Good morning! Looking for a place to share the music you love with like-minded people? You’re in the right spot.
As always, thank you to those who have recently upgraded your subscriptions. Your direct support fuels this community and makes a positive impact. Shares and reposts all help as well! Thank you!
When you’re ready, joining them is easy. Just click here:
On to the music:
For those of you who are new, we kick off every week by sharing what we’ve been playing. New year, new us? Not a chance. lol.
The playlist below is some of what I’ve had in heavy rotation. This week we’ve got some brand spankin’ new tracks, some old favorites, and a little bit of shoegaze from Milwaukee.
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any 2025 releases or shows you’re excited about?
Yay for Shannon Waves, can't wait for the whole 1991 album to drop. Been listening to musicals in the car lately thanks to our theater geek daughter - Hamilton, Wicked, and Les Miz :)
Listening to some Mount Eerie to prepare for seeing him on Thursday. My Swiftie GF says she likes sad folk music, so I'll report back to you on her transition from Phoebe Bridgers to "A Crow Looked At Me."
Also excited to get Wilco's "A Ghost is Born" re-release on vinyl. Gonna give that a spin.
Look fwd to checking out many of these. And it's never the wrong time to have Teen Age Riot on repeat. So much good stuff coming through of late. On the indie rock/punk/jangle side, been focused on:
The incredible label Now-Again from LA just released a dozen or so incredible albums from soul to funk to to R&B Afropop to Zamrock-esque guitar and everything in between. This trove could have you occupied for the next two months - https://nowagainrecords.bandcamp.com
But my favorite thing of the last week is the chill but fantastic album from Portland MC Bryson the alien, produced by Blu from LA (who produced a favorite of mine last year with Shafiq Husayn). Great lyrical deftness and an amazing atmosphere - https://brysonthealien.bandcamp.com/album/in-space
Went to see The Droors this weekend, a Doors cover band, so naturally been listening to a lot of that. Otherwise I had a friend in town who introduced me to Sleep Token, a metal band that has a pretty interesting sound and mixes up genres on their latest album: https://tidal.com/album/294827138?u
PS: Never heard of Salon Du Monde but I'm now excited to get my cassette in the mail. Thanks for sharing! 😁
The Dead Milkmen. I have not listened to TDM in forever! Thanks for adding them to the playlist, Kevin!
I found a copy of Roger Miller's album Words And Music By Roger Miller featuring the song, "My Uncle Used To Love Me But She Died" at an estate sale last week, so that's been getting heavy rotation on the turntable.
And on the flip side, Judas Priest's excellent 1990 album, Painkiller.
I have listened to/watched Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance several times. Discovering Stephen Stills "Manassas" album has been wonderful, and led me down a path of his other work, Crosby, Stills & Nash, CSN&Y, and Buffalo Springfield. I have also been listening to my playlist of all the songs that have sat at #1 during the playing of each Super Bowl. Here is that list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qHsTQRchtrKGCAzJNUwu9?si=kL7J0V1uT-uJHc93a0rI-A
Lots of blues -- Robert Cray's first three records in particular -- and then some Depeche Mode (Songs of Faith and Devotion will forever be my favourite DM album).
Listening to the newest audiophile pressing of "Katy Lied," a complex package to come to terms with: 4 sides at 45 rpm, for the deepest vinyl groove. Plus, another soon to come column from me: Getting my 19 month old grandson into the Beatles. Starting place: "Yellow Submarine" animated.
Exploding Flowers are from the west coast of the US and they have released 2 albums (one of which we released on our tiny label) with the 3rd almost ready. We'll worth checking out.
I've been buying way too much music lately that it's hard to keep up with hearing them all, but here are a few I've ordered and am very excited to receive:
Aberdeen (the Sarah Label band) Singles compilation -
New 7" by the fabulous Lovejoy which is actually a Biff Bang Pow! song the was written by Alan McGee but sadly never released during the life of his band but he asked Lovejoy to record it with his input and blessing -
Say what you will about Spotify - and I certainly have done - but my younger son discovered Placebo following music either by Radiohead or Pixies and two years later had recorded a covers EP (Extended Placebo) at age 15 that got plaudits from band management and is still out there somewhere even thuogh he keeps trying to take it down. I personally love that song SPecial K, and all the group's first several albums.
Maki Asakawa The Long Goodbye. Japanese Jazz folk pop singer 60s-80s, while her forays into 80s pop are wanting, her earthier earlier recordings are sensational.
Sean's remixes are extraordinary and deserving of the Grammy. He uncovered the genius in thiat album that was just waiting to be noticed. It's gorgeous and I'm glad it's finally getting its due.
Hi Faith. Oh yes, now I recall you mentioning this quite recently. I sort of happened upon listening to the 1973 album though. So that gives me something else to listen to. Great, thanks. That sounds fun :)
It's entirely a matter of subjective taste, but given the 70-some odd tracks on the new remix, it can be dautning. I put together a version of the album with what I thoought were the strongest mixes (including a handful that have multiple versions)
My week was all about comforting music as I came down with a wicked respiratory flu last Monday evening. I'm still working my way back to the living and my wife is trailing me by a few days with the same thing. I was too fuzzy-headed to concentrate on anything, so I couldn't even enjoy a week on the sofa reading and listening to music.
I played a lot of Bill Evans, Bill Frisell, Miles, Eno, Coltrane's Ballads. My only new recommendation is this vein is Turnstyles & Junkpiles by Pullman, a pastoral record by a supergroup of guys from Eleventh Dream Day, Tortoise, and Come. It's lovely.
Lots of unknown stuff on the playlist, looking forward to it. Have a great week, everyone!
First and foremost, I hope you’re feeling better! That strain is ripping through WI, and I was leveled a couple of weeks ago. Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
Randomly stumbled into a few Offspring songs which was pretty fun. I like that band quite a bit but hadn't listened to them since they faded away in 2010s (ish).
For a week recently, I was onl listening to this song and the album it came from (Enlightenment is the album, by Van Morrison), for reasons that become apparent: https://tonyfletcher.substack.com/p/so-quiet-in-here
I am happy to say that in the last 10 days I have listened to a lot more music and even gone to a couple of gigs and look forward to dipping into some of the recommendations here. Cheers all.
And I’m late, but I just finished listening to your episode w/Ed Valentine. “Dance Commander” has been an earworm ever since. It was fantastic! Loved that he shouted out the High Noon Saloon as well.
Thanks Kevin - his physical album is being distributed by the local label in your neighborhood - Shortwave Records (same label as The Flavor That Kills). That comes out in a few weeks. He was a super nice guy and unless I'm mistaken, Electric Six are playing the High Noon Saloon in the near future. :)
Yooray! Heads up chap! Genius, I'm beginning to think...
Super track, thanks tcm! Sounds like a good album (recorded in Dusseldorf and Rochdale!). I might have a listen.
I was late to the party, but I love The Fall!
La Isla Bonita - Madonna
I am stuck in a 1986 loop again this week. Nostalgia: strong.
Here for it!
These songs hit pretty good from 86:
https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:123744538295550217:74638688
I'm trying to remember pop songs I listened to and I feel like maybe there's some missing, but I dunno. My musical tastes were very limited.
That's a great list. What a year for music!
What am I missing? This is NOT your homework assignment, but we're the same age too.
That’s a good one, Yana!
The Punch Brothers, particularly The Phosphorescent Blues. They were just announced as performing in my town this summer. Got my ticket.
Punched your ticket to see the Punch Brothers?
(I’ll see myself out). 😂
<groan>
New Youth Lagoon! Although RATM’s “Know Your Enemy” just came on and hit hard.
Good morning from the Left Coast.
Here is what is in my ears:
1. New Album list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71PrDfTT9eNSnK4nHDJCqx?si=20d56aba1f264f29
2. New Tunes List: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=a8bdaa87945145b1
3. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EpBbYmYjaqNaa?si=1aecf02ece6a43f8
As always, thanks for these! (And the killer pics from your part of the world)
Yay for Shannon Waves, can't wait for the whole 1991 album to drop. Been listening to musicals in the car lately thanks to our theater geek daughter - Hamilton, Wicked, and Les Miz :)
🎶Master of the house, doling out the charm
Ready with a handshake and an open palm🎶
Customers appreciate a bon viveur 🎵🎶🎶 Btw I listened to the whole 1991 today, it was worth the 34 year wait!
Listening to some Mount Eerie to prepare for seeing him on Thursday. My Swiftie GF says she likes sad folk music, so I'll report back to you on her transition from Phoebe Bridgers to "A Crow Looked At Me."
Also excited to get Wilco's "A Ghost is Born" re-release on vinyl. Gonna give that a spin.
lol. Nice!
Into some 90’s forgotten “hits” (sorta) last week. Nothing in 2025 has yet piqued my interest.
The Cardigans: “Erase / Rewind” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9CAB2hgwl8
Folk Implosion: “Free to Go” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=136Cx-tXc0k
Eels: “Last Stop: “This Town” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7pF1iF-cNQ
Frank Black: “Headache” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytQhL0-3FtM
The Sundays: “Summertime” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNYxj8rkiNY
. . and one banger, Monster Magnet: “Space Lord” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5ttxK7SOC8
Love The Sundays and The Cardigans!
I think the Cardigan's get passed off as being "light" because of Lovefool, but they had an edge!
Great mix!
Fleetwood Mac "Rumours Live." Concert recorded when Rumours had just been released and it was just about to be what it is.
The extended version of Rhiannon is esp incendiary.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4zBAeRf0aWtx7EPYUxbb7T?si=85032d4c9e5b4b88
Look fwd to checking out many of these. And it's never the wrong time to have Teen Age Riot on repeat. So much good stuff coming through of late. On the indie rock/punk/jangle side, been focused on:
Sharp Pins -- https://sharppins.bandcamp.com/album/radio-ddr (wow do I love this - jangly and punky at the same time; opening for the Hard Quartet on some shows)
Oddly - Japanese indie band from Kyoto has a new one coming out this week (https://oddlyband.bandcamp.com/album/swerve), which spurred me to go back to their last one (https://oddlyband.bandcamp.com/album/odd-man-out)
Benzin - high energy German punk/post-punk band - https://benzinbln.bandcamp.com/album/treibjagd
Sharp Pins! Yes!
The incredible label Now-Again from LA just released a dozen or so incredible albums from soul to funk to to R&B Afropop to Zamrock-esque guitar and everything in between. This trove could have you occupied for the next two months - https://nowagainrecords.bandcamp.com
This is my kinda trove!
But my favorite thing of the last week is the chill but fantastic album from Portland MC Bryson the alien, produced by Blu from LA (who produced a favorite of mine last year with Shafiq Husayn). Great lyrical deftness and an amazing atmosphere - https://brysonthealien.bandcamp.com/album/in-space
Went to see The Droors this weekend, a Doors cover band, so naturally been listening to a lot of that. Otherwise I had a friend in town who introduced me to Sleep Token, a metal band that has a pretty interesting sound and mixes up genres on their latest album: https://tidal.com/album/294827138?u
PS: Never heard of Salon Du Monde but I'm now excited to get my cassette in the mail. Thanks for sharing! 😁
Right on! Thanks for grabbing a copy. I hope you dig it!
The Dead Milkmen. I have not listened to TDM in forever! Thanks for adding them to the playlist, Kevin!
I found a copy of Roger Miller's album Words And Music By Roger Miller featuring the song, "My Uncle Used To Love Me But She Died" at an estate sale last week, so that's been getting heavy rotation on the turntable.
And on the flip side, Judas Priest's excellent 1990 album, Painkiller.
I'll go with
Two Feet Off The Ground > Bleach Boys > Smokin' Banana Peels
for my ranked grouping.
I love it!
Of course! Sonny Rane mentioned them last week, and I fell down the rabbit hole.
I’m researching Joni Mitchell, so she’s been streaming all morning.
One of my favorite things about Joni besides her visual imagery is her lyrical flow. Always unexpected in a way that demands you pay attention.
Hints of a post to come?
Maybe a Hidden Tracks article!
I have listened to/watched Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance several times. Discovering Stephen Stills "Manassas" album has been wonderful, and led me down a path of his other work, Crosby, Stills & Nash, CSN&Y, and Buffalo Springfield. I have also been listening to my playlist of all the songs that have sat at #1 during the playing of each Super Bowl. Here is that list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qHsTQRchtrKGCAzJNUwu9?si=kL7J0V1uT-uJHc93a0rI-A
I watched the halftime show 2-3x as well. It was good on a whole bunch of different levels. Poor Drake. lol.
Lots of blues -- Robert Cray's first three records in particular -- and then some Depeche Mode (Songs of Faith and Devotion will forever be my favourite DM album).
Love Robert Cray! He used to get a lot of airplay in Portland.
He's awesome. His voice and guitar playing skills are incredible.
Listening to the newest audiophile pressing of "Katy Lied," a complex package to come to terms with: 4 sides at 45 rpm, for the deepest vinyl groove. Plus, another soon to come column from me: Getting my 19 month old grandson into the Beatles. Starting place: "Yellow Submarine" animated.
I look forward to reading it!
I'm still reeling from the Brian Eno class so he is in heavy rotation at the moment.
https://www.nolangreenmusic.com/journal/brianeno
This sounds incredible, Nolan -- thanks for sharing your reflections.
It really was, Dave. Eno said he would be into doing another class at some point. I'M ALL IN!
This sounds like it was an amazing cohort!
Oh wow, I really like that Exploding Flowers song. What is up with this band, they look to be very new?
having a hard time getting into new music lately- but I am excited for new Surprise Chef. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kc5DytlnMI&si=8TGWAMw2J-FB6uY9
Exploding Flowers are from the west coast of the US and they have released 2 albums (one of which we released on our tiny label) with the 3rd almost ready. We'll worth checking out.
Oh, I see- will check out the older stuff too- thanks!
Been blasting Brit rock bands on repeat for a few days: Nothing but Thieves and Royal Blood.
Hell yeah!
I've been buying way too much music lately that it's hard to keep up with hearing them all, but here are a few I've ordered and am very excited to receive:
Aberdeen (the Sarah Label band) Singles compilation -
https://aberdeenstate.bandcamp.com/album/you-kept-my-heart-the-sarah-sunday-singles
New 7" by the fabulous Lovejoy which is actually a Biff Bang Pow! song the was written by Alan McGee but sadly never released during the life of his band but he asked Lovejoy to record it with his input and blessing -
https://lovejoyofficial.bandcamp.com/album/let-there-be-love
A new EP by The Photocopies, one of the more exciting Pop! bands around these days -
https://thephotocopies.bandcamp.com/album/all-that-glitters-ep
And this absolutely wonderful new 7" by The Sun Kings from Wales on the Country Mile Records label -
https://thesunkings3.bandcamp.com/album/b-sides-and-rarities-2
That Aberdeen compilation was my discovery from Friday's California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser 😍
Some very interesting recs here - have just opened them all so hopefully will get turned on to some cool new biff bang pop.
Oh, a new Photocopies! I’m on it! Thanks for getting it on my radar.
As for too much music, I’ve gotten a lot of “Wallytbm bought new music on Bandcamp” emails lately. lol. 😂
Enjoying the album Like A Damn Dog by Sarah and the Sundays. I also really like this track from Slow Readers Club
https://open.spotify.com/track/6IqjuNuC5ShA9HXq2CJqKf?si=EM5-ymK-SFOOTvjOAZaZwg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1Qf1DNZ1DoC3crd5Ynh6wp
I’m seeing Girl Scout on Wednesday so I’ve been putting in some time today listening to all three of their EPs today as well.
These two are more to me. Thanks for getting ‘em on my radar, and have a great time at tomorrow’s show!
Was craving a listen to Special K by Placebo. The algorithm didn’t disappoint and was followed by Joy Division and New Order songs.
Say what you will about Spotify - and I certainly have done - but my younger son discovered Placebo following music either by Radiohead or Pixies and two years later had recorded a covers EP (Extended Placebo) at age 15 that got plaudits from band management and is still out there somewhere even thuogh he keeps trying to take it down. I personally love that song SPecial K, and all the group's first several albums.
Perfect follow ups!
Maki Asakawa The Long Goodbye. Japanese Jazz folk pop singer 60s-80s, while her forays into 80s pop are wanting, her earthier earlier recordings are sensational.
I heard another Rammstein song I had never heard of before " Gib Mir Deine Augen" - pretty good song
Current retail play: Ladyhawke ~ Wild Things
Most retail played last year: Malcolm McLaren and the Bootzilla Orchestra ~ Waltz Darling.
John Lennon - Mind Games. And I've rather jumped into my DJ career before going to DJ school...
https://www.mixcloud.com/Jack_Of_All_Raves/
Sean's remixes are extraordinary and deserving of the Grammy. He uncovered the genius in thiat album that was just waiting to be noticed. It's gorgeous and I'm glad it's finally getting its due.
Hi Faith. Oh yes, now I recall you mentioning this quite recently. I sort of happened upon listening to the 1973 album though. So that gives me something else to listen to. Great, thanks. That sounds fun :)
It's entirely a matter of subjective taste, but given the 70-some odd tracks on the new remix, it can be dautning. I put together a version of the album with what I thoought were the strongest mixes (including a handful that have multiple versions)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46VAhYhWgCwAyM0ARjTnuJ?si=786c4d7287ca4eab
Super! Thanks Faith 🙂
A beautiful album. Sounds lovely. I'll probably try the Plastic Ono Band/first Lennon album next.
I was in the process of putting the "best of" together for that one, too, and got interrupted. Someday....
hopefully Sean works on walls and bridges next
What do you think of Mixcloud? Easy to use?
Thanks for the follow on Mixcloud, Kevin! Yes, really nice, really accessible and easy to use :)
The first two Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers albums.
Yes!
My week was all about comforting music as I came down with a wicked respiratory flu last Monday evening. I'm still working my way back to the living and my wife is trailing me by a few days with the same thing. I was too fuzzy-headed to concentrate on anything, so I couldn't even enjoy a week on the sofa reading and listening to music.
I played a lot of Bill Evans, Bill Frisell, Miles, Eno, Coltrane's Ballads. My only new recommendation is this vein is Turnstyles & Junkpiles by Pullman, a pastoral record by a supergroup of guys from Eleventh Dream Day, Tortoise, and Come. It's lovely.
Lots of unknown stuff on the playlist, looking forward to it. Have a great week, everyone!
First and foremost, I hope you’re feeling better! That strain is ripping through WI, and I was leveled a couple of weeks ago. Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
Thanks! Glad you're on the other side of it. It is brutal!
Dollar Brand - Black Lightning
Hiroshi Suzuki - Cat
Steven R. Smith - The Growing Surface
Randomly stumbled into a few Offspring songs which was pretty fun. I like that band quite a bit but hadn't listened to them since they faded away in 2010s (ish).
I haven’t either!
For a week recently, I was onl listening to this song and the album it came from (Enlightenment is the album, by Van Morrison), for reasons that become apparent: https://tonyfletcher.substack.com/p/so-quiet-in-here
I am happy to say that in the last 10 days I have listened to a lot more music and even gone to a couple of gigs and look forward to dipping into some of the recommendations here. Cheers all.
Right in. Thanks for the link!
The band Glossary
I’ll keep an eye out. 😀
And I’m late, but I just finished listening to your episode w/Ed Valentine. “Dance Commander” has been an earworm ever since. It was fantastic! Loved that he shouted out the High Noon Saloon as well.
Thanks Kevin - his physical album is being distributed by the local label in your neighborhood - Shortwave Records (same label as The Flavor That Kills). That comes out in a few weeks. He was a super nice guy and unless I'm mistaken, Electric Six are playing the High Noon Saloon in the near future. :)
https://open.spotify.com/album/7ycBtnsMtyVbbwTfJwRjSP?si=-jbpIl0CSFaJdlBqVB_aMA
Citizen Cope has been added to my playlist; his "The Clarence Gatewood Recordings" is amazing.
Check it out if you are unfamiliar: https://youtu.be/MFrzkfUv23E?si=oVyMQ32y7ZwNdcZn
These two are new to me. Thanks for getting ‘em on my radar, and have a great time at tomorrow’s show!