Happy Monday, and a warm welcome to each of you who joined us over the weekend! It’s great to have you here with us.
The playlist below is some of what I’ve been playing. Like last week, there’ve been lots of new releases popping up, and no signs of that slowing down anytime soon—but a lot of older stuff found it’s way back into heavy rotation for me as well.
Maybe that happened with you as well?
What caught your ear this week? Who should we have on our radar? Find anything good while crate digging? Is there an upcoming release or show you’re excited for?
I've been writing daily "Streaming Rocktober" reviews of music docs & after watching "Sometimes When We Touch: The Reign, Ruin & Resurrection Of Soft Rock," I've been listening to soft rock this morning. Including The Captain & Tennille, which I never much liked. But Toni Tennille told a story in the doc that was so bittersweet, it has me rethinking their original songs. I'll certainly never think of "The Way That I Want To Touch You" the same way again.
Cheers on the playlist Kevin, I can't Believe I had never heard Velocity Girl before On Repeat! Not certain whom to thank but somehow Bleach Lab's album 'Lost In A Rush Of Emptiness' came into my life and I'm grateful. Meanwhile Sufjan Stevens 'Javelin'... sigh.
Despite only have limited tunes to go on I'm excited about a few upcoming releases - Spiritual Cramp ('S/T') and In The Pines ('Painting By Numbers') + Charles Bissell (former Wrens) is releasing new music under the name car colors; all we have to go on is an upcoming EP 'Old Death' - I'll take it!
A few bands with limited but excellent singles I've been digging & hopefully lead to great albums - Stone, The Last Dinner Party & Fat Dog; the last two have incredible Lou Smith filmed live shows on YT.
"Egyptian Reggae" was my gateway past "Roadrunner" into the full Jonathan Richman experience. And speaking of Courtney Barnett, here are the most recent additions to my Liked Songs Spotify collection:
La Grange, ZZ Top - the killerest of killer riffs: the build up, the anticipation, and then it hits
Goshen '97, Strand of Oaks - an interesting song, still ruminating on this one
Pedestrian at Best, Courtney Barnett - would love to have a conversation with Courtney
Creep, Radiohead - never got around to adding it, not sure why
All four volumes of Leon Russell’s “Hank Wilson” albums. I can’t stop playing them. Now my toddler is running around shouting “I’m in the jailhouse now”! I’m so proud 🤣
Oh wow, I thought I was a big fan of Leon's work, but I had no idea he did country covers until you typed this. I guess I know what I'm obsessing over today! Thanks
I haven't. I'm actually not that up on Russell, but if Janovitz thinks he's worth writing about, I think it's something worth reading and doing a deep dive on Russell. It's all on the docket at some point.
Spotify (as they are wont to do) spit out, completely unprovoked, "Make it Home" by thenewno2 (you kids and your fear of capital letters...as charming as it is perplexing!). I was wondering why it had an eerie late Beatles vibe to it, until I looked up the band. It's got George's kid, Dhani Harrison in it! yobradout🤘
I neglected to include the link! Glad you heard and liked, though! If you're getting old, I guess that means I'm the next step........getting ancient! Well-traveled? I think the problem of no caps is more a symptom of today's kids having no Shift key on their phones or devices!!
This past week I’ve been revisiting a lot old They Might Be Giants tracks for my publication where I’m writing about each of their songs from every album weekly.
Besides that, I’ve had Expert In A Dying Field by The Beths in my daily rotation lately.
Not yet! I’m still in the first album. According to my weekly pairing schedule, Lincoln kicks off with Ana Ng on Feb 5! If you’re interested, it’s at KissMeSonOfBlog.substack.com
I've been playing a lot of Split Single this week. The first singles from the new Torres and Sleater-Kinney albums are 🔥🔥🔥 and are giving me optimism for 2024.
I visited a new-to-me record store on Friday night and found a copy of Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden in the bins. I'd heard parts of side one on Radio Paradise before, but actually sitting down and listening to the whole thing with no distractions was a complete revelation to me. The dynamics are what thrill me the most. It's a reminder that silence can be just as loud as a 27 piece orchestra.
I’m a huge fan of Spirit of Eden. And jealous that you found it on vinyl, as not that many are floating around (it goes for about $100 on Discogs; I own it on CD). If you want to do a bit of a dive into Talk Talk, I recommend listening to Colour of Spring, Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock, in that order.
Finding a good new-to-you record store is always a gift! Talk Talk resonates deep with people, which is (I think) testament to how beautiful their music is.
I know i've mentioned it before, but I am always surprised at the reaction/responses Talk Talk gets here. I love it, but I would've never expected it.
I feel like Poe always gets overlooked! I was obsessed with the title track when I first heard that album. And also <3 Beth Orton, who is def fall vibes.
I've been writing about 'Dark Side of the Moon' for this week's 'LP' post, and have listened to the controversial Roger Waters 'Redux' version as well. https://iansharp.substack.com.
Great to see 'Egyptian Reggae' in your playlist. A silly and yet wonderful track. I bought the 7" of Jonathan Richman's 'Roadrunner' when it was released in the UK, complete with a testimonial on the cover from (IIRC) DJ Nicky Horne to the effect that it was the greatest record ever made. It's not that, but carried along in the moment for three minutes it just might be ...
Great to see Velocity Girl on the playlist! They are doing some reunion shows in the DC area right now. Did a show in early September and have a couple lined up for early December.
I’m still enjoying the remixed Tim - spent part of yesterday explaining it to my 12 yr old and playing some of the original versions and remixed versions for him. In the instrumental music department, I’ve started listening to the Daniel Villarreal album Lados B, which was just released on the Chicago-based jazz/experimental label International Anthem. Also spent some time with Angel Olsen’s My Woman, which I didn’t listen to much when it was released in 2016. She has a fantastic voice.
Lots of favourites in your choices this week like The Clean, Velocity Girl (who have a slight connection to Dot Dash), Alvvays, Model Ship and top favourite Jonathan Richman who I've seen live more times than any other musician.
This week lots of great new music entered my life mainly due to Bandcamp Friday and here are a few I'm really enjoying, first a brand new one by SUPER 8 (a band we have worked with before) with an interesting back story -
Another band I discovered recently is The Spires who to me blend hints of The Velvet Underground, The Chills, The Blue Orchids (who also are reissuing the first album), The Jazz Butcher, Galaxie 500, Television and several other bands. You can buy 4 of their albums for a crazy cheap price of $13 -
Peter Gabriel "Us" & "Up". I am mourning. My beloved 40 year old Technic's turntable died. I wish it had a play count to track how many albums it played. I know it would be in in the the 10 to 15,000 range. If would probably cost more to fix it than buying a new one. We will know by next Monday..
I’ve been listening to “Rain Before Seven,” by Penguin Cafe, mostly because I’m a fan of the writer who reviewed it for A Closer Listen, Maya Merberg. 🥹
This past Saturday at Rick Ray Band session, our drummer Kip Volans pointed me to the great drummer Tony Williams, in particular his early-'70s project "Tony Williams' Lifetime".
So I checked it out; and I'm still trying to re-assemble my head.
I love Leon Russell, seen him perform many many times but the original in that genre is DON NIX. He is being inducted into the Memphis Hall of Fame on the 12th of this month. If you haven’t heard him... spin his first album “Living By The Days” you will instantly see where Leon advanced his style and you will have an added bonus of someone not singing with an Oklahoman drawl.
Early Madonna after reading an article on her back catalogue. Then getting lost in memories of receiving True Blue and the Miami Vice soundtrack for Christmas.
My hot take is that Madonna's 1st 2 records are her best. I think both are awesome. As for True Blue, do you happen to remember the contest MTV had where viewers sent in prospective videos for either the title track or Cherish?
Good music is always worth a little effort. Checking this one one shortly!
what love? by idkhow has been on repeat for me. Funky tongue-in-cheek new prince inspired track. And the Phantom of the Paradise soundtrack!
Mariah Carey & Brandy's The Roof (remix)
I've been writing daily "Streaming Rocktober" reviews of music docs & after watching "Sometimes When We Touch: The Reign, Ruin & Resurrection Of Soft Rock," I've been listening to soft rock this morning. Including The Captain & Tennille, which I never much liked. But Toni Tennille told a story in the doc that was so bittersweet, it has me rethinking their original songs. I'll certainly never think of "The Way That I Want To Touch You" the same way again.
Sounds interesting! I was surprised when they divorced; maybe I shouldn't have been?
Thank you Kevin and happy week to all! I’ve been preparing the current update of Reflect & Relax Cafe, so these are the twenty-five selected:
https://spotify.link/yF2TqoFWKDb
The Revisionist History podcast by our friend Paul Combs.
Wait; Paul has a podcast?!
The new Sufjan Stevens album is so good 😭. Bryan and I have been listening to Shit Talk on repeat (hehe) in the car.
I've been meaning to check it out, but haven't quite gotten to it yet. By most counts, it's amazing.
Cheers on the playlist Kevin, I can't Believe I had never heard Velocity Girl before On Repeat! Not certain whom to thank but somehow Bleach Lab's album 'Lost In A Rush Of Emptiness' came into my life and I'm grateful. Meanwhile Sufjan Stevens 'Javelin'... sigh.
Despite only have limited tunes to go on I'm excited about a few upcoming releases - Spiritual Cramp ('S/T') and In The Pines ('Painting By Numbers') + Charles Bissell (former Wrens) is releasing new music under the name car colors; all we have to go on is an upcoming EP 'Old Death' - I'll take it!
A few bands with limited but excellent singles I've been digging & hopefully lead to great albums - Stone, The Last Dinner Party & Fat Dog; the last two have incredible Lou Smith filmed live shows on YT.
+1 for In The Pines!
🤘🌲🤘
Thank you! I'm happy you like Velocity Girl. I feel like I've become a bit of a brand ambassador for them. lol.
I've been working on a demo playlist; really enjoying this kind of dive: https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:187325997194938602:74638688?part=ug-desktop&corr=74638688
That's a killer mix!
I'm pretty picky and probably won't include anything you suggest, but do you have suggestions?
Kind of buried the lede there, didn't I?
Happy Monday! This morning I was spinning one of my latest additions: UK 1st pressing of Songs from the Big Chair. Punchy way to start the day 😎
Oh, that's a great find!
Ok call me crazy but I clicked on this playlist when I was writing the other day and I'm now obsessed
https://spotify.link/9jNUot42KDb
This is a great playlist to write or work two. What a vibe!
Right? I like their food and wine, so the music makes sense! Looking forward to reading your stories
C'est bon!
Nils Petter Molvaer’s new release is gorgeous.
"Egyptian Reggae" was my gateway past "Roadrunner" into the full Jonathan Richman experience. And speaking of Courtney Barnett, here are the most recent additions to my Liked Songs Spotify collection:
La Grange, ZZ Top - the killerest of killer riffs: the build up, the anticipation, and then it hits
Goshen '97, Strand of Oaks - an interesting song, still ruminating on this one
Pedestrian at Best, Courtney Barnett - would love to have a conversation with Courtney
Creep, Radiohead - never got around to adding it, not sure why
White Wedding, Billy Idol - still rocks
Sex & Candy, Marcy Playground - fun!!
La Grange rips! Actually, that entire record is great. I'd love to get a chance to talk with Courtney too.
All four volumes of Leon Russell’s “Hank Wilson” albums. I can’t stop playing them. Now my toddler is running around shouting “I’m in the jailhouse now”! I’m so proud 🤣
Oh wow, I thought I was a big fan of Leon's work, but I had no idea he did country covers until you typed this. I guess I know what I'm obsessing over today! Thanks
Honestly, I just got goosebumps from Goodnight Irene. Can't thank you enough.
This makes my day!!!!!!!! I’m so happy!!!
Check out the film “A Poem is a Naked Person” by Les Blank. All about Leon and shows him recording that song and others on the album!!
Nat, have you read the Bill Janovitz book on Russell?
I started it yesterday! No joke! So happy there are more Leon fans out there! He very doesn’t get enough credit!
I’m assuming you’ve read it too?
I haven't. I'm actually not that up on Russell, but if Janovitz thinks he's worth writing about, I think it's something worth reading and doing a deep dive on Russell. It's all on the docket at some point.
Lol. Awesome.
I'm caught up in the Twitter/Bluesky game #FearOfMu21c, which is a foolhardy quest to find the 50 best singles of the 21st century. Reading other peolpe's suggestions has unearthed some great songs, like this J-Punk thing by Hanabie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuFbQ-Mewfw&list=PLV43E7tP9MPLgJM--aSUbw57h2rbiAoBC&index=35
I got caught up in the "best Simpsons jingle" last night. I'll have to switch it up and cherck this out!
Spotify (as they are wont to do) spit out, completely unprovoked, "Make it Home" by thenewno2 (you kids and your fear of capital letters...as charming as it is perplexing!). I was wondering why it had an eerie late Beatles vibe to it, until I looked up the band. It's got George's kid, Dhani Harrison in it! yobradout🤘
Sounds awesome...whih is more than i can say about the no capitalization thing (drives me batty. Maybe I'm just getting old?).
I neglected to include the link! Glad you heard and liked, though! If you're getting old, I guess that means I'm the next step........getting ancient! Well-traveled? I think the problem of no caps is more a symptom of today's kids having no Shift key on their phones or devices!!
Good playlist!
This past week I’ve been revisiting a lot old They Might Be Giants tracks for my publication where I’m writing about each of their songs from every album weekly.
Besides that, I’ve had Expert In A Dying Field by The Beths in my daily rotation lately.
Thank you! That series sounds right up my alley. Have I already missed the "Lincoln" part of the show?
Not yet! I’m still in the first album. According to my weekly pairing schedule, Lincoln kicks off with Ana Ng on Feb 5! If you’re interested, it’s at KissMeSonOfBlog.substack.com
I am interested! Thank you for the link. Awesome Founding member perks, btw. lol.
I've been playing a lot of Split Single this week. The first singles from the new Torres and Sleater-Kinney albums are 🔥🔥🔥 and are giving me optimism for 2024.
Love the first verse of Here to Forever.
I don't know what it is about that first line/verse, but it has stuck with me much more than most lyrics do.
I visited a new-to-me record store on Friday night and found a copy of Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden in the bins. I'd heard parts of side one on Radio Paradise before, but actually sitting down and listening to the whole thing with no distractions was a complete revelation to me. The dynamics are what thrill me the most. It's a reminder that silence can be just as loud as a 27 piece orchestra.
I’m going to give that a listen. From what I know of Talk Talk, they’re a band that seem to do things right to please my ears!
I’m a huge fan of Spirit of Eden. And jealous that you found it on vinyl, as not that many are floating around (it goes for about $100 on Discogs; I own it on CD). If you want to do a bit of a dive into Talk Talk, I recommend listening to Colour of Spring, Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock, in that order.
Yeah, I paid $80 for it, knowing that I'd never seen it in the wild before. Considering it's in great shape I think I got a deal.
I think you did too!
Talk Talk hands down one of the best bands ever!
Finding a good new-to-you record store is always a gift! Talk Talk resonates deep with people, which is (I think) testament to how beautiful their music is.
I know i've mentioned it before, but I am always surprised at the reaction/responses Talk Talk gets here. I love it, but I would've never expected it.
I made this playlist a while ago but have been listening again as the weather cools. https://spotify.link/4MyMQGFbLDb
First off, this is an awesome playlist! I always associate Ani DiFranco (and Beth Orton) with fall for some reason. Maybe that's just me.
I was also very happy to see Poe get some love here! Angry Johnny & the title track are awesome.
I feel like Poe always gets overlooked! I was obsessed with the title track when I first heard that album. And also <3 Beth Orton, who is def fall vibes.
I've been writing about 'Dark Side of the Moon' for this week's 'LP' post, and have listened to the controversial Roger Waters 'Redux' version as well. https://iansharp.substack.com.
Great to see 'Egyptian Reggae' in your playlist. A silly and yet wonderful track. I bought the 7" of Jonathan Richman's 'Roadrunner' when it was released in the UK, complete with a testimonial on the cover from (IIRC) DJ Nicky Horne to the effect that it was the greatest record ever made. It's not that, but carried along in the moment for three minutes it just might be ...
Here's Ian's 'Dark Side' article: https://open.substack.com/pub/iansharp/p/pink-floyd-the-dark-side-of-the-moon?r=3cbf2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thanks for that Kevin.
I guess the Replacements then!
Great to see Velocity Girl on the playlist! They are doing some reunion shows in the DC area right now. Did a show in early September and have a couple lined up for early December.
I’m still enjoying the remixed Tim - spent part of yesterday explaining it to my 12 yr old and playing some of the original versions and remixed versions for him. In the instrumental music department, I’ve started listening to the Daniel Villarreal album Lados B, which was just released on the Chicago-based jazz/experimental label International Anthem. Also spent some time with Angel Olsen’s My Woman, which I didn’t listen to much when it was released in 2016. She has a fantastic voice.
Regarding Tim and your "explaining it to my 12 yr old" - you have provided further proof that good music will live forever. Thanks!
I wanted to get to one of those shows so bad! Maybe I'll have better luck for the December ones.
Lots of favourites in your choices this week like The Clean, Velocity Girl (who have a slight connection to Dot Dash), Alvvays, Model Ship and top favourite Jonathan Richman who I've seen live more times than any other musician.
This week lots of great new music entered my life mainly due to Bandcamp Friday and here are a few I'm really enjoying, first a brand new one by SUPER 8 (a band we have worked with before) with an interesting back story -
https://trip8.bandcamp.com/album/legends-a-tribute-to-astrud
Another band I discovered recently is The Spires who to me blend hints of The Velvet Underground, The Chills, The Blue Orchids (who also are reissuing the first album), The Jazz Butcher, Galaxie 500, Television and several other bands. You can buy 4 of their albums for a crazy cheap price of $13 -
https://thespires.bandcamp.com/album/curved-space
And one more, a new single by Kammahav with connections to the new Fools -
https://kammahav.bandcamp.com/track/encore
Oh, these all sound great! Getting ready to dig in now.
Peter Gabriel "Us" & "Up". I am mourning. My beloved 40 year old Technic's turntable died. I wish it had a play count to track how many albums it played. I know it would be in in the the 10 to 15,000 range. If would probably cost more to fix it than buying a new one. We will know by next Monday..
Oh man. Sorry to hear that! Hoe you get some good news Monday.
Egyptian Reggae was a summer go-to a year or to ago! Thanks for the reminder!
Heard Kiefer on KMHD and learned that he’s playing at Holocene on Friday. Should be a good show. Bummed I missed Surprise Chef when they came through
I've been on a kick of listening to albums that just turned 20 and 30:
James/Laid
Mazzy Star/So Tonight That I Might See
The Connells/Ring
The Afghan Whigs/Gentlemen
Death Cab for Cutie/Transatlanticism
Coming soon - Uncle Tupelo's Anodyne
I cannot believe these are 20 & 30. I saw a post marking Gentlemen's "birthday," and just thought "no way."
Yeah, and then I add in that I was a newlywed when these came out. Crazy.
I’ve been listening to “Rain Before Seven,” by Penguin Cafe, mostly because I’m a fan of the writer who reviewed it for A Closer Listen, Maya Merberg. 🥹
https://acloserlisten.com/2023/08/28/penguin-cafe-rain-before-seven/
Ha! I love it.
Two words: John Lennon. ✌🏼
Yes!
This past Saturday at Rick Ray Band session, our drummer Kip Volans pointed me to the great drummer Tony Williams, in particular his early-'70s project "Tony Williams' Lifetime".
So I checked it out; and I'm still trying to re-assemble my head.
Holy #$%^.
John McLaughlin (pre- Mahavishnu).
Jack Bruce.
Here's a sample, from good ol' "Beat Club".
https://youtu.be/cNfy3Urhtsc?si=iTmvUTHSCdnR1jvH
Holy sh*t, that was good!
Ikr? Still can't get my head around Williams' hand-speed in the main parts. Crazy skilled.
I love Leon Russell, seen him perform many many times but the original in that genre is DON NIX. He is being inducted into the Memphis Hall of Fame on the 12th of this month. If you haven’t heard him... spin his first album “Living By The Days” you will instantly see where Leon advanced his style and you will have an added bonus of someone not singing with an Oklahoman drawl.
I'm on it! I've heard him, but not very much at all.
Early Madonna after reading an article on her back catalogue. Then getting lost in memories of receiving True Blue and the Miami Vice soundtrack for Christmas.
My hot take is that Madonna's 1st 2 records are her best. I think both are awesome. As for True Blue, do you happen to remember the contest MTV had where viewers sent in prospective videos for either the title track or Cherish?
Agree, early Madonna is perhaps better than later. I certainly stopped paying attention. And I'm UK based and didn't have MTV around that time :)
Wayne Shorter, Without a net,
MAMMAL Hands
JOHN Zorn
There we go!