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...
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!!
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...
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!
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!
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
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!
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...
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...
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...
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...
