Happy Monday, everyone, and a warm welcome to those of you who joined us over the weekend! It’s great to have you here with us.
I also want to thank everyone who helped make last week’s wedding playlist. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but you all knocked it out of the park. There’s a reason why this is one of the best online music communities going. Thank you again.
As always, the playlist below is some of what I’ve been playing this week. Several of these came from reader recommendations, so please keep ‘em coming!
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Find anything good while crate digging? Is there an upcoming release you’re excited for?
This morning I am listening to Puressence "Only Forever" album (1998) on YT. It's the only place I can find it. Check it out if you haven't heard of it.
Hi Kevin and fellow readers and writers! I’ve recently got my hands on What’s the Story Morning Glory on vinyl and been spinning it quite a lot. Just as Blur releases a new album 😅 Rebel at heart I guess!
Well, this is a stellar playlist! I've been obsessing on SiriusXM's 1st Wave channel, so I'm very happy to see my hometown kids The Pixies on your playlist! As I mentioned, Sunday nights are Dark Wave time and I have to shout out this beauty, a band I've not heard of nor the song but it's pure gold:
Honolulu Mountain Daffodils' Tequila Dementia.' Go have a listen!
I just read over the weekend that Numero Group are doing an American Analog Set boxset and that sent me down a rabbit hole of their first three albums.
Been listening to a lot Tony Bennett over the past few days, including one of his earliest albums, 'The Beat of My Heart.' Also have been checking out the new Coltrane recording for my next essay for my Substack (very interesting, though mostly as a document of the day-to-day work of his band).
I've been listening to a lot of "Northern Soul" music, which was popular in Northern England clubs in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It's hard to define, because it can include everything from Frankie Valli & the Four Season's "The Night" and Edwin Starr's "Twenty Five Miles." I have a Spotify playlist called "Two Hours Of Northern Soul," which is a good introduction.
Something landed in my feed this morning, a cool electro-goth "coldwave"(?) synth-trio called "Rue Oberkampf". You wouldn't expect me to like this stuff, but I do; I like how they go from 1-2 synth tracks, then stack a third part in, then a 4th, then drop one out for a bit, before slamming it back on and adding another. It's interesting.
Blur's new album was in heavy rotation along with Strange Ranger, though I'm not certain if that one is too dense for my taste. Discovered two new / old bands - the Fishmans & their magnificent album 'Long Season', & Style Council led me to Merton Parka.
Here for the Strange Ranger shout! Definitely takes a few listens to get into, but after a weekend of multiple listens, it’s running up my year-end list.
I was gone all weekend, but now that I'm back, I'm hoping to hear the new Blur. Strange Ranger too- especially now that you and Kiley have both mentioned it.
Ya gotta hear the new Strange Ranger record, Kevin. Remembering the Rockets was one of my favs of 2019, but then their last one stunk. They’ve switched up their sound yet again, which I always appreciate, and ‘Pure Music’ might be tickling AOTY territory with a few more listens.
Received a copy of Phish - Farmhouse on vinyl this weekend, the latest in a pretty amazing run of analog releases of their back catalog. Much like the Dead they're known as a live band, and deservedly so, but their proper albums are worth checking out. I'd probably start with 1990's Lawn Boy because I believe it to have some of their strongest vocal performances. For the truly uninitiated, maybe start with the track Bouncing Around The Room to get your feet wet and then follow that up with hearing the incredible energy that same track brings in 1995's A Live One.
Lots of Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven for me over the past week since we saw Cracker on Friday night. I gave their album Gentleman's Blues another listen this weekend since they had 4 songs off it in their set.
Now I’m off to listen to the new Strange Ranger for a second time. It didn’t stick with me the first time either.
Been digging into some music featured on Substack over the last week or two: Head East’s first three albums, early music by King Curtis and a fair bit of Tony Bennett. But by far my most played album over the last week has been Weathervanes by Jason Isbell. Can’t seem to get enough of it and it’s shaping up to be one of my top albums of the year.
Not sure how this happens, but these are my two latest "Liked Songs" on Spotify:
Search and Destroy, The Stooges (loved this during The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou)
Jackie Wants a Black Eye, Dr. Dog
(We are all in this together
Everybody falls apart
We're just swapping little pieces
Of our broken little hearts)
Also, see lots of Blur in the discussion. Watched a documentary on "Britpop" over the weekend. I did not know it was even a thing. Any Suede or Elastica fans out there?
Adam Franklin - Bolts of Melody, he was the lead singer of Swervedriver. It's as good as any of his early stuff! And like several other people in the comments, Blur and Tony Bennett ofc 😭
Indeed! Just spent a good chink of a plane ride home listening to "Pleased To Meet Me" & Westerberg's "Eventually" records.
Mississippi Record’s release of “Sweetkorn” by Michael Hurley. Vinyl came out of the mailer, onto my turntable and has been there since.
"Rumbleseat" is a Top 10 Mellencamp song for me!
This morning I am listening to Puressence "Only Forever" album (1998) on YT. It's the only place I can find it. Check it out if you haven't heard of it.
Hi Kevin and fellow readers and writers! I’ve recently got my hands on What’s the Story Morning Glory on vinyl and been spinning it quite a lot. Just as Blur releases a new album 😅 Rebel at heart I guess!
Well, this is a stellar playlist! I've been obsessing on SiriusXM's 1st Wave channel, so I'm very happy to see my hometown kids The Pixies on your playlist! As I mentioned, Sunday nights are Dark Wave time and I have to shout out this beauty, a band I've not heard of nor the song but it's pure gold:
Honolulu Mountain Daffodils' Tequila Dementia.' Go have a listen!
I'm on it!
I just read over the weekend that Numero Group are doing an American Analog Set boxset and that sent me down a rabbit hole of their first three albums.
They are a great band and have most of their releases 👌👏👏
I get obsessed with their discography about once a year. I’m really looking forward to having them on vinyl!
Yes that will be great as all my stuff is on CD
Wow!! Exciting news. LOVE this band. Thanks for selecting my work music for the rest of the day!
My pleasure! 😀
Been listening to a lot Tony Bennett over the past few days, including one of his earliest albums, 'The Beat of My Heart.' Also have been checking out the new Coltrane recording for my next essay for my Substack (very interesting, though mostly as a document of the day-to-day work of his band).
I'll keep an eye out for it!
Should be out this Saturday.
Right on!
Listening to NTO again with his new drop called Les Orangers
https://open.spotify.com/track/3DXg3S66eP1ddYjge6oJ7i?si=7baff7d711d24dff
Just a little Talking Heads at the moment!
Small world!
This was fantastic!
I've been listening to a lot of "Northern Soul" music, which was popular in Northern England clubs in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It's hard to define, because it can include everything from Frankie Valli & the Four Season's "The Night" and Edwin Starr's "Twenty Five Miles." I have a Spotify playlist called "Two Hours Of Northern Soul," which is a good introduction.
Is there a link to the playlist you can share?
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2vPk6h5dT197dv9A3nbZmb?si=e7197ff758004443
Just found today's writing soundtrack!
OXBOW
Blur's 'The Ballad of Darren' and PJ Harvey's 'I Inside The Old Year Dying', both well worth their respective 7+ years waits!
I need to give these more of a chance! I think they are going to take several listens to absorb.
The new single by the BV's is nice earworm for any fans of New Order - https://thebvs.bandcamp.com/album/warp
Say no more! Anything that evokes New order is something I'll wanna pick up!
And picked up a huge haul of Creation Records this past week so will have lots to lusten to - https://twitter.com/WallyTBM/status/1683460625106599937?t=oT9hod9AY26926zZN3OSjQ&s=19
Something landed in my feed this morning, a cool electro-goth "coldwave"(?) synth-trio called "Rue Oberkampf". You wouldn't expect me to like this stuff, but I do; I like how they go from 1-2 synth tracks, then stack a third part in, then a 4th, then drop one out for a bit, before slamming it back on and adding another. It's interesting.
https://youtu.be/qTOxppf_pKY
This is right up my alley. Never heard of these guys, so I'll have to see what else I can find!
Blur's new album was in heavy rotation along with Strange Ranger, though I'm not certain if that one is too dense for my taste. Discovered two new / old bands - the Fishmans & their magnificent album 'Long Season', & Style Council led me to Merton Parka.
Here for the Strange Ranger shout! Definitely takes a few listens to get into, but after a weekend of multiple listens, it’s running up my year-end list.
I was gone all weekend, but now that I'm back, I'm hoping to hear the new Blur. Strange Ranger too- especially now that you and Kiley have both mentioned it.
He wrote it up here, if you're interested:
https://open.substack.com/pub/kileylarsen/p/drop-everything-youre-doing-and-listen?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I'm listening to a lot of 80s music - for some reason Modern Talking has caught my attention and am enjoying the vibez
Good vibez are always good!
Ya gotta hear the new Strange Ranger record, Kevin. Remembering the Rockets was one of my favs of 2019, but then their last one stunk. They’ve switched up their sound yet again, which I always appreciate, and ‘Pure Music’ might be tickling AOTY territory with a few more listens.
I'm on it!
Received a copy of Phish - Farmhouse on vinyl this weekend, the latest in a pretty amazing run of analog releases of their back catalog. Much like the Dead they're known as a live band, and deservedly so, but their proper albums are worth checking out. I'd probably start with 1990's Lawn Boy because I believe it to have some of their strongest vocal performances. For the truly uninitiated, maybe start with the track Bouncing Around The Room to get your feet wet and then follow that up with hearing the incredible energy that same track brings in 1995's A Live One.
Did you snag a copy of Rift on vinyl that was reissued last week?
Naugh, I didn't try. I have the 2015 reissue and I'm happy with it. Did you get one?
Yup, thanks to alert from mailing list. Had CD years ago but lost it along the way.
Nice work. I imagine they went fast.
Lots of Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven for me over the past week since we saw Cracker on Friday night. I gave their album Gentleman's Blues another listen this weekend since they had 4 songs off it in their set.
Now I’m off to listen to the new Strange Ranger for a second time. It didn’t stick with me the first time either.
How was the show? Key Lime Pie has worked it's way back into regular rotation here.
Been digging into some music featured on Substack over the last week or two: Head East’s first three albums, early music by King Curtis and a fair bit of Tony Bennett. But by far my most played album over the last week has been Weathervanes by Jason Isbell. Can’t seem to get enough of it and it’s shaping up to be one of my top albums of the year.
I liked it right away, and it just keeps growing on me too.
Listening to BTS and solo projects from the members 🫰🏾
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXbB7yFaZiAQX?si=6pgnNVUTR_aqS2ha8u271A
Taking a sonic walk through my younger days....
That list will be the end of ANY kind of productivity for me. Lol.
Nice playlist. Haven't listened to Trompe Le Monde in too long. I like that Tanukichan track, will check out more from them...
I really got into her most recent record "Gizmo." It was one of my "best of 2022 so far" records.
I have listened to The Beatles by The Beatles this week, it has not lost it's lustre.
This is a solid playlist Kevin. Everyone of these tunes resonate with me.
For a deep read about my listening check out https://weatheredmusic.ca/2023/07/24/204-july-24/
Thank you! I'm happy to hear it. And thanks for the link! I'm off to check it out.
EDIT: I think everyone but the Beatles are new to me. Looking forward to listening to all of these!
Not sure how this happens, but these are my two latest "Liked Songs" on Spotify:
Search and Destroy, The Stooges (loved this during The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou)
Jackie Wants a Black Eye, Dr. Dog
(We are all in this together
Everybody falls apart
We're just swapping little pieces
Of our broken little hearts)
Also, see lots of Blur in the discussion. Watched a documentary on "Britpop" over the weekend. I did not know it was even a thing. Any Suede or Elastica fans out there?
Elastica for sure! That self titled album was killer. I was even a fan of The Menace when it finally came out.
(Raises hand)
Pokey LaFarge.
Adam Franklin - Bolts of Melody, he was the lead singer of Swervedriver. It's as good as any of his early stuff! And like several other people in the comments, Blur and Tony Bennett ofc 😭
I love Swervedriver. Will have to check out Franklin's stuff!
Great set list, and great energy from Lowery and Hickman!
I got to interview Lowery beforehand, that should be online soon.
Right on! I'll keep an eye out for it. Feel free to share it here as well.
Love seeing Dramarama on your playlist.
I am really loving the new albums from Blur and GBV right now.
Hoping to feature more on Dramarama soon. Stay tuned!
Oooo!