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).