Happy Monday, and welcome to everyone that joined us over the weekend! It’s great to have you here. We kick every week off with a little bit of what I’ve had in heavy rotation.
Some of these come from reader recommendations; please keep those coming!
Now it’s your turn.
What song/record/band we should have on our radar? Maybe a recent release you’re excited about? Something for Record Store Day? Share it below!
A slip this week: I've only heard of four of these artists! I've GOT to get out more! Well, I've also GOT to find out more about these Boys With the Perpetual Nervousness! How charming of them to sneak up with their Byrds-ian jangle and delicious harmonies! So, the Feelies have a song with the name of that band on their '80 album, "Crazy Rhythms," and nothing about The Boys show up on Wiki (except leading me to The Feelies' debut)! A little help, yo!
I also sorta liked the Blues Lawyers (surprisingly...I've never liked either of those words!). They're also not on Wiki! What's an aging paragon of fashion supposed to do? So, what up with the BLs? Any info from you, Kevin, or your many learned readers would be appreciated! Thanks again for the newbie toons!🎶
They're from the Bay-Area and this is off their latest (and 3rd?) release. Vocals are split between Rob Miller and drummer Elyse Schrock- I'm sure I've misspelled that. As a once aspiring drummer, I gotta give a lot of credit to anyone one can sing/drum at the same time
This morning I listened to “Abbey Road” on vinyl. I would be extremely surprised if this is still a revelation or a discovery for any of your readers 😅 so I will also share that I was reacquainting myself with Chet Faker over the weekend: his 2014 studio album “Built on Glass” on clear vinyl sounds 🔥
Listening to 'Neon Cross" right now. Thanks for the recommendation. My friend Sara Petite has toured with Shooter Jennings. Check her out on Spotify if you get a chance. All of her records are good, but I would recommend starting with Doghouse Rose.
"The Cleaners From Venus" is a great band name; their music is decent. Dr. Feelgood feels good to my ears. I haven't listened to The Cars in eons, some that triggered a nice little trip down memory lane.
I have been listening to these gems:
Low Roar their self-titled debut album, but all of their music is good. Seeing them live ranks as one of the best live shows I have ever seen.
SOLE, her new singles mesmerize me. "du jag tiden" and "lata alt bil." My Swedish isn't good, but the music is so good I can overlook that little detail.
I've been working on my Best Of 2022: Rock, Folk, Etc., so I've been playing things like Starcrawler, King Hannah, Lifeguard, Bodega, No Knuckle...just some of the things I hadn't covered yet that deserve to be on the list. Also recently found Barry Reynolds' one and only solo album, I Scare Myself, and as a fan of the Compass Point All Stars, it was real treat. His voice is modest but appealing and when those Sly & Robbie grooves kick in, it's heaven! He actually gets away with a cover of Broken English, which he co-wrote with Marianne Faithfull, and ends the album with explorations into blues and folk that seem to presage Daniel Lanois albums like Acadie and For The Beauty Of Wynonna. Very cool pickup, worth the $4.50 at RR Records in Lowell, MA!
My weekend takeaway is being pleasantly surprised with the new Shame record. Loved the first, thought the second one stunk and since I'm on my last UK post-punk nerve, I was hoping for something different... and it is!
And, for anyone that needs a blues fix and doesn't mind going into the way-back machine, listen to the rereleased "Burnin' " from John Lee Hooker. In the ungodly mess of albums and compilations and sets released under pseudonyms that is his back catalog, this album stands out as JLH at his most focused and realized. Play it. Now. https://open.spotify.com/album/2TcX6tK7kN3HQ8I4uIHYbW?si=O4XXakf8SX67dvgIWvqdlg
I’ve followed the evolution of his career and he simply cannot be stopped. He’s a force. Brilliant lyricist who has lost no spark or edge. “Count Me Out” is a favorite so far.
I've been listening to the most recent Shearwater album, The Great Awakening, which I had not realized came out last year! Wasn't on any best-of lists as they are no longer critical darlings but I'm a big fan and the album is seeping into my bones as I listen.
I've returned these last few days to Lou Reed's 1991 album, Magic and Loss, that was inspired by and is a tribute to two close friends of his that died. The album's title comes from one of his lyrics, "There's a little bit of magic in everything and then some loss to even things out." https://open.spotify.com/album/6pLw7L0SJKLbw33haj10of?si=WhzbgYrxTuONo6TCA74eiw
Kevin, Did you listen to Everything, Huffamoose or Thrillcat? I was listening to King Harvest’s “Dancing In The Moonlight “...one of my favorites. Listen to Michael Gurley’s Ultrasound too, IT’S AMAZING!
I did! Huffamoose reminds me of another group, but I haven't been able to put my finger on it. Royal Crescent Mob, maybe? I dunno. Either way, I really liked "Wait."
Tuba Skinny's "Owl Call Blues." There's nothing quite like seeing them on Royal Street in the French Quarter, but this'll do in a pinch. Erika Lewis has a vocal style that harkens back to the pre-microphone early blues shouters, and that a good (and even sublime) thing. Nobody else does what they do as well as they do it.
Just came here to say I love reading all these comments! Tonight I was listening to Finneas and saved a couple tracks to my playlist. One I liked was called Naked.
Blues aren't normally my speed, but this was great.
Everything by Lemonjelly. Specially this album. "Ramblin' Man" is the best thing ever.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1z1dDYzcNeUCPVUhu6NqIG?si=J8vpAQsaQwC-5aRmkeQl4A
This is the kind of music that makes contemplation beautiful.
I love it! And congrats on Hello Universe's latest milestone!!
As per The Riff's Album discussion yesterday, Gerard Way!!!
I'm sorry I missed it (again). Hoping to fix that ASAP!
A slip this week: I've only heard of four of these artists! I've GOT to get out more! Well, I've also GOT to find out more about these Boys With the Perpetual Nervousness! How charming of them to sneak up with their Byrds-ian jangle and delicious harmonies! So, the Feelies have a song with the name of that band on their '80 album, "Crazy Rhythms," and nothing about The Boys show up on Wiki (except leading me to The Feelies' debut)! A little help, yo!
I also sorta liked the Blues Lawyers (surprisingly...I've never liked either of those words!). They're also not on Wiki! What's an aging paragon of fashion supposed to do? So, what up with the BLs? Any info from you, Kevin, or your many learned readers would be appreciated! Thanks again for the newbie toons!🎶
They're from the Bay-Area and this is off their latest (and 3rd?) release. Vocals are split between Rob Miller and drummer Elyse Schrock- I'm sure I've misspelled that. As a once aspiring drummer, I gotta give a lot of credit to anyone one can sing/drum at the same time
Thanks! It's the BWPN that I don't want to let get away! They're consistent with their sound!
This morning I listened to “Abbey Road” on vinyl. I would be extremely surprised if this is still a revelation or a discovery for any of your readers 😅 so I will also share that I was reacquainting myself with Chet Faker over the weekend: his 2014 studio album “Built on Glass” on clear vinyl sounds 🔥
Old favorites, new discoveries; all are welcome here! :)
I've been listening to Nas' early albums (God's Son and Hip Hop is Dead). Expanding my hip-hop horizons!
YES!
New Order's underrated debut album 'Movement' - it's your fault!
Sorry! lol.
It really is underrated, isn't it? It took some time to grow on me, but man, is it good.
Nikki Lane's 2022 album, "Denim & Diamonds."
I'm also on a Blossom Dearie kick.
Lane's album is great. "First High" - such a good tune.
Check out Jamie Wyatt's, "Neon Cross" from 2020. Shooter Jennings produced it. A great fucking album. https://open.spotify.com/album/2ENwnvyAD2AzUP2Z46l8bQ?si=_XXmIO5SS2eo5XWOVeloDw
Listening to 'Neon Cross" right now. Thanks for the recommendation. My friend Sara Petite has toured with Shooter Jennings. Check her out on Spotify if you get a chance. All of her records are good, but I would recommend starting with Doghouse Rose.
Nice. I’ll check it out now. Thx
Her Spotify page doesn't show everything without digging some. I also highly recommend Lead the Parade, which is full of amazing songwriting. https://open.spotify.com/artist/1C6jMbWtq9sUQcesKd91Gs/discography
Cool. Like what I’m hearing so far.
That's a new one for me!
"The Cleaners From Venus" is a great band name; their music is decent. Dr. Feelgood feels good to my ears. I haven't listened to The Cars in eons, some that triggered a nice little trip down memory lane.
I have been listening to these gems:
Low Roar their self-titled debut album, but all of their music is good. Seeing them live ranks as one of the best live shows I have ever seen.
SOLE, her new singles mesmerize me. "du jag tiden" and "lata alt bil." My Swedish isn't good, but the music is so good I can overlook that little detail.
If you enjoyed your trip down memory lane, you're gonna like tomorrow's newsletter. :)
Gonna check out Low Roar right now- that's quite an endorsement!
I've been working on my Best Of 2022: Rock, Folk, Etc., so I've been playing things like Starcrawler, King Hannah, Lifeguard, Bodega, No Knuckle...just some of the things I hadn't covered yet that deserve to be on the list. Also recently found Barry Reynolds' one and only solo album, I Scare Myself, and as a fan of the Compass Point All Stars, it was real treat. His voice is modest but appealing and when those Sly & Robbie grooves kick in, it's heaven! He actually gets away with a cover of Broken English, which he co-wrote with Marianne Faithfull, and ends the album with explorations into blues and folk that seem to presage Daniel Lanois albums like Acadie and For The Beauty Of Wynonna. Very cool pickup, worth the $4.50 at RR Records in Lowell, MA!
P.S. Just published my latest podcast - should point you to some interesting listening! https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xvcUyd2yLxb
If I was smart enough to figure out how to do a screenshot, I'd show you that it's in my queue, ready to go! Right between Hidden Brain & Cal Newport.
Many thanks!
New Gorillaz!
I read a review that compared their sound to that of gold melting, and now I can't think of anything more apt.
Oh that’s interesting. Yeah, I can see that.
led cash: https://open.spotify.com/track/1mxnIyCo0WO4iImx6kL3K9?si=ef8921019c40472f
Sounds more like Johnny Zeppelin to me.
What a bonkers mashup!
Oh wow, that new Lowmello song rips! 😉
My weekend takeaway is being pleasantly surprised with the new Shame record. Loved the first, thought the second one stunk and since I'm on my last UK post-punk nerve, I was hoping for something different... and it is!
It totally rips! I wonder how he'd feel if he new I listened to it a few times in a row while chipping ice off of my driveway?
Tis the time of year 😆😆😆
3 News ones found their way into my Release Radar & New Music Friday (best day of the week) playlists.
https://open.spotify.com/track/37jwU53srb7CnhdoUPjTEY?si=e2d4af0a5a9e4fbc
https://open.spotify.com/track/7u16KXOttsLNh7U8FQx2G1?si=7d2f8ee49b054734
https://open.spotify.com/track/7h2RfKgYQvhYujJsDBzyi1?si=53801dccef8941c7
And, for anyone that needs a blues fix and doesn't mind going into the way-back machine, listen to the rereleased "Burnin' " from John Lee Hooker. In the ungodly mess of albums and compilations and sets released under pseudonyms that is his back catalog, this album stands out as JLH at his most focused and realized. Play it. Now. https://open.spotify.com/album/2TcX6tK7kN3HQ8I4uIHYbW?si=O4XXakf8SX67dvgIWvqdlg
Allmusic review: https://www.allmusic.com/album/burnin-mw0000088273
Jackpot!
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar
I’ve followed the evolution of his career and he simply cannot be stopped. He’s a force. Brilliant lyricist who has lost no spark or edge. “Count Me Out” is a favorite so far.
+1
Absolutely cannot be stopped. one of the best in the game right now, IMO.
Went back to a favorite from 2021 this weekend, Ennemi Commun by Special Friend.
Thanks so much for sharing Paper Moon!!
Of course! The whole "Gentle Centuries" EP is killer. I'm really diggin' it.
Oh man, that’s so awesome! So happy to hear you’re enjoying it!
I've been listening to the most recent Shearwater album, The Great Awakening, which I had not realized came out last year! Wasn't on any best-of lists as they are no longer critical darlings but I'm a big fan and the album is seeping into my bones as I listen.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2gmKfhM2fBsbVMhVm7D16M?si=Hvz99uy1TqWtK2jK9dWZfA
I've also been listening to a lot of Richard Swift after writing about him in my recent newsletter. Some truly beautiful, haunting, soulful stuff.
Shearwater's a new one for me; I'll have to dive in!
P.S. Hope your hand is doing better!
I've returned these last few days to Lou Reed's 1991 album, Magic and Loss, that was inspired by and is a tribute to two close friends of his that died. The album's title comes from one of his lyrics, "There's a little bit of magic in everything and then some loss to even things out." https://open.spotify.com/album/6pLw7L0SJKLbw33haj10of?si=WhzbgYrxTuONo6TCA74eiw
I always like "What's Good" off this record. It seemed so cynical at the time- and fit right in with 17 year old me.
Life's like a mayonnaise soda!
Nicely referenced! 😀
I've also been digging the new Blues Lawyer album 🙌
This new single from Tourist Activities caught my ear:
https://touristactivities.bandcamp.com/album/wrong-side-oh-for-one
RPP *already* has a cover of the new Depeche Mode single out:
https://theredspinksandpurples.bandcamp.com/album/heavens-dreaming
Plus lots of high-tempo songs for my marathon training playlist! 🏃♂️
I think I get more into RPP with each play. Love this! Tourist Activities is my kind of dream pop. I gotta check out more of their stuff.
Marathon training? Say more, please!
Kevin, Did you listen to Everything, Huffamoose or Thrillcat? I was listening to King Harvest’s “Dancing In The Moonlight “...one of my favorites. Listen to Michael Gurley’s Ultrasound too, IT’S AMAZING!
I did! Huffamoose reminds me of another group, but I haven't been able to put my finger on it. Royal Crescent Mob, maybe? I dunno. Either way, I really liked "Wait."
Tuba Skinny's "Owl Call Blues." There's nothing quite like seeing them on Royal Street in the French Quarter, but this'll do in a pinch. Erika Lewis has a vocal style that harkens back to the pre-microphone early blues shouters, and that a good (and even sublime) thing. Nobody else does what they do as well as they do it.
Just came here to say I love reading all these comments! Tonight I was listening to Finneas and saved a couple tracks to my playlist. One I liked was called Naked.
It's one of the highlights of my week!