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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, we’ve got new sounds from Cumulus, Silvis, Crossword Smiles, and more!
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Any new releases or shows you’re looking forward to?
Before you go: As most of you have seen, I am a huge fan of music the 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.
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Happy Easter Monday everyone! "UK trains" piqued my curiosity. Cool track! Classic rock and roll vibes.
On a different note, this morning I was spinning Madonna's Immaculate collection. Early European pressing. I tend to prefer albums over compilations, but this one sounds so damn good. My sins have been washed away in the best kind of way 😉
Fuck I’ve just heard the Pope died! Not sure at this stage whether it was my sins, Madonna’s, or both. I mean, he was Argentinian after all, and there was a certain Evita movie as I was growing up there in the mid-90s 🤩
Perfect setting to film the sequel to Conclave! 😁 No need for Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci or John Lithgow. Reality probably surpasses the intrigue of the film anyway.
Pope was like “I’ve had enough” 😂 To be fair though, I can’t think of any current world leader/second in command I would actually find pleasant to talk to.
Look forward to checking these out - mostly new names. Still very focused on Fust and Los Piranas here at 3Albums6OldGuys, as our new post makes clear, but also been revisiting classic Waterboys thanks to the new record -- https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/6ogs-on-the-patio-fust-los-piranas
I’ve been spinning Wax Tailor’s debut album Tales of the Forgotten Melodies religiously this week. I know the album is 20 years old, but somehow the artist had completely slipped under my radar until now. I recently came across the single Que Sera in a Mixcloud set and was instantly hooked. It’s that sample-based hip-hop/trip-hop vibe you get from artists like DJ Shadow or The Avalanches, 100% my kind of sound. I was so happy to stumble upon this hidden gem. Music really has the power to make you happy😃, and this was one of those moments for me.
I'm making a playlist called "Slow to Fast" right now. I am in search of songs that start out slow and then gradually speed up into a frenzy. Examples are here:
Note: this is really different than an abrupt tempo change, which is far, far easier to find in punk and metal. Triple bonus points if I like the song you suggest.
There's always a band I "forgot" on your playlist. This week it was Fischerspooner. I've got to revisit them. The 2000's were one of my favorite music decades. So I'm share a few samples of the breadth of that decade over the next few weeks beginning with Part 1 – The Mellower Cuts
** Tunde Adebimpe 'Thee Black Boltz' - Imagine TV on the Radio got fed up with subtlety, plugged in Tricky’s hard drive, and came out preaching glitchy gospel to the rhythmically confused.
* Mien 'Miien' - Think The Horrors & The Black Angels get together, tone down the garage and turn up the kraut, for synthrock that's equal parts groove and hallucination.
* Gentle Leader XIV 'Joke In The Shadow' - New Order and Cabaret Voltaire get lost in a fog of 4AD dream-pop, and stumble out with a hypnotic, icy post-punk record.
* Julien Baker & Torres 'Send A Prayer My Way' - Channeling early Lucinda Williams through a queer alt-country haze; raw, twangy, and beautifully wrecked.
I was a little bummed to not hear anything from Workbook or Sugar, as this tour is focused on the six records Bob made with Jason and Jon, but the new songs ripped and it's always great to hear the closing run of Husker classics. It was loud AF even in the back of the room, so bring earplugs if you plan to see him. That led to a post-show run through recent records, Sugar, and my Husker favorites.
A couple other faves of the week:
* Billy Martin - La Gran Seduccion. A thoughtful, low-key soundtrack to a new Netflix movie, The Great Seduction.
* Sam Phillips - Omnipop (It's Only a Flesh Wound Lambchop). In looking for a particular vibe, ChatGPT led me to this record of hers that I'd never checked out. As much as I've obsessed over REM, I was surprised to learn that Sam has a co-write with them on this record (Slapstick Heart). It's a song they demoed for New Adventures but didn't use. T-Bone heard the demo and asked to use it for this record.
I only know one band on the playlist, so I'm especially looking forward to this one and everyone's picks. Cheers!
Seeing Husker Du on their last tour in 1987 was the first time I woke up the next morning and realized I'd damaged my hearing (a Replacements show around the same time was the second). Oof.
I know I've mentioned it before, but I used to find that post-show ringing as a sort of badge of honor (I know! I know!). Seeing Sugar changed that. When it was still there on Day2, I started to get really nervous. Hearing's still trash, but it did get me to start wearing earplugs at sows, so I guess that's something?
I prepped by listening to some Husker Du and then his solo stuff- I was going to listen to some Sugar, since I haven’t and just found out he was in Sugar a few months ago (someone’s stack or the comments lol), but I didn’t manage to do that. I was a little disappointed that See a Little Light from Workbook didn’t make the cut! But, I did love he played quite a few Husker Du songs! It was a fantastic concert!! And, yes, loud af even outside of the barn!
So glad you enjoyed it. I've been fortunate to see Bob at every stage: Husker, Workbook and Black Sheets of Rain tours (solo and with band), Sugar, and now late period band.
I saw photos of that barn venue -- it looks amazing!
Yes!! The barn is magical!! I’m hoping to put together a post on it this week! The friends I went with have also seen him many times! This was my first!
Only one? That's tough to do with someone like you! Hopefully, you find a couple of new favorites in there. For a little extras context, Rhymies is the side project of Lauren Matsui from Seablite and The Neutrals, both of which have been featured here before.
It's been a bit quiet on the listening front from me recently, but last week I joined a music league hosted by the Mothership discord server, which serves as a unofficial hub for fans of Aurora. This music league consists of 20 rounds and for each round we have to pick a song that fits the theme and then after everyone has picked we proceed to listen to them all and vote on which one was the best.
So far we have done one round (opening tracks) and selected songs for round 2 (fresh finds - songs that came out in the past 6 months). From the first round I have discovered a couple of artists/bands that I want to dive into more: Ethel Cain, Bully Hay and Radiohead (which I've actually listened to before, having listened to OK Computer in full). The opening round has also given me a song that is going to be my new hyperfixation - Family Tree (Intro) by Ethel Cain.
I spent three days in Oklahoma last weekend and went to the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie centers for a future Substack piece, so I've had them in heavy rotation. The second part of the weekend was spent covering the last Boys From Oklahoma show that featured the comeback of Cross Canadian Ragweed and four other bands, including the Turnpike Troubadours. I was immersed in Red Dirt music before the shows and am even more so now, especially Ragweed. If you haven't heard this band before, give them a listen. Some really great stuff in there.
I thought about trying to get tickets to one of the CCR shows. All the pics and stuff looked amazing. They are doing a Boys From Oklahoma show in Texas. But it’s an outdoor show in Waco, on the Brazos River, and in August. Hard pass on that kind of heat and humidity.
Oklahoma in April vs. Texas in August is a no brainer. That said, it was a historic event and an amazing show. I’m posting photos and an interview with Josh Crutchmer, who is publishing a book on CCR and their comeback, later this week.
Good Morning, Coastal Eddie and the Marine Layer Band is bringing Spring gloom to our sky here on the left coast. here is what is in my ears, currenlty
Had a fab week for live music last week. Black Honey released Dead, the second single from their forthcoming album, Soak and I got to see a showcase of old favourites and brand new tracks featuring 7 from the new album. It’s going to be fab. I am very excited.
Also, I got to see The Zac Schulze Band on Wednesday. Blues isn’t normally my thing but they are incredible. Zac in particular is a phenomenal guitarist and it was a brilliant show. I’d totally see them again.
Oh! You absolutely must check them out! This will be their fourth album. For me they come second only to We Are Scientists. This is a great place to start - one of my all-time favourite songs
If you want some more lofi check out Weatherday - Hornet Disaster. Kind of an unhinged, fuzzed out Weezer vibe? At first I was lukewarm but the more I listened the more I liked
Ringo Starr's latest!
Nice!
Happy Easter Monday everyone! "UK trains" piqued my curiosity. Cool track! Classic rock and roll vibes.
On a different note, this morning I was spinning Madonna's Immaculate collection. Early European pressing. I tend to prefer albums over compilations, but this one sounds so damn good. My sins have been washed away in the best kind of way 😉
Fuck I’ve just heard the Pope died! Not sure at this stage whether it was my sins, Madonna’s, or both. I mean, he was Argentinian after all, and there was a certain Evita movie as I was growing up there in the mid-90s 🤩
Perfect setting to film the sequel to Conclave! 😁 No need for Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci or John Lithgow. Reality probably surpasses the intrigue of the film anyway.
I blame JD.
Lol. Always 😂
imagine that guy being one of the last people you ever speak to
Pope was like “I’ve had enough” 😂 To be fair though, I can’t think of any current world leader/second in command I would actually find pleasant to talk to.
I’m sure it’s a cardinal sin to laugh, but man, the memes have been sooo good!
100%!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Spoiler: in Saturday’s post I briefly talk about where I was for the last Conclave
I’m so looking forward to this!
Look forward to checking these out - mostly new names. Still very focused on Fust and Los Piranas here at 3Albums6OldGuys, as our new post makes clear, but also been revisiting classic Waterboys thanks to the new record -- https://3albums6oldguys.substack.com/p/6ogs-on-the-patio-fust-los-piranas
Ooh I didn’t know the Waterboys had a new one! I will have to check it out.
It's a concept album about Dennis Hopper, of all things!
🤯
I am very much still on the Fust bandwagon!
Otherwise, been really enjoying The Mystery Lights, who a friend saw recently in NYC and has just a brilliant old school garage rock feel - https://themysterylights.bandcamp.com/album/purgatory. And on a very different vibe, getting excited to see soulful indie hiphop artist Brother Ali in DC this week; his new one is really strong - https://brotherali-mmg.bandcamp.com/album/satisified-soul.
I’ve been spinning Wax Tailor’s debut album Tales of the Forgotten Melodies religiously this week. I know the album is 20 years old, but somehow the artist had completely slipped under my radar until now. I recently came across the single Que Sera in a Mixcloud set and was instantly hooked. It’s that sample-based hip-hop/trip-hop vibe you get from artists like DJ Shadow or The Avalanches, 100% my kind of sound. I was so happy to stumble upon this hidden gem. Music really has the power to make you happy😃, and this was one of those moments for me.
I love it! Will this be on one of your upcoming Mixcloud sets?
You bet! Working on a trip hop set 😁
I'm making a playlist called "Slow to Fast" right now. I am in search of songs that start out slow and then gradually speed up into a frenzy. Examples are here:
https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:189489836078400527:74638688
Note: this is really different than an abrupt tempo change, which is far, far easier to find in punk and metal. Triple bonus points if I like the song you suggest.
Challenge accepted! Hard to think of any off the top of my head, but...
There's always a band I "forgot" on your playlist. This week it was Fischerspooner. I've got to revisit them. The 2000's were one of my favorite music decades. So I'm share a few samples of the breadth of that decade over the next few weeks beginning with Part 1 – The Mellower Cuts
Gomes, “How We Operate” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8bDpzpDVu4
John Prine, “Long Monday” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp4TTVVWzWM
Snow Patrol, “Shut Your Eyes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3jFcZjv_kk
Matt Pond PA, “Devil in the Water” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dQC4d5QziQ
Fleet Foxes, “Your Protector” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV7DoeY-9NI
The Flaming Lips, “Do You Realize” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=douPPqRdFCA
Amy Winehouse, “Love is a Losing Game” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aatZ9VSF7Mc
Midlake, “Roscoe” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwyjtxkTQAA
The Decemberists, “The Crane Wife Parts 1 to 3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S8IM6GQS9g
thanks for all the great links!
Great list! Glad I could resurface Fischerspooner for you!
NEW & SHINY
** Tunde Adebimpe 'Thee Black Boltz' - Imagine TV on the Radio got fed up with subtlety, plugged in Tricky’s hard drive, and came out preaching glitchy gospel to the rhythmically confused.
* Mien 'Miien' - Think The Horrors & The Black Angels get together, tone down the garage and turn up the kraut, for synthrock that's equal parts groove and hallucination.
* Gentle Leader XIV 'Joke In The Shadow' - New Order and Cabaret Voltaire get lost in a fog of 4AD dream-pop, and stumble out with a hypnotic, icy post-punk record.
* Julien Baker & Torres 'Send A Prayer My Way' - Channeling early Lucinda Williams through a queer alt-country haze; raw, twangy, and beautifully wrecked.
POLISHED GEMS
* Nothing 'Tired of Tomorrow'
* Broken Social Scene 'You Forgot It In People'
* Bill Hicks 'Rant in E Minor'
Mentioned it earlier, but your description for Gentle Leader XIV was a lock to get my attention, and the music does not disappoint!
My week was mostly about Bob Mould, as we saw a terrific show at Milwaukee's Turner Hall Ballroom -- it's a lovely room: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIolkyfOMeL/?img_index=1&igsh=MWJzN2p2czlpMHVpeA== .
I was a little bummed to not hear anything from Workbook or Sugar, as this tour is focused on the six records Bob made with Jason and Jon, but the new songs ripped and it's always great to hear the closing run of Husker classics. It was loud AF even in the back of the room, so bring earplugs if you plan to see him. That led to a post-show run through recent records, Sugar, and my Husker favorites.
A couple other faves of the week:
* Billy Martin - La Gran Seduccion. A thoughtful, low-key soundtrack to a new Netflix movie, The Great Seduction.
* Sam Phillips - Omnipop (It's Only a Flesh Wound Lambchop). In looking for a particular vibe, ChatGPT led me to this record of hers that I'd never checked out. As much as I've obsessed over REM, I was surprised to learn that Sam has a co-write with them on this record (Slapstick Heart). It's a song they demoed for New Adventures but didn't use. T-Bone heard the demo and asked to use it for this record.
I only know one band on the playlist, so I'm especially looking forward to this one and everyone's picks. Cheers!
Slapstick Heart is a great song, and the one time I heard Mould (w/Sugar), I couldn't stop the ringing in my ears for a week.
Seeing Husker Du on their last tour in 1987 was the first time I woke up the next morning and realized I'd damaged my hearing (a Replacements show around the same time was the second). Oof.
I know I've mentioned it before, but I used to find that post-show ringing as a sort of badge of honor (I know! I know!). Seeing Sugar changed that. When it was still there on Day2, I started to get really nervous. Hearing's still trash, but it did get me to start wearing earplugs at sows, so I guess that's something?
Same! It took me way too long to start wearing earplugs, and I still don't wear them often enough, but...baby steps.
I prepped by listening to some Husker Du and then his solo stuff- I was going to listen to some Sugar, since I haven’t and just found out he was in Sugar a few months ago (someone’s stack or the comments lol), but I didn’t manage to do that. I was a little disappointed that See a Little Light from Workbook didn’t make the cut! But, I did love he played quite a few Husker Du songs! It was a fantastic concert!! And, yes, loud af even outside of the barn!
So glad you enjoyed it. I've been fortunate to see Bob at every stage: Husker, Workbook and Black Sheets of Rain tours (solo and with band), Sugar, and now late period band.
I saw photos of that barn venue -- it looks amazing!
Yes!! The barn is magical!! I’m hoping to put together a post on it this week! The friends I went with have also seen him many times! This was my first!
If you do put something together, please feel free to share it here with everyone!
Absolutely!
Only one? That's tough to do with someone like you! Hopefully, you find a couple of new favorites in there. For a little extras context, Rhymies is the side project of Lauren Matsui from Seablite and The Neutrals, both of which have been featured here before.
Good to know, thanks! It's been an usually busy week, so I hope to dig into it tomorrow.
Waiting for a girl like you - Foreigner
Nice Yana!
It's been a bit quiet on the listening front from me recently, but last week I joined a music league hosted by the Mothership discord server, which serves as a unofficial hub for fans of Aurora. This music league consists of 20 rounds and for each round we have to pick a song that fits the theme and then after everyone has picked we proceed to listen to them all and vote on which one was the best.
So far we have done one round (opening tracks) and selected songs for round 2 (fresh finds - songs that came out in the past 6 months). From the first round I have discovered a couple of artists/bands that I want to dive into more: Ethel Cain, Bully Hay and Radiohead (which I've actually listened to before, having listened to OK Computer in full). The opening round has also given me a song that is going to be my new hyperfixation - Family Tree (Intro) by Ethel Cain.
The Rosy Overdrive Discord also has a Music League, but I haven't played. Sounds like I'm missing out?
I would say so!
Perhaps you could even run one of these for readers of this publication.
Good idea!
Little Barrie - the whole Electric War LP
This band was new to me, and record is fantastic! How'd you come across it?
Barrie's been around for ages. From the UK. Never got traction here. Has been a session guy for, like everybody (Weller. PScream. Etc)
Glad you like it!
Ray Bryant Trio
I spent three days in Oklahoma last weekend and went to the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie centers for a future Substack piece, so I've had them in heavy rotation. The second part of the weekend was spent covering the last Boys From Oklahoma show that featured the comeback of Cross Canadian Ragweed and four other bands, including the Turnpike Troubadours. I was immersed in Red Dirt music before the shows and am even more so now, especially Ragweed. If you haven't heard this band before, give them a listen. Some really great stuff in there.
Very cool! A couple of friends and I have been discussing a boys trip to see the two centers.
If you go, be sure to find a show you’d like to see at Cain’s Ballroom. It’s a famous venue near the centers.
I thought about trying to get tickets to one of the CCR shows. All the pics and stuff looked amazing. They are doing a Boys From Oklahoma show in Texas. But it’s an outdoor show in Waco, on the Brazos River, and in August. Hard pass on that kind of heat and humidity.
Oklahoma in April vs. Texas in August is a no brainer. That said, it was a historic event and an amazing show. I’m posting photos and an interview with Josh Crutchmer, who is publishing a book on CCR and their comeback, later this week.
Can't wait to read it!
Just reading this post made me sweat...
Yeah, I did some all day outdoor shows when I first moved to Texas. That's a young man's game.
That's a new name for me. I'm on it!
I was focused on songs about weed last week! I played a 20 minute vinyl set on that theme for a local brewery’s vinyl night.
Weezer “Hash Pipe”
Lola Young “Messy”
Black Keys “Beautiful People (Stay High)”
Arctic Monkeys “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High”
Camper Van Beethoven “Good Guys and Bad Guys”
Then my friend didn’t have quite 20 minutes, so I played Noah Kahan “Dial Drunk” from the Live at Fenway Park album I picked up used.
here is one from New Orleans: https://youtu.be/PP21_SQO43k?si=-uZowH3D903CFM3z
That’s awesome!! Thank you!
That's a good mix!
Good Morning, Coastal Eddie and the Marine Layer Band is bringing Spring gloom to our sky here on the left coast. here is what is in my ears, currenlty
1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=bf4c85d1f0044552
2. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3wBlm9P7dw8ZMh4DgXzNcJ?si=56671744b0f645c4
3. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EptaP1Vnwvyjm?si=c8d49035cc824b05
Have a great week of ear candy !
JP
Thank you, Jon!
Had a fab week for live music last week. Black Honey released Dead, the second single from their forthcoming album, Soak and I got to see a showcase of old favourites and brand new tracks featuring 7 from the new album. It’s going to be fab. I am very excited.
https://open.spotify.com/track/1azjlMBgaOen4ctyYzpAQG?si=zI63ysN1QemIT7nAVcXzdA
Also, I got to see The Zac Schulze Band on Wednesday. Blues isn’t normally my thing but they are incredible. Zac in particular is a phenomenal guitarist and it was a brilliant show. I’d totally see them again.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0S8WRrMgHLrtGlRj5ruBnb?si=s1z4jpU2R5e-DN-ViIZH9w
Black Honey's a new one for me, but if you're excited that means I gotta check 'em out!
Oh! You absolutely must check them out! This will be their fourth album. For me they come second only to We Are Scientists. This is a great place to start - one of my all-time favourite songs
https://open.spotify.com/track/4kuJIDSMxm0B9Gd89PNp5t?si=KQye95-fR7CrrwXk414ySA
Gentle Giant.
I somehow missed this band and am just now doing a deep dive into their music.
Disturbingly different in a very welcoming way.
I'm not sure I've ever heard them, either?
I recently discovered a young cat from outside of Dallas named "Nevi" who is officialy on repeat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxawX_D-gMs
Thanks Kevin! This a great track.
Have really been enjoying the new album from Finnish Postcard. Reminds me alot of the lofi sound in the late aughts on CDR labels.
This Friday a few new releases I am excited for:
- SUMAC and Moor Mother - The Film
- Viagra Boys - Viagr Aboys
- Deerhoof- Noble and Godlike in Ruin
Tanks for this! I'll take all the lo-fi you got! I'm looking forward to hearing the new Viagra Boys record as well.
If you want some more lofi check out Weatherday - Hornet Disaster. Kind of an unhinged, fuzzed out Weezer vibe? At first I was lukewarm but the more I listened the more I liked
This week I have mostly been listening to:
- Skynyrd
- Jason Isbell
- Watchhouse
- The Menzingers
Always a good time for some Isbell!
100%. Best songwriter of his generation imo.
My favorites this week:
Thread Heather - La Distance
Blue - leisure.
The Descendents- Everything Sucks
Bruce Springsteen - The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle
Adwaith - Solas
Cowboy Sadness - Selected Jambient Works, Vol 1
Aoki Takamasa & Tujiko Noriko - 28
Art D'Ecco - Serene Demons
Tobacco City - Horses
Now, this is my kinda mix!
Here's my latest: https://danpal.substack.com/p/new-music-from-lael-neale-snapped?r=lru5s
I discovered this old K-pop song, even though I'm not a K-pop fan.
It's catchy but seems like a copy of a Mary J Blige and JLO song.