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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’s list is an almost 50/50 split between “brand brand new” and “1989ish.” It’s just where my head’s been lately.
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any new releases or shows you’re looking forward to?
As some of you may have seen, I recently wrote about a Best Record of 1989 challenge and noted that I'd be occasionally writing some of these up.
I've started doing some quick hits of each match up and posting them directly to the page here. There's probably some typos. Check 'em out and let me know your thoughts! Chin wags & hot takes welcome! Sharing and restacks always appreciated.
Also: As most of you have seen, I am a huge fan of the music streaming platform Qobuz. The sound quality is second to none, and the entire UX is fantastic. Thanks to our friend Kenn Richards, you can now see it for yourself.
I’m thrilled to share this exclusive offer for 2 free months. Not an ad, and there’s no catch. Just hella good sound quality, solid recommendations tailored to your tastes, and editorials well worth your time.
Note: The codes will be sent out by an actual human over the next several days. Please be patient.
That new Whitney's Playland EP is just great; so glad you highlighted. Had it on all weekend (and definitely "on repeat" since it's so short). And wow - thanks for the reminder on Squirrel Bait. What great records.
Just listening to the playlist and I’ve never heard Whitney’s Playland before and I’m definitely going to have to check out the EP because I’m loving it!
Here in DC we are still buzzing from 4 days of amazing shows to honor Positive Force's 40th anniversary. Given the state of the world, felt so exhilarating to see legendary/generational bands like Soulside, Girls Against Boys, the Swing Kids, Tsunami, Swiz, and others. Will have them all on repeat this week - and maybe mostly Bad Brains, from whence it all began, and because Soulside brought on two members of Scream to cover "I Against I." Breathtaking.
Soroche - https://sorochemusic.com/home ("cumbia is the new punk" goes their motto. Great mix of the genres; included cumbia covers of "I turned into a martian" by the Misfits and "I fought the law.")
Thanks for reminding me to listen to the new Automatic single! That email was getting buried in my inbox…and it sounds great. I got to see Sasha and The Valentines, Robber Robber, Slow Fiction, and Disiniblud on Saturday, which has kept a lot of their music playing in my head. Also, burning through the final reviews for my Best Of 2024: Rock Folk, Etc., which will be out this week. Four more albums to write about!
It feels like a lot of the footage is pretty old, but at the same time, it's completely timeless. Nothing makes you want to listen to Zep for a week straight like seeing exactly how they became who they are. You really get a sense of how absolutely amazing this connection was.
Happy Monday! Not sure if Duffy was ever big in the US, but here in the UK she was a rising star in the late noughties. I’ve been listening to her album Rockferry a lot this weekend, especially the mega hit Warwick Avenue (it was huge around here). Fun fact: I live 10 min walk (5 min drive or less) from Warwick Avenue. I go past it every single day and I still hum the song in my head. For those who are not familiar: https://youtu.be/ScSHEnFNRck?si=R4cEDvVM6HWXcbdo
Admittedly you may find Warwick Avenue a bit schmalzy. I have a feeling the album title track, Rockferry, another favourite of mine, would be more up your street. Hope you enjoy!
I spent much of this weekend preparing a typically mammoth weekend post, this one shouting out more Loud Women. Not all of whom are loud in volume by any means. The post is here:
and it may possibly introduce you to new and young and vibrant acts such as Twat Union, WENCH! and Mona Freaka. I also link to Kathryn Joseph, Ezra Furman, Little Simz, Bambii, plus Carol Kaye and Florence Price. I hope some of you can pop on over for the links and I hope the discussion is reflective.
Some of these above artists were either introduced to me or their new albums highlighted by Qobuz, I am seconding Kevin's recommendation above and in the spirit of supporting Qobuz, I have saved Kevin's playlist on my now free Spotify account and will transfer it over to Qobuz where I feel better about listening!
I am also mesmerized by a new track from James McMurtry, for which I can ALSO thank Qobuz for including in its New Releases playlist I go for every Friday morning. It's called "Sons of the Second Sons" and it goes like this:
Two of my favorites on your playlist today! Allison by the Pixies and Dues by The Sugarcubes ❤️
I took a trip back to the 80s this week! I found some great used records! Truthdare Doubledare by Bronski Beat, Into the Gap by Thompson Twins and Kissing to Be Clever by Culture Club
I must have had Truthdare Doubledare on cassette back in the day - I only recognized Hit That Perfect Beat on the track list, but I was singing along to all of them!
I’ve been listening to and using Homework by Daft Punk as an elixir the last few months and I’m about to put it back on. Marina’s new album Princess of Power is so good and faithful to her progression and commitment to her artistry. It’s encourage me to look back at The Family Jewels and Electra Heart which shaped me as a teenage music aficionado and as an artist, even if I didn’t remember until last week. Love this thread <3
My week was people-heavy with visitors again so I mostly opted for quieter instrumental music at home:
- Mark Guiliana's new solo record, questions (volume one). A spare, peaceful, calming record wherein one of the world's best drummers plays piano backed by subtle electronics.
- Billy Martin's Guilty, which features Marc Ribot on some cuts.
- The new GoGo Penguin - Necessary Fictions. They've become a favorite over the last few years. The best description I've seen of them is "Aphex Twin meets The Bad Plus."
- I Think Like Midnight - This Land Is Your Mind. They're an instrumental band from Philly and are inspired by Pell Mell.
My discovery of the week was Parallels by Minor Conflict, a band from Bristol that includes harp, synth, bass, and drums. They're hard to decribe -- post-punk, post-modern folk, and drone, maybe? Well worth your time.
From Kevin's "Best Record of 1989; Day 20" post I went back into The Cult's catalog for a couple of days. I'm a big fan of 2012's Choice of Weapon, and have always loved the Sonic Temple 30th Anniversary album for the live demos included. Always fascinating as a musician to hear the rough demo to the final track like this Edie demo: https://open.spotify.com/track/3F6SnqJGKZdXso7OdQPQND?si=0bfcea366b954db4
I have a new project I'm working on/in so I'm revisiting the catalogs of many artists that have sadly left us. I spent a great part of my week on the works of George Michael, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Biggie and Tupac. Crazy mix, right?
Right on and thanks for checking out the series! It's been a lot of fun revisiting some of these records (and discovering others). Are you able to say more about the new project?
filmed concerts to me would be a territory for futher exploration, having them compiled on youtube (hopefully in hd), such as https://youtu.be/Ho4D9uJk6LY?si=bluII6Qo6ZYJqiz9 - Bill Ryder-Jones / Yawny Yawn Yawn
Oh, I haven't listened to wild Loneliness in a while! Might need to dust that off when I get home from work this afternoon. It's one of their best, IMO.
With the Music League over, I've returned to my normal listening habits. I've listened to two albums in full last week - one new to me, and one revisit. Both of these come from the year 1968
New:
Archie Shepp - The Magic of Ju-Ju. I've dabbled with a bit of jazz, and I tend to like pieces that are smooth. The Magic of Ju-Ju has a good mix of African influence, particularly with the title track which spans the entire first side (just listen to the drums/congas on this!). However, Archie's playing is a bit harsh to my ear. The shorter tracks are better, with "You're What This Day Is All About" being the highlight on this record.
Revisit:
Pink Floyd - A Saucerful of Secrets. I'm working on compiling my list of my favorite Pink Floyd tracks and considering I haven't listened to some of their albums in a while (or, in the case of a few of them, at all) I figured I'd start with their second album (I've pretty well established my track ratings for their first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn). This album is quite a bit different than the Syd Barrett dominated first album, as the band experiment with their sound. Although many would say Set the Controls... is the highlight here, it's the opening track, Let There Be More Light, that really shines. See-Saw seems a bit out of place, though.
The actual song playing when I opened this post.
Now jamming your playlist.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4zHap579Bjo01DMtsat8GH?si=34qBz7lISae-t5kcFb3E8A&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1Epq6q34fplcOV
I hope you find a couple of new faves on there!
Part Time Lover by Stevie Wonder
Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts.
That new Whitney's Playland EP is just great; so glad you highlighted. Had it on all weekend (and definitely "on repeat" since it's so short). And wow - thanks for the reminder on Squirrel Bait. What great records.
Just listening to the playlist and I’ve never heard Whitney’s Playland before and I’m definitely going to have to check out the EP because I’m loving it!
Right on! I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Of course! Every once in a while I trip across a forgotten gem I haven't heard in forever and it sticks around for a few days.
Here in DC we are still buzzing from 4 days of amazing shows to honor Positive Force's 40th anniversary. Given the state of the world, felt so exhilarating to see legendary/generational bands like Soulside, Girls Against Boys, the Swing Kids, Tsunami, Swiz, and others. Will have them all on repeat this week - and maybe mostly Bad Brains, from whence it all began, and because Soulside brought on two members of Scream to cover "I Against I." Breathtaking.
SOULSIDE! Fantastic!
Now it's my turn to say thanks for the reminder.
A few records worth spinning from the newer/current bands who played:
Sensor Ghost -- https://sensorghost.bandcamp.com/album/irritation-on-demand (very much in the Dismemberment Plan lane; great live set)
Samuel SC - https://samuelsc.bandcamp.com/album/high-places (their older collection 94-95 is also amazing; just wonderfully melodic indie punk)
Des Demonas - https://des-demonas.bandcamp.com/album/apocalyptic-boom-boom (more spoken word-esque lyrically with a phenomenal band that also plays super melodic and catchy indie punk)
Soroche - https://sorochemusic.com/home ("cumbia is the new punk" goes their motto. Great mix of the genres; included cumbia covers of "I turned into a martian" by the Misfits and "I fought the law.")
Miri Tyler - https://mirityler.bandcamp.com/album/memo (member of Ekko Astral and Pretty Bitter -- great solo stuff as well)
Thanks for reminding me to listen to the new Automatic single! That email was getting buried in my inbox…and it sounds great. I got to see Sasha and The Valentines, Robber Robber, Slow Fiction, and Disiniblud on Saturday, which has kept a lot of their music playing in my head. Also, burning through the final reviews for my Best Of 2024: Rock Folk, Etc., which will be out this week. Four more albums to write about!
Ooh, I like Slow Fiction a lot!
I made the mistake of watching the Led Zeppelin doc on Netflix, so now I'm going back and listening to all of their albums in order.
"Mistake" is relative. This music has always touched my soul.
That doc is on my to-do list this week.
It feels like a lot of the footage is pretty old, but at the same time, it's completely timeless. Nothing makes you want to listen to Zep for a week straight like seeing exactly how they became who they are. You really get a sense of how absolutely amazing this connection was.
Possible hot take: "Boogie With Stu" is a top 5 (maybe top 3?) Zep track.
Happy Monday! Not sure if Duffy was ever big in the US, but here in the UK she was a rising star in the late noughties. I’ve been listening to her album Rockferry a lot this weekend, especially the mega hit Warwick Avenue (it was huge around here). Fun fact: I live 10 min walk (5 min drive or less) from Warwick Avenue. I go past it every single day and I still hum the song in my head. For those who are not familiar: https://youtu.be/ScSHEnFNRck?si=R4cEDvVM6HWXcbdo
For a minute I was think of Karen Duffy, the MTV VJ. Oops. Lol. I've never heard of this Duffy! I'm on it.
Admittedly you may find Warwick Avenue a bit schmalzy. I have a feeling the album title track, Rockferry, another favourite of mine, would be more up your street. Hope you enjoy!
Hi all,
I spent much of this weekend preparing a typically mammoth weekend post, this one shouting out more Loud Women. Not all of whom are loud in volume by any means. The post is here:
https://tonyfletcher.substack.com/p/you-must-be-the-singer-of-the-band
and it may possibly introduce you to new and young and vibrant acts such as Twat Union, WENCH! and Mona Freaka. I also link to Kathryn Joseph, Ezra Furman, Little Simz, Bambii, plus Carol Kaye and Florence Price. I hope some of you can pop on over for the links and I hope the discussion is reflective.
Some of these above artists were either introduced to me or their new albums highlighted by Qobuz, I am seconding Kevin's recommendation above and in the spirit of supporting Qobuz, I have saved Kevin's playlist on my now free Spotify account and will transfer it over to Qobuz where I feel better about listening!
I am also mesmerized by a new track from James McMurtry, for which I can ALSO thank Qobuz for including in its New Releases playlist I go for every Friday morning. It's called "Sons of the Second Sons" and it goes like this:
https://open.qobuz.com/track/320645722
Cheers everyone, and stay cool.
Tony
Thank you for the links (and again for the nudge to move these to a better platform)!
Two of my favorites on your playlist today! Allison by the Pixies and Dues by The Sugarcubes ❤️
I took a trip back to the 80s this week! I found some great used records! Truthdare Doubledare by Bronski Beat, Into the Gap by Thompson Twins and Kissing to Be Clever by Culture Club
I must have had Truthdare Doubledare on cassette back in the day - I only recognized Hit That Perfect Beat on the track list, but I was singing along to all of them!
I’ve been listening to and using Homework by Daft Punk as an elixir the last few months and I’m about to put it back on. Marina’s new album Princess of Power is so good and faithful to her progression and commitment to her artistry. It’s encourage me to look back at The Family Jewels and Electra Heart which shaped me as a teenage music aficionado and as an artist, even if I didn’t remember until last week. Love this thread <3
Princess of Power is excellent
Right on! I'm glad you're enjoying it.
The list shared above is a keeper.
Good Morning from San Diego. Here is this weeks ear candy for me.
1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3wBlm9P7dw8ZMh4DgXzNcJ?si=667510827c394f06
2. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=1d401d96e0e44702
3. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EpiZRrzSeuNAh?si=d5d1b1b02301436f
As always the music speaks for itself....
My week was people-heavy with visitors again so I mostly opted for quieter instrumental music at home:
- Mark Guiliana's new solo record, questions (volume one). A spare, peaceful, calming record wherein one of the world's best drummers plays piano backed by subtle electronics.
- Billy Martin's Guilty, which features Marc Ribot on some cuts.
- The new GoGo Penguin - Necessary Fictions. They've become a favorite over the last few years. The best description I've seen of them is "Aphex Twin meets The Bad Plus."
- I Think Like Midnight - This Land Is Your Mind. They're an instrumental band from Philly and are inspired by Pell Mell.
My discovery of the week was Parallels by Minor Conflict, a band from Bristol that includes harp, synth, bass, and drums. They're hard to decribe -- post-punk, post-modern folk, and drone, maybe? Well worth your time.
Looking forward to the playlist and your picks!
Thanks for these, Dave! Al are new to me, and that's the best kind of homework!
Cosey Fanni Tutti - 2t2
Yes!
Really enjoying the new S.G. Goodman album and that’s been on heavy rotation since Friday: https://open.spotify.com/album/38zMhd9RDzHVfklw3BKM7t
Also been listening to some earlier 2025 releases:
• Young Gun Silver Fox: https://open.spotify.com/album/2rSFElg59cejwJMS8kG1G4
• Turnstile: https://open.spotify.com/album/52yD51X7yDinwlg6tbCtpP
• Dax Riggs: https://open.spotify.com/album/4lzIeoBYz2rx7juW4sgCpB
• Men I Trust: https://open.spotify.com/album/7dJPDPUi94jA91VxG4vZb3
Spent some time revisiting The Smiths over the weekend: Meat Is Murder, Hatful of Hollow
Lastly, listened to Blues Traveler’s four a few times as I wrote about “Just Wait” for a newly launched series on my all-time favorite songs, which those interested can find here: https://open.substack.com/pub/joyinthejourney/p/all-time-favorite-songs-just-wait
YGSF is fantastic! Already on my AOTY shortlist.
For anyone scrolling the comments, Mark's new series is off to a solid start, and well worth your time.
From Kevin's "Best Record of 1989; Day 20" post I went back into The Cult's catalog for a couple of days. I'm a big fan of 2012's Choice of Weapon, and have always loved the Sonic Temple 30th Anniversary album for the live demos included. Always fascinating as a musician to hear the rough demo to the final track like this Edie demo: https://open.spotify.com/track/3F6SnqJGKZdXso7OdQPQND?si=0bfcea366b954db4
I have a new project I'm working on/in so I'm revisiting the catalogs of many artists that have sadly left us. I spent a great part of my week on the works of George Michael, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Biggie and Tupac. Crazy mix, right?
Right on and thanks for checking out the series! It's been a lot of fun revisiting some of these records (and discovering others). Are you able to say more about the new project?
On repeat this morning...Raspberry Moon by Hotline TNT
https://open.spotify.com/album/3MVdeSmUl32TTzLy6dFFtZ?si=hBCQY83UQ1Kn5hA6wji_yg
I've been meaning to give this record a listen! I'm really digging it!
Fishbone...
Love Fishbone! So underrated.
(gasp)
No way!
way! Chris Dowd stops by for a chat.
Romeo Void - Never Say Never, had not heard this song any many moons.
Awesome track by a band that never got the fame they deserved.
Jethro Tull: This Was, Aqualung, Thick As A Brick & The Broadsword and the Beast
It was interesting to hear the evolution of the band.
Finally got around to listening to Very Human Features, the new Bug Club album, which is great!
Highlight of the week however was the release of the new We Are Scientists single, What You Want Is Gone which has got to be amongst the best songs they’ve ever recorded. I have been listening obsessively for the best part of the week! https://open.spotify.com/track/12BTAAHdMxOeCd7CAh0Swb?si=x6dg3Tv0SDSgRtwo-HNT_A
I think I mentioned it elsewhere, but I love how into this band you are. It's fun to see.
Just as well! It’s only going to get worse until after the album release 😂😉
filmed concerts to me would be a territory for futher exploration, having them compiled on youtube (hopefully in hd), such as https://youtu.be/Ho4D9uJk6LY?si=bluII6Qo6ZYJqiz9 - Bill Ryder-Jones / Yawny Yawn Yawn
Currently sitting in the balcony at The Moore in Seattle waiting for Rhiannon Giddens to take the stage!
Nice! I hope she brought the house down!
The advance singles from the upcoming Superchunk album sent me back to Wild Loneliness and then that lead me back to Spoon's Lucifer on the Sofa.
Just finishing up Waxahatchee's Tigers Blood, so I guess I'm in a mode of listening to favorites from the last few years.
Oh, I haven't listened to wild Loneliness in a while! Might need to dust that off when I get home from work this afternoon. It's one of their best, IMO.
Agreed and "If You're Not Dark" is one of their best closers.
Hey Kevin! Here's my latest new finds: https://danpal.substack.com/p/new-music-van-morrison-bc-camplight?r=lru5s
Day late, but any other The Sea and Cake fans? It's impossible to listen to just one album and not go through the entire discography.
With the Music League over, I've returned to my normal listening habits. I've listened to two albums in full last week - one new to me, and one revisit. Both of these come from the year 1968
New:
Archie Shepp - The Magic of Ju-Ju. I've dabbled with a bit of jazz, and I tend to like pieces that are smooth. The Magic of Ju-Ju has a good mix of African influence, particularly with the title track which spans the entire first side (just listen to the drums/congas on this!). However, Archie's playing is a bit harsh to my ear. The shorter tracks are better, with "You're What This Day Is All About" being the highlight on this record.
Revisit:
Pink Floyd - A Saucerful of Secrets. I'm working on compiling my list of my favorite Pink Floyd tracks and considering I haven't listened to some of their albums in a while (or, in the case of a few of them, at all) I figured I'd start with their second album (I've pretty well established my track ratings for their first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn). This album is quite a bit different than the Syd Barrett dominated first album, as the band experiment with their sound. Although many would say Set the Controls... is the highlight here, it's the opening track, Let There Be More Light, that really shines. See-Saw seems a bit out of place, though.