Black Marble: Fast Idol

Wistful walks down a cobblestone lane in morning dew soaked hamlet is what Black Marble is all about. And that scene is with a romantic interest is in the 1980s.  Fast Idol is the latest from the pride of Brooklyn and is replete with mind water colours.

Helado Negro: Far In (Album of the Week)

Helado Negro is a Ecuadorian treasure. His latest record, Far In, has taken deep root in my soul these past few weeks, and will never let go. The album has elements of soul, lounge, chill, and lo-fi. It's completely modern and fits perfectly into the 21st-century zeitgeist of music. 

Fifteen tracks of sheer wonder...here is one of my favorites recently performed live!

Fleet Foxes: Crack-Up (Autumn Music Series)

Seattle's own Fleet Foxes were the soundtrack to my leaf raking yesterday and it was amazing! I took in their third offering, Crack-Up, and it really captured that autumnal wistfulness that I crave this time of the year. 

Always those echo-y voices remind me of fall...

Parquet Courts: Sympathy For Life

NYC's own Parquet Courts latest record, Sympathy For Life, is an indie delight. The droning and buzzy guitars remind me of every glorious night I've ever experienced at The Entry. And all the ones I've dreamt of...

Yes: The Quest (Album of the Week)

Yes has been a part of of my life since I was a toddler in the early '70s. I can clearly remember my father playing The Yes Album and Fragile so loud in the basement that our kitchen floor rattled. So, the London art-rock outfit has had a special place in my heart for over five decades. 

The Quest is the band's 22nd record and the first without their founder, Chris Squire, who passed away in 2015. The current lineup is Jon Davison on vocals, Steve Howe on guitars, Billy Sherwood on bass (the person that Squire insisted take his spot if he passed away), Geoff Downes on keyboards and Alan White on drums. 

It's a fantastic record filled with music that is a rare find these days. Here is the opening track.

Pinkpanteress: To Hell With it

The debut full length from Pinkpantheress is here and I am most thankful. The London native's lounge-y, chill club vibe is ridiculously cool. And by cool, I mean Kennedy era cool but for 2021. To Hell With It is bril!

Sam Fender: Seventeen Going Under

North Shields' own Sam Fender has dropped his sophomore effort and my guitar pop-soul is most happy. The best part is the opening track which fits perfectly into my autumnal playlist. The echo-y guitar and stories of yore...a shiver and a sigh...early November bliss:)