Monday, September 28, 2020

San Cisco: Between You and Me (Album of the Week)

Freemantle's own San Cisco have just released their fourth record and the god-like growth of this band continues to stun me. Their core pop sounds are still there, of course, but now we have Bacharatic ultra lounge and cinematic wonder added to the mix. 

Great bands always evolve like this and the trajectory in front of San Cicso promises to be stellar. Here is one of my favorite tracks...


As a postscript, I'd like to add that being from Minneapolis and digging this band is extra special. Our town, completely around the world from where they live, helped break this band in the US back in 2012. I've seen them in concert four times and every show has been fucking amazing! 

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Delta Spirit: What Is There

San Diego's own Delta Spirit recently release their fifth full length and it's quite good. It starts out poppy and then finishes with several introspective, acoustic ballads. 

Great music for lovers everywhere...


Saturday, September 26, 2020

Missing Haven (Brit Rock Spotlight)

I miss Cornwall's Haven. What a truly amazing band that should have stuck around for the Dudes With Guitars decade (2000-2009). They had a lot of Dream Pop in them too that made their tunes really soar. 

Their first record, Between the Senses, dropped in early 2002 and is their best. Here are a couple of great tracks that illustrate their awesomeness. 

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Amen Dunes: Love (Montreal) (Autumn Music Series)

It's that time of the year again, folks. The Autumn Music Series is back!! 

Since this blog started, I've spent the fall months showcasing songs that are perfect for the season. Each has a certain quality about it...echo-y vocals, guitars and/or piano...colors to barren sonic landscapes...introspection...romance for crunchy leaf walks or by a roaring fire...quicker darkness, yet still somehow positive. 

First up is NYC's Amen Dunes. This track is taken from 2015's Cowboy Worship


As always, click on the tag below to create your own Autumn Music Series playlist! 

Monday, September 21, 2020

Doves: The Universal Want (Album of the Week)

Manchester heroes Doves are back after a way too long absence. The Universal Want is a stellar record and takes its place in the group's stunning pantheon of releases. This band is one of those bands for me, ranking right up there with other decade-defining bands like Kooks, The Subways, Stereophonics, and The Fratellis. 

On this record, Jimi, Jez, and Andy delve deeply into cosmic consciousness and individual spirituality, offering new insight into the human condition. Much of the time, it's quite dark but that's OK. 

Doves are here for all of us...

Saturday, September 19, 2020

Everything Everything: Re-Animator

Manchester's own Everything Everything are back with their fifth full-length record and fans of the outfit will be overjoyed. All eleven tracks are completely amazing and deeply channel their inner Radiohead

Here is a very chill track that is great to zoning out in the universe...

Monday, September 14, 2020

The Magic Gang: Death of the Party (Album of the Week)

Brighton's own The Magic Gang are back with a fab new record called Death of the Party. It grabs you right away with the opening track (featured below) and never lets up. For a sophomore effort, this one is shovel-to-the head stunning! 

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Orville Peck: Show Pony EP

Sometimes you just need a little Americana in your life. And it's OK if that Americana comes from another country. Canada's own Orville Peck has a great EP that is an addendum to last year's Pony. Show Pony is like one of those amazing treasures you find in an antique store. It just fits perfectly in your life. 

So so beautiful...

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Disclosure: Energy

Surrey's own Disclosure is back with more club stomping beats than you can shake a stick at! Their music is just so much fun and great for more than just being out on the scene. I'd recommend springing for the Deluxe Edtion as it has nine extra tracks. 

Here is the opener. Lets you know right away what kind of right you will be in for...

Monday, September 7, 2020

Jaden: CTV3: Cool Tape Vol. 3 (Album of the Week)

Stellar music sometimes comes from surprising places. Jaden Smith (son of Will and Jada) has just put out what could be the Album of the Year. Not kidding, folks. It's that fucking good.

Weaving in a lot of Beatles vibes, Jaden manages to straddle a variety of musical stylings with aplomb. I mean, there's even an ultra lounge track ("Falling For You") that completely melts my soul. Dude is 22 and has complete command of the history of music. 

Here are a couple of choice cuts.



Sunday, September 6, 2020

William J. Healy: Twin Heavy

The West Oxfordshire town of Carterton has produced a truly gifted musician named William J. Healy. His second full length, Twin Heavy, is out now and it's spectacular. Fans of ELO and solo John Lennon will LOVE this record. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks. 

Thursday, September 3, 2020

The Waterboys: Good Luck, Seeker

Mike Scott is a treasure of the world. Every couple of years he puts out a new record, it's awesome, and the planet bows before his godliness. The Waterboys' latest is called Good Luck, Seeker and it's rife with that core message. If you are trying to find something, follow the advice on these 14 tracks. 

Edinburgh rejoice! 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

The Killers: Imploding the Mirage

Indie powerhouse The Killers are back with their sixth full-length record (wow, has it really been that long?). Imploding the Mirage continues the Las Vegas band's impressive run of stellar music. They helped to define a genre in the early 21st century and listening to their music today reminds me of how the years 2001-2009 were miraculous...

Here is a performance of one of their new songs. So so good...