Happy Monday, everyone, and hello all of you who joined us over the weekend! It’s great to have you here with us.
Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful/fun questions! Gizmo and I will be going through them/answering some of them ASAP.
In the meantime, the playlist below is some of what I’ve been playing this week. There’ve been some killer releases lately, so if you’ve got one (or some), please share ‘em!
Now it’s your turn.
What caught your ear this week? Find anything good while crate digging? Is there an upcoming release you’re excited for?
Lots of The Delgados, a Scottish indie band once described by the mighty John Peel as, “truly, one of the greatest bands in the world,” prior to seeing them (having reformed after 17 years) last Saturday night, for their 'homecoming', at the Kelvingrove Bandstand in a Glasgow. It p'd down with rain but nobody cared, the band were magnificent. If you've not come across The Delgados I'd recommend putting that right!
Practice, my friend. Many, many years of practice.
I don't know why, but lyrics screw my mind up. Instrumentals, especially if I know them as well as I know these, don't require the same part of my brain that writing or focused reading require.
Spent a good chunk of my work day yesterday playing the available RVG tracks. It's next up on my Bandcamp wish list. Thank you for getting it on my radar!
Heard a great tune last week from Ebo Taylor and the Pelikans called Come Along, from their 1976 self-titled album. It was unlike anything I had ever heard, so I did a quick glance at Ebo and found out that he's nothing short of a legend, having been involved in Ghanaian music for over 70 years. Anyway, give that track a shot for something really funky, then check out the whole album if you like what you're hearing. https://open.spotify.com/track/6IfoCNGFf2hIO3LdZirObe?si=710714d288f048fc
Been jamming out to the Noname album. Also going to see Sigur Ros perform with the Wordless Music Orchestra tonight, so been running the gamut with their discography in preparation. (First time seeing them so I am beyond excited).
The White Album has been on repeat recently, I discovered Throwing Muses album, House Tornado, yeah, that's about it for this week. Oh, and add Kevin On Repeat, thanks man.
I’ve been listening to a lot of music, but the new remix of The Orb and David Gilmour’s 2010 “Metallic Spheres in Colour” which has gotten a huge facelift is hitting a lot of my happy places. New EP coming in September. Here’s a link to Movement 1.
One of the playlists I've been playing around with is one that features newer tracks by old pop artists (Hall & Oates, Journey, Blondie) along with some newer tracks that fit into the same vibe. I tried to imagine what a radio station would sound like if it was Hot AC format, but focused on classic artists.
One of my favorite tracks from the playlist is this track from the most recent Doobie Brothers album, which manages to sound timeless while still feeling connected to their 1970s hits.
Been listening to Richard and Linda Thompson « Shoot Out the Lights ». Here’s why...Earlier this summer, I was a camper at Richard Thompson’s summer program « Frets and Refrains ». It was a weeklong retreat with songwriting and guitar playing workshops with Happy Traum, Sloan Wainwright, Jill Sobule, Tony McManus, Teddy Thompson and Richard Thompson himself! It was held at the Full Moon resort in the Catskills, and on the way, I happened by Big Pink. R.I.P. Robbie!!
That does sound like a good idea. Probably won’t write anything lengthy, but there will definitely be sparks of ideas as I encounter the right discussions or posts.
Really enjoying Soft Landing by Art School Girlfriend. Never heard this band before so also listened to their 2021 release “Is It Light Where You Are”, also very nice!
Over the last week I’ve also been binging Echo and the Bunnymen’s first five albums. I wasn’t really exposed to them as a kid when the albums first came out but was inspired by Matt Berenson’s newsletter last week (https://open.substack.com/pub/mattberenson/p/the-second-best-ever-band-from-liverpool). All fantastic albums! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying them
I'm finally catching up on my reading and just finished that one from Matt. As I was reading I toggled over to their discography. of those first 5, I think I've only heard 3- at least that I can think of.
What?! The Boo Radleys! Again, in my alternative universe, another outstanding band. I have been on another here, there and everywhere jaunt: 1940s classics, 1965 Beatles and of course eagerly awaiting the 'new' single 'Now and Then.'
I can’t see your playlist for some reason. Is it just me? Sometimes my internet is crappy.
Anyway, I’ve been listening to Greta Van Fleet. I bought last minute tickets to a show they had here last week, and they are ridiculous and fun and I know most of your readers will likely mock me for this. But whatevs. No shame. They scratch an itch!
I just checked, and can see it fine. If anyone else is having issues, please let me know!
As for Greta Van Fleet, let 'er rip! An old HS friend just saw them and still hasn;t stopped talking about how much he loved the show. No such thing as a guilty pleasure here! If you like it, it's good.
Love seeing Superdrag on your playlist. Also, I spy The Summertimes.
As for me, I'm into the new Hurry album, Don't Look Back, which came out Friday.
I also am way too late on MJ Lenderman's Boat Songs from last year. I loved the new singles he just released and finally went back.
Finally, I recently learned that Juliana Hatfield and Freda Love were in a band called Some Girls a couple decades ago. Their debut, Feel It, is good stuff.
I'm on a podcast kick these days! Ones that involved music - Jose Andres had a recent episode with Hoda Kotb, and she played a song that Idina Menzel sang as a guest on The Today Show. It was beyond moving to hear Chef Andres' reaction. I was also very touched at the episode with Yo Yo Ma, incredible. But every single eppy of his Longer Tables podcast is excellent, I really can't recommend enough!
And then there was one. I usually watch last Waltz around T-day, but I might have to change that this year.
I've been listening to old podcast episodes and this one of Paul Rudd with Conan is just pure joy.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1590SBzGowexIKOBCfTFMA?si=eguRU8xjSpq8i5bK71B-4g
Nice! BTW, the country naming game you shared today is highly addictive. :)
Haha! What's your score?
Miserably low right now. Like in the 40s-50s. lol.
I spent a few rounds figuring out how best to play.
All the best! 👍
Lots of The Delgados, a Scottish indie band once described by the mighty John Peel as, “truly, one of the greatest bands in the world,” prior to seeing them (having reformed after 17 years) last Saturday night, for their 'homecoming', at the Kelvingrove Bandstand in a Glasgow. It p'd down with rain but nobody cared, the band were magnificent. If you've not come across The Delgados I'd recommend putting that right!
I'm on it!
Now that the Challenge is over, what's next? Any ideas yet?
Happy Monday! This morning I treated myself to Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (the gold vinyl edition). Pure lush.
True story: This morning I was listening to a podcast, and one of the guys said he modeled his first radio show in college after that record.
That’s so cool! It’s such a monumental record for any soul lover. Timeless doesn’t even come close.
Hi Kevin and all music lovers! Update week for Reflect & Relax Cafe, so these is were the chosen:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6EcLhgESeOBX3Fvfxt8SH4?si=N3HKTfV-RLyTcp2Qcm7Ghw
Good stuff, as always! "Colorado" is gorgeous.
“Colorado” is really nice. I was also surprised by Tyler Childers’ “In Your Love”.
I've been surprised by how good this old Cake tune is: https://open.spotify.com/track/0qdJUhXtk9u7sdSwfBB5XU?si=51236ad89d09425b
I'm also surprised! I don't think I've ever heard this?
I'll be honest. I found it with the Spotify DJ feature, which I had my doubts about but now I really like.
I haven't tried it yet, but my wife has a couple of cowrkers that love it.
I really like The Radio Field song 👌
I discovered this band a little while back and they have an album coming out on the Shelflife label and a Greek label -
https://make-me-happy.bandcamp.com/album/youth-valley-lullabies-for-adults
And here is cover of Joy Division's Transmission but a bit different from the original and it features Jim from the Jasmine Minks - https://sifarrier.bandcamp.com/album/transmission-novelty-fic13
Loved this! Their cover of "Cries & Whispers" is also really good.
Paul Gilbert's "The Dio Album" is on rotation whenever I need instrumentals (for focused reading or writing). It's everything I want it to be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu6AST6fKjs
Wow- as a huge Dio fan, this is like the ultimate birthday present. I swear I can hear Ronnie’s voice in Gilbert’s guitar! Thanks for sharing this!
Though I will say that I have no idea how you can do focused reading or writing listening to this!
Practice, my friend. Many, many years of practice.
I don't know why, but lyrics screw my mind up. Instrumentals, especially if I know them as well as I know these, don't require the same part of my brain that writing or focused reading require.
I'm super glad you enjoyed the find!
Hell yeah.
RVG's album Brain Worms... wow! Production is sublimely apropos. 'You're the Reason' is my favorite track but don't miss this album.
Anders Parker's new acoustic album is nice but it made me miss Varnaline so I pulled out 'Sweet Life', a favorite of mine.
Spent a good chunk of my work day yesterday playing the available RVG tracks. It's next up on my Bandcamp wish list. Thank you for getting it on my radar!
I'm listening to Billie Holiday's Sugar
Perfect for yesterday's grey afternoon. I love it.
Much much Elvis, with "distractions" like the first CCR record and McCartney's Red Rose Speedway. The new Boygenius is waiting its turn!
I saw your latest record store haul. Much much Elvis indeed!
Heard a great tune last week from Ebo Taylor and the Pelikans called Come Along, from their 1976 self-titled album. It was unlike anything I had ever heard, so I did a quick glance at Ebo and found out that he's nothing short of a legend, having been involved in Ghanaian music for over 70 years. Anyway, give that track a shot for something really funky, then check out the whole album if you like what you're hearing. https://open.spotify.com/track/6IfoCNGFf2hIO3LdZirObe?si=710714d288f048fc
Another nice playlist! I'm a fan of Noname and enjoying her latest... https://open.spotify.com/album/1RThtoZbeE7OQHMBzaBCJt?si=jbTfMuceSqyqBD9nE-dC3g
Been listening to the Fake Fruit debut LP on repeat. They sound like a trippier, more upbeat version of The Breeders, and I just can't enough.
This was a great find for me. Listening to "No Mutuals" as I type this!
Been jamming out to the Noname album. Also going to see Sigur Ros perform with the Wordless Music Orchestra tonight, so been running the gamut with their discography in preparation. (First time seeing them so I am beyond excited).
This is the second time in 4 posts that Noname has come up. That tells me I'm missing out on something great. Time to change that!
She’s gotten some blowback for featuring the Jay Electronica verde, but the rest of her album, and other albums, are worth listening to
The White Album has been on repeat recently, I discovered Throwing Muses album, House Tornado, yeah, that's about it for this week. Oh, and add Kevin On Repeat, thanks man.
The Beatles - The Beatles
Throwing Muses - House Tornado
Steve Marino - Too Late To Start Again
3 Clubmen - Clubmen
Flash and the Pan - Early Morning Wake-Up Call
Any time! I'm glad you've been enjoying this week's picks.
House Tornado! Fantastic. That one never seems to get enough love. "Colder" might be one of my top 5 TM songs.
The Steve Marino record grows on me more and more w/ each listen.
I really like the Steve Marino album.
I’ve been listening to a lot of music, but the new remix of The Orb and David Gilmour’s 2010 “Metallic Spheres in Colour” which has gotten a huge facelift is hitting a lot of my happy places. New EP coming in September. Here’s a link to Movement 1.
https://youtu.be/PCm1viTBDsA
One of the playlists I've been playing around with is one that features newer tracks by old pop artists (Hall & Oates, Journey, Blondie) along with some newer tracks that fit into the same vibe. I tried to imagine what a radio station would sound like if it was Hot AC format, but focused on classic artists.
One of my favorite tracks from the playlist is this track from the most recent Doobie Brothers album, which manages to sound timeless while still feeling connected to their 1970s hits.
https://youtu.be/3c-hENwJ_l0
This song rocks! Definitely feels connected to their earlier work.
Lars Gotrich with NPR Music turned me onto STOMP TALK MODSTONE, so I've been working through their collection on Bandcamp. Here's a great entry point:
https://stomptalkmodstone.bandcamp.com/album/hello-new-world
Yes! I can’t remember who turned me on to this track, but it’s fantastic. They also just released one in the last few days.
Been listening to Richard and Linda Thompson « Shoot Out the Lights ». Here’s why...Earlier this summer, I was a camper at Richard Thompson’s summer program « Frets and Refrains ». It was a weeklong retreat with songwriting and guitar playing workshops with Happy Traum, Sloan Wainwright, Jill Sobule, Tony McManus, Teddy Thompson and Richard Thompson himself! It was held at the Full Moon resort in the Catskills, and on the way, I happened by Big Pink. R.I.P. Robbie!!
That sounds like an amazing time! Any plans to write about it?
That does sound like a good idea. Probably won’t write anything lengthy, but there will definitely be sparks of ideas as I encounter the right discussions or posts.
Right on! Please keep us posted.
Lenguas Largas
Bill Callahan's Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest has been on repeat for the last few days.
Really enjoying Soft Landing by Art School Girlfriend. Never heard this band before so also listened to their 2021 release “Is It Light Where You Are”, also very nice!
Over the last week I’ve also been binging Echo and the Bunnymen’s first five albums. I wasn’t really exposed to them as a kid when the albums first came out but was inspired by Matt Berenson’s newsletter last week (https://open.substack.com/pub/mattberenson/p/the-second-best-ever-band-from-liverpool). All fantastic albums! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying them
I'm finally catching up on my reading and just finished that one from Matt. As I was reading I toggled over to their discography. of those first 5, I think I've only heard 3- at least that I can think of.
Not for nothing, Matt's book is a great read.
I’m revisiting artists I loved in the 90s whose hits I listened to but not their albums!
Fever In Fever Out - Luscious Jackson
Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette
When the Pawn... - Fiona Apple
Luscious Jackson rules.
Been absolutely enamoured by Headache's spoken word-style album "The Head Hurts but the Heart Knows the Truth"
https://open.spotify.com/album/3g16U5C8SE3xYybOaqF94x?si=VwmKYTpQRNW5fH9XjqhkKQ
What?! The Boo Radleys! Again, in my alternative universe, another outstanding band. I have been on another here, there and everywhere jaunt: 1940s classics, 1965 Beatles and of course eagerly awaiting the 'new' single 'Now and Then.'
Here, There, and Everywhere are still one of my favorite bands. :)
I can’t see your playlist for some reason. Is it just me? Sometimes my internet is crappy.
Anyway, I’ve been listening to Greta Van Fleet. I bought last minute tickets to a show they had here last week, and they are ridiculous and fun and I know most of your readers will likely mock me for this. But whatevs. No shame. They scratch an itch!
I just checked, and can see it fine. If anyone else is having issues, please let me know!
As for Greta Van Fleet, let 'er rip! An old HS friend just saw them and still hasn;t stopped talking about how much he loved the show. No such thing as a guilty pleasure here! If you like it, it's good.
P.S. Just in case, here's the link to this week's list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4NFcq9vsZuwQXIkZk1jjFq?si=fab5b5dd50964c32
Love seeing Superdrag on your playlist. Also, I spy The Summertimes.
As for me, I'm into the new Hurry album, Don't Look Back, which came out Friday.
I also am way too late on MJ Lenderman's Boat Songs from last year. I loved the new singles he just released and finally went back.
Finally, I recently learned that Juliana Hatfield and Freda Love were in a band called Some Girls a couple decades ago. Their debut, Feel It, is good stuff.
I'm way too late to the MJ Lenderman party too.
I'm on a podcast kick these days! Ones that involved music - Jose Andres had a recent episode with Hoda Kotb, and she played a song that Idina Menzel sang as a guest on The Today Show. It was beyond moving to hear Chef Andres' reaction. I was also very touched at the episode with Yo Yo Ma, incredible. But every single eppy of his Longer Tables podcast is excellent, I really can't recommend enough!