Interpol: The Other Side Of Make-Believe

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...

Burna Boy: Love, Damini

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: Every Five Seconds (Album of the Week)

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...

Journey: "Lights" and "Lovin, Touchin', Squeezin'" (Throwback Thursday)

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. 

Adrian Belew: Elevator

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...

Porcupine Tree: Closure/Continuation (Album of the Week)

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 Sheepdogs: Outta Sight

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.

Viagra Boys: Cave World

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...

The Brian Jonestown Massacre: Fire Doesn't Grow On Trees

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).

Mt.Joy: Orange Blood

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...

Joan Shelley: The Spur

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: Honestly, Nevermind

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...

Drake is a pioneer and the world is a better place with him in it. 

Young Guv: Guv III (Album of the Week)

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...

Stars: From Capelton Hill

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...

Todd Rundgren: The Unpredictable Tour

The first night of Todd Rundgren's Unpredictable Tour kicked off last night at Summerfest in Milwaukee and it certainly lived up to its name although most die hard Todd fans like me (this was my 22nd time seeing him live) know that surprises are the norm. 

The set had some very interesting covers ("Don't Bogart That Joint" "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" "Hash Pipe" just to name a few) mixed in with Todd classics and deep cuts. I was particularly impressed with "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference," "Compassion," and "Buffalo Grass." The band was in top form on those songs and Todd was just magical. Hearing "Lysistrata" and "One World" from the Utopia album Swing To The Right were most appropriate given the current times. Crowd pleasers "I Saw The Light" and "Hello It's Me" were also present.

When he comes to your town, check it out. This show is MUST SEE!!

The Fixx: Live in 2022

London's own The Fixx are out on the road supporting a new record (review coming soon) and it is a must see show. I caught their show in Milwaukee last night and it was stellar! They did a fantastic job of mixing in their new music with their classic tunes. 

I was most impressed by their showmanship, in particular, front man Cy Curnin kept the crowd engaged for the entire set. The band was just ON for the 90 minute show and sounded just like they did over 40 years ago. 

The 80s renaissance continues and it is glorious! 

Check them out when they come to your town!