drugs Again is so,so good. I just kept listening to "Under The Pressure" over and over on my drive home the other day.
Off topic, but before I forget: I'm finally (finally!) getting to "Have a Little Faith In Me." I'm not too far in yet, but am really enjoying it!
Thanks! Have fun and let me know how it goes - the good and the bad (but hopefully mostly good)!
lol. Will do!
Stumbled upon "across that fine line" by Notion of Language and have had it on repeat the past week.
Right on! I'll get it on the list to listen to today.
Bandcamp featured this soul/R&B artist from Australia, and I've been loving it: https://allyshajoy.bandcamp.com/album/the-making-of-silk
New this week are two artists:
Aidoneus. Named after its relation with Hades, the Greek god of death. The artist puts mythological themes to music. While the artist has no full albums out at the moment I did listen to two singles, Daniel and Kronos/Rhea. Both were good, although I preferred the former better as it sounded more "pure" to me.
It should be noted that this artist is transitioning to male, which, of course, doesn't detract the skill of the artist.
Dune Moss - Faedom. Dune Moss has a similar style to Aurora. You can almost sense that you are floating in the forest, particularly on tracks like "I Am My Own" and "Not Your Castle". The album does suffer a little bit with the production - on some tracks, I think the vocals are clipping, particularly on "Lullaby Please Don't Lie". But overall it's good, and I will have to check her 2022 effort out.
No relistens this week.
And two Middle Eastern records this week -- el-Khat, originally from Tel Aviv and now in Germany, does a fascinating blend of Yemeni and other Middle Eastern sounds. Just released a new one that is simply amazing - https://elkhat-music.bandcamp.com/album/mute. And then this album related to the renowned podcast "Nightingale of Iran" is also really entrancing. Modern band with an incredible singer integrating recordings from 1950, and the original singing style of Jewish Iranians in 1950s is jaw-dropping: https://galeetdardashti.bandcamp.com/album/monajat
The Kinks - Muswell Hillbillies
Faith No More - Angel Dust
The Black Keys - Ohio Players
That's quite a trio! Angel Dust is incredibly underrated, IMO. I was lucky enough to get a chance to gush about "Midlife Crisis" on Matt Madurski's Chart Chat 'Stack earlier this summer.
https://open.substack.com/pub/chartchat/p/modern-rock-tracks-no-1s-faith-no?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Wow, that was an amazing read! And I completely agree with every word you wrote. Also agree that Angel Dust is tragically overlooked. Personally, I think it’s Faith No More’s finest album, and it’s not even close.
Thank you, Sonny! I really appreciate that. 100% agree that it's the band at their best.
Las Nubes has been in constant repeat around Thunderlove HQ. If you don't know them and you like heavy-sounding rock and roll, you should know them. Get to know them this Wednesday. :)
Will do! I'll keep an eye out for the new episode to drop.
Very big The War on Drugs fan here...just listening to the new live record which sounds great, but feeling a little perplexed that in includes 2 songs that were on the other fairly recent live record??
I tend to agree for the Pain repeat (I would prefer a live version of Brothers), but the version of Under Pressure on the new album is unique enough that I think it stands apart from the live version on the 2020 album. The vocal delivery is quite different. (And that song is soooo good.) I don’t like the sequencing as much in this album compared to the 2020 live album. But I’m also not a big fan of I Don’t Live Here Anymore, and most of the tracks are from that album.
yeah, i was a little trigger happy...was listening through for the first time while making this comment... and now I totally agree that this version of Under the Pressure is great and worth it. I would have loved to have more Slave Ambient live tracks given the distance from those recording (brothers for sure!) but happy to have Come to the City. I guess they have to put the majority of the songs from the latest record and I'm also less of a fan of that one (though I think the title track is great). Also very glad to have Burning live.
I could swear somwhwre that I saw that this version "Under The Pressure" was stitched together from multiple shows? I'll have to go look. Either way, it's incredible.
Interesting...I imagine this could be confirmed with some googling that I am unwilling to do. BUT it makes me think of a good topic- how have live albums changed with recording techniques over time? how much more are they touched up and and how much can they do in post to make it more pristine sounding?
That is a good question/topic!
Just now: Weird Al's "Amish Paradise", 2022 version. Not bad, Al!
Lol. Awesome.
Enjoyed my time travel to 1973 so much that I wrote about it here:
https://medium.com/@jeleonard193/american-top-40-in-1973-e377903a4f04
On the way to work this morning:
Living in the City, Hurray for the Riff Raff
Rock and Roll, Led Zep
Roxanne, The Police
Priority Dancer is such a tune!
The debut album from DEADLETTER, Hysterical Strength is out and it’s excellent!
I’m also enjoying Willson by Ashe, and particularly this song:
https://open.spotify.com/track/22RDg9fNplie0RSQWr3QzI?si=17NoGUnHTSSdgxwa98aB7w&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7yi77MD43JR5KZAgrOFdrz
Gia Ford’s debut album Transparent Things was also released this week. I like it a lot and I’m going to see her at an instore tonight (and then DEADLETTER on Wednesday) Great week for music!
A great week indeed!
Wussy is all over the place lately! I think their new album comes out in November. I just saw BEAT in concert last week, so was listening to a lot of '80s King Crimson in preparation. It was a great show, and Steve Vai filled in admirably for Robert Fripp and Danny Carey for Bill Bruford.
I've been trying to catch up on some new releases earlier in the year such as:
Osees - SORCS 80 (it's batshit crazy, in a good way)
Mary Timony - Untame the Tiger
Old '97s - American Primitive
CVC - B-Real
Aaron Frazer - Into the Blue
Elephant Stone - Back into the Dream
And maybe my favorite new release, and likely a top for end of year-
Nada Surf - Moon Mirror (gorgeous pop songs)
I like Untame The Tiger a lot. I’ve struggled to get into CVC but their live set at Truck this summer was excellent.
Yeah it’s tough for funky/dance bands to exude their live energy in the studio. Though I haven’t seen CVC in concert so have nothing to compare. It works as a great soundtrack when I’m on the spin bike.
I'm enjoying American Primitive. Old '97s still have it.
Definitely. It’s as good as their best work.
Bandcamp says records ship on/around November 8th and the digital version drops omn the 14th. neither of those can come soon enough. Haven't made it to the new OSEES yet, but I will. Their version of batshit crazy is one I like. 100% agree on the new Nada Surf. I've only listened to it all the way through once, but man, is it good!
Some of the newer tunes I've been into this week:
In Your Corner - Imagine Dragons
Market Street - Real Estate
Charlie chafouine - Charlie Faron
LIFETIMES - Katy Perry
she likes sports - almost monday
Bright Lights - The Killers
Falling Asleep - St. Lucia
Really enjoyed Bright Lights
St. Lucia! Yes! I had no idea they had anything new out, I'm so happy to see this.
It's a really cool track! Grabbed me immediately!
Amazing that you have Lo Fidelity Allstars on there - I was just noting a similar smudgy sound to the vocals on that new album by The Dare everyone is talking about. And it's a fun album! Other than that, loved the new Father John Misty songs that came out over the weekend and also enjoying 100% Sahara Guitar by Etran de l'Air, Wasteland Baby by Kal Marks, My Anti-Aircraft Friend by Julie, and Indoor Safari by Nick Lowe/Los Straitjackets is his best in years!
I should have also mentioned Spells, the new song from Freak Slug that was my A Song For Friday last week. Get on board now so you're ready for their debut album in November!
I'm on it!
I need to check out Indoor Safari!
Kerry Livgren, Time Line and Seeds of Change. Both imports.
Seeds of change has Dio as a guest vocalist and Barriemore Barlow from Jethro Tull on drums.
Then went back to Leftoverture. Magnum Opus, Miracles out of Nowhere, and What's on my Mind are so so good.
How am I, a great lover of the metal gnome, not aware of this Seeds of Change album? Thank you, sir.
Always happy to help.
I'm not sure the album was available in the US, I got my copy as an important.
Love seeing that Lo Fidelity All Stars track on the playlist! Loved that album!!
I’ve really been enjoying Lady Blackbird’s latest album. It’s quite different and not quite as good as her debut but excellent nonetheless.
Spent some more time with Rosali’s excellent album Bite Down which is likely an AOTY for me.
Also been listening to the most recent singles from Joan As Policewoman and REALLY looking forward to the new album that drops on Friday.
Currently listening to Cheatahs s/t album after seeing it on Kevin’s top 100 post last week. Very nice! May well have made my top 50 that year if I’d heard it!
I'm happy to see you liked the Cheatahs record!
Boris
rad!
Concert week (finally!) for me last week, so I spent time listening to James McMurtry, Betty Soo (check her out), Alejandro Escovedo, Isbell, and Springsteen in preparation for the three shows I saw/shot. My interview with Escovedo is up today, and I have another one from a Springsteen fan to go with my pics from the show that I'm posting probably tomorrow. It was a good week.
And in between, I'm still working my way through the Faces BBC box set. That one is killer. And Reckless Kelly, a favorite band from Texas, has what will likely be there last studio album out.
I'm looking forward to reading your interview with Escovedo! Hoping to get to it today!
A 1967 album by a band called "Neon Pearl" that crossed my feed late last week, and the brand-new single by Turkish (?) goth supremos She Past Away.
Neon Pearl:
https://youtu.be/Mn8doZEkiqM?si=dHPtG3aND4foNMjp
The albums I listened to this past week were highlighted by Kansas and David Gilmour. The long version: https://weatheredmusic.ca/2024/09/17/37-52-2/
The new single “Peaceful Place” from Leon Bridges’ forthcoming album is one of the best of the year!
The new Jack White and X albums are great! I have also bee listening to:
Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend
Beachwood Sparks - s/t
The Very Best - Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit are The Very Best
James Devane - Beauty is Useless
Felt - Forever Breathes the Lonely Word.
I also got to see Weezer with The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr last week, which was lovely.
I've been listening to, Surburban Rock 'n' Roll, the third album from Liverpudlian band, Space. They were a band who I quite liked back in mid-late 90s enough to buy their first two albums when they were released. But for reasons (probably financially back then), I didn't keep up with their music. It's a good album, too!
I'm lucky to work in music and get to do the first Australian tour of ne of my favourite UK bands, The Primitives, in early 2025! The new singles are as good as anything they've done
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO2JUVaR?si=57444edfff544a20
How cool is that? I love it!
Somewhere on here, I wrote up "Don't Know Where to Start" when it came out last year. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but was happily surprised; they haven't lost a beat.
I've been into the new albums from Nada Surf, Nick Lowe, and Bad Moves, plus the new live War on Drugs.
Also dug into Shake the Sheets ahead of seeing Ted Leo & the Pharmacists play it and more in Chicago on Saturday. Excellent show!
Oh man, I'll bet that was awesome!
The new Nada Surf is really good, and I've got Nick Lowe's on my list for today. Sounds like I've been missing out!
Right now? Over&Over by Jersey
Definitely Romance by Fontaines D.C., and Born In Fire by Sacred Skin. I *should* be listening to Sisters of Mercy to gear up for the show this weekend.