Gangsta rap gods Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40, and Too $hort have banded together to form the ultimate super group. Mount Westmore snuck out their first album a couple of weeks back and it's just a blast. Snoop, Cube, 40, $hort is filled with bangers from start to finish.
It's the 90's, west coast style again!
Shaking off the previous years of pandemic blues, 2022 was a magnificent lion's roar of 12 months for music. So many great bands released fab albums that it was quite hard for me to pick only 22.
But I did. Here they are!
In an age of garbage pop, computer generated and voice modulated nonsense, it's refreshing to hear a band playing straight up guitar based pop. This Toronto based outfit released their third record this year and it's their best one yet.
The London Suede came roaring back in 2022 with a shovel to the head stunner of an album. All eleven tracks are mint. An instant Brit Rock classic...
20. Peter Doherty: The Fantasy Life of Poetry and Crime
So so happy this god-like genius is still kicking around and making great music. Doesn't everyone have this kind of fantasy life?
19. Johnny Marr: Fever Dreams Pts. 1-4
Johnny Marr continues his colossus like striding of the music world with another fantastic release this year. Sixteen tracks of power, love and soul!
18. Blossoms: Ribbon Around The Bomb
Blossoms are one of those bands that remind of the golden era of Brit Rock. They release a few singles and EPs. Then their first album. And then they just GO, getting better with each record. I'm happy to see they are carrying the sword from the lady in the lake...
17. The Sherlocks: World I Understand
Barnsley, South Yorkshire has been beaming at these lads with their third long player storming across England with its passion and power. Cool dudes with guitars...
16. The Wombats: Fix Yourself, Not The World
Liverpool's own The Wombats continue to offer sage advice and mind expanding sonic explorations that carry the torch of most excellent pop music. Brit Rock is alive and well!
Atlanta's Earthgang are the regents of rap music today. Ghetto Gods is an absolute triumph from start to finish. The world should take note of these truly gifted artists.
Mattiel is another great band from Atlanta that should be on everyone's radar. Their stellar pop is most inspirational!
13.The Fixx: Every Five Seconds
The 80s are alive and well and The Fixx are making darn sure of that. What a fucking amazing record. I caught them live last summer and they are still incredible.
12. Todd Rundgren: Space Force
It's always an extra special treat when Todd releases a new record. Though he tours constantly, new albums come only come every few years. This one sees him returning to collaborations with a variety of artists. Here is one of my faves with Neil Finn.
11. Liam Gallagher: C'mon You Know
Our kid is still a force with which to be reckoned. His third solo record is his best. I love the variety of styles and themes.
10. Greentea Peng: Greenzone 108
The Queen of Soul Psychedelia showered 2022 with more awesomeness. A truly soul lifting experience.
9. Sugar Ray Rayford: In Too Deep
Speaking of soul, Sugar Ray Rayford is at the forefront of the soul revival that has all the rage for the last several years. I am so glad that this style of music is still being made.
The Sheffield lads continue their dominance over the musical world with yet another amazing offering. NME awarded The Car the number one spot this year for Best Album. It's a continuation of the themes and styles of their last record so you'd better find that martini and favorite lounge whilst listening.
7. Sunflower Bean: Headful of Sugar
This Brooklyn outfit just rips my heart out in the most wonderful ways with each new release. Their latest record cuts deep into my romantic soul...
The sonic realms created by this young man from Los Angeles are truly expansive. And yet, he manages to personalize so many of his songs. Listening to this latest record makes me feel like I'm in some sort of eternal lounge with love in the air...
I've loved this band for 25 years now and they haven't made a bad record. Their latest is one of their best. It kicks ass and rocks!
4. Tears For Fear: The Tipping Point
They haven't made that many albums but the ones they have made...wow. Their latest has been years in the making and the wait was well worth it. Roland and Curt are gems...
3. Turin Brakes: Wide Eyed Nowhere
This one surprised me. I've like this band for a couple of decades and found their music to be enjoyable. Their 2022 offering is dragon level awesome. Every track is stunning and beautiful.
We all want to be pointed towards True North. A-Ha decided to record there and produce a mind boggling effort. Most folks know them as a one hit wonder that also did a James Bond song. But they are so much more and this record proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
1. Ryan Adams: Chris, Romeo and Juliet, FM, Devolver, Nebraska
The Album of the Year is actually plural for the first time on this site. Ryan Adams has given new meaning to the word "prolific" with five releases this year, all of which are amazing. In fact, Adams has inspired me to create a new recognition here at MarkiesMusic and that's Artist of the Year.
In so many ways, Adams was 2022. His deep introspection and optimistic malaise was perfect for the year. I saw him live last October with my daughter and it was three hours of exactly why he's the greatest living American songwriter.
Here's a sampling of his output this year...
It is with great pride and joy that the number one track of 2022 goes to The Linda Lindas for their amazing song, "Oh!"
These young LA kiddos have bucked all the computer based garbage pop filled with heavily modulated vocals that we hear these days in favor of a straight up pop/punk sound that I used to hear when I was their age. It warms my heart so much to hear music like this again...
Congrats to The Linda Lindas!
Trying to listen to Earthgang's magnificent track "Waterboyz" without shaking it is darn near impossible. You just gotta move!
It's a cornucopia of urban stream of consciousness...
The opening track to the latest Stereophonics record is a banger with a capital B! That's why it's my choice at number three in 2022!!
Nice to the Cwmaman lads back to form..
The title track from the album of the summer is keeping me quite warm in the North Woods on these long and cold winter nights. "The Tipping Point" is a perfect Tears For Fears track in every way...
Turin Brakes made an amazing record this year. This is the best track on it. Just a giant pile of gorgeousness.
Man, I love Sunflower Bean. The Brooklyn trio has seeped deeply into my soul since their inception seven years ago. The opening track from their latest record is my number six for the year.
Pure pop bliss...
The Black Keys have themselves a grand master, dragon level banger of a track. "Wild Child" cooks from start to finish. I dare you not to dance while listening to it. It's impossible! You can't do it!
The pride of Montclair, New Jersey gets the nod at #8 this year with the jangly guitar pop track, "Alaska." Pinegrove = Indie bliss.
The loungey and lovey lo-fi of Cuco is perfect for this time of year. Find a loved one and snuggle up to stay warm in your heart and soul...
The vison widening track "On The Run" by Atlanta's own Mattiel brings us into the top ten of this year's best tracks. I am very obsessed with the beauty of this song. I want to live in the world it created...
The Sherlocks are a band that I've really come to deeply enjoy over the last couple of years. I wish more bands would make music like this. Expansive pop that warms the soul from Barnsley, South Yorkshire...
Those Denton, Texas lads known as Midlake have finally returned with new music and it's made 2022 all the better. The best track from their latest record is called "Feast of Carrion" and it is truly glorious.
Nostalgia working overdrive...
I've played A-Ha's new record over twenty times now and I'm still blown away by it. I know it's a cliche but good grief what a tour de force. The opening track still sends chills down my spine...
The kid turned out a great record this year and "Diamond In The Dark" is an absolute corker. I can see the lights from phones being waved in the year for a banging stadium sing a long...
"Another idiot with a brand new phone."
The line from this track that led me to fall in love with it immediately. The Wombats are the pride pride of Liverpool. Dancy dream pop at its finest!
Pat Fish left this earth last year but his legacy will endure forever. His last gift to all of us is a true gem and this is just a corker of a track from it!
The ever amazing Blossoms, fine Greater Manchester lads, turned out a corker of a pop song this year. We are all "Born Wild" when that 80s sound is heard...
The gentle, soothing feeling that this track brings reminds me of the gentle slide onto the bar stool and a fresh, cold one being poured and served. The Delines are a Portland treasure.
I want to hang out with an eco warrior goddess. Maybe even several of them. Listening to Todd's song about such folk makes me want to be a part of their scene ASAP.
Next up in the countdown is the ever prolific Ryan Adams with "Doylestown Girl" from one of his FOUR albums this year, Romeo and Juliet.
It sounds like it came out in 1981!
Let the Top 22 Tracks of 2022 begin!
First up is a corker of a track from those Sunshine, Queensland lads The Chats. Holy crap does this song cook!
The Boss is back with a massively awesome tribute to soul music. Only The Strong Survive is deeply felt effort for music that is truly American through and through. We all love soul music as much as you do, sir, and it really shows on this record!
One of my faves...
They might hail from Stockholm but they sound like they are from West Virginia. First Aid Kit is the very essence of great folk music. Their latest record is called Palomino and it's completely wonderful. I hear some Brill-building sound on it in addition to all the great folk tropes.
Here is one of my faves...
The ever-prolific Melbourne lads known as King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have released their third album...in October of 2022! Changes comes hot on the heels of Laminated Denim and Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava. Being a massive fan of this psych-pop band I highly recommend all three records.
Changes is my favorite of the lot because it has a funkier groove to it. Here is one of my faves from the record...
London's Palace is back with a dreamy, shoegaze delight. Shoals is pure bliss and the perfect salve for the longer nights at this time of year. The record creates its own magical world of wonder.
Here is the opening track...
The north woods may have a fresh coat of snow and be showing much evidence of winter but I'm still thinking about autumnal music. A perfect soundtrack for that sentiment is Skullcrusher's Quiet The Room.
It's the first full length record for Helen Ballentine and the Tarrytown, New York native delivers an evocative and haunting piece of music. It's perfect for the quickening pace of darkness falling across the land.
Here is one of my faves...
NYC's Michelle released their sophomore effort earlier in the year and it finally managed to make its way to me (via my son). After Dinner We Talk Dreams is the kind of pop/soul music I used to listen to in the 80s. Mostly I was an indie guy but there were certain artists (Anita Baker, Al Jarreau) that couldn't help but love.
Michelle reminds me of those artists and with the added bonus of that 21st century vibe. Here is the opening track...
The 1980s are filled with bands that were one-hit wonders. Oslo's A-Ha wasn't quite one of those bands. They did a Bond title track after their big hit and they made several fantastic records over the last nearly 40 years. But most folks just remember "Take On Me" and "The Living Daylights."
Well, they are going to remember True North.
Epic. Fucking. Album.
It's clear where Keane got a lot of their influence in terms of style and theme. And what a grand idea to record the whole thing north of the Arctic Circle to give it a frozen, haunted sound that somehow manages to sound jubilant. Seriously, this may be the album of the year.
Opening track...
Liverpool's own The Lightning Seeds are back with yet another psychedelic pop treat. See You In The Stars is an absolute treasure from start to finish.
Here's an example, with a nod to early Floyd!
If had a time machine radio that magically tuned into the year 1985, it wouldn't be a surprise to hear music that sounds like Betty Who. The Sydney, South Wales, Australia native has just released her fourth record and it's called Big! And wow is it ever!!
Here is one of my faves...
The 1975 is back and the lads from Manchester are in fine form. Being Funny In A Foreign Language is another great record that perfectly synthesizes 80s pop with synth funk.
Here is one of my favorite tracks on the album...
Sheffield's own Arctic Monkeys are back with a positively stunning record called The Car. It's a leveled up verson of their last record (Tranquility Base and Hotel Casino) with even more heartache, regret, and deep yearning. Though the themes of the tracks suggest a continued failure to achieve one's goals, musically the lads are at the top of their game. Their style has evolved in unexpected ways, pushing the boundaries of pop music.
The orchestral lounge is open again and serving even better cocktails than on the moon!
Another year and another great record from Leicester's own Easy Life. Their latest offering is called Maybe in Another Life and it sees the lads diving deeper into diversity. Some of the tracks have a Beach Boys-like sound. Others sound like the house band at a Chi-Chi's lounge. All are amazing!
Check it out!
The fall of 1982 was a wondrous time in my life. My sophomore year had begun and much of that adolescent awkwardness was falling away. I felt confident and it was glorious to be alive.
I was a cross-country runner and that autumn I met one of the people that would musically change my life in the most profound ways. I distinctly recall the first time seeing him walking up to our squad on that first day of practice wearing a Tommy Tutone shirt. He had ridiculously mod hair and it was quickly apparent that he knew his shit when it came to music.
Over the course of the next few weeks, Steve introduced me to a plethora of amazing records. This was the guy who turned me on to Paul Weller, the artist who is now second only to John Lennon for me. I'll never forget listening to Sound Affects by The Jam and having a whole new world of music opened up to me.
One of the big records during this time period was The Lexicon of Love by ABC. It had come out the previous June but for me, it will always be a fall record because we obsessively played it on the bus ride to our cross-country meets. Sony Walkmens=Represent!
The key track for me has always been "Many Happy Returns." The lyrics are brilliant and it has all of my autumnal tropes. The keyboards echo off into windswept, multi-colored leaves and swirl forever, keeping that time always around my shoulders like a warm blanket...
It's nice to hear that bands like Bush are still out there making thumpin' rock and roll. The latest from these London lads is called The Art of Survival and it's theme is perfect for our world right now.
And the style is BOSS!!
Chloe Moriondo is quite a unique force in 2022. Her social commentary in her music is honestly in its own category. The Chloe category. Her latest record is called Suckerpunch and it feels every bit like one.
Witness.
Ah, Todd. You are such a genius and you've been a part of my life for nearly all of my 55 years. My dad played your records in the 1970s and you are still making great music today. I've loved every minute of all of them and have seen you 22 times in concert.
Your latest record is amazing and fun. The collabs are boss and every one of the 12 tracks is pure platinum. It's the last one that really gets me. Reminds me of all your styles wrapped up in a bow!
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are back with indie bliss in the form of Cool It Down. This ethereal, wispy and mega Twin Peaks ish record is just a trip. I felt like I'm floating when I listen to it! Karen O and the lads really outdid themselves on this one.
Here is one of my favorite tracks...
Charlatans front man Tim Burgess is back with another stellar offering called Typical Music. There is nothing typical about the Salford native's latest record. It's twenty two tracks that are all over the map in terms of musical diversity. Straight up pop all the way to choral type music? Wow!
Here is one of my faves...
Ah, the London Suede. So cool. So debonair. Eternally sounding current. Massively hip. Their latest record is called Autofiction and it's completely mega. It's everything music should be in eleven luscious tracks.
Here is the opening track, performed live recently on Later, with Jools Holland.
London's own Palace has got me extra autumnal today with their track from 2014 called "Bitter." As usual, it has the obligatory haunting, echo-y guitar combined with heavy echoes on the vocal that makes for a truly bleak (but very fall-like) track.
Add it to the list!
LA's own Unloved are back with their third offering of that groovy mid-60s in London spaced-out cinematic psychedelic sound. The Pink Album is their best yet and makes me want to grab my Austin Powers Halloween costume from a couple of decades ago.
So groovy!
The seventh studio release by El Paso's own The Mars Volta is all levels of awesome, especially including dragon level. What a complete explosion of pure sonic joy! I wish there were more bands that made music like this, delving deeply into moods and styles that champion diversity for the pure sake of the art.
Having the album name be just their band name is perfect!
Birmingham's own Editors are back with a wonderful new record called Ebm. It's got more of late night club dance feel than their previous records. There is a pretty solid industrial sound as well. The guitars are just amazing. True sonic love!
Hometown boys Dark Dark Dark have a perfect autumn song. Taken from the soundtrack to the film Flood Tide, "Winter Memory" is a perfect song for today here in the North Woods. I woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow on the ground!
The feel of the air and the calendar says it's still fall so enjoy this amazing track.
Venerated music shaper and icon Daniel Lanois is back with a perfect album for the autumnal season. Player, Piano is a quite, introspective affair that is truly the perfect soundtrack for colder days, dazzling colors and even dark, rainy fall days.
Here is a taste...
The eternally prolific Ryan Adams has graced us with yet another release in 2022. This one is free and it's called Devolver. It's a big thank you to the fans who have supported him through his challenges in the last couple of years.
The record has that same late 70s, early 80s AM radio pop sound that he has been cultivating on his last few records albeit with a little more edge and rock and roll to it.
There is nothing up on YouTube in terms of samples but the album is available to download here.
The pride of Chicago, Whitney, is back with another fabulous record that's called Spark. It's got all those 70s feels with even more pop added for luscious goodness. I love the way it bursts my mind open with nostalgia!
Here is the opening track...
London darlings The House of Love is back after a nine-year absence with a very curious and amazing record called A State Of Grace. The record represents a decidedly new direction for the band as much of it sounds like they spent a lot of time listening to mid-period Led Zeppelin. This is highly apparent on this track...
The glory and the power that is Santigold returns to the music scene which a deeply personal album called Spirituals. The Philly native really stretches herself out on her fourth record with some 80s pop and danceteria style music.
She truly is the High Priestess!
It's quite nice to have Julian Lennon back on the scene again. His latest record is called Jude and it showcases the variety of styles of all of his previous records. He has such a deeply personal voice that is decidedly unlike the musical pantheon that has surrounded him from day one.
Case in point...
Turin Brakes, aka the pride of Balham, are back with a ridiculously amazing record called Wide-Eye Nowhere. Their tenth album (!) is filled with glorious SoCal pop hooks and breezy melodies guaranteed to put smile on your face and a spring in your step.
This track made me want to grab the missus and dance!
Greentea Peng is back with another stellar foray into R&B psychedelia. Greenzone 108 is soulful, spaced-out goodness that belongs directly in a space-age bachelor pad on the moon. The East Londoner calls this record a "mix tape."
I call it a perfect trip.
SoCal's sweet pioneers of soul Thee Sacred Souls have just dropped their long-awaited debut and self-titled LP. It's twelve amazing tracks that continue the now massive soul revival music going on around the world. This record has everything from classic grooves to that signature Motown echo in the vocals
Find a romantic partner and dance the night away, close together and slowly...
Icelandic wonder Laufey has just dropped her first album and it is loungey jazz wonder of epic proportions. Everything I Know About Love makes me feel like I'm in a Kennedy Era Cool club in NYC drinking a Vesper and letting the beautiful sounds of Laufey's voice cascade over me like soothing icicles.
The soul lifting sounds of the Bailiff Bridge lads known as Embrace have been my soundtrack for the last couple of weeks with their new record, How To Be A Person Like Other People. Their usual stadium sing a long style is present along with some fantastic pop numbers. And, is as always the case with them, they deeply explore the human condition in a magnificent way!
Here is one of my faves...
London synth pop dance kings Hot Chip are back with Freakout/Release, another amazing foray into late night club sweat and grooves. There are also some solid pop tracks on this record that remind me of late 70s AM radio.
Example.
It's that time of the year again...my favorite season...FALL! And that means the Autumn Music Series is back. Time to find that special someone and curl up by the fire or take a walk in about to be very crunchy leaves and listen to some fantastic autumnal music.
First up is a classic track from 1991 from Manchester's own James. "Born of Frustration" has the essential echo-y guitar and haunting lyrics that must be present in a fall tune. It's quite powerful!
Key from K-Pop sensation Shinee, has just released his sophomore effort and it's one of my favorites in the genre. Gasoline-The 2Nd Album is filled with bangers and crowd pleasers. It's just solid pop music. Key does an amazing job of mixing up rhythms and styles. The cinematic hooks are completely wonderful.
Here is my favorite track on the record...
The pride of Tokyo, Kikagaku Moyo, has released yet another amazing exploration of psychedelic pop. Kumoyo Island is their finest record yet. Kick back and let your mind palace open with these eleven transplendent tracks.
Here is the opening track...
Raw and powerful. Those are two words I would use to characterize Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia wonders The Chats. Their sophomore effort, Get Fucked, turns it up to eleven. It's as if a band formed from the world of a Mad Max film. Thank god!
Here is the album opener...
Sometimes I'm just a sucker for good pop. Zara Larsson's latest album, Poster Girl, fits the bill perfectly. The Stockholm native is a spiritual sister to Saint Etienne with her own flavors added in for extra zest! You just can't stop Poster Girl in the middle. You have to go all the way through The whole record is start-to-finish amazing!
Here is one of my faves...
I guess we'll make this weekend an electronic music thing with a peek at Sylvan Esso's latest record called No Rules Sandy. It's a lot of really cool short tracks that are not only catchy but also could be a soundtrack to a cyberpunk movie set in a place with a village green. Dare I say that some of it sounds almost autumnal.
Check it out...
Some classify Glasgow's Hudson Mohawke as "electronic music" but he's quite a lot more than that. He continually pushes the boundaries of the genre into pop, soul, and even an 80s vibe. His latest is called Cry Sugar and it is magnificent.
Here is one of my faves.
It's always a fine week when the pride of South London releases a new record. Jamie T is back with The Theory of Whatever, another amazing exploration in the world of pop music. He's pushing the boundaries of the genre once again with rap-infused bangers and a decidedly chill-out vibe.
Here is the opening track...
Sometimes I'm in the mood for weird electronic music that reminds me of a 70's lounge combined with a cyberpunk fever dream. Thankfully, Domi and Jd Beck can deliver this exact style to me with their amazing music. Their latest is called Not Tight and it has many tracks.
Here is one of the best...
Leicester's own Kasabian are back with an absolute corker of a record that pulses like a sun going supernova. The Alchemist's Euphoria moves and grooves in all the best ways. It's hard to believe that this Brit Rock outfit has made seven records already!
Here is one of my faves from the album...
Jack White is a national treasure and an officially venerated icon of rock and roll. His latest record illustrates why this is the case.
Entering Heaven Alive is pure rock goodness, encapsulating pretty much the entirety of the genre's history. White switches effortlessly from Zep dripped 70s arena rock to a Neil Young in the 1990's vibe. And then, just as suddenly, he's sounding like a cross between Bach and the Small Faces!
Here is the opening track...
The chill grooves of Calvin Harris's latest jam are suiting me just fine right now. Funk Wav Bounces Vol.2 is an absolutely perfect soundtrack for 1am third wind rides into the beauty of the late night/early morning mist.
Ride, brothers and sisters...
Toronto's own Tallies latest offering has been in heavy rotation in my house since it dropped a few weeks ago. Patina shimmers like a bright star and is cosmic journey awesome. It's great guitar jangle pop for really any occasion.
Here is the opening track...
The pride of Hawthorne, California is back with an amazing record called Fantasy Getaway. Cuco has brought lounge lizard electronica to Mount Everest-like heights.
I want to chill within this vibe forever...
The Sadies are a Toronto gem. Their latest, Colder Streams, is a fantastic foray into psychedelic pop. Cosmic mind journeys are abundant on this record which amazingly marks their fourth decade on the scene.
Here is the opening track...
Lizzo is amazing! And she's from my hometown of Minneapolis!! Her latest release is called Special and it is that indeed. I just love how honest she is in all her lyrics. Zero filter is always the best way to go.
She truly is the future of R&B and with each release I can see this artist achieving Everest like heights and beyond.
Here is the title track...
Bedford's own Lil Sliva has just released his sophomore effort and it is truly a gem of electronic music. Yesterday is Heavy is chill and danceable at the same time, reminding me a lot of Friendly Fires. The sonic mindscapes he creates are crazy in their expansiveness.
You must "Be Cool" and buy this record!
The pride of Brighton is back! The Kooks have a new record out called 10 Tracks To Echo In The Dark and it is marvelous. The album continues the band's exploration of synth soul and pop while still retaining their "dudes with guitars" street cred. The Kooks continue to be cornerstones of Brit Rock with this wonderful entry into the pantheon of holy music.
Here is one of fave tracks...classic Kooks!
Compton's own Steve Lacy is a musical pioneer. And he's exploring horizons that most musicians only dream of seeking. His sophomore effort, Gemini Rights, is an exquisite kiss of music history in terms of genre and style. As always, his guitar work is stellar.
Here is one of my faves...
I'm bookending this week with another selection from Ryan Adams. Chris is the third of a trilogy of albums that were originally due to come out in 2019. Wednesdays and Big Colors, the first two chapters, set a tone of dark Americana that is lost due to love, life, and a world that doesn't exist anymore.
Chris is a heartfelt tribute to a close friend of Adams who is no longer with us. It has the same late 70s/early 80s radio sound that all of his most recent albums share. It's a common thread of nostalgia for a place lost in the ashes of time and that's honestly pretty fucking sad.
Here is the title track...
How many albums can Ryan Adams release over a year-long period? The answer seems to be as many as he fucking wants to release. FM is the third release of 2022 alone and the fourth over the last year if you count 2021's Big Colors.
His latest effort sees him once again diving deeply into that radio sound of the late 70s and early 80s. FM could easily be one of those records that everyone in your high school bought that day it came out and wore it out from play just a few months later.
It's nostalgia for a time that was but never was...
NYC's own Interpol is back with another stellar album filled with indie goodness. The Other Side Of Make-Believe delivers for fans and newcomers alike with its dark yet poppy, drone-y yet uplifting vibe.
Here is a sample...
The heart and soul of Port Harcourt, Nigeria is back with yet another stellar record. Burna Boy is a STAR. Love, Damini is an instant classic, and the main reason why is its diversity in style. Pop, rap, beat, hip hop, and a deep hometown sound are all present on this record.
There are many guests on this album and I think my fave is the track with Ed Sherhan.
The Fixx is a truly amazing band. They are an 80s pop sensation who is quite beloved by fans of that era for their big hits. Yet the London lads have continued to make relevant music into the 21st century. Their latest record, Every Five Seconds, is easily as good as their first three albums (all masterpieces). Ten tracks of modern nostalgia.
Here is one of my faves...
I haven't done a Throwback Thursday in far too long and Frisco's Journey has been in heavy rotation on all of my playing devices of late so here we go.
When I was growing up and listening to that crappy old Realistic radio my mom gave me, WLS out of Chicago played these two tracks constantly. Both were hits but not as huge as later songs would be. Honestly, they helped to shape my first romantic thoughts.
For me, this is Journey.
Guitar legend and art rock god Adrian Belew is back with a fantastic new record called Elevator. It warms my heart that Belew is back making solo records again. His latest showcases his diverse style and insane ingenuity, especially on guitar.
Example? The opening track...
Art Rock juggernauts Porcupine Tree are back after a 13 year absence and I most thankful. The Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire lads continue their magic with Closure/Continuation. Their latest has a decidedly more heavy tone in both theme and style. All of their signature sonic explorations are present, though, and Wilson's voice still sends me on cosmic journeys to other galaxies.
Here is the opening track.
The phrase "they don't make music like they used to" no longer applies. There are multiple retro bands spanning all sorts of old-school genres that have been making music for the last several years.
One of the best is Saskatoon's own The Sheepdogs. They sound like they fell out of a Volkswagon van in the year 1974. Their latest is called Outta Sight and it truly is...
Here is the opening track.
Loud and raucous. That's how I like music from time to time. The Viagra Boys fit that bill perfectly. Their latest record is called Cave World and it's incredibly obnoxious (in a good way) from the beginning.
Here is my favorite track...
Frisco's jewel, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, keep proving why they are in a class by themselves. Their latest record, Fire Doesn't Grow On Trees, is another stunner of an effort in a now over 30 year pantheon of psychedelic pop awesomeness.
Anton is an Ineffable Mindfuck! (the last two words of this sentence is an actual track on the record).
It's a perfect summer when Mt. Joy releases a new record. The Philly (now LA) natives will always be associated with the warmer months of the year ever since a disc golf buddy turned me on to them a couple of years back.
Their latest is called Orange Blood. It's their third record and the journey this band is on is extraordinary. It's a wonderfully mixed-up bouquet of dream pop, psych-pop, indie, and shoegaze.
Here is the title track...
Louisville's own Joan Shelley is a Kentucky treasure. For more than a decade, this amazing artist has made deeply Americana-themed music that gets right to the soul of this country.
Her latest is called The Spur and it makes me feel like home...
Drake's new album Honestly, Nevermind is completely amazing and folks need to give the Toronto native massive props. He does stream of consciousness better than most rap artists and that's really the key to the genre, in my not so humble opinion.
A great example is this track...
Jangly guitar pop is truly needed in everyone's life. Thankfully, Young Guv is around to fill that need. The Toronto native's third record is classic DUDES WITH GUITARS goodness. Guv III is a sheer wonder of a classic sound (think The Byrds, The La's, Oasis) that should be played on every possible listening device!
Here is the opening track...
Montreal's own Stars with their tenth (!) album and it's just a ton of fun. From Capelton Hill is chock full o' pure pop bliss. I hope this record inspires bands to make more music like this.
Here is one of my favorite tracks...
Vancouver's own Pink Mountaintops make me happy. They make music like people use to make it. I realize that's a cliche but I know I am among many who are quite tired of computers playing instruments. So, when I hear those loud and rolling Fenders on this track...
Mr. Lamar is back with a truly extraordinary record called Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The Compton native seems to have found is deepest socially conscious voice yet with the nine tracks contained on this gem.
Here is my fave...
Oxford lads Foals are back with a new record called Life Is Yours. Within a few seconds of my first listen, I wondered if I had picked up a Level 42 album instead. Being a total nerd for that 80s outfit, I was ecstatic! The themes and the style of this record will make fans of either band happy.
Get ready to dance!
Perth's own Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are back with their fifth long-player of scrumptious, mind-warping fun. Night Gnomes is yet another example of the musical renaissance going on in Australia, most of it in the psych pop genre. Bril!
Monophonics are back with more sweet soul bliss guaranteed to soothe your spirit in these trouble times. Sage Motel is a big beautiful kiss from the early 1970's, my favorite time period for R&B.
Here is the title track...
Tears For Fears has always meant SUMMER for me. My heart grows immediately warm when I hear their music because it reminds me of so many summers in my 80s youth. Watching their videos on MTV or hearing their latest hit (and there were SO many) on the radio, the band just sounds better in the summer!
So, it's only natural that their latest record, The Tipping Point, is my choice for the soundtrack to your summer. The title track alone, which I highlighted when I made the record my Album of the Week last March, oozes summer wind and chlorine-smelling pools.
The last track, though, is just perfect for that late-night drive home from a summer date. The wind blowing...maybe by the beach somewhere...or even in a city with all the lights...mmm...
Wilco is back with a two album set called Cruel Country and it honestly couldn't have come at a better time. Our country is really fucked up right now and it's somehow comforting to hear Tweedy sing about its current state of malaise. All 21 tracks deeply explore Americana and how its heart can sometimes be dark.
"I love my country like a little child. I love my country, stupid and cruel, red white and blue."
Wow.
I've gone from a few toes to now a full half leg dipped into K Pop. I can't help it! Some of it is just really infectious.
Take Yerin, for example. Formerly of the outfit GFriend and now solo has an amazing first volley out called Aria. I think it's the 80s kid in me that just needs some bubble gum pop once in a while.
Kevin Morby gets to a place in me that only he can access. It's weird and hard to explain. You just have to buy all of his albums and listen to them a lot.
His latest is called This Is A Photograph and it's a complete gem. Here is one my faves from the record...
I took a trip to England when I was 16. I celebrated my 17th birthday in London. It was magical in just about every way. We stayed in a little village called Templecombe and would regularly go into Yeovil to hang out, mostly at the pub.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that prog rock titans, The Pineapple Thief, are from Yeovil! It made my hear warm:)
Their latest is called Give It Back and it is a sheer delight. Here is one of faves from the record.
The pure pop bliss of Sunflower Bean continues to cradle me like a newborn infant. Their latest is Headful of Sugar and it soothes the soul straight away from track #1.
I want to radiate like Warpaint. They are the epitome of cool. Their latest record is called Radiate Like This and it's all about the vibe. Late nights, early mornings, chill out, the city, romance and mystery-all are present on this magnificent album.
Sultry...
The Black Keys are just awesome. It's impossible for them to make a bad album. Each one is better than the last one and that's likely due to their infinite search for the unfindable musical horizon.
Their latest is called Dropout Boogie and it's a stunner from start to finish. Check out the opening track...
Our kid is back with his third solo record. Wow! Where did the time go?
C'mon You Know showcases much more diversity of style than I would have expected. I mean, we all know what Liam does and he does it well. But check out this track.
The pride of Glasgow, Belle and Sebastien, are back with a lovely record called A Bit of Previous. The 12 tracks contained therein are more upbeat than some of their previous and more recent records. And, dare I say, poppier for an "indie folk" band. This was also their first record since 1999 that was recorded in their hometown of Glasgow.
Here is the opening track...
Melbourne's own Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever is back with Endless Rooms, yet another dreamy and jangly guitar pop record. Imagine a house with an infinite number of rooms, each with a story to tell of life, love and mind palaces.
