Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Lake Street Dive: Obviously

The soft soul of the '80s and '90s seems relegated to a deeply buried Satellite radio station or, worse, the piped-in music in a department store or elevator. I'm sure most people think the style of music that is so eloquently showcased in the theme song from the 80's TV show Moonlighting by Al Jarreau is dated and should be pronounced dead. 

But I don't. I love it. It gives me that nostalgia that I crave every day. 

That's why I'm happy to see Boston's Lake Street Dive carrying their torch of this genre and doing it with aplomb. Their latest offering is Obviously and it's old school perfect!

Monday, March 29, 2021

Kings of Leon: When You See Yourself (Album of the Week)

Kings of Leon are back with another fantastic record. When You See Yourself is bright, upbeat, and darn near perfect for the start of spring. I continue to be impressed by the growth of this Nashville outfit with their soul-carving tracks of power and wonder. 

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Sg Lewis: Times

Reading's own Sg Lewis has a vibe that I am really digging right now. His debut album, Times, just dropped and I find myself yearning for the days of late-night dancing in the main room at First Avenue. It's a tight, yet ultra exploratory nine-song set that gets those hips revolving! 

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The Cloud Nothings: The Shadow I Remember

Cleveland's own The Cloud Nothings are back with another fine installment of indie, post 90's grungey fuzz-pop. The Shadow I Remember is their ninth effort and showcases the band's spectrum quite well. Several of the tracks stray into early 'Mats territory which I find quite pleasing being a Minneapolis dude. 

Monday, March 22, 2021

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: L.W. (Album of the Week)

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have been busy reptiles of late. This Melbourne outfit has released 4 albums in the last two years alone. Their latest is called L.W. and it's more of the same fun and innovative energy that this band brings to the musical world. 

Here is the opening track...

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Rob Zombie: The Lunar Injection Kool-Aid Eclipse Conspiracy

Shock rock, metal maniac Rob Zombie is back with The Lunar Injection Kool-Aid Eclipse Conspiracy and, man oh man, is it a corker! It's been five years since we have seen any new material from this intense MF and I don't think I could have waited any longer.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Way Down In The Rust Bucket

Neil Young has been consistent in his seven decades of musical output. He releases 1-2 records a year. Some may be new material. Others may be from the vaults. Either way, for Young fans like me, it's mags.

His latest release takes us back to those halcyon days of 1990, a sadly overlooked era for Neil and his outfit, Crazy Horse. Way Down In The Rust Bucket is a nice collection of new and old tunes that brings with it very inspired performances.

Here is a taste...

Monday, March 15, 2021

Maximo Park: Nature Always Wins (Album of the Week)

Newcastle upon Tyne's own Maximo Park are back with their seventh full-length record. Nature Always Wins is quite wonderful on several levels, the chief one of which is its sheer pop power. The hooks are ready-made for stadium anthems. But it's also introspective and sullen in an optimistic way. 

And that's just how I heart my Brit Rock. 

Friday, March 12, 2021

Chung Ha: Querencia

Folks, I have to admit it. I dig K Pop now. It's energetic and fun. Look no further than Chung Ha if you want to dip your toes in the water of this genre. Her debut album, Querencia, just dropped and it's filled with banging tunes to pump your first to and dance.


Monday, March 8, 2021

The Pretty Reckless: Death By Rock and Roll (Album of the Week)

NYC's The Pretty Reckless have just put out an absolute killer of a record. Death By Rock and Roll is a total stunner, loaded with banging anthems and power ballads. 

Here is the opening track. Wow! 

Saturday, March 6, 2021

Aaron Lee Tasjan: Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!

Aaron Lee Tasjan has returned with another chapter in indie folk grit. Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! (his tenth record) sees this amazing artist delving into psych-pop pools of wonder. 

Quite dreamy...

Monday, March 1, 2021

Django Django: Glowing In The Dark (Album of the Week)

London's own Django Django are back with their fourth full length called Glowing In The Dark. This is easily their best piece of work since they started over a decade ago. 

There are so many layers to it that I don't even know where to start other than the simple fact that the album is clearly one of the most inventive works I've heard in the last few years. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...