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On to the music:
For those of you who are new, we kick off every week by sharing what we’ve been playing.
The playlist below is some of what I’ve had in heavy rotation. This week was a blend of brand new, new to me, and some old favorites.
What’s yours like?
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any luck crate digging? Some yard sale finds? Are there any upcoming releases or shows you’re excited about?
So whatcha got? Share your thoughts in the comments!
* Naim Amor - Stories. Naim is a French guitarist who's been in the Tucson scene since the late 90s. He's a frequent collaborator with Calexico's John Convertino and favors Morricone-esque instrumentals. Good stuff. Fort Lowell Records is a great label.
* The Chills - I revisited most of their catalog after we lost Martin Phillips.
* The Last Dinner Party - Prelude To Ecstasy. It was time to return to a favorite from early in the year.
* I watched the Peter Case documentary, A Million Miles Away. It's fantastic! I've been a fan since the days of The Plimsouls. His early solo records were ahead of their time, foreshadowing the kind of smart adult alternative/Americana that would come years later. They featured Peter's great songwriting and timeless voice supported by the production of T-Bone Burnett and Mitchell Froom and a hall of Fame supporting cast: David Hidalgo, Jim Keltner, Ry Cooder, Van Dyne Parks, David Lindley, and Benmont Tench, among many others. Peter took a turn towards more stripped-down, hard-biting folk after that. There's not a bad record in his catalog.
Looking forward to the playlist and everyone's picks. Have a great week!
I dusted off my Ned's Atomic Dustbin albums last week and revisited God Fodder and Are You Normal? Over the weekend I hit a few of my favorites record stores and scored a few Miles Davis records I have been looking for so those got a lot of turntable time.
I've been listening to the debut from Brigitte Calls Me Baby -- very 2020s does the 80s does the 50s (I've been describing it as "what if Roy Orbison had a jangle pop band"). On the one hand, kitsch. On the other hand, talent.
I'm really impressed by "Smoke and Fiction." As a farewell, it's rightfully nostalgic, while at the same time showing this band is going out in style. Considering it was 35 years between albums for the original lineup, the last two have not harmed their legacy at all.
I do as well, and I still like "See How We Are" despite the dated production, largely due to the title track and "Fourth of July." ("Ain't Love Grand" is a different story.)
Same here for See How We Are for the reasons you mentioned. And Tony Gilkyson is an underrated guitarist. If I remember right, he and Dave Alvin might both be on some tracks.
I've always loved that the title track was inspired by John Doe talking to either David Hidalgo or Cesar Rosas about social issues when David/Cesar said, "see how we are, man?"
Wand - Vertigo. Didn’t get a lot of time with this record during release week, making up for lost time. A lot of atmosphere created on each song. Sneakily one of my favorite releases of the year. Senor Fix and I came to the same conclusion: thar be some Radiohead influence. This goes straight to my AOTY list.
Kal Marks - Wasteland Baby single Insects. My Name is Hell was one of my absolute faves in 2022, Insects got me real excited. Really excited.
Jack White - No Name. yes. YEs. YESSSSSSSSSS! Thank you for the ear steaks!
Used:
BIG SPECIAL - POST INDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES. A decent album that I have been revisiting on the dl.
Moldy:
Pile - Magic Isn’t Real. New Pile is on the horizon. Old Pile can be in your ears on demand. The loud/quiet dynamic in this group is off-the-charts. High energy. Lyrically dense. Normally not into screamy bits, but Pile gets an exemption.
The Smile - I wish there was more. A Light for Attracting Attention and Wall of Eyes are both at the tippy-top of my favorite records of all time. Teasing a new release of some type. Don’t threaten me with a good time!
Shuffling: All Them Witches, QOTSA, Blonde Redhead
Didn't listen to much this week, but I did listen to an album that just came out yesterday: Giselle - Through It All. Featuring some R&B influence, this album is a departure from what I normally listen to. However, it's a good and quick listen.
Mustard is listening to Kero Kero Bonito. Their album "Bonito Generation" has replaced caffeine for their human intern. Listening to this album energizes them and provides them with their daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.
Kevin is once again grateful for Mustard being here and dropping good recs. Kevin would also like to remind mustard that nothing will ever replace caffeine-- not even a good record!
I have a long-running obsessive love affair with "First Version/Take 2," the original, extended slow take of Helter Skelter, and this weekend I indulged that love affair fully. I love the official version of Helter Skelter, but IMO, the original slowed-down Helter Skelter is one of the Fabs' finest recordings.
Recorded during a creative period when they were playing a lot with tempo as a creative tool (they also experimented, of course, with fast/slow versions of Revolution),"First Version/Take 2" is especially magical late at night, when you're tired or in an altered state of consciousness, when the hypnotic and erotic power of it really comes out.
It's easy to be deceived by the apparent simplicity, but even after listening to it probably hundreds of times over the course of years, I still hear something new in it almost every time. The complexity is even more mind-blowing when you realise this is only their second take of the song. The shamanic otherworldliness of Ringo's tom... Paul's tortured, broken vocal weaving in and out of his and George's guitars, John's bass pulsing like the best sex you've ever had... as it goes on, it builds, ebbs, surges, intricate and complex . It's essentially the Beatles' take on Bolero -- live, improvised and with no overdubs.
Hello and good afternoon from Birmingham! Too much music, not enough time, never got around to listening to Eric Clapton. Glad you shared this as I'm now into guitar playing, and will appreciate it more now than I might have done when it came out.
Not sure what to say. I refuse to listen to Dragons or Lenny, so I queued up Fastball and Alfie and those two tracks were quite enjoyable. I don't know how you managed to mix these artists together on the same playlist. But thanks.
Well the big question is why refuse Dragons and Lenny! The latter's album, in particular, is very good this year. My current playlists are always based on whatever I am into at the moment, regardless of genre. My tastes cover a number of genres but basically I like a lot of indie pop/rock.
Spent some time with my vinyl collection and sharing it with my kids!
Tears for Fears - Songs From the Big Chair - a request from my 13 yo son.
Depeche Mode - Black Celebration
The Smiths - (self titled or no title lol)
Elton John - Madman Across the Water - a request from my 15yo son.
Madonna - Like a Virgin for my 16yo daughter.
Curated a 20 minute set for vinyl night at a brewery. Not a theme night, but was too overwhelmed with what to play out of my collection, but a theme emerged when my Salvation soundtrack album ended up right next to my 12” of Personal Jesus… so, I played a Jesus/God set.
Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus
Jumpin’ Jesus - You Can’t Blackmail Jesus (Salvation soundtrack)
XTC - Dear God
Depeche Mode - Blasphemous Rumors
I really wanted to throw on New Order - Touched by the Hand of God (from the Salvation soundtrack), but that would have put me over the time limit.
I am curious as to your 16 year old's take on Madonna, back when music seemed to be her primary focus. Back when music seemed to be MTV's primary focus.
Hahaha forgot all about Plastic Jesus! I don’t have that on vinyl sadly!
My daughter loved Madonna! She actually went through a phase last year where she was playing Material Girl and Dress You Up! So when I found I still had that in my collection I was pretty excited to share it with her!
I have no skin in the game either way, but I remain interested in what the general feeling is re: whether her best music has held up overall. (whatever you think that "best" is -- I'd say anything from her debut through Ray of Light). I'm less interested in whether she's still popular or listened to and more in wherher the music itself holds up or whether her undeniably colossal influence is more about non-musical elements like her stage shows, etc.
Well, if we crank it back to her first four albums, ending with Like a Prayer, then I would say, for me, her early music still holds up. If I come across it on the radio, I listen. She lost me when she became general entertainment.
Hmmm. Actually, I have more to say about that than is appropriate for this comment thread. I will attempt to collect my thoughts into a Medium article. Deal?
I look forward to it! Kevin tends in my experience to be pretty good about encouraging dialogue, But I would very much like someone to tackle this topic In whatever form.
My .02: Like A Virgin holds up really well. "True Blue" holds up, but feels very much of the time it was made. Ray of Light isn't my thing, but I do think it's underrated.
I did a little reading to see what the consensus was and I was surprised to find a lot of people put True Blue at the top. I don’t disagree necessarily, though I have no firm opinion on this. I do like the subtlety and nuance of it. IMO, it’s a more mature album, oddly, than the ones before and after.
The new Brigitte Called Me Baby release is getting a lot of listens, as well as the new Wrest single (you know how I fee about Scottish indie, Kevin). New Yam Haus and Pom Pom Club singles are also on my repeat listens list this week!
Also revisited Bedtime For Democracy by The Dead Kennedys thanks to the Kamala holding vinyls meme. Lyrics to songs like Rambozo the Clown are so 80's but still so good.
Thanks for including Rain King. August and Everything After is one of the handful of perfect production jobs by T Bone Burnett IMHO.
Listened to Wolfgang Van Halen on Marc Maron's podcast last week, and then I watched the Behind the Music episode about him.
Was struck by how grounded, genuine, and soft-spoken the dude was. Just seems like a stand-up and very quiet and humble.
Got both his Mammoth MVH albums and have been playing them on loops. Kid has talent to burn. Given that he plays all the instruments, it is pretty solid work. No complaints.
Probably not going to be my favorite records, but very good stuff nonetheless.
Like others, I've had the new Jack White on repeat the last week. I'm getting my copy on vinyl this weekend and I can't wait. It feels like he just said "fine, you want a new White Stripes album? I'll give it to you!"
I can't tell if Yellow Submarine is on there or not.... 🤔😎
😎 Yeah ,I just somehow couldn’t access the actual playlist… it might be my tired brain…
Oh, this time it loaded. Might just have been lag.
It is! track 5. :)
Spearmint are brilliant!
This is a great list!
Kenny Rogers - Lady
New single by emerging r&b singer and vocalist, Michael Mayo:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1o8JBmBFBiC9QZEpgpD2oC?si=3ba74f77e8844f08
Thanks for the link, Reka! This is a new name for me.
He's great! I recommend keeping an eye and ear on his new album :)
Hello and good morning from the left coast. Here is what has been in my ears...
1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=31ff126e19ea446b
2. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EpiZRrzSeuNAh?si=554e74849dcb4be6
Best Coast! As always, thanks for the links.
Seeing Gaslight Anthem tomorrow night!
Just started listening to them this weekend, I like them a great deal. I am jealous you get to see them live!
Nice! Have fun tonight!
My last week was about:
* Naim Amor - Stories. Naim is a French guitarist who's been in the Tucson scene since the late 90s. He's a frequent collaborator with Calexico's John Convertino and favors Morricone-esque instrumentals. Good stuff. Fort Lowell Records is a great label.
* The Chills - I revisited most of their catalog after we lost Martin Phillips.
* The Last Dinner Party - Prelude To Ecstasy. It was time to return to a favorite from early in the year.
* I watched the Peter Case documentary, A Million Miles Away. It's fantastic! I've been a fan since the days of The Plimsouls. His early solo records were ahead of their time, foreshadowing the kind of smart adult alternative/Americana that would come years later. They featured Peter's great songwriting and timeless voice supported by the production of T-Bone Burnett and Mitchell Froom and a hall of Fame supporting cast: David Hidalgo, Jim Keltner, Ry Cooder, Van Dyne Parks, David Lindley, and Benmont Tench, among many others. Peter took a turn towards more stripped-down, hard-biting folk after that. There's not a bad record in his catalog.
Looking forward to the playlist and everyone's picks. Have a great week!
Very sad to hear about the loss of Martin, The Chills made some amazing music
Right? What a gutpunch.
Oh, that doc sounds fantastic! I'm a huge fan of both The Plimsouls and The Nerves.
A bit of a tangent, but have you read Paul Coillins' book, "I Don't Fit In?" It's pretty good.
I haven't -- thanks for the rec! There's some great Nerves and Plimsouls footage in the doc and the Jack Lee interview segments are entertaining.
I dusted off my Ned's Atomic Dustbin albums last week and revisited God Fodder and Are You Normal? Over the weekend I hit a few of my favorites record stores and scored a few Miles Davis records I have been looking for so those got a lot of turntable time.
Sounds like a killer haul!
I've been listening to the debut from Brigitte Calls Me Baby -- very 2020s does the 80s does the 50s (I've been describing it as "what if Roy Orbison had a jangle pop band"). On the one hand, kitsch. On the other hand, talent.
That description sounds incredible! I'm on it!
With a description like this, I had to give it a listen!! I’m really loving what I’ve heard so far, thanks for the rec!!
UPDATE: Listening to "Pink Palace" as I type this, and it could very easily be right at home on any Judybats record.
NOT THEIR BEST BUT...
* X 'Smoke & Fiction' - Worthy farewell.
* Joe Ely 'Driven to Drive' - He's an unappreciated treasure.
Parannoul 'Sky Hundred' - Good noisy but a bit of a retread.
* Jack White 'No Name' - Surprised me as I'm generally not a fan.
WHAT THE...?
* Smashing Pumpkins 'Aghori Mhori Mei' - Ponderous, hookless, lazy & meh.
POLISHED GEMS
Catherine Wheel 'Ferment'
Michael Kiwanuka 'Kiwanuka'
Whatever Billy Corgan is trying to do these days; not working for me at all.
I'm really impressed by "Smoke and Fiction." As a farewell, it's rightfully nostalgic, while at the same time showing this band is going out in style. Considering it was 35 years between albums for the original lineup, the last two have not harmed their legacy at all.
I agree and am certain it will grow on me, though I'll always have a soft spot for the early albums.
I do as well, and I still like "See How We Are" despite the dated production, largely due to the title track and "Fourth of July." ("Ain't Love Grand" is a different story.)
'See How We Are' on Unplugged often makes me cry.
Same here for See How We Are for the reasons you mentioned. And Tony Gilkyson is an underrated guitarist. If I remember right, he and Dave Alvin might both be on some tracks.
I've always loved that the title track was inspired by John Doe talking to either David Hidalgo or Cesar Rosas about social issues when David/Cesar said, "see how we are, man?"
Agreed!
I want to like anything new from Smashing Pumpkins, but, man, they don't make it easy!
Jacques Blanc. I mean, Jack White. Old-fashioned, newly minted guitar rock. Look for commentary by me in a coupla days.
Right on! Looking forward to it, Professor!
New:
Wand - Vertigo. Didn’t get a lot of time with this record during release week, making up for lost time. A lot of atmosphere created on each song. Sneakily one of my favorite releases of the year. Senor Fix and I came to the same conclusion: thar be some Radiohead influence. This goes straight to my AOTY list.
Kal Marks - Wasteland Baby single Insects. My Name is Hell was one of my absolute faves in 2022, Insects got me real excited. Really excited.
Parcels - Live Vol 1. Not my normal jams, but jams nonetheless: https://youtu.be/e4TFD2PfVPw?si=OWSAURMmr-jYdHRT
Jack White - No Name. yes. YEs. YESSSSSSSSSS! Thank you for the ear steaks!
Used:
BIG SPECIAL - POST INDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES. A decent album that I have been revisiting on the dl.
Moldy:
Pile - Magic Isn’t Real. New Pile is on the horizon. Old Pile can be in your ears on demand. The loud/quiet dynamic in this group is off-the-charts. High energy. Lyrically dense. Normally not into screamy bits, but Pile gets an exemption.
Metallica - Ride the Lightening. I need no reminder to listen to this excellent album. A reminder I did get via Matt Fish and Evan McCrea earlier in the week: https://open.substack.com/pub/bestmusicofalltime/p/ride-the-lightning-by-metallica?r=ax9p1&utm_medium=ios
The Smile - I wish there was more. A Light for Attracting Attention and Wall of Eyes are both at the tippy-top of my favorite records of all time. Teasing a new release of some type. Don’t threaten me with a good time!
Shuffling: All Them Witches, QOTSA, Blonde Redhead
After last week, I'm all in on Wand.
Welcome to the cult!
Have you heard Mermaid Chunky? Check out Céilí. The "a bunch of pagan women dancing around Stonehenge at sunrise many hundred years ago" vibes are strong with this one: https://open.spotify.com/track/41Eisf4jbJh4UvFZfzVqju?si=d12ab87d48414a7e
And then I got their covid-era "Friends" stuck in my head too. I like the noisy discordant boppiness, and the sax work in the mid-late song is a triumph. https://open.spotify.com/track/1maOgrDp5vXn10emaTG9JZ?si=2db02f3280474b10
I haven't! Thanks for both of these!
Didn't listen to much this week, but I did listen to an album that just came out yesterday: Giselle - Through It All. Featuring some R&B influence, this album is a departure from what I normally listen to. However, it's a good and quick listen.
A bit of a departure from my usual as well. Sounds intriguing, though. I'll cue it up here shortly!
Mustard is listening to Kero Kero Bonito. Their album "Bonito Generation" has replaced caffeine for their human intern. Listening to this album energizes them and provides them with their daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.
https://kerokerobonito.bandcamp.com/album/bonito-generation
Kevin is once again grateful for Mustard being here and dropping good recs. Kevin would also like to remind mustard that nothing will ever replace caffeine-- not even a good record!
I have a long-running obsessive love affair with "First Version/Take 2," the original, extended slow take of Helter Skelter, and this weekend I indulged that love affair fully. I love the official version of Helter Skelter, but IMO, the original slowed-down Helter Skelter is one of the Fabs' finest recordings.
Recorded during a creative period when they were playing a lot with tempo as a creative tool (they also experimented, of course, with fast/slow versions of Revolution),"First Version/Take 2" is especially magical late at night, when you're tired or in an altered state of consciousness, when the hypnotic and erotic power of it really comes out.
It's easy to be deceived by the apparent simplicity, but even after listening to it probably hundreds of times over the course of years, I still hear something new in it almost every time. The complexity is even more mind-blowing when you realise this is only their second take of the song. The shamanic otherworldliness of Ringo's tom... Paul's tortured, broken vocal weaving in and out of his and George's guitars, John's bass pulsing like the best sex you've ever had... as it goes on, it builds, ebbs, surges, intricate and complex . It's essentially the Beatles' take on Bolero -- live, improvised and with no overdubs.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2BbdhHnHe6ui0g80alt3ZY?si=ef4b176581e846ee
Hello all and good afternoon from London! This morning I decided to spin Eric Clapton’s 461 Ocean Boulevard on vinyl. Sublime.
Hello and good afternoon from Birmingham! Too much music, not enough time, never got around to listening to Eric Clapton. Glad you shared this as I'm now into guitar playing, and will appreciate it more now than I might have done when it came out.
You’re in for a real treat! Ocean Boulevard and Slowhand are my favourite of his.
Shazy Hade... and tomorrow's Mix n' Match Podcast... well, editing that one. That counts, right?
Totally counts! Doubly so since they're from Madison.
Finally found a suitable Frutiger Aero playlist, ideal for background music while doing chores at home:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5tHLi307wjZY2ePmVQSgkG?si=MZl25K3zQ3-i5seESoO3bg&pi=u-JyVAaqH2ST6Y
Chet Baker Big Band - 1956
Jack White - No Name
Scott Pilgrim vs The World OST
Waylon Jennings - Lonesome, On'ry and Mean
That run of albums by Waylon in the early 70s as he's finding his outlaw voice is so so good <3
Couldn’t agree more. You can hear something special happening on all those albums.
Yes!
New to my top rotation this week:
Wake Up - Imagine Dragons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q392mSz4VeY
Heaven - Lenny Kravitz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncbT489One4
America - Fastball https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzJjgTq2tcA
This is Just the Beginning - Alfie Templeman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVbbqyGtWkw
Not sure what to say. I refuse to listen to Dragons or Lenny, so I queued up Fastball and Alfie and those two tracks were quite enjoyable. I don't know how you managed to mix these artists together on the same playlist. But thanks.
Well the big question is why refuse Dragons and Lenny! The latter's album, in particular, is very good this year. My current playlists are always based on whatever I am into at the moment, regardless of genre. My tastes cover a number of genres but basically I like a lot of indie pop/rock.
That's a great rotation right there, Dan!
Spent some time with my vinyl collection and sharing it with my kids!
Tears for Fears - Songs From the Big Chair - a request from my 13 yo son.
Depeche Mode - Black Celebration
The Smiths - (self titled or no title lol)
Elton John - Madman Across the Water - a request from my 15yo son.
Madonna - Like a Virgin for my 16yo daughter.
Curated a 20 minute set for vinyl night at a brewery. Not a theme night, but was too overwhelmed with what to play out of my collection, but a theme emerged when my Salvation soundtrack album ended up right next to my 12” of Personal Jesus… so, I played a Jesus/God set.
Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus
Jumpin’ Jesus - You Can’t Blackmail Jesus (Salvation soundtrack)
XTC - Dear God
Depeche Mode - Blasphemous Rumors
I really wanted to throw on New Order - Touched by the Hand of God (from the Salvation soundtrack), but that would have put me over the time limit.
I don't care if it rains or freezes
As long as I got my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car........
I am curious as to your 16 year old's take on Madonna, back when music seemed to be her primary focus. Back when music seemed to be MTV's primary focus.
Hahaha forgot all about Plastic Jesus! I don’t have that on vinyl sadly!
My daughter loved Madonna! She actually went through a phase last year where she was playing Material Girl and Dress You Up! So when I found I still had that in my collection I was pretty excited to share it with her!
Possible hot take: "Dress You Up" is Madonna's best song.
I have no skin in the game either way, but I remain interested in what the general feeling is re: whether her best music has held up overall. (whatever you think that "best" is -- I'd say anything from her debut through Ray of Light). I'm less interested in whether she's still popular or listened to and more in wherher the music itself holds up or whether her undeniably colossal influence is more about non-musical elements like her stage shows, etc.
Well, if we crank it back to her first four albums, ending with Like a Prayer, then I would say, for me, her early music still holds up. If I come across it on the radio, I listen. She lost me when she became general entertainment.
Can you clarify what you mean by general entertainment? Genuinely interested here.
Hmmm. Actually, I have more to say about that than is appropriate for this comment thread. I will attempt to collect my thoughts into a Medium article. Deal?
I look forward to it! Kevin tends in my experience to be pretty good about encouraging dialogue, But I would very much like someone to tackle this topic In whatever form.
You are always welcome to chat here! That said, if you write one for Medium, please share the link!
My .02: Like A Virgin holds up really well. "True Blue" holds up, but feels very much of the time it was made. Ray of Light isn't my thing, but I do think it's underrated.
What about Like a Prayer?
Also solid. I'd place it behind Like a Virgin, and ahead of True Blue.
I did a little reading to see what the consensus was and I was surprised to find a lot of people put True Blue at the top. I don’t disagree necessarily, though I have no firm opinion on this. I do like the subtlety and nuance of it. IMO, it’s a more mature album, oddly, than the ones before and after.
Remember those days?
One must always make time for New Order! lol.
Seriously, though; vinyl night sounds like a ton of fun!
Living and Learning by The Wedding Present.
Nice!
Nomeansno.
That's the answer.
YES!
This is now my favorite live performance by anyone:
https://youtu.be/w8UUuhVQtYU
Some great picks this week, Kevin. Looking forward to listening to this!
86TVs have released their debut album this week and it is fabulous! So excited for the instore on Thursday.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5XpLHF74WCwQdWGao3ahjh?si=QSyBhCtKQsGZnMC50PLgrg
Great new single from Gem County also
https://open.spotify.com/track/6zacGTyjm02ZLSJzQtbWaV?si=m6e93bv-QKGj-mB1Tc_rGA
86TVs have been popping up everywhere on my timeline(s) the last couple of days. The universe must be trying to tell me something!
I’m obsessing over ‘80s new wave - particularly “The Promise” by “When in Rome” / it’s the ultimate ear worm and loop that keeps on persisting
A total earworm...and for a staple of school dances for those of us of, um, a certain age like me.
The new Brigitte Called Me Baby release is getting a lot of listens, as well as the new Wrest single (you know how I fee about Scottish indie, Kevin). New Yam Haus and Pom Pom Club singles are also on my repeat listens list this week!
I certainly do! It's good to see you back here!
Scored a vinyl copy of Midnight Oil's 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 at The World's Longest Yard Sale this weekend:
https://www.127yardsale.com
Also revisited Bedtime For Democracy by The Dead Kennedys thanks to the Kamala holding vinyls meme. Lyrics to songs like Rambozo the Clown are so 80's but still so good.
Thanks for including Rain King. August and Everything After is one of the handful of perfect production jobs by T Bone Burnett IMHO.
This looks like a blast! How far down (or up) the route did you go?
The Kamala record memes have been hilarious. With her announcing Walz as her VP pick, those have been strong out of the gate as well.
Listened to Wolfgang Van Halen on Marc Maron's podcast last week, and then I watched the Behind the Music episode about him.
Was struck by how grounded, genuine, and soft-spoken the dude was. Just seems like a stand-up and very quiet and humble.
Got both his Mammoth MVH albums and have been playing them on loops. Kid has talent to burn. Given that he plays all the instruments, it is pretty solid work. No complaints.
Probably not going to be my favorite records, but very good stuff nonetheless.
Same! Not my usual cup of tea, but there's no denying his talent.
Soundgarden
Hell yeah
The new single by Greg Williams is a beatiful song - https://gregwilliams.bandcamp.com/track/the-things-that-make-me-happy-2
Low Cut Connie - "Help Me". It lifts me up. Every time (not just one time).
The Memorials - acceptable experience single
Liz Lawrence - peanuts
Emilia - villiakissa - lost -to me- early 80's synth
Gene Clarke - Back Street Mirror revisited.
Great mix here, Kenn!
I am listening to the record CHIPPED FRONT TOOTH by Scott Holt.
Old stuff:
- The Closest Thing to Silence by Ariel Kalma, Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer (EP / electronic)
- U. F. Orb by The Orb (album / electronic)
- 22, A MILLION by Bon Iver (album / alternative)
New stuff:
- Safe by Nolan Green (EP / instrumental)
- Instability of the Signal by Simon Fisher Turner (album / avant garde)
- Mid Spiral by BADBADNOTGOOD (album / jazz)
I'm really digging Nolan's new EP! Awesome to see someone else is enjoying it as well.
MidgevUre, Ultravox.
Trying to step out of the norm.
That's a bit out of your normal lane!
Lol... I know, right?
I have seen him twice in Chicago. Fantastic concert both times. He is playing again later this month, I really want to go again.
I know he is "pop", but not all pop music is bad. When it's this good, you just have to give it a go
New Jane Remover and Magdalena Bay singles are really good!
Got stuck on Sufjan Stevens' "Javelin" again this weekend. Might just be his best album yet.
I cannot stop listening to the new Jack White. So so good!
Also, spent some time with Midnight Oil's Diesel and Dust over the weekend. What a great record.
Like others, I've had the new Jack White on repeat the last week. I'm getting my copy on vinyl this weekend and I can't wait. It feels like he just said "fine, you want a new White Stripes album? I'll give it to you!"
New name for me: Bullion - his duet with Carly Rae Jepsen "Rare" is pretty slap!
Late as ever (comment #115 this week might by a new record) but here's my weekly Recent and Decent mix. Looking forward to blocking out the campsite tonight and listening to your tracks! https://open.substack.com/pub/recentanddecent/p/recent-and-decent-32?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1z6rnh
Never too late to weigh in! Thanks for the link!
A very Wipers-heavy playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1E8C0FZA1mJyJz?si=9ae1929c594142b7
Any fan of Wipers is a friend of mine!
Such great songs!!! I can't stop listening to ''Drive My Car'' - The Hotrats cover for some reason. :)