Thursday, July 30, 2020

Holy Wave: Interloper

When we think of Texas, we imagine hard-rockin' blues or Dixieland jazz. Perhaps even garden variety southern rock. Spaced out dream pop combined with psychedelia is decidedly not on the menu. But that's just what El Paso's own Holy Wave has brought to the world. Truly, they are an amazing gift to our planet. 

This quintet's latest release, Interloper, is a mind trip of a record. I've listened to it many times,  wandering around the hot sun and contemplating my place in the universe. Get lost in yourself and the world around you and pick up this album. 


Monday, July 27, 2020

Lianne La Havas: Lianne La Havas (Album of the Week)

Lianne La Havas is a sacred treasure. The fact that she is from London makes her even more of a gem. Her latest record, titled simple Lianne La Havas, is an absolute triumph.

Building on the power and complexity of her first two releases, her new album is 12 tracks of sheer love and profound passion. Every part of every single track is a beautiful kiss that warms my heart and soothes my soul.

Here is the opening track. When she sings, "no more hanging around" after the build up...good lord...


 

Friday, July 24, 2020

Athlete (British Music Spotlight)

London's own Athlete was a fab band in the Dudes With Guitars Era of the early 21st century. That's the decade from 2000-2009 that I personally have defined that began with The Strokes and morphed into a lot of cool bands playing guitar oriented indie pop.

The quartet made four stellar albums and then went their separate ways to pursue other projects. I highly recommend all of their releases. Here is a sampling.



Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Bdrmm: Bedroom

The spaced-out sounds of Hull's own Bdrmm are just the shoegaze salve we need for what ails us all right now. Cosmic mind journeys and self-actualization are plentiful on their debut album, Bedroom. I am so thankful that this style of music is still being made!

And, of course, it is from the Holy Land...

Monday, July 20, 2020

The Jayhawks: XOXO (Album of the Week)

My hometown of Minneapolis has one of the best bands in the world. They have been making incredible music for over 35 years. Every Christmas season they do a show in the Main Room when they come home to visit with family and it sells out, invariably forcing a second show.

The Jayhawks are a Minnesota treasure.

And, honestly, they are second only to Prince in terms of local music legends.

Their latest release, XOXO, continues the high standard set by their recent output. Louris, Grothberg, Perlman, and the lads have refused to give up on exploring new musical horizons and territories. I continue to be as amazed as I was when I bought their first record back in 1986 at the record store in the basement of Coffman Union.

Here is my favorite track from the album. So perfect for hometown heroes...

 

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Bob Dylan: Rough and Rowdy Ways

Bob is back with his 39th studio album and this time it's with all-new, original material, his first since 2012's Tempest. I've enjoyed his recent forays into the Great American Songbook but it's always much better to hear new stuff from this musical icon. 

Rough and Rowdy Ways plays like something you would hear on an old jukebox in a dive bar in the middle of flyover USA. Can't you just see the old couples dancing to this track?


His characters and their stories, as always, are vibrant and multi-dimensional. 

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Ray Lamontagne: Monovision

The sweet, soft and soulful sounds of Ray Lamontagne's latest record, Monovision, have been in heavy rotation these last couple of weeks in my house. He is certainly a man out of time and seems more of a good fit for the mid-1970s. Yeah, it's kinda yacht rockish but who cares? It's amazing!

Here is an extra mellow track for those summer days with clouds...

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Spacey Jane: Sunlight

Australia officially has a new and amazing music scene with the likes of The Lazy Eyes, Bananagun, and now Spacey Jane. This Fremantle quartet magnificently adds to the garage and psychedelic sounds of this new genre from Oz. Their debut release, Sunlight, is a must-have for summer listening.

Here is one of my favorite tracks.


Monday, July 13, 2020

Bananagun: The True Story of Bananagun (Album of the Week)

Melbourne's own Bananagun have released their first record and it is an absolute stunner of a debut. The True Story of Bananagun taps into early 60's dream pop, early 70's soul, long afrobeat jams, and garage band psych-pop. Essentially, it's all the things I love about music. 

Here is one of the many amazing tracks from this album. 











Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Khruangbin: Mordechai

If you are looking for a good album to shag to, look no further than Mordechai by Khruangbin. This Houston trio has produced an album blissful with amour, demanding an immediate search for a loved one. There are loads of 70's vibes on this record and it really shows on this track.



My heart was very much loved up after hearing this record. Feeling nostalgic!

Monday, July 6, 2020

Paul Weller: On Sunset (Album of the Week)

The Modfather is back with an absolute corker of a new record called On Sunset. Weller continues to be fiercely curious about musical styles, tapping into sounds that range from cinematic to soul to simple pastorals. He shows no signs in letting up in his lifelong obsession with exploring new ways to be MOD. 

Here is the opening track.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Woodstock: An American Experience

Check out this amazing film about Woodstock. I've been a fan of the American Experience for years and this documentary is a stunning look behind the scenes of the greatest music festival of all time

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