Why does haunting music somehow make us feel better? That's what I was thinking as I was listening to the latest record by Shana Cleveland. Manzanita is the L.A. native's third offering and it is clearly her best. Her singing on this one just gets deep into my heart and soul. Gorgeous and dark at the same time.
Here is a live version of my favorite track...
Edinnburgh's own Steve Mason is back with Brothers and Sisters, yet another stellar foray into dream pop pleasures. Mason continues to show why he is a sonic force with which to be reckoned. This record somehow manages to be both haunting and optimistic.
Here is one of my favorite tracks...
The pride of Paragould, Arkansas, Iris DeMent is back with her seventh long player filled with Americana goodness. Workin' On A World is a just a gorgeous record of country and folk beauty.
We are all warriors of love...
The post punk movement has a formidable champion in the form of Meet Me @ The Altar. The trio met online via YouTube and hail from various points in the country (Georgia, Florida, New Jersey).
Their first album is called Past//Present//Future which is apropos for its sound. That punky, Green Day-ish pop sound is there but with the fresh energy of a new perspective.
Here is the opening track...
Kali Uchis may have just delivered the most romantic album of 2023. The Alexandria, Virginia native third record is easily her finest. Red Moon In Venus starts off as a beautiful warm and wonderful kiss and goes from there into near-perfect amorous ecstasy. I've been completely enchanted by it for the past couple of weeks. It's just stunning.
Here is the opening track...find your lover:)
Venerated 80's dream pop stars The Church are back with The Hypnogogue, their 18th album in now six decades of output. All the things we love about this Sydney outfit are present, including some very deep introspection lyrically from frontman Steve Kilbey. I've always been struck by how this band can so easily make cosmic, mind-expanding music.
The opening track sets the tone...
The fake but still really awesome band Gorillaz is back with Cracker Island, a groovier, more danceable album than their previous ones. I feel a whole lot of 80s flowing through me when I listen to it.
Loads of cool guests also appear! Example...Stevie Nicks...
This Is Why is the latest record from Franklin's Tennessee own Paramore. It's their sixth offering and the outfit continues to reach for Everest like heights. I hear so many different styles from so many different eras that it's honestly overwhelming. 90s alt rock, dream pop, AM gold, and synth pop are all present plus much much more.
Here is the opening and title track.
