Happy Monday, and 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. It’s almost Album of the Year season, but it’s tough to make a list with so many new releases still popping up—2023 has been an excellent year for music.
Now it’s your turn:
What caught your ear this week? Find anything good while crate digging? Is there an upcoming release or show you’re excited for? Have you started putting a “best of” list together?
Your picks are always the best. I imagine the song being played on repeat for the entire week. I can also imagine this song being the favorite of a fictional serial killer (ala Patrick Bateman in American Psycho).
I am full of admiration for the idea and this ode to flute. Several songs resonated with me, but I didn't fully fall in love with it to be honest. And how about you?
I'm stuck on Chris Stapleton's new album today. I didn't know he had any new music out until yesterday and I have not been disappointed. I've not been in a "country" mood lately but this album is a great way to ease back into the yeehaw.
Well, apparently now everyone in my household is a Taylor Swift fan, Right or wrong, there was an excessive amount of swifty music being played.
I countered with an Ozzy Osbourne interview album from 1983 or 1984 that I have. Pretending I was still a DJ. I still have the script that goes with the album, so I can ask the questions and let the Oz man answer.
Also, not sure how interesting this is, but a coworker asked me about a store in PDX, which led down a huge rabbit hole ending with a Tumblr account of pics from The X-Ray cafe circa '92 or so. Was pretty cool to see the inside again.
I'm not a Coldplay fan, But they have just 2 stadium shows in my home town Perth, Australia. We went Sunday night and were blown away, they used every trick in the book, lighting, wristbands that lit up, fireworks, etc. It was a really spectacle and great musicians. Anyhow quite unexpectedly I am now in bit of Coldplay situation and maybe even given them some appreciation.
While the The Bay City Rollers had a couple of hits in the United States, they had a string of Top Ten hits in the U.K., including two #1 singles. But by the later Seventies, the band had lost much of its best-known lineup and had reinvented itself as a rock/power pop band. The effort didn't find much commercial success, but it did result in one really strong album that pretty much no one outside the band's few remaining fans listened to.
The band "Elevator" was released in 1979 following the addition of South African-born Duncan Faure as the band's new lead singer. Renamed "The Rollers," the band's new sound was very Beatlesque, with famed alternative magazine "Trouser Press" describing the album as having a "Rubber Soul" feel to it. Despite getting the best reviews of the band's career, "Elevator" was also the band's first album not to chart either in the U.S. or the U.K.
There are probably a half dozen tracks I could highlight, but I've always had a fondness for "Hello & Welcome Home," a Beatles-inspired mid-tempo track that includes some really tight harmonies.
Rick'n'Roll, Mr. Ellis! Mad props for bringing up the Rollers! Much maligned and misunderstood (certainly here in the States), they've always been a personal fave! Your mention of Duncan makes me wonder if you'd ever heard his Rabbitt, formed in So. Africa in the early '70s, and (for some reason) signed with Capricorn Records in the U.S.
Much like White Witch's similar misfortune (about which I've written), signing with the Macon, GA kings of southern rock (Wet Willie, Grinderswitch, Allman Bros., Marshall Tucker Band, etc) all but tied a boulder to Rabbitt's stateside career, despite the label's distribution deal with Warner Bros. As you may know (but, for others), Rabbitt (which also featured the pre-Yes Trevor Rabin) did a surprising cover of Tull's "Locomotive Breath": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdVYPzO9hUQ
Grinderswitch was the magic word! I'll take it! It'll be wonderful to have you where you belong, IP.......behind the velvet rope line, FRONT ROW & BACKSTAGE! Needless to say, travel safe, hither AND yon, and we'll see you on the flip side!👋😁👍
I enjoyed those early '70s Wet Willie albums! They were, for the most part, "against type" for me, generally speaking, but to be in high school, and to have the access to all that free product was educational, to say the least! I think that's why I'm able to APPRECIATE (that's the key....I don't have to "like" an artist to appreciate their talent!) so many artists of different musical stripes!
I spent some time with André 3K and his flute, but more time with Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert. It's excellent, and includes my favorite musical moment of the year, when someone in the crowd yells "Judas!" at the wrong time (Before "Ballad of a Thin Man" instead of "Like a Rolling Stone"). You can practically hear Marshall's eyes roll as she replies "Jesus," which is a perfect response on multiple levels.
I love your consistency - can I have some? The first song on this list I'm obsessed with - it's not deep and is actually shallow - but the structure and his voice get it done
Happy Monday! I’m going to be singing at Christmas, so lots of vocal scales, hymns and spirituals this past weekend. Other than that, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke were on the turntable during breaks.
Without fail, each time I read your reply to Kevin's "What're You Listening To?" posts I read your reply as "Happy Mondays". I've actually given them a spin a time or two because of this, however this week I shall take your Sam Cooke inspiration and run with that. Thanks!
Yes indeed. Long story short: I’m an amateur singer (blues, soul, jazz, R&B) (obvs). Stephan plays piano (was forced as a kid by a music-obsessed mother). My brother-in-law plays cello (also forced 🤣). Our nephew is learning guitar. Mother-in-law wants a Christmas concert at home (duets: vocal+piano/cello+piano, etc.). Nothing too formal, she says, but seeing as she only listens to classical music, I can’t pull my bluesy tricks. Hence why I’m rehearsing the carols and hymns, but already adding a spiritual/gospel tinge to the whole thing (purely to hide my non-classical training!).
Some of my all-time faves in your playlist, Kevin! And the hey, I'm outside "Racecar" tune is a nice find!
I've been playing new albums like a raging banshee all week, prepping for my top picks of the year, so nothing before 2023 reaching my ears right now. Other than music from a few awesome Substack musicians I've featured in my latest post.
I'm happy to hear it, and I'm glad you liked 'Racecar." It's been stuck on repeat for the last several days. Loved this article, btw. I hoep a lot of people see it and check the artists out! I think you nailed the description on Miter's work.
Listening as I type this, and really digging what I'm hearing! The frontman sounds like someone, and I can't quite place who it is. It's probably gonna drive me batty trying to think of it.
Stoked to see Sally Shapiro on here. She’s always great when you still want a little dance flair but it’s cold outside.
Drove up to a Denver Saturday night to watch Flamingosis play with a full band for the first time, and my word, it was a top tier show. Unique opening format in that all three openers were a progression of adding members with a different sound to each project, before eventually turning into the full band for Flamingosis. So rad!
Watched his performance on Austin City Limits (the PBS show). Really enjoyed it. I don't even really listen to that kind of music usually. Hip hop guy. But he broke through.
I'm also practicing my self-defense moves to guard the speaker volume when Alice's Restaurant is played on Thursday, while appeasing the Sad Dads with my new favorite Thanksgiving song:
I listened to some of the new Dylan Budokan box set over the weekend, from 1978. Some old songs dressed up in mostly faster tempos I hadn't heard before. Not all of the attempts are successful, and I grew weary a couple of hours in, but I did appreciate Steve Douglas on the sax really spicing things up in unexpected places. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for a saxophone, wherever I can get it. YMMV.
Are you ready to rock? Cheap Trick always and forever!
Watched the Hipgnosis doc last week, now I am stuck on 10cc, and there is no end in sight! They are amazing! I always avoided them due to overplay on the radio, but wow, I've been missing out!
It is definitely up there in terms of singularity and on my personal desert island list. I just discovered a Talk Talk documentary that was released in 2020 and is on YouTube. It’s called In a Silent Way (very clever title; don’t know it if was approved by Miles Davis’ estate).
Thanks for reminding me! I’ve been meaning to watch that, need to make that happen this week. There’s a great bio on Mark Hollis by Ben Wardle called A Perfect Silence.
Great playlist! For me, new music listens include a live record from Jeff Babko, Mark Guiliana, and Tim Lefebvre (only available at https://samfirstrecords.com/) and Royal Ottawa, who I learned about from the Rosy Overdrive site (RIYL The Church, Eleventh Dream Day). Also, a new one from Jon Dee Graham.
Older stuff: I'm obsessing over Tom Waits' Frank trilogy over the past few days. And because we visited San Pedro over the weekend, I blasted Double Nickels On The Dime the whole time.
Excellent playlist, sir. Been a chaotic listen this week for me: "Days" by Real Estate, "Always Right Behind You" by The Zutons, "Pie" by Survival Guide and "Dysphoria Hoodie" by Laura Jane Grace.
I just bought the new album by Joe McAlinden and it's gorgeous and if you hadn't heard of him before, you may recognize some of the other bands he has played in: Superstar, Boy Hairdressers, BMX Bandits, Linden, Groovy Little Numbers and if you don't recognize any of those, you have treasure trove of music to dig into and discover.
"Hanging On The Telephone" is a Blondie fave. I love how it starts off (after the nostalgic ringing phone) with just the syllabic vocal (Debbie!!!) - pulls me in every time and the rest of the song ain't bad. Not written by Blondie - just perfected.
I could listen to "This City's Local Italo DJ Has A Crush On Me" for a while......
Related to "Hanging on The Telephone," I just finished the book "I Don't Fit In" by Paul Collins of The Nerves. It's agreat read, and well worth one's time.
That whole "Beat" band name controversy thing was confusing. I still feel a bit put out by having to say "The English Beat". Not that it is Paul's fault or anything......
No woulda been a great one to be at. I've been to 11 grey cups and will go next year in Vancouver. Great Canadiana fun. Hosted 20 folks in our home and enjoyed it.
It should be up my alley, but I've not completed a full listen of the Andre 3000 yet. Some of it hits, some of it meanders. But I haven't been at work since it came out, so maybe I'll put it on tomorrow while fighting my post-PTO inbox! New Iron & Wine live collection is gorgeous. Also digging the Water From Your Eyes remix album the most. An old friend's guitar student put out an album called Like A Doll - def deserves more plays, so get to it my friends: https://open.spotify.com/album/62REtz2VikemFcPSHWSP6v?si=EiFVN44PThOVIk4NIOyvRA
I finally watched the Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit episode of Austin City Limits the other night and it was fantastic. Those songs are still rattling around my head.
Also, the Rinehearts album (Full Bloom) still has its hooks in me. Great power pop.
Posted a new playlist feature on my ’stack yesterday featuring a batch of cover songs which took me back to spending time with some of the original albums:
When I need you - Leo Sayer :)
Your picks are always the best. I imagine the song being played on repeat for the entire week. I can also imagine this song being the favorite of a fictional serial killer (ala Patrick Bateman in American Psycho).
I agree with Steve, and they also never fail to surprise me!
Unsurprisingly the widely discussed everywhere flute-heavy release from Andre 3000 🪈🪈🪈
What do you think of it so far?
I am full of admiration for the idea and this ode to flute. Several songs resonated with me, but I didn't fully fall in love with it to be honest. And how about you?
I haven't listened all the way through yet, but am planning to do it over the holiday weekend.
Hi all! It’s been update time for my playlist, so these were the chosen:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6EcLhgESeOBX3Fvfxt8SH4?si=a2gATygUSJuJ7d3xziJVKQ&pi=e-GS7CEwMTSJKC
Right on!
I hope you like it :)
I'm stuck on Chris Stapleton's new album today. I didn't know he had any new music out until yesterday and I have not been disappointed. I've not been in a "country" mood lately but this album is a great way to ease back into the yeehaw.
"To ease back into the yeehaw" is my kinda metaphor! :)
I didn't know he had anything new out, either.
Well, apparently now everyone in my household is a Taylor Swift fan, Right or wrong, there was an excessive amount of swifty music being played.
I countered with an Ozzy Osbourne interview album from 1983 or 1984 that I have. Pretending I was still a DJ. I still have the script that goes with the album, so I can ask the questions and let the Oz man answer.
Lol. Awesome.
Also, not sure how interesting this is, but a coworker asked me about a store in PDX, which led down a huge rabbit hole ending with a Tumblr account of pics from The X-Ray cafe circa '92 or so. Was pretty cool to see the inside again.
That is so cool. Small world we live in. One of my best friends from Portland lives in Wisconsin and I ended up in Northern Indiana.
I never went to the x-ray, I was more of a Satyricon person.
I'm not a Coldplay fan, But they have just 2 stadium shows in my home town Perth, Australia. We went Sunday night and were blown away, they used every trick in the book, lighting, wristbands that lit up, fireworks, etc. It was a really spectacle and great musicians. Anyhow quite unexpectedly I am now in bit of Coldplay situation and maybe even given them some appreciation.
I love it!
More deep dives into the 1970s.
While the The Bay City Rollers had a couple of hits in the United States, they had a string of Top Ten hits in the U.K., including two #1 singles. But by the later Seventies, the band had lost much of its best-known lineup and had reinvented itself as a rock/power pop band. The effort didn't find much commercial success, but it did result in one really strong album that pretty much no one outside the band's few remaining fans listened to.
The band "Elevator" was released in 1979 following the addition of South African-born Duncan Faure as the band's new lead singer. Renamed "The Rollers," the band's new sound was very Beatlesque, with famed alternative magazine "Trouser Press" describing the album as having a "Rubber Soul" feel to it. Despite getting the best reviews of the band's career, "Elevator" was also the band's first album not to chart either in the U.S. or the U.K.
There are probably a half dozen tracks I could highlight, but I've always had a fondness for "Hello & Welcome Home," a Beatles-inspired mid-tempo track that includes some really tight harmonies.
https://youtu.be/DyTBEHSPukc?si=Ref5naZOtttiUmrM
Rick'n'Roll, Mr. Ellis! Mad props for bringing up the Rollers! Much maligned and misunderstood (certainly here in the States), they've always been a personal fave! Your mention of Duncan makes me wonder if you'd ever heard his Rabbitt, formed in So. Africa in the early '70s, and (for some reason) signed with Capricorn Records in the U.S.
Much like White Witch's similar misfortune (about which I've written), signing with the Macon, GA kings of southern rock (Wet Willie, Grinderswitch, Allman Bros., Marshall Tucker Band, etc) all but tied a boulder to Rabbitt's stateside career, despite the label's distribution deal with Warner Bros. As you may know (but, for others), Rabbitt (which also featured the pre-Yes Trevor Rabin) did a surprising cover of Tull's "Locomotive Breath": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdVYPzO9hUQ
Grinderswitch... you keep amazing me Mr. Kyle!
I am subscribing to your substack when I return in 2 weeks.
Grinderswitch was the magic word! I'll take it! It'll be wonderful to have you where you belong, IP.......behind the velvet rope line, FRONT ROW & BACKSTAGE! Needless to say, travel safe, hither AND yon, and we'll see you on the flip side!👋😁👍
By the way, Wet Willie and Jimmy Hall are legends, pure unadulterated Southern comfort along with Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers!
I enjoyed those early '70s Wet Willie albums! They were, for the most part, "against type" for me, generally speaking, but to be in high school, and to have the access to all that free product was educational, to say the least! I think that's why I'm able to APPRECIATE (that's the key....I don't have to "like" an artist to appreciate their talent!) so many artists of different musical stripes!
This was a new one for me!
Finally had to make time for new ones from Wilco, Blonde Redhead and Drop Nineteens. All are pretty, pretty, good.
YES! I haven't listened to the Blonde Redhead one, but other 2 are great. I think most of the block has heard Drop Nineteens by now.
I spent some time with André 3K and his flute, but more time with Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert. It's excellent, and includes my favorite musical moment of the year, when someone in the crowd yells "Judas!" at the wrong time (Before "Ballad of a Thin Man" instead of "Like a Rolling Stone"). You can practically hear Marshall's eyes roll as she replies "Jesus," which is a perfect response on multiple levels.
I love it!
I love your consistency - can I have some? The first song on this list I'm obsessed with - it's not deep and is actually shallow - but the structure and his voice get it done
I'm not the biggest Cheap Trick fan in the world, but this record is far and away my favorite of theirs.
Screamin' Jay today!
https://goatfury.substack.com/p/screamin-jay
Nice!
Happy Monday! I’m going to be singing at Christmas, so lots of vocal scales, hymns and spirituals this past weekend. Other than that, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke were on the turntable during breaks.
Without fail, each time I read your reply to Kevin's "What're You Listening To?" posts I read your reply as "Happy Mondays". I've actually given them a spin a time or two because of this, however this week I shall take your Sam Cooke inspiration and run with that. Thanks!
That’s so funny 🤣🤣 I didn’t know there was a band called Happy Mondays! That’s hilarious.
And yes, Sam’s voice is just... something else.
Give 'em a shot! They're fantastic. 'Wrote For Luck' is one of my faves.
I will!
Ha! I should totally start opening with 'Happy Monday(s), and a warm welcome...'
Wait, what? Singing where? Say more, please!
Yes indeed. Long story short: I’m an amateur singer (blues, soul, jazz, R&B) (obvs). Stephan plays piano (was forced as a kid by a music-obsessed mother). My brother-in-law plays cello (also forced 🤣). Our nephew is learning guitar. Mother-in-law wants a Christmas concert at home (duets: vocal+piano/cello+piano, etc.). Nothing too formal, she says, but seeing as she only listens to classical music, I can’t pull my bluesy tricks. Hence why I’m rehearsing the carols and hymns, but already adding a spiritual/gospel tinge to the whole thing (purely to hide my non-classical training!).
I love it!
Some of my all-time faves in your playlist, Kevin! And the hey, I'm outside "Racecar" tune is a nice find!
I've been playing new albums like a raging banshee all week, prepping for my top picks of the year, so nothing before 2023 reaching my ears right now. Other than music from a few awesome Substack musicians I've featured in my latest post.
https://earworm.substack.com/p/recowmendations-november-2023
I'm happy to hear it, and I'm glad you liked 'Racecar." It's been stuck on repeat for the last several days. Loved this article, btw. I hoep a lot of people see it and check the artists out! I think you nailed the description on Miter's work.
My favorite new find is Brigitte Calls Me Baby. They've got an EP out on Spotify and it's SOOOOOO good. My favorite track is Impressively Average.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1qLNf6NPvvUPCfTD3dS6hN?si=W2E2_mBXQdy6N2gH4zO_Pw
Listening as I type this, and really digging what I'm hearing! The frontman sounds like someone, and I can't quite place who it is. It's probably gonna drive me batty trying to think of it.
He sounds a bit like a cross between Morrissey and Scott from STP. to me It's lounge lizardy at it's best.
Definitely lounge lizard-y in all the best ways!
Rifle
Right on!
Stoked to see Sally Shapiro on here. She’s always great when you still want a little dance flair but it’s cold outside.
Drove up to a Denver Saturday night to watch Flamingosis play with a full band for the first time, and my word, it was a top tier show. Unique opening format in that all three openers were a progression of adding members with a different sound to each project, before eventually turning into the full band for Flamingosis. So rad!
Nice! Just looked it up, and that's a pretty serious drive!
May have already been heading that way for the holiday 😉
Ah, gotcha!
Camper Van Beethoven... but where's the Cracker? Hee hee. Nice playlist. Thanks!
Some of my musical intake this week:
* The Clockworks 'Exit Strategy' - Thanks to someone on Substack I think.
* Vince Clarke 'Songs of Silence' - The soundtrack for Bladerunner 2099: Ascension?
* The 3 Clubmen 'S/T' EP - I would like more from this... supergroup, please.
* XTC - Inspired by The 3 Clubmen, I started w/ 'Black Sea' and got to 'Skylarking' before being derailed by...
* Horace Andy 'Skylarking' - Strange where music will lead you.
True, but those are the best trips!
Gaslight Anthem! And a little Genesis!
That's my kinda combo!
Loretta Lynn: When the Tingle Becomes a Chill!
Was this from the latest crate digging, or one you already had?
Loving the new Bory album (produced by Mo Troper)
https://bory.bandcamp.com/track/five-course-meal
https://bory.bandcamp.com/track/we-both-won-2
Always happy to see PDX artists on here! This is a great track!
Been on a Jason Isbell deep dive recently.
Nice! I have a feeling that Weathervanes is gonna be on a lot of 'Best of' lists in the coming weeks.
Watched his performance on Austin City Limits (the PBS show). Really enjoyed it. I don't even really listen to that kind of music usually. Hip hop guy. But he broke through.
Surprisingly dug the new Andre 3K album. And I can’t stop listening to 3D Country by Geese.
I know one guy that absolutely cannot stand it, and everyone else seems to be loving it!
I assume the people who hate it just wanted him to make a rap album, but if you're open-minded, it is a great psychedelic ambient jazz record.
I've been exploring the *other* weird and wonderful instrumental release from last Friday - When The Roses Come Again by Daniel Bachman
https://threelobed.bandcamp.com/album/when-the-roses-come-again
I'm also practicing my self-defense moves to guard the speaker volume when Alice's Restaurant is played on Thursday, while appeasing the Sad Dads with my new favorite Thanksgiving song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O5SGtAP1e8
Love The National parody! Always room for some Sad Dad humor in my book
https://open.substack.com/pub/marcusmeeks/p/sad-dad-rock-stack-no-1?r=1842ie&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
I should note that it's peak hoodie and shorts season here- the most wonderful time of the year for a Sad Dad.
Lol. I, too, will be guarding the volume on Thursday afternoon.
I listened to some of the new Dylan Budokan box set over the weekend, from 1978. Some old songs dressed up in mostly faster tempos I hadn't heard before. Not all of the attempts are successful, and I grew weary a couple of hours in, but I did appreciate Steve Douglas on the sax really spicing things up in unexpected places. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for a saxophone, wherever I can get it. YMMV.
Nothing wrong with a little saxophone! Not sure how I feel about sped up Dylan tracks, though.
Catching up on Defected Radio podcasts from Defected Records.
Are you ready to rock? Cheap Trick always and forever!
Watched the Hipgnosis doc last week, now I am stuck on 10cc, and there is no end in sight! They are amazing! I always avoided them due to overplay on the radio, but wow, I've been missing out!
You might've already seen it, but this is an Interesting read on Hipgnosis from Matty C.
https://whatamimaking.substack.com/p/squaring-the-circle
Will read now, thank you!
A lotta Pere Ubu and the Clash thanks to you! Also, Sonic Youth. Basically, I'm feeling pretty pure.
Saw Pere Ubu live many many years ago and they put on a blistering show 👌👏
Same! I wasn't sure what to expect, but they blew me away.
Right on! I've been listening to 'Cloudland' a ton over the last few days.
I only have Modern Dance on vinyl and what's available via streaming/online 😭😭
Newish:
Empty Country, Empty Country II (guitar heavy indie band I read about a few weeks ago; album was recorded at Mitch Easter’s studio in NC)
Yo La Tengo, Bunker Sessions EP
Deer Tick, Emotional Contracts + live at a show last week
Old:
XTC, Black Sea (after reading Steve Goldberg’s King for a Day post last week)
Nick Drake, selection of songs from his three albums on a playlist I created awhile back
Talk Talk, Spirit of Eden
Wayne Shorter, Adam’s Apple
Tom Waits, Small Change
The War on Drugs, Live Drugs
Some REM bootlegs
Talk Talk, Spirit of Eden one of the greatest albums of all time.
It is definitely up there in terms of singularity and on my personal desert island list. I just discovered a Talk Talk documentary that was released in 2020 and is on YouTube. It’s called In a Silent Way (very clever title; don’t know it if was approved by Miles Davis’ estate).
Thanks for reminding me! I’ve been meaning to watch that, need to make that happen this week. There’s a great bio on Mark Hollis by Ben Wardle called A Perfect Silence.
Really recommend it!
It’s only available in hard cover for $90!! Hopefully the publisher will print some more paperback editions. I’d like to read it.
Yikes! I can't hit the like button on this, ha! Fingers crossed the price goes down! I did the pre-order so it was a bit cheaper back then.
I know I say it often, but I am always (happily) surprised at how many people in this community love Talk Talk.
Emotional Contracts is so darn good.
Yes, it is. I really like the last track, The Real Thing.
Perfect ender!
I really dug the Bunker Sessions EP. Always a good time for The War On Drugs as well!
Steve Earle and Corb Lund
https://weatheredmusic.ca
This was a great list! Hopefully, you're back to feeling 100%!
Great playlist! For me, new music listens include a live record from Jeff Babko, Mark Guiliana, and Tim Lefebvre (only available at https://samfirstrecords.com/) and Royal Ottawa, who I learned about from the Rosy Overdrive site (RIYL The Church, Eleventh Dream Day). Also, a new one from Jon Dee Graham.
Older stuff: I'm obsessing over Tom Waits' Frank trilogy over the past few days. And because we visited San Pedro over the weekend, I blasted Double Nickels On The Dime the whole time.
Thanks for mentioning Royal Ottawa, they are a band I have followed for many years but rarely get much attention
Right on! I'm looking forward to digging into more of their material. I've only spent time with the new one so far.
Huge shouts for both Royal Ottawa and Rosy Overdirve (both the blog and Discord)!
Excellent playlist, sir. Been a chaotic listen this week for me: "Days" by Real Estate, "Always Right Behind You" by The Zutons, "Pie" by Survival Guide and "Dysphoria Hoodie" by Laura Jane Grace.
Thank you! Chaotic listens are usually the best listens. :)
Speaking of good chaos, how's the new gig going?
Exceptional and with any luck, I can reveal a more formal announcement next Monday!
Right on! I’ll keep an eye out.
I just bought the new album by Joe McAlinden and it's gorgeous and if you hadn't heard of him before, you may recognize some of the other bands he has played in: Superstar, Boy Hairdressers, BMX Bandits, Linden, Groovy Little Numbers and if you don't recognize any of those, you have treasure trove of music to dig into and discover.
https://joemcalinden.bandcamp.com/album/where-the-clouds-go-swimming
I'm in!
"Hanging On The Telephone" is a Blondie fave. I love how it starts off (after the nostalgic ringing phone) with just the syllabic vocal (Debbie!!!) - pulls me in every time and the rest of the song ain't bad. Not written by Blondie - just perfected.
I could listen to "This City's Local Italo DJ Has A Crush On Me" for a while......
Related to "Hanging on The Telephone," I just finished the book "I Don't Fit In" by Paul Collins of The Nerves. It's agreat read, and well worth one's time.
That whole "Beat" band name controversy thing was confusing. I still feel a bit put out by having to say "The English Beat". Not that it is Paul's fault or anything......
I saw Coven and Lucifer last week so lisetning to them and the swedish rabbit hole that follows Lucifer.
Depeche Mode friday so will be hitting that hard this week
Green Day played the halftime show at Grey Cup yesterday so will spin american idiot at least once this week
Were you at the game? I'd love to see DM again! I'll bet it's gonna be a great show.
No woulda been a great one to be at. I've been to 11 grey cups and will go next year in Vancouver. Great Canadiana fun. Hosted 20 folks in our home and enjoyed it.
It should be up my alley, but I've not completed a full listen of the Andre 3000 yet. Some of it hits, some of it meanders. But I haven't been at work since it came out, so maybe I'll put it on tomorrow while fighting my post-PTO inbox! New Iron & Wine live collection is gorgeous. Also digging the Water From Your Eyes remix album the most. An old friend's guitar student put out an album called Like A Doll - def deserves more plays, so get to it my friends: https://open.spotify.com/album/62REtz2VikemFcPSHWSP6v?si=EiFVN44PThOVIk4NIOyvRA
I haven't listened to it yet either, but Post-PTO Inbox is real!
I finally watched the Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit episode of Austin City Limits the other night and it was fantastic. Those songs are still rattling around my head.
Also, the Rinehearts album (Full Bloom) still has its hooks in me. Great power pop.
Posted a new playlist feature on my ’stack yesterday featuring a batch of cover songs which took me back to spending time with some of the original albums:
* Silverchair’s Frogstomp
* Mazzy Star’s So Tonight That I Might See
* Portishead’s Dummy
That's a great trio!
Whiskey Dust--Amazing throwback sound reminiscent of of great late 60's rock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgEjHIUnvuU
Right on!
A recent crate dive find which i'll write up soon!
Best of list is about 50% done 🥹 can’t believe it’s already that time
Right?!
I never know what to say here. I listen to the same old comforting music day in and day out while working! 😂
Nothing wrong with that!
Added bonus: you can just cut-n-paste the same list each week. 😀