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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 a couple of Madison-area bands.
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!
Nolan Potter - The Perils of Being Trapped Inside a Head. Missed this release in April, just getting caught up on this psych rock journey.
Beans - Boots n Cats. Another missed release from earlier this year. Really like what i heard on the first spin.
Population II - Serpent Échelle EP. Á La Ô Terre is a record I really love. Wasn’t paying attention and these guys have released an EP this year and an LP in 2023, guess getting caught up is a theme this week!
Used:
Pearl Jam - Dark Matter. I took a long break from this record. Saw a video of Wreckage live. Really like the first half of this album. I feel very differently about the second half.
Golden oldies:
NIN - The Slip + With Teeth.
Soundgarden - Down on the Upside.
Sluts of Trust - We Are All Sluts of Trust. I wasn’t in the band; I’m just obsessed with this record. Normally lyrics like this would have me running away, but the raw energy/sound is so damned good.
Local H - Whatever Happened to PJ Soles. Same problem as above with SoT. 20th anniversary reissue with updated mixes out on 9/13, I have my vinyl copy secured already.
Shuffling of my 2024 AOTY warriors. Ty Segall, The Smile, Idles, Cindy Lee, Meatbodies, Beth Gibbons, Beak>, King Hannah, O., The Mysterines, GUM & Ambrose Kenny-Smith, ORB, Wand, Jack White, and King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard. First work/road trip in my new vehicle, had to break the stereo in properly 😉. More shuffling: QOTSA, Idles, Wilco.
Just got through the Bandsplain episode on Soundgarden with Hanif Abduraqib. Has had me going back to them a lot. Don’t know the 3 new records you shared so I also need to catch up I guess. Thanks for the recs.
I probably mentioned this one in passing before, but "Wheedle's Groove" (Light In The Attic) is a superb collection of soul and funk tunes made in Seattle in the 1960s and 1970s. Proof positive that the Emerald City could get down just like the other American ones then.
After watching his remarkable interview with Stephen Colbert, I started listening to Nick Cave’s discography. I’m not sure how I missed his work, but I’m entranced!
You’re speaking my language with this playlist. Love Little Oso’s new one and had Wishy going on repeat. And always happy when I see Sweeping Promises mentioned. Will check out the others — Have had Florry on repeat all week, ahead of a show last night here in DC. The Holey Bible has really grown on me as an alt-country (heavy on the country) record.
I will never fill fully up on dancy, angular post-punk that makes me feel a little insane. Basically anything that takes inspiration from Devo. This time it's a new single from a band called Gut Health. Looks like they have a debut album coming out soon too. https://open.spotify.com/track/43kHYRjXpqgaq2e8F6skLf?si=w-9MzHZ5ReuziCHdVUWiJg
And ahead of another gathering this coming Saturday night in DC of the Jody Stephens/Mike Mills/Chris stamey et al Big Star tribute effort, have had both Radio City and Chris Bell’s I Am the Cosmos on a bunch. It is almost September after all.
I really don't know anything about Casabon or the song (other than it's in French). But this track is right in my sweet spot, with equal parts catchy and quirky. It's the kind of odd track that back in the day might have received some American airplay from adventurous DJ's https://youtu.be/kBP3wNcgzgo?si=z8dIVg0MfyxbWaNk
Really been enjoying the more recent records from Woods. I love the first half of their catalog, but am much less familiar with their last few albums. It's been great to spend some time with them and feel like a I found a whole new vein of a band who I think are just aces.
I know just one song on the playlist, so I look forward to digging in. Seeing Liz Phair on it reminds me of a great story that is too long to type out in full. The short version: I was in grad school in the mid-90s and one of my professors, this genteel man in his late 60s, asked me if I knew who Liz is. Turns out he had just been at her wedding and was drinking at the bar with the Urge Overkill guys ("lovely young men!" he said). He and his wife were friends with Liz's parents when they worked in Cincinnati early in their careers. "I'll have to introduce you to Lizzie some time..." 😂
I was traveling all week for research so my week was about low-key instrumental music that allowed me to think. These are all highly recommended if you need the same:
* Pell Mell - Interstate -- One of the best guitar-based instrumental records of all time. You might recognize the lead track, "Nothing Still Lies Long" from its use in Six Feet Under.
* Ambrose Akinmusire -- Owl Song -- One of my favorite records from last year, it features Ambrose's spare, meditative trumpet playing backed by Bill Frisell and Herlin Riley (best known for drumming with Wynton Marsalis).
*John Convertino & Gabriel Naim Amor - Correspondents -- A guitar/drums duo record that recalls Calexico's early instrumental tracks.
* GoGo Penguin - From the North (Live In Manchester) -- One of my favorite discoveries of the last several years, a piano-based trio that is far from a typical jazz trio.
* Once I was done with research, I dug into Spoon's They Want My Soul, inspired by the anniversary reissue.
Have a great week, everyone. Looking forward to your picks!
What a great story!! Urge Overkill “lovely young men” lol and Liz!! How cool! My friend just played a Liz Phair song on touchtunes the other night while we were out having a ladies night!
He was such a sweet old guy, a year or two from retirement, and he was adorable about it. He had no idea how popular she was. "Wow, Lizzie has really done well for herself, huh?" I wanted to ask him if he'd heard "Fuck and Run," but thought better of it. 😂
Pell Mell were great and you might like Friends Of Dean Martinez if you don't already know them. The Huntington Cads and The Tiki Tones are also great instrumental bands if you like surf with a bit of exotica.
I didn't originally know the connection to Calexico till later on even though I enjoyed both bands music, I jyst wasn't very quick at making the connection.
The new Jack White is still in heavy rotation. Along those same lines, I've got The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely going. Easily one of my favorite 2000's rock albums.
As Kevin and I have embarked on our 100 Best Albums project, I've gotten to listen to a few cool records that I've never heard of. Particularly, I've been obsessed with "Gorgeous" by 808 State.
If you want to join the madness here are the picks below:
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - "Flight b741" (Can't wait to see them play with Geese this Wednesday)
- Thee Oh Sees - "SORCS 80"
- The Stone Roses - "Stone Roses"
- The Byrds - "Sweetheart of the Rodeo"
Also, was very pumped to snag a limited edition vinyl of "Stop Making Sense" at a local record shop yesterday. Didn't know how they had them, I believe these have been sold out for a year.
The first two Liz Phair albums are so good, especially 'Exile.' I lost interest after 'Whip-Smart' as the albums started to lose their raw honesty. It seemed as if the record labels were objectifying her while also trying to make her more "safe" and mainstream.
Last October, we caught Phair's 30th anniversary of 'Exile in Guyville' Tour when it came through Portland. She played the album in its entirety, told backstories behind some of the tracks, and was clearly enjoying the audience response and participation. You could see and feel how important and empowering the songs were for the largely GenX women in the audience. They knew every word and were enthusiastically singing along with Phair. It was a perfect example of the power and importance of music!
100% to all of this. You might've heard it (or heard her tell it in person), but she shared the story of "Divorce Song" on an episode of Song Exploder awhile back.
I spent Sunday avidly listening to the new Wrest release. I'm still digging through the new Twin Atlantic and Cloud Cult releases, as they both deserve multiple and repeat listens. The new Charly Bliss also came out on Friday, so I need to spend some time with it.
As for singles, "D&T" by Japandroids does not disappoint. "SAD KIDS" by FIDLAR is also great.
And for my look to the past, I revisited Hoyt Axton. He was so much more than the Dad from Gremlins. Give "Greenback Dollar" and "Ashville Junction" a listen and tell me the man isn't an incredible music artist!
I haven't caught up with the full Wrest record yet, but I loved the singles they released along the way. Looking forward to spending time with the record this week.
I love your take on VG, and am co-opting it. I've never been shy about how much I like this record, but I was floored listening to the remixed/remastered version. There are entire dimensions to tracks that simpy weren't there before.
Hey everyone, new here...I had a bit of a camping trip over the weekend, headed down to the South West of the UK to drink fine coffee and rough cider in the woods...anyway the road trip tunes consisted of...
The new album from Morgan Wade - Obsessed which I enjoyed but not as much as my daughter does.
I also managed to spend some time with the new Zach Bryan record, The Great American Bar Scene which is excellent but has a feel of leftovers from the previous album of 9 months previous - that guy has zero chill!
Ended the drive with Jason Isbell's back catalogue on shuffle and had an intermittently great/emotional time - dude knows how to make a grown man cry!!
New to my top songs of the week is an epic 8:35 minute tune from the great Father John Misty, a remake of Rhinestone Cowboy, and an enjoyable ditty from Coldplay:
I'm glad you liked it! Saw them Friday. I was there to see Red Pants (who put on a killer show).
When Violet Palms took the stage, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was really impressed with these guys. They have one record out, and I really enjoyed it.
I’ve been listening to Amos Lee’s new album Transmissions. I cannot get the song “Hold on Tight” out of my head, but it’s a good thing. I also have been liking the French Cassettes new album Benzene with the track White Noise being my favorite so far.
I also saw Sierra Ferrel’s tiny desk concert this weekend, which was really good. I also saw Lucy Dacus’s tiny desk concert from the pandemic which will also be worth your time.
Heck yeah to Wishy! Other than that, still listening to Cassandra Jenkins - and now I have the deluxe edition, which includes 15 extra minutes of music, including a sublime instrumental take on Stardust. Also liking Doris - Ultimate Love Songs Collection, True Optimist - Mental Health, Blood - Loving You Backwards, JPEGMAFIA - I Lay Down My Life For You, and The Dead Tongues - I Am A Cloud. Finally, I'm working up a list of my top 10 live albums and having a really tough time. Just yesterday, I realized I left James Brown's Live At The Apollo off the list...I listened again and it's still magnificent!
Paramore - This Is Why. Beyond their breakout album "Riot!" (which I need to revisit at some point) I haven't really listened to this band too much. While less punky than that album this was a pretty enjoyable listen. The two song blast of "C'est Comme Ça" and "Big Man, Little Dignity" is the best off of this.
Revisits:
Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick. One of the premier concept albums/rock operas. Don't really need to say anything else.
Good evening from London! This morning I enjoyed "Picture Book" by Simply Red on my turntable. I love the album full stop, but also, it's one of my best-sounding records (1985 German pressing). The sound is just incredible.
There was this whole series of double LPs from Blue Note back in the day. They came in an off white sorta basic gatefold, and featured previously recorded but unreleased tracks by various Blue Note luminaries. Basically, a budget box set type of concept, but with only the "extras".
I've had the Jackie McLean and Johnny Griffin editions in my cabinet forever, acquired haphazardly from my local joint at one time or another. I dug them out awhile back and gave them each a spin and I noticed that their inner sleeves were basically a printed ad for the whole series and there were so many more editions and I really should try to collect them all or else what am I even doing here collecting records.
So I've since picked up Cecil Taylor, Wes Montgomery, Chick Corea, Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Milt Jackson, and Jean-Luc Ponty. This is in span of about two weeks.
These are physically old albums, not shiny new modern repressings. But they sound great still (some of them are still in my as yet unlistened stack. It's not a small stack.) None of them are anything revelatory if you're already familiar with the artist, but that wasn't their intention. It shows how deep the ocean was at Blue Note that they were just sitting on this entire extra catalog of tracks from their heyday.
Most importantly, they look so cool all lined up together in my cabinet. I'm on a quest now to get all of them. I dont even know how many that is but I'm probably gonna need another cabinet.
Two greatly under-rated Austalian bands both came to the party in the last week and both are on the turntable/playlist. Pel Mel discovered a batch of original and unplayed vinyl somewhere...Up to buy over at bandcamp so hurry if you want. Well worth it. https://open.spotify.com/album/3UZj5rp1WBvDNd7u3HeYsW?si=GV1aMxhTTRaxo_9vf_Fbeg
I spent all day at a Ren Faire with some of our closest friends and had one of the best times I’ve had all day. Lots of bards and a custom playlist surrounding our ears. Here were my favorites! What have *you* been listening to?
Went back into Australian pub-rock; some Cold Chisel and a band called "The Angels". Also got a surprise: new Phantogram! After years uncounted! Not my usual thing, but they (and a few others) always intrigue me:
If anyone is interested in early 80's synthpop, There were very few bands that were made up of sax players and a drum machine but this band was and they were very good that they have been recruited to play with many other bands from The Beautiful South and Bananarama and Fun Boy 3 among others. The Swinging Laurels finally have their music released on an album, a vinyl record that comes with a free CD with extra tracks. They are also on Bandcamp here -
By accident I recently started to listen to the German Neu Harte metal band Eisbrecher. I was watching a video the other day when I thought I was listening to a song from Rammstein but couldn't place the song. I researched it a bit and found it to be a band similar to Rammstein called Eisbrecher. I enjoy their music so far. "Vas ist Hier Los" and "Zweischen Uns" are my two favorites so far.
I've been playing the Menahan Street Band's discography on repeat. Perfect work music, and enough funk to keep it rolling straight into cocktail hour... ahem, uh, I mean into my after work exercise routine...
That Sweeping Promises wormed a permanent hole in my brain—Lira Mondal has one of the best voices around.
Because I just spent a month animating a video for them, I've been non-stop listening to a band from Calgary called Pøltergeist, kind of goth post-punk with a metal edge and a smidgeon of shoegaze. This song has been morning repeat:
Brother Louie - Modern Talking
New:
Nolan Potter - The Perils of Being Trapped Inside a Head. Missed this release in April, just getting caught up on this psych rock journey.
Beans - Boots n Cats. Another missed release from earlier this year. Really like what i heard on the first spin.
Population II - Serpent Échelle EP. Á La Ô Terre is a record I really love. Wasn’t paying attention and these guys have released an EP this year and an LP in 2023, guess getting caught up is a theme this week!
Used:
Pearl Jam - Dark Matter. I took a long break from this record. Saw a video of Wreckage live. Really like the first half of this album. I feel very differently about the second half.
Golden oldies:
NIN - The Slip + With Teeth.
Soundgarden - Down on the Upside.
Sluts of Trust - We Are All Sluts of Trust. I wasn’t in the band; I’m just obsessed with this record. Normally lyrics like this would have me running away, but the raw energy/sound is so damned good.
Local H - Whatever Happened to PJ Soles. Same problem as above with SoT. 20th anniversary reissue with updated mixes out on 9/13, I have my vinyl copy secured already.
Shuffling of my 2024 AOTY warriors. Ty Segall, The Smile, Idles, Cindy Lee, Meatbodies, Beth Gibbons, Beak>, King Hannah, O., The Mysterines, GUM & Ambrose Kenny-Smith, ORB, Wand, Jack White, and King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard. First work/road trip in my new vehicle, had to break the stereo in properly 😉. More shuffling: QOTSA, Idles, Wilco.
Just got through the Bandsplain episode on Soundgarden with Hanif Abduraqib. Has had me going back to them a lot. Don’t know the 3 new records you shared so I also need to catch up I guess. Thanks for the recs.
Just listened to part 1 of Bandsplain, thanks for the recommendation!
Breaking in a new stereo correctly is critical!
Good morning from the left Coast. Here is what has been in my ears:
1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1knJSMzp6SWo8aUh3W2hVo?si=2a84d68a990f4b6d
2. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71PrDfTT9eNSnK4nHDJCqx?si=b4798b659ea6450b
JP
Fnatstic lists as always, Jon!
THANKS
I probably mentioned this one in passing before, but "Wheedle's Groove" (Light In The Attic) is a superb collection of soul and funk tunes made in Seattle in the 1960s and 1970s. Proof positive that the Emerald City could get down just like the other American ones then.
After watching his remarkable interview with Stephen Colbert, I started listening to Nick Cave’s discography. I’m not sure how I missed his work, but I’m entranced!
There are so many good albums! You should check out his book “Faith, Hope, and Carnage”
I just put that on HOLD at the public library. I can’t wait to read it!
Listen to "Ghosteen" before your read it. A lot of the book goes into the creative process of that album and what inspired it.
Thanks for the tip!
I first found him in Peaky Blinders soundtrack.
It's incredible, isn;t it?
You’re speaking my language with this playlist. Love Little Oso’s new one and had Wishy going on repeat. And always happy when I see Sweeping Promises mentioned. Will check out the others — Have had Florry on repeat all week, ahead of a show last night here in DC. The Holey Bible has really grown on me as an alt-country (heavy on the country) record.
https://florry.bandcamp.com/album/the-holey-bible-2
Tbh, I could've just posted the Wishy record and called it good. I picked it up and haven't stopped listening yet.
I will never fill fully up on dancy, angular post-punk that makes me feel a little insane. Basically anything that takes inspiration from Devo. This time it's a new single from a band called Gut Health. Looks like they have a debut album coming out soon too. https://open.spotify.com/track/43kHYRjXpqgaq2e8F6skLf?si=w-9MzHZ5ReuziCHdVUWiJg
I can never get enough of that, either! This was great. Thanks for getting it on my radar!
And ahead of another gathering this coming Saturday night in DC of the Jody Stephens/Mike Mills/Chris stamey et al Big Star tribute effort, have had both Radio City and Chris Bell’s I Am the Cosmos on a bunch. It is almost September after all.
Double-dose of Stamey in DC with this and the upcoming The dBs show at The Atlantis.
Oh man, those are both gonna be great shows!
That sounds like that will be a great evening of fine tunes
Finally - a friend turned me on to The Courettes, an infectious garage band from Denmark that scratches an itch for King Khan and other punk-infused, 50s-inspired gems. https://thecourettes.bandcamp.com/album/boom-dynamite-an-introduction-to-the-fabulous-courettes
I really don't know anything about Casabon or the song (other than it's in French). But this track is right in my sweet spot, with equal parts catchy and quirky. It's the kind of odd track that back in the day might have received some American airplay from adventurous DJ's https://youtu.be/kBP3wNcgzgo?si=z8dIVg0MfyxbWaNk
Really dug this one. It's got the right kind of vibe for this time of year.
A musician from Austin by the name of Don Harvey.
The same Don Harvey from a certain fave band of yours?
That'd be the one. An Abandoned Albums OG.
Radiate Like This - Warpaint
Snail Mail - Lush
Gorrillaz - Cracker Island
A killer trifecta!
I can’t get Tedeschi Trucks Band’s I Am The Moon off my proverbial turntable.
So, so good!
Broadcast was pretty brilliant. And as always, I'm reminded of this every time I listen to them.
Morning from Norwich, UK. Here's my playlist. Thanks for having me! Can't wait to dig into all these gems later. https://open.substack.com/pub/recentanddecent/p/recent-and-decent-34?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1z6rnh
Off topic, but are you a Canaries fan?
I want them to do well but I wouldn't call myself a fan! Good knowledge though! Who's your team?
In the Championship, I'll have my eye on Portsmouth & Hull.
Really been enjoying the more recent records from Woods. I love the first half of their catalog, but am much less familiar with their last few albums. It's been great to spend some time with them and feel like a I found a whole new vein of a band who I think are just aces.
Same -- I learned about them via a Spotify suggestion and have enjoyed learning their catalog.
I know just one song on the playlist, so I look forward to digging in. Seeing Liz Phair on it reminds me of a great story that is too long to type out in full. The short version: I was in grad school in the mid-90s and one of my professors, this genteel man in his late 60s, asked me if I knew who Liz is. Turns out he had just been at her wedding and was drinking at the bar with the Urge Overkill guys ("lovely young men!" he said). He and his wife were friends with Liz's parents when they worked in Cincinnati early in their careers. "I'll have to introduce you to Lizzie some time..." 😂
I was traveling all week for research so my week was about low-key instrumental music that allowed me to think. These are all highly recommended if you need the same:
* Pell Mell - Interstate -- One of the best guitar-based instrumental records of all time. You might recognize the lead track, "Nothing Still Lies Long" from its use in Six Feet Under.
* Ambrose Akinmusire -- Owl Song -- One of my favorite records from last year, it features Ambrose's spare, meditative trumpet playing backed by Bill Frisell and Herlin Riley (best known for drumming with Wynton Marsalis).
*John Convertino & Gabriel Naim Amor - Correspondents -- A guitar/drums duo record that recalls Calexico's early instrumental tracks.
* GoGo Penguin - From the North (Live In Manchester) -- One of my favorite discoveries of the last several years, a piano-based trio that is far from a typical jazz trio.
* Once I was done with research, I dug into Spoon's They Want My Soul, inspired by the anniversary reissue.
Have a great week, everyone. Looking forward to your picks!
What a great story!! Urge Overkill “lovely young men” lol and Liz!! How cool! My friend just played a Liz Phair song on touchtunes the other night while we were out having a ladies night!
He was such a sweet old guy, a year or two from retirement, and he was adorable about it. He had no idea how popular she was. "Wow, Lizzie has really done well for herself, huh?" I wanted to ask him if he'd heard "Fuck and Run," but thought better of it. 😂
I can't second your Pell Mell recommendation loudly enough! It's a profoundly underrated album.
Awesome. I'm always surprised how relatively few people know them. Star City is great, too.
I think (?) I'd heard the name, but am pretty sure I've never heard any of the music.
👌👌👏👏
Ambrose Akinmusire and GoGo Penguin 👍
So good!
Steve Fisk? Pell Mell?
Yep!
Lol. I love it! Nash Kato & crew as "lovely young men" at a wedding is both hard to imagine and also somehow perfectly on brand.
Pell Mell were great and you might like Friends Of Dean Martinez if you don't already know them. The Huntington Cads and The Tiki Tones are also great instrumental bands if you like surf with a bit of exotica.
I dig FoDM who I learned about because I'm a big Calexico fan. I don't know about the other two, so I'll check them out. Thanks, Wally!
I didn't originally know the connection to Calexico till later on even though I enjoyed both bands music, I jyst wasn't very quick at making the connection.
I can't find much by The Tiki Tones On Bandcamp other than this song which is a Shadow's cover - https://aneveninginnivram-atributetotheshadows.bandcamp.com/track/the-tiki-tones-tomorrows-cancelled?search_item_id=3211118573&search_item_type=t&search_match_part=%3F&search_page_id=3647919561&search_page_no=0&search_rank=3&logged_in_mobile_menubar=true
The new Jack White is still in heavy rotation. Along those same lines, I've got The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely going. Easily one of my favorite 2000's rock albums.
As Kevin and I have embarked on our 100 Best Albums project, I've gotten to listen to a few cool records that I've never heard of. Particularly, I've been obsessed with "Gorgeous" by 808 State.
If you want to join the madness here are the picks below:
Kevin's: https://thekevinalexander.substack.com/p/the-100-greatest-albums-of-all-time?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web
Mine: https://thatguyfromtheinternet.substack.com/p/wax-ecstatic-the-100-greatest-albums
Other albums:
- Jack White - "Noname"
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - "Flight b741" (Can't wait to see them play with Geese this Wednesday)
- Thee Oh Sees - "SORCS 80"
- The Stone Roses - "Stone Roses"
- The Byrds - "Sweetheart of the Rodeo"
Also, was very pumped to snag a limited edition vinyl of "Stop Making Sense" at a local record shop yesterday. Didn't know how they had them, I believe these have been sold out for a year.
Nice! That's a fantastic find.
Mustard is listening to Yndling's debut album Mood Booster. They discovered this album on Bandcamp's "New and Notable" and was entranced right away.
https://yndling.bandcamp.com/album/mood-booster
Kevin doesn;t think he's heard this one, and will check it out. He's definitely a fan of Bandcamp's "New And Notable" feature.
Veruca Salt and Bob Marley
I could not decide which personality to express this weekend.
Love both!
Why not both? :)
The first two Liz Phair albums are so good, especially 'Exile.' I lost interest after 'Whip-Smart' as the albums started to lose their raw honesty. It seemed as if the record labels were objectifying her while also trying to make her more "safe" and mainstream.
Last October, we caught Phair's 30th anniversary of 'Exile in Guyville' Tour when it came through Portland. She played the album in its entirety, told backstories behind some of the tracks, and was clearly enjoying the audience response and participation. You could see and feel how important and empowering the songs were for the largely GenX women in the audience. They knew every word and were enthusiastically singing along with Phair. It was a perfect example of the power and importance of music!
How awesome!!
100% to all of this. You might've heard it (or heard her tell it in person), but she shared the story of "Divorce Song" on an episode of Song Exploder awhile back.
https://songexploder.net/liz-phair
Miss España
I spent Sunday avidly listening to the new Wrest release. I'm still digging through the new Twin Atlantic and Cloud Cult releases, as they both deserve multiple and repeat listens. The new Charly Bliss also came out on Friday, so I need to spend some time with it.
As for singles, "D&T" by Japandroids does not disappoint. "SAD KIDS" by FIDLAR is also great.
And for my look to the past, I revisited Hoyt Axton. He was so much more than the Dad from Gremlins. Give "Greenback Dollar" and "Ashville Junction" a listen and tell me the man isn't an incredible music artist!
Yes! I’m looking forward to digging into Charly Bliss a bit more!
I haven't caught up with the full Wrest record yet, but I loved the singles they released along the way. Looking forward to spending time with the record this week.
It’s really great. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
FIDLAR's been on my 'to do " list for a minute now. Charly Bliss too. As for Hoyt Axton, I'm on it!
You know I love to dig into the past as well as the future. Hope you enjoy the listens!
I like some of the older Wrest songs so should check out the new album, thanks!
Newish:
Jack White, No Name
Good Looks, Lived Here for Awhile
Velocity Girl, UltraCopacetic (which I picked up on vinyl this weekend). Yes, with Archie’s remixing, I am declaring this a NEW album.
Not so newish:
The Icelandic Punk Band Utangardsmenn (translated as The Ousiders) after visiting the Iceland Punk Museum during the family vacation
Wayne Shorter, Adam’s Apple
David Bowie, Young Americans
Freddie Hubbard, Sky Dive
Tom Waits, Small Change
I love your take on VG, and am co-opting it. I've never been shy about how much I like this record, but I was floored listening to the remixed/remastered version. There are entire dimensions to tracks that simpy weren't there before.
"Bass Hooks" playlist now up to 44 songs: https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:176057102521860192:74638688
Now with Crass, Dystopia, Filth, Neurosis, Rancid, and Operation Ivy. I had to be careful not to let those last two take over the whole playlist.
Nice!
Thanks! I can't remember if I added your suggestion, but if I did, thank you!
Do you have anything by FreeBass ?
No, but this reminds me that I really need some Joy Division and Bauhaus songs on here!
Hey everyone, new here...I had a bit of a camping trip over the weekend, headed down to the South West of the UK to drink fine coffee and rough cider in the woods...anyway the road trip tunes consisted of...
The new album from Morgan Wade - Obsessed which I enjoyed but not as much as my daughter does.
I also managed to spend some time with the new Zach Bryan record, The Great American Bar Scene which is excellent but has a feel of leftovers from the previous album of 9 months previous - that guy has zero chill!
Ended the drive with Jason Isbell's back catalogue on shuffle and had an intermittently great/emotional time - dude knows how to make a grown man cry!!
Welcome! I'm glad you're here, Rob!
New to my top songs of the week is an epic 8:35 minute tune from the great Father John Misty, a remake of Rhinestone Cowboy, and an enjoyable ditty from Coldplay:
I Guess Time Just Makes Fools Of Us All - Father John Misty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73qfO13cjns
Rhinestone Cowboy - Orville Peck, TJ Osborne, Waylon Payne, & Fancy Hagood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxLZZWZ4HcY
feelikeimfallinginlove - Coldplay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3IVdLo-2NM
That FJM track was an instant all-timer for me! Thanks to Sub Pop, I was able to feature it on my podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Pq5SCegn0kpDtFy914quu?si=3be2811c4d01413a
FJM came up on my Radar Release this week. I utterly love it!
That cover of Rhinestone Cowboy is 🔥
That cover is (*chef's kiss)
Great version of Rhinestone Cowboy
I dig that Violet Palms track! I’ll have to check out more of their stuff.
Over the weekend I discovered a new-to-me band called Typhoon, so I’m spending some time diving into their albums.
I'm glad you liked it! Saw them Friday. I was there to see Red Pants (who put on a killer show).
When Violet Palms took the stage, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was really impressed with these guys. They have one record out, and I really enjoyed it.
Jay and the Americans got the most spins this week. For commentary and the other bands that I listened to: https://weatheredmusic.ca
Right on. Thanks for the link!
I’ve been listening to Amos Lee’s new album Transmissions. I cannot get the song “Hold on Tight” out of my head, but it’s a good thing. I also have been liking the French Cassettes new album Benzene with the track White Noise being my favorite so far.
I also saw Sierra Ferrel’s tiny desk concert this weekend, which was really good. I also saw Lucy Dacus’s tiny desk concert from the pandemic which will also be worth your time.
Right on. I hadn't heard any of these yet. Thanks for getting them on my radar!
Heck yeah to Wishy! Other than that, still listening to Cassandra Jenkins - and now I have the deluxe edition, which includes 15 extra minutes of music, including a sublime instrumental take on Stardust. Also liking Doris - Ultimate Love Songs Collection, True Optimist - Mental Health, Blood - Loving You Backwards, JPEGMAFIA - I Lay Down My Life For You, and The Dead Tongues - I Am A Cloud. Finally, I'm working up a list of my top 10 live albums and having a really tough time. Just yesterday, I realized I left James Brown's Live At The Apollo off the list...I listened again and it's still magnificent!
If I've learned anything this week, it's that making these sorts of lists is hard, and that leaving off a "must have" is an inevitability.
New this week:
Paramore - This Is Why. Beyond their breakout album "Riot!" (which I need to revisit at some point) I haven't really listened to this band too much. While less punky than that album this was a pretty enjoyable listen. The two song blast of "C'est Comme Ça" and "Big Man, Little Dignity" is the best off of this.
Revisits:
Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick. One of the premier concept albums/rock operas. Don't really need to say anything else.
Big Man, Little Dignity 👌
This Is Why is great!
this beatiful duet by James Francies and Elliott Skinner. it's almost like a prayer:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1RRcedMFLHJOQDnOe3Qvkl?si=92f16d4c8389450f
This is lovely!
Good evening from London! This morning I enjoyed "Picture Book" by Simply Red on my turntable. I love the album full stop, but also, it's one of my best-sounding records (1985 German pressing). The sound is just incredible.
Right on! I'm currently shopping for a new set up. Mine has had a good run, but it's time may be running short.
Oh cool! That’s exciting. I’m sure you don’t need any help, but if I can help in any way, give me a shout!
Will do and thank you!
Lots of great tracks to get to grips with this week!
Love this one from Private Dancer https://open.spotify.com/track/11p5FAG9ad5nbhCcPoFKOL?si=llQHJBm4ScGIJhkviV3TNg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1ykIsw4ZNMAKXQQQWXptL5
And this one from Ceramic https://open.spotify.com/track/6BGH8q4GnlUKO1FH8MRFbP?si=HI504uSHSUaternzLDbkZA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6yGZ6jTQvYMs5aStScn8v3
The Blue Note Reissue Series.
There was this whole series of double LPs from Blue Note back in the day. They came in an off white sorta basic gatefold, and featured previously recorded but unreleased tracks by various Blue Note luminaries. Basically, a budget box set type of concept, but with only the "extras".
I've had the Jackie McLean and Johnny Griffin editions in my cabinet forever, acquired haphazardly from my local joint at one time or another. I dug them out awhile back and gave them each a spin and I noticed that their inner sleeves were basically a printed ad for the whole series and there were so many more editions and I really should try to collect them all or else what am I even doing here collecting records.
So I've since picked up Cecil Taylor, Wes Montgomery, Chick Corea, Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Milt Jackson, and Jean-Luc Ponty. This is in span of about two weeks.
These are physically old albums, not shiny new modern repressings. But they sound great still (some of them are still in my as yet unlistened stack. It's not a small stack.) None of them are anything revelatory if you're already familiar with the artist, but that wasn't their intention. It shows how deep the ocean was at Blue Note that they were just sitting on this entire extra catalog of tracks from their heyday.
Most importantly, they look so cool all lined up together in my cabinet. I'm on a quest now to get all of them. I dont even know how many that is but I'm probably gonna need another cabinet.
Very cool. It's hard to go wrong with any old Blue Note releases.
Very cool indeed! Needing another cabinet is a good problem to have. :)
Two greatly under-rated Austalian bands both came to the party in the last week and both are on the turntable/playlist. Pel Mel discovered a batch of original and unplayed vinyl somewhere...Up to buy over at bandcamp so hurry if you want. Well worth it. https://open.spotify.com/album/3UZj5rp1WBvDNd7u3HeYsW?si=GV1aMxhTTRaxo_9vf_Fbeg
And 80s Sydney skate punks, The Hellmenn, digitised most of their catalogue (minus the classic Mourning Of The Earth release unfortunately - that'll happen!) https://open.spotify.com/artist/52wpZRDoAKXoS8gk6qoTe1?si=ML1_FJrOTKOupjkgYsE2PQ
I spent all day at a Ren Faire with some of our closest friends and had one of the best times I’ve had all day. Lots of bards and a custom playlist surrounding our ears. Here were my favorites! What have *you* been listening to?
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5jadaIbdkafMV0432kWs6U?si=VRZqHFi7TX2qlVxseE8gcQ&pi=u-E_pnC5D5RyCA
"Bardcore" is a genre I wouldn't have thought existed, but here we are.. lol.
I’m gonna say confidently that there are far more misses than hits.
One of my favorite Liz Phair tunes and one of favorite Talking Heads lines, "Every sentence I use refer to women and their names."
Went back into Australian pub-rock; some Cold Chisel and a band called "The Angels". Also got a surprise: new Phantogram! After years uncounted! Not my usual thing, but they (and a few others) always intrigue me:
https://youtu.be/TRQXxFAp_T8?si=7SCZUOAzCDM5TUV7
I was listening to this cool radio show in Scotland and he played a song from a new album by The Kaisers that was great so now I'm on the lookout for a copy of that album - https://www.mixcloud.com/SunnyG103/daffys-discs-17th-august-2024/
If anyone is interested in early 80's synthpop, There were very few bands that were made up of sax players and a drum machine but this band was and they were very good that they have been recruited to play with many other bands from The Beautiful South and Bananarama and Fun Boy 3 among others. The Swinging Laurels finally have their music released on an album, a vinyl record that comes with a free CD with extra tracks. They are also on Bandcamp here -
https://theswinginglaurels.bandcamp.com/album/return-to-the-future
One of my favorite songs was "Hair By Mantini" which is incorrectly named on Bandcamp.
80s synthpop, you say? You're speaking my language here, Wally!
Shelby Lynne - Consequences of the Crown. Incredible.
YES! I checked this out after seeing a Rolling stone article in my feed. Fantastic record.
By accident I recently started to listen to the German Neu Harte metal band Eisbrecher. I was watching a video the other day when I thought I was listening to a song from Rammstein but couldn't place the song. I researched it a bit and found it to be a band similar to Rammstein called Eisbrecher. I enjoy their music so far. "Vas ist Hier Los" and "Zweischen Uns" are my two favorites so far.
I've been playing the Menahan Street Band's discography on repeat. Perfect work music, and enough funk to keep it rolling straight into cocktail hour... ahem, uh, I mean into my after work exercise routine...
lol. I have a similar, er, “routine.”
That Sweeping Promises wormed a permanent hole in my brain—Lira Mondal has one of the best voices around.
Because I just spent a month animating a video for them, I've been non-stop listening to a band from Calgary called Pøltergeist, kind of goth post-punk with a metal edge and a smidgeon of shoegaze. This song has been morning repeat:
https://poltergeistovdoom.bandcamp.com/track/walking-alone
Also in heavy rotation:
-Bab L'Buz—Swacken
-Minami Deutsch—Fortune Goodies
-Home Front—Games of Power
-Acid Arab—Musique de France
And as always, lots of 70s & 80s Turkish music.
100% agree on Lita Mondal’s voice. And both of them were really cool/down to Earth when I interviewed for the newsletter!
Games of Power absolutely rips. Was not expecting that to come out of Edmonton.
Also: please say more about the 70/80s Turkish music.