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Yana Bostongirl's avatar

Burning Love - Elvis Presley

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Sonny Rane's avatar

I pity anyone who hears this song and isn't compelled to move.

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Agree 100%.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Same!

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DFitzpatrick's avatar

I've been seeking out workout playlists with tunes that lay somewhere between "please, no more classic rock" and "who are these people?" It hasn't been fun.

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Kristin DeMarr's avatar

A friend of mine made a few workout playlists https://www.mixcloud.com/shane-brown11/cardiac-rehab-workout-mix-1/

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DFitzpatrick's avatar

Thank you. It sounds like a lot of fun! I'll see if I can listen to it at the gym without a subscription. Those are adding up.

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Kristin DeMarr's avatar

You shouldn’t need a subscription! 😊

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Dissembling Bling's avatar

From Heavy Breathing ~ The Crunch High-Energy Workout cd (great for retail as well)

1. Black Box - Everybody Everybody 5:20

2. Los Del Rio - Macarena 3:51

3. Lisa Nilsson - Let Me In Your Heart 6:01

4. Brainstorm (5) - Lovin' Is Really My Game 4:49

5. Pointer Sisters - Neutron Dance 4:12

6. Evelyn King - Shame 6:32

7. Buster Poindexter - Hot Hot Hot 4:09

8. Pointer Sisters - Jump 4:20

9. Vicki Sue Robinson - Turn The Beat Around 3:23

10. Chill (5) - I Was Made For Loving You 6:25

11. Hysterix - Everything 7:14

12. Odyssey (2) - Native New Yorker 4:22

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Huge +1s for Black Box and The Pointer Sisters. Would also add their song "Dare Me" to the mix. Maybe it was the cheeesy boxing gym video, but it always struck me as a good song for when you need to be pumped up, even if the lyrics are about a different kind of workout.

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DFitzpatrick's avatar

Thank you. I've saved the list and hope to put them into a playlist within the next couple of days, or the weekend if needs must. I'll give you my review later.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

You're in the right spot! What kind of music are you looking for?

In the meantime, here's a few records good for the gym that might not immediately come to mind:

https://open.substack.com/pub/thekevinalexander/p/3x2-volume-3-records-for-working?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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DFitzpatrick's avatar

These are great ideas. Stop Making Sense is also one of my few entire-album go-tos at the gym. I'll check all these out. I'm looking for treadmill playlists at a somewhat consistent 120-140 bpm. I'm trying to cobble together my own of some Latin/World music I have: Brazilian, cumbia, Tuareg, etc, but maybe not flamenco (I tried Cameron de la Isla in this context - do not recommend. Exhaustingly emotive). These have been great recommendations! Thank you, all.

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Senor Fix's avatar

Kiss Of Life by Gabriel gets my blood pumping.

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3Albums6OldGuys's avatar

Loving the new Momma and super excited for the coming High Water Marks record. Glad to see those on there.

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3Albums6OldGuys's avatar

Over here, it's been mainly things related to 3 great live shows from the last week, plus one more that's clearly from the MJ Lenderman school of country-garage:

-- Los Piranas - another amazing band on Glitterbeat records; instrumental psychedelic-inspired Latin band from Bogota that played an amazing set in DC yesterday and are on tour around the US - try to catch them: https://los-piranas.bandcamp.com/album/una-oportunidad-m-s-de-triunfar-en-la-vida

-- Fust: Big Ugly gets better with every listen, and their older stuff is growing on me. Definitely one of the best of 2025 and a near perfect alt-country album: https://fust.bandcamp.com/album/big-ugly

-- Taxidermists: If you miss Modest Mouse of the first few records, some tracks on here sound almost like missing B-sides from the "this is a long drive" sessions - https://thetaxidermists.bandcamp.com/album/20247

And Bandcamp highlighted the Easy Sevens - and wow, what a record. Lo-fi/country/blues/garage - Will Oldham meets MJ - https://easysevens.bandcamp.com/album/guitar-music

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Jon  Pinter's avatar

I have the Easy Sevens on my album to listen to list. thanks for the reminder

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Fust just keeps growing and growing on me!

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Justin Steiner's avatar

Was dropping by to say the same thing.

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Turntable Tales's avatar

while I’ve really been enjoying the couple of tracks released from

Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke LP “Tall Tales” - full release May 9 - a track that has caught my attention is "Cruising to Self Soothe" by Ecca Vandal . For me, the track rides a tight line between tension and release, a restless pulse that feels like motion for the sake of clearing your mind.

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Danny Anderson's avatar

The algorithm actually did me a favor for once. I was listening to Paul Weller, and then it recommended Richard Hawley. I instantly found a new favorite. I have NO IDEA how I missed his entire career, but what a gorgeous catalogue to explore! Yay algorithm!

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Jon  Pinter's avatar

I like the cut Heavy Rain by him.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Love that the algorithm used it's powers for good this time!

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Jack Roscoe's avatar

The postie delivered the new Craig Finn (vinyl) this morning. Went straight onto the decks and is the usual superlative song-writing. ‘Bethany’ is such a brilliant opening track…

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

I love it! Hows the album coming along?

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Jack Roscoe's avatar

Final recording session on Thursday and hopefully out in May 🙏. Thank you!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Right on! That’s gotta be a good feeling.

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Jack Roscoe's avatar

Definitely - but I’m straight away planning the next one 😄🤣

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Justin Steiner's avatar

Really liking that album.

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Dave Purcell's avatar

My week was all about Mark Guiliana, as my wife and I caught his solo show in Chicago on Friday. I saw the debut in LA in late 2023, so it was fun to see how it has evolved. If you don't know Mark, he's a brilliant drummer and composer best known for playing on Bowie's Blackstar, being in St. Vincent's band the last few years, leading terrific bands in jazz and electronic music, and making records with the likes of Brad Mehldau and Avishai Cohen. His new experimental solo record was nominated for a Grammy. I've had the good fortune to study with Mark since the beginning of the pandemic.

The show in unlike anything I've seen. It's inspiring to see an artist sell out venues and keep audiences totally rapt with drumming, keyboards, audio collages, and video. He's headed to Europe in early May, and then to Denver, Portland, and Seattle before going back out with St. Vincent.

Where to start:

* MARK, new new solo record.

https://open.spotify.com/album/5mp3z536tACvArA3uez6cw?si=NscdgObaSN2a1h4pmH-1QQ

* The Sound of Listening, his most recent jazz record (with some non-jazz elements mixed in for the first time -- if you want straight jazz, check out his Jersey record).

https://open.spotify.com/album/10LpNn6t8QZbbOIWqGTiEN?si=rr9QcVSxSq2ZaUzPcfPkYw

* Beat Music! Beat Music! Beat Music, his most recent electronic/synth-driven record.

https://open.spotify.com/album/3Fx1duRZ0xzvHNCeioy95O?si=EX2nmUxcRZGrVdM-T3Faeg

* Blackstar, Bowie's last record which still blows me away nine years after its release.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0vxg8oJKDu3i0bXQu7vEpi?si=Lo4uNfZoRW-qUeagEkqiEw

Looking forward to the playlist and your picks!

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Senor Fix's avatar

NEW & SHINY

** Mekons 'Horror' - Clash & Nick Cave influence is strong in this one and I'm loving this

* Craig Finn 'Always Been' - The troubadour of suburbia in decline returns with more sermons of searching.

* The Waterboys 'Life, Death And Dennis Hopper' - Mr Scott has found an apropos muse in Mr Hopper.

* (T-T)b 'Beautiful Extension Cord' - MBV fuzz meets The Postal Service synth pop, knob twisting.

* Panchinko 'Ginkgo - ELO's whimsical studio trickery meets Radiohead existential melancholia.

* Djo 'The Crux' - Tame Impala + The Cars soundtrack a contemporary John Hughes film.

* Florist 'Jellywish' - Lo-fi daydream akin to Vashti Bunyan whispering secrets to a houseplant in a dusty bedroom full of Iron & Wine.

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Lou Tilsley's avatar

Ooh, love Mudcrawlers! Off to listen to the rest of Horrors. Thank you!

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Dave Purcell's avatar

I'm looking forward to the new Mekons. We're seeing them here for the first time in July. I saw the Wacos and other Langford spinoffs many times when I lived in Chicago in the 90s, but never The Mekons.

Djo sounds intriguing!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

brb. need to go check my calendar for July!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Oh man, and it’s at the Vivarium!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Mekons! Yes!

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Andres's avatar

This morning on my turntable: “Emergency on Planet Earth” by Jamiroquai. What a great sounding record.

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Michael K. Fell's avatar

Funny story... I am 99.5% sure I worked with Jay Kay in a pub in South Ealing (the bloke's name was Jay Kay, and he was a musician, but it was before Jamiroquai exploded, and if he did mention the band's name, it never registered or they were called something else). He introduced me to Cricket on Ealing Common (and tried to explain its rules!), and we also traded music. I introduced him to obscure psychedelic rock and he introduced me to Ride and The Wonder Stuff (we both had a mutual love for funk and soul). I actually still have the cassettes he made for me.

I then left the UK to sort my visa out, and when I returned I saw a dude named Jay Kay all over Top of the Pops, and other British music shows. He looked very similar to the bloke I worked with, but he always had the big floppy hats that kind of obscured his face. I am almost certain it was him, tho!

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Andres's avatar

OMG it was definitely him 🤩🤩 What a treat! Serving pints next to Jay. Amazing story!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

What a story! I love it!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

What a great record to kick the day off with!

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The Twelve Inch (Disco/80s)'s avatar

I’ve been following Gimenes’ Grooveria on Mixcloud for a while now, and he just dropped a sensational Origins of Bossa Nova set. It’s one hour of pure bliss. If the sun isn’t shining where you are, this will change your weather instantly, guaranteed. I’ve never heard so much musical vitamin D packed into one set, and you’re bound to discover some new favorites!

https://www.mixcloud.com/ergimenes/grooveria-brasil-107-origens-bossa/

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Thank you for this! I'm always looking for new shows on there.

NOTE: For anyone scrolling the comments, PeDupre hosts a fantastic show on the platform.

https://www.mixcloud.com/pedupre/

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Wayne Robins's avatar

It was a "listening for work" weekend: The Elton John/Brandi Carlile album in heavy rotation, some catching up on Brandi Carlile solo, plus their TV special on CBS last night after UConn women beat SoCarolina women, and the Mets swept the Blue Jays in damp chilly Queens. Women's hoops is so much more interesting than the men's game, at any level. No one and done: it's a team sport.

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Curious about your reaction to the John/Carlile album. I really enjoyed it but need to go deeper. I photographed her show in D.C. last year — she's great live — and have periodically done immersive dives into her catalog.

As a UH alum and fan, have to disagree with you about the men's game, but because they're the opposite of what you dislike. Deep team — with several upperclassmen — that plays team ball. Plus they beat the anointed Duke — always a plus.

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Wayne Robins's avatar

I hope your team wins. I just don’t like basketball much, but college women brought me back. I’m not going to tip my hand about Elton/Brandi. Gonna give it one more play through.

🤔

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

How was the TV special? I caught I'm Still Standing, but then I had to go to bed... (sigh)

And hey, a Mets sweep! You gotta love it. Brewers are rebounding after a disastorus first few games.

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Lou Tilsley's avatar

Glamours by My Son The Doctor is quite possibly my favourite thing released this week. (Thank you, Indie Scientist) https://substack.com/@indiescientist?r=1pwf0t&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

Also loving the new singles from Midnight Rodeo and Blondshell.

I went to three very different but excellent shows this week. Thus Love and Phoebe Green I’d seen before but I was blown away by Peach Pit. Such a fun set!

This playlist reflects the week’s listening:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4bzYQlcqgrKLt64xqEUkJc?si=BveA1ao9S_-W_EX0wYrOLw&pi=r4dPrxUHT2aeF

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Thanks for the playlist, Lou! I'm on it!

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jon cohan's avatar

Kinda "different" featuring the keyboard player in WIlco, Medeski, Marting, and Wood, and others. Mellotron Variations (Tiny Desk Concert) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7XF3tINSyI

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Lique's avatar

It Never Rains in Southern California- Tony! Toni! Tone!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Such a gorgeous song. I dusted off The Revival after D''Wayne Wiggins' passing last month. Sounds as good as ever.

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Andrew Paul Koole's avatar

You'll like my answer today, Kevin. https://open.spotify.com/album/7dU9MbmRJaTX7JJzAd5bqL?si=M_6zPQD0SkGpaMYjDt7Q4g

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

YES!!

you know me too well. 😀

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Tidy Husband's avatar

This is usually not my cuppa tea, but I have been listening to the new album by florist. I have no idea what or whom I am listening to, but it's enjoyable.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Enjoyable is good!

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Sam Colt's avatar

Going to see Kraftwerk tonight so preparing accordingly.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Man, you get to some incredible shows! I hope it was awesome!

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Jeff K's avatar

Went to a record show on Saturday. Nothing there was really catching my eye. Saw plenty of albums that I was like "yeah, it would be nice" and then I put it back. Part of it was. I looked at my 401k on Friday, I know it's a marathon not a sprint, but I still thought "do I really want to drop a couple hundred bucks when the market is in free fall?" Part of it is Record Store Day is this coming Saturday (like I need to tell people who read On Repeat) and there's 3-4 on the list I want to get.

Ended up getting an "unofficial" copy of Wildflowers and the Live at the Ryman Vol II from Jason Isbell. I'll say this for the Wildflowers, even though it's not a legit release, it's a better pressing than a lot of new albums I buy. Wildflowers was completely flat. Can't say the same for the Live at the Ryman.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Lol. I hear ya! I have to keep teling myself not to log on to check mine. Really looking forward to working FT until I'm 80...

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Glenn Cook's avatar

I went to NYC last week for the Substack listening party with Nick Hornby and others. Great night with my son that led me down simultaneous Duke Ellington and Karen Dalton wormholes.

Also, I published my first playlist as part of the COVID recap I'm doing here in connection with the photo book you so graciously purchased and promoted last week. Here it is.: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5b5MqtZfQbpEpLY5FoXrhh?go=1&sp_cid=69ead755588f3f4cdbfeb90d525fcc47&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=807559672d824adc

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Some great tracks on ere, Glenn!

For anyone wondering about the book, click Glenn's profile to check it out; it's pretty awesome.

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Glenn Cook's avatar

Thanks Kevin!

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Michael K. Fell's avatar

I picked up a wild Italian comp of early 70s funky disco that is truly outrageous and insane. It is called 'Cosmic Discotheque-12 Junkshop Disco Funk Gems From The 70s' and is 100% NOT Bee Gees-style disco! It is obscure, spacey, and full of total club burners! Well worth the $13 I paid for it!

I see there are multiple other titles in the series that I can't vouch for, but this particular one is highly recommended.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Oh, that's sound right up my alley!

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Charles in San Francisco's avatar

Revisiting one of my favorite albums of all time: King Crimson "Red" https://open.spotify.com/album/4mA3RKIoEoX4JlJSHueQae?si=etBkHwVMTpGAdapL3IY2jg

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Nice!

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Norman's avatar

Joe Jackson was my retro-listen for this week. Isolated Youth's new album, Miserere Mei, is my new album of the week. And now for something completely different: I listened to Modest Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition. Read all about it here: https://weatheredmusic.ca.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Always a good time for Joe Jackson, and thank you for the link!

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Scott Fountain's avatar

I'm looking forward to Broncho's new LP, Natural Pleasure.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Same! it's been a long time coming.

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Gilby VM's avatar

Hey Kevin! Here's a playlist with some new artists, a couple of artists from my glory days, and some Japanese gems too 🙌

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6f5Bqp12kQJ0xZBy1dXZN0?si=ZCwmQsiGQsCxwDiYRJ9WcA

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Hey Gilby! Great to see you here. Thanks for the playlist!

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Bob Tooker's avatar

GEE TEE - Prehistoric Chrome

Absolutely love this album. Fantastic album art.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Just went and looked it up, and you weren't kidding! lol.

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Bob Tooker's avatar

I'd be curious as to what you think about this album. I realize it's not everybody's cup of tea, but still curious.

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Taj Farouki's avatar

Bruce Springsteen - The Ghost of Tom Joad

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Kris's avatar

Of the old stuff, I’ve been spinning "How Can We Fail When We're So Sincere?" by Front End Loader; 2002, loud, feral, and still criminally underloved. On the gentler end, Angie McMahon’s Light, Dark, Light Again EP (Light Sides) has been looping like a balm.

Also, new this week: The Grogans' “Roundabout” and Teenage Joans' “Sweet and Slow” both hit that sweet spot between scuzz and sincerity.

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Ryan Gonzalez's avatar

A lot of Midwestern stuff this week! Out of Milwaukee we've got emo-adjacent BUG MOMENT:

https://bugmoment.bandcamp.com/album/the-lazer-collection-2

And from Minnesota we've got Remo Drive -

https://remodrive.bandcamp.com/album/greatest-hits

Again from Minnesota is Hippo Campus -

https://hippocampusband.bandcamp.com/album/landmark

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

Thanks for these! As you know, I'll take all of the midwest bands I can find. Hippo Campus is awesome.

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Ryan Gonzalez's avatar

They are! I got to see Remo Drive open for Hippo Campus and that's how I heard of them! Great show - the opener and headliner were both on stage throwing goldfish at each other and just having a grand old time together at one point

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Tara Slade's avatar

I spent the morning listening to all my Andrew Bird faves while writing this: https://thebrandinghabit.com/p/andrew-bird-and-artistic-courage

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Justin Steiner's avatar

Digging the new Momma and Craig Finn (back by The War on Drugs!).

Also listened to Dylan's Time Out of Mind a few times - look for me on the Rockin' the Suburbs podcast later this week!

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

I’ll keep an eye out!

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Kenn Richards's avatar

Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson. - Marching Jaybird (from the forthcoming LP)

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David W. Friedman's avatar

Minus 5? David Lowery? The Go-Betweens? Comebacks from the '80s

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