Sofi Tukker: Wet Tennis

The sophomore effort from New York duo Soffi Tukker is out and it's quite a great turn to pure pop. Wet Tennis is not only a great record but something I actually want to try given that I have played tennis for nearly 30 years. 

Boss track...

Blossoms: Ribbon Around The Bomb (Album of the Week)

The pride of Stockport in Greater Manchester has dropped their fourth album. Blossoms are back with Ribbon Around The Bomb and it's a peach! All 12 tracks are infectious pop wonders that will be perfect for the soundtrack to your summer. 

Here is one of my faves...

They are certainly channeling their inner 80s! 

The Lazy Eyes: Songbook

Sydney's own The Lazy Eyes just dropped their first full-length record and psychedelic pop fans everywhere will rejoice. The group takes you into the multiverse of madness and leaves you breathless by the time all 12 tracks have flowed through your mind.

Here is one of my faves...

What is it about Australia these days? What is it about a new wave of psychedelic pop bands (click the tag on this post and dig it!)? 

Romero: Turn It On!

Bursting out of Melbourne, power pop sensations Romero are making music that harkens back to my adolescent years in the 80's. Turn It On! is their debut record and it's eleven tracks of wall to wall rock! 

Party on! 

Ryan Adams: Romeo and Juliet (Album of the Week)

Ryan Adams is in the middle of quite a prolific period. He has released four albums in the last year and a half! His latest is called Romeo and Juliet and it continues his stylistic exploration of the late 70s/early 80s AM gold type music. It's almost as if Jackson Browne made a whole bunch of records right after he did Hold Out. 

Of course, his records are so much more than that. Loving and haunting at the same time, Adams is the best living American songwriter and performer, hands down. He makes me feel nostalgia for times in my life that I thought were long forgotten. And it's with brand new music!

Here's a track that's been out for a while but finally made it onto this full-length record. 

Syd: Broken Hearts Club

Syd Tha Kyd is back with an amazing record called Broken Hearts Club. Her sophomore effort shows continued growth and sonic diversity for this now very much mature artist. I'll admit that I miss The Internet but Syd's solo records are so good that my pining isn't as bad. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Duster: Together

Duster knows the way to San Jose. That's because they are from there. And the environs of that area of California must have inspired them to be the world's first grunge dream pop band. Their fourth long-player, Together, just dropped and it's their finest yet. 

Here is one of my faves...

Jack White: Fear Of The Dawn (Album of the Week)

God-like genius and indie darling Jack White is back with yet another shovel to the head stunner of a record. Fear Of The Dawn is a tour de force (a cliche, I know, but it really applies here) of raw energy and power. Honestly, much of it reminds me of The White Stripes which is just dandy with me. 

Here is the opening track...

It kicks off strong and never relents!

Father John Misty: Chloe And The Next 20th Century

The musical universe of Father John Misty is expanding again with his latest release, Chloe And The Next 20th Century. He's really everywhere on this one, beginning with a 20s cabaret number segueing into a 70s soft rock road anthem and then continuing with pop anthems and even a track that sounds like it could be the next James Bond song. 

Check out the range and pick it up!

Widowspeak: The Jacket

Brooklyn's own Widowspeak are back with their fifth full-length record and its chill vibe has been quite a nice salve for the spring that will likely never be coming here in the North Woods. The Jacket is a triumph of wispy melodies and thoughtful lyrics that stir the soul. 

Molly Hamilton's voice really gets to me...

The Linda Lindas: Growing Up

Power punk. Man, how I miss this genre. Thankfully, LA's The Linda Lindas are carrying the torch forward for a new generation of riot girrrrls. Their first long-player is out now and you must own it and ROCK THE FUCK OUT!!

Peter Doherty: The Fantasy Life Of Poetry And Crime (Album of the Week)

God-like genius Peter Doherty is back with yet another magnificent record called The Fantasy Life Of Poetry And Crime. It's a deep dive into the human condition as is typical of the themes in his music. Romance and its effect on the heart are also heard throughout the album. 

Doherty always manages to get to a part of me that I don't explore all that often. I wonder why or even what that part is...

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Unlimited Love

LA's own Red Hot Chili Peppers have tapped into the historical spectrum of amazing music from the last 50+ years and turned out their best album since Stadium Arcadium. Unlimited Love is unlimited awesome, which I know sounds cheesy, but that's just the way these dudes would like it.

Check it out!

Destroyer: Labyrinthitis

Vancouver's own Destroyer is back with another fabulous and super chill record. Labyrinthitis is dream-pop at its finest. I feel like I'm on the International Space Station and, interestingly, in the 1980s when I listen to the record.

Here is one of my faves from the album...

Placebo: Never Let Me Go

The fourth decade of London's own Placebo has proved to be just as amazing as the previous three. Their latest record, Never Let Me Go, rolls you up and smokes the shit out of you. 

Here is the opening track...

Midlake: For The Sake Of Bethel Woods (Album of the Week)

The pride of Denton, Texas is back after a far too long hiatus. Midlake has returned with another amazing record to add to their lexicon. For The Sake Of Bethel Woods picks up directly where Antiphon left off with its lush soundscapes and haunting melodies. The urgency is still there as well.

Here is my favorite track...

Aldous Harding: Warm Chris

The chill vibe of Aldous Harding's latest record, Warm Chris, is hitting all the right spots for me on this still too cold day here in the North Woods. The Lyttleton, New Zealand native has mastered a perfect blend of folk and pop.

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Loop: Sonancy

The psychedelic sounds of Croydon's own Loop are back in a whirl of colour, light, and aural wonder. Sonancy is their first full-length record since the 80s and it is bloody mags!

Trip out, kids!

Mattiel: Georgia Gothic (Album of the Week)

Music that travels. Or makes your mind travel. Or both. That's some of the best kinds of music. And that's just the kind of sonic experience that Atlanta's own Mattiel gives the world. Their third record, Georgia Gothic, just dropped and it's their best yet. It sends the listener on an inward and outward journey. 

Example

Go buy it! 

The Mysterines: Reeling

The relentless pounding of the latest record by Liverpool's own The Mysterines is just what I need right now to get me through the cold and the rain that is our usual Minnesota spring weather. Reeling is leaving me reeling and I am honestly not trying to be funny. 

Wow!

Wallows: Tell Me When It's Over

A full-length record from LA's Wallows is just what we all need right now, especially since they are Dudes With Guitars. Tell Me When It's Over is fantastic from start to finish. 

Bangin' track...

Yumi Zouma: Present Tense

New Zealand pop wonders Yumi Zouma dropped their fourth long-player a few weeks back and it's been a constant companion to me ever since. Present Tense is a perfect record to have as your soundtrack to Spring 2022. Warm, airy, and fun!!

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Andy Bell: Flicker (Album of the Week)

Born in Cardiff but now from Oxford, Andy Bell has been one of those fly under the radar Brit Rockers who has been making amazing music for over two decades. He founded the bands Ride and Hurricane #1, played with Oasis for many years as their bass player, and now has a solo career.

His latest is called Flicker and it's Pepper-style magic. 18 tracks! That makes it a double album to use the old vernacular.

Here is one of my faves...

Blue States: World Contact Day

London's own Blue States are back with another wonderful chill-out record of mind relaxing wonderment. World Contract Day is a nice vibe for the start of spring. Wispy and comforting

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

April March: In Cinerama

I love music that is cinematic. That's why I massively heart April March, chanteuse extraordinaire. Her latest record is called in Cinerama. And it sure is. 

Listening to this record, I feel like I'm in an Italian film from 1971.

Sugar Ray Rayford: In Too Deep (Album of the Week)

The Great Soul Revival of the 21st Century continues with an absolute corker of a record from the proud son of Texas, Sugar Ray Rayford. In Too Deep is old school 70's soul that is sorely needed in our nation right now. Let the healing begin! 

Here is the title track...

Nilüfer Yanya: Painless

Like a comfy blanket on a cold night, Nilüfer Yanya's latest record warms the soul. Painless is the London native's third offering and it is spectacular from start to finish.

Here is one of my faves...

Soft Cell: *Happiness Not Included

Remember way back when Soft Cell refused to play "Tainted Love" when they played shows? And everyone got pissed? To be fair, they did make other great music that wasn't a cover song. 

Thankfully, the Leeds duo are back making great music after a seventeen-year hiatus. *Happiness Not Included is their latest record and it will make 80s synth-pop fans ecstatic.  The opening track is a deep dive into melancholy about a future that never was...

Earthgang: Ghetto Gods

Atlanta's own EarthGang are back with a stellar rap record called Ghetto Gods. The album is full force dragon from start to finish but it's this track that really makes it the bomb.

I need a billi!

Johnny Marr: Fever Dreams Parts 1-4 (Album of the Week)

God-like genius Johnny Marr is back with a magnificent record called Fever Dreams Parts 1-4). He continues to pave the way for cool and inventive pop music the way people used to make it. You know, with actual instruments like guitars!

What kind of fever dreams live in Marr's head? I'm grateful he is letting us get a peek!

Sea Power: Everything Was Forever

Sea Power, aka the pride of Kendal, Cumbria, is back with a wonderful record called Everything Was Forever. The title alone really resonates with me. When I was younger, before I even knew what dream pop was, everything did seem like it lasted forever. And the music we listened to was founded in this genre and made it seem eternal.

Here is the opening track...

Elvis Costello and The Imposters: The Boy Named If

Treasure of the world Elvis Costello is back with his 32nd (!) record. The Boy Named If could have easily come out in 1980 and that makes this Gen Xer most happy. 

Here is my favorite track...

Tear For Fears: The Tipping Point (Album of the Week)

After an eighteen-year hiatus, Tear For Fears are back with The Tipping Point. The soaring, dream pop sonic waves of luscious delight immediately wash over listeners like 1980's watercolor memories and instant nostalgia of Gen X drama is injected into mind palaces everywhere...

Here is the title track in all its glory. 

Spiritualized: Everything Was Beautiful

The pride of Rugby, Warwickshire are back with yet another amazing psychedelic pop record. Everything Was Beautiful is the ninth record from Spiritualized and they are still going strong and floating in space. What a mind-bending trip this one is...!

Here is one of my faves...

Khruangbin: Text Moon

Khruangbin is back with an EP of loved-up music called Texas Moon. The Houston trio is mos def tapped into the soul revival that is sweeping the nation. Five tracks of pure delight. 

Here is the opener...

Amos Lee: Dreamland

Philly's Amos Lee blends a number of styles to create a dream-like quality to his music. It's most serendipitous then that his latest record is called Dreamland. There is something extremely intoxicating about this album. Who is he is singing to? It seems like it's just one person.

Here is the title track...

Stereophonics: Oochya (Album of the Week)

One of my favorite bands in the world just released a completely amazing record. Cwmaman's own Stereophonics are back with Oochya!

This is the band's 12th record and it honestly sounds like a perfect summation of all of their sounds and styles. The album opens up with the heavy-sounding "Hanging On Your Hinges."

Then we slide majestically into a resurrected B side from 2008, "Forever."

The Stones tinged "Seen That Look Before" is dreamy

This album connects to old and new fans alike. Go buy it and enjoy one of the few bands left who sound like music used to sound...

The Delines: The Sea Drift

The pride of Portland, Oregon, The Delines, are back with their fourth long-player called The Sea Drift. The album truly soothes the soul and it reminds me of the comfort one gets from gently 'mocking with a loved one, even if some of the themes are intense and dark. It's also very "AM Radio, late 70s" ish:)

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Black Country, New Road: Ants From Up There

Black Country, New Road is the pride of Cambridgeshire. With their second release, Ants From Up There, the band have cemented themselves as the post-punk kings of the UK. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

I highly recommend picking up their first LP as well (For The First Time). 

The Jazz Butcher: The Highest In The Land (Album of the Week)

The passing of Pat Fish was a sad day last October 5th. His outfit, The Jazz Butcher, was a regular staple of my college years. Thankfully, a posthumous release has appeared and it is quite wonderful. The Highest in the Land is an amazing final chapter in the life of an artist that too many had never heard of.

Here is the opening track...

I also would urge all of you to pick up the retrospective called Dr. Cholmondley Repents: A-sides, B-Sides and Seasides. It's a great collection for new and old fans alike! 

Combo Chimbita: Ire

The Colombian masters of psychedelic chill music are back with a wonderful record called Ire.Sit back and listen cleanly to the slinky vibes of Combo Chimbita. 

The first track sets the tone...

MØ: Motordome

Ah, MØ. MØ...MØ...MØ...you are pretty much everything pop music should be. And you are the pride of Ubberud, Odense, Denmark. 

Your third album is amazing. Everyone should own it. Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Josephine Foster: Godmother

When I look at the thermometer outside my house these days, I find myself yearning for the fall. It's cool but not freezing! Thankfully, I have Josephine Foster's Godmother to evoke that autumnal feeling that warms my heart. The Colorado native has the psych-folk genre down pat!

Here is my favorite track on the record...

    

The Sherlocks: World I Understand (Album of the Week)

Thank God for the proud sons of Barnsley, South Yorkshire known collectively and musically as The Sherlocks. They are proudly carrying the Brit Rock torch forward in this century and their latest record, World I Understand. Honestly, it's their best yet! 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Animal Collective: Time Skiffs

Baltimore's own Animal Collective has a stunning new record out called Time Skiffs. It's psychedelic pop at its finest with dashes of jam band and scifi rock. Fans of XTC will love love love this record. Prepare for a deep and thoughtful journey into your mind! 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Eels: Extreme Witchcraft

LA's own Eels are back with yet another stellar offering. Extreme Witchcraft is vintage Mark Oliver with a few surprising twists in terms of genre-bending fun. 

Here is one of my faves...

Orlando Weeks: Hop Up (Album of the Week)

Orlando Weeks just dropped his third long-player and it's very Ted Lasso-like in its optimism. Hop Up is a merry jaunt through the joys of love and life. There's even a track called "Yup Yup Yup Yup." Seriously, how much more upbeat could you be than that!?

But my favorite is the opening number. So atmospheric and time spanning...

Pinegrove: 11:11

Ah, the joys of jangly guitar pop. It heals my soul on a daily basis. That's why I heart Pinegrove as much as I do. Their latest is called 11:11 and it contains many amazing tracks that will make fans of this genre feel beyond fulfilled. 

Here is one of my faves...

Miles Kane: Change The Show (Album of the Week)

Miles Kane is a veritable treasure of Brit Rock. His albums are giant megaphones of every single genre that has ever been labeled as cool. A listener could hear Kennedy Era cool, freakbeat, and spaghetti western all in one song! 

His latest record, Change The Show, is a powerhouse of everything pop music should be. Example: these two tracks...

Groovy lusciouness!

Blood Red Shoes: Ghosts on Tape

Sometimes a goth drone vibe is in order. That's where Brighton's Blood Red Shoes comes in handy. Their latest is called Ghosts on Tape and it's dark but wonderful. 

Wear your black eyeliner...

The Wombats: Fix Yourself, Not The World (Album of the Week)

Liverpool's own The Wombats are back with yet another stellar record. Fix Yourself, Not The World is upbeat dream pop music at its finest. The twelve tracks on the record are pure bliss. 

Here is one of the real bangers...

This is a band whose entire catalog absolutely needs to be in your collection. Yesterday. 

Cat Power: Covers

Cat Power's latest release is a fine example of how to do a covers record. Pick songs that have personal meaning, delve deeply into back catalogs of amazing artists, and rework them to fit them to a unique style. 

Winner. 

Fka Twigs: Caprisongs

The pride of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Fka Twigs, has just released a "mixtape" record and it is phenomenal. The smooth grooves and the feel of love make Caprisongs something perfect to curl up to in the dead of winter!

Here is one of my favorite tracks. 

The Weeknd: Dawn FM (Album of the Week)

Every time I listen to The Weeknd, my heart and soul race back to the '80s. I remember all those teenage drama moments at the dances, by the lake, the endless house parties, and chillin' at the 7/11. He's just so tapped into that vibe that it's honestly scary. 

His latest, Dawn FM, is a simple and perfect forty-year-old dream...

Bonobo: Fragments

Brighton's own Bonobo just dropped his seventh long-player. Fragments is a further expansion of the already magnificent universe of soundscapes in which this artist resides. It's one of those records you can throw on and just mind fly away...

The Lumineers: Brightside

The pride of Denver, Colorado has just released their fourth long-player.  The Lumineers' Brightside is another magnificent installment in the alt-country. The record just hums along beautifully. 

Here is the opening track...

Richard Ashcroft: Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1 (Album of the Week)

Richard Ashcroft is a god (small g version) so when he puts out something (rare event), the world should sit up and take notice. Acoustic Hymns Vol. 1 is a collection of reinterpretations of his best works. The 12 tracks truly showcase what an amazing talent this Wigan native is. And it looks like there will be more volumes to come being this is listed as the first!

Damon Albarn: The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows

Brit rock legend Damon Albarn's continues his magnificent musical odyssey with The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows. This is the third solo record from the Blur front man and was originally conceived as a soundtrack for the landscape of Iceland. Albarn decided to expand it into a larger concept.

It's a great piece of music to take your mind on a journey. Here is a taste...

Robert Plant & Alison Kraus: Raise The Roof (Album of the Week)

The dynamic duo of Robert Plant and Alison Kraus snuck out their sophomore effort at the end of 2021 and it really was a lovely way to close out the year. Raise The Roof picks up where their 2007 record, Raising Sand, left off. 

Haunting, contemplative, loving, and spiritual...all at once and so much more...

Marissa Nadler: The Path Of The Clouds

Boston's own Marissa Nadler latest record, The Path Of The Clouds, is a gem from start to finish. It's been one of those deep soaker albums over the last few weeks that I keep coming back to because I just can't get enough of it. It takes me on a different journey each time I listen to it. 

Here is the title track...

Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Barn (Album of the Week)

Neil keeps churning out the good tunes. His latest, Barn, seems him teamed back up with Crazy Horse. The album offers all the classic sounds, soft and loud, that he has been known for over the years. It's nice to hear music with actual instruments still being made and made well. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...