Metric: Formentera II

Toronto's own Metric have dropped their follow up to last year's Formentera. Formentera II is more of the same wonderful indie/synth/pop gold. The hooks are intoxicating, especially on the second track. 

Check it out!

Say She She: Silver (Album of the Week)

The ever twirling and endlessly sparkling mirror ball is alive and well with the international sensations known as Say She She. Silver is their latest record and it's a double album perfectly fitting in with the milieu of the 1970s. I was a kid during the disco era and honestly didn't care for it much. Yet now, I feel the pull of he nostalgia so this outfit is hitting me just at the right time. 

I mean, dig these grooves...

And this is just classic disco...

Can't wait to see this band live!

Night Beats: Rajan

Seattle's own Night Beats have a totally fab new record out called Rajan. Its far out, psychedelic sounds swirl around in the most splendid of ways. I feel like I'm in 1966!

Steven Wilson: The Harmony Codex

Art Rock fans will rejoice at the latest offering from an OG of the genre, Steven Wilson. The Harmony Codex is a cosmic delight, impeccably produced and filled with amazing tracks guaranteed to expand the mind.

Have a pleasant flight...

Wilco: Cousin

Wilco is back with a most unusual and fun record. Cousin sees the Chicago natives venturing into a "Bowie in Berlin" type of arena and it sounds amazing. There are also traces of Velvet Underground but done in a Wilco way.

Check it out!

Woods: Perennial

The soothing sounds of Woods are on my mind today and those Brooklyn indie folk vibes are hitting me just right. Their latest is called Perennial and it is mighty wonderful. 

Here is one of my faves

Bibio: Sunbursting EP (Album of the Week)

The West Midlands lad known as Bibio gets the nod this week for Album of the Week. The cosmic and esoteric nature of his music leaves me gutted in the best of all possible ways. The opening track is just astounding. 

Lots of soul there...

This one is cloud kissing bliss...

Teenage Fanclub: Nothing Lasts Forever

Glasgow's own Teenage Fanclub are back with a very groovy and not so subtle nod to 60s acoustic rock. Nothing Lasts Forever is one of their finest, especially in terms of vocal arrangements which are at a Beach Boys level of awesome.

Opening track...

The National: Laugh Track

The National just dropped another record in the calendar year of 2023. Yay! Laugh Track is every bit as good as their May release, First Two Pages Of Frankenstein. There is zero doubt that they have been listening to a lot of Leonard Cohen lately but hey, what's wrong with that?

Here is one of my faves...

Stephen Sanchez: Angel Face

Nashville's own Stephen Sanchez has finally dropped his first full length record. Angel Face is a gorgeous shout out to the days of the dreamy crooner. Think mid to late 1940s and early 1950s. Even the cover of the album sets that tone. 

Here is one of my faves...

Graham Parker: Last Chance To Learn The Twist (Album of the Week)

Crafty veteran and London native Graham Parker continues to churn out stellar music at the ripe young age of 72. Last Chance To Learn The Twist is his latest and it opens up with an absolute corker. 

Praise the LORD!

The whole album is quite soulful...

The lad brings it on this one! It should be in your regular rotation immediately!!

The Pretenders: Relentless

The Pretenders are back with a gem of a record called Relentless. Chrissie is pretty raw on this one with love and relationships but that's just the way I like it. Love can be dark.

Here is one of my faves...

GAPS: Your Own Sweet Time (Autumn Music Series)

GAPS were a Brighton band that made one fantastic album called In, Around The Moments. The track "Your Own Sweet Time" is a perfect autumnal charmer. I can feel that October wind blow as this track plays...

Madison Beer: Silence Between Songs

The pop stylings of Madison Beer are on my mind today with her latest release, Silence Between Songs, being played heavily of late in my life. The New York native has gotten a lot more serious on her sophomore release and it honestly sounds like more than just a typical pop album. I'm hearing lounge and indie rock, two of my faves!

Opening track, favorite of Lana Del Rey. 

Brian Setzer: The Devil Always Collects

Brian Setzer is back with eleven tracks of rockabilly heaven. I loved all the swing stuff he did being a giant nerd for that genre but it's truly a pleasure to see him back doing what made him famous. The Devil Always Collects starts at 90mph and never lets up!

Laufey: Bewitched (Album of the Week)

The sophomore outing for the world's greatest lounge singer (or bedroom jazz as she defines it) is out! Bewitched by Laufey is simply dazzling. From the first notes of the record, one immediately requires a martini. 

After the dreamer enchants us into her world, we are lost forever in a world of love and bliss...

The Armed: Perfect Saviors

Detroit's own shoegzers The Armed have a new record out called Perfect Saviors. It's my favorite thus far for this outfit of rotating characters and mysterious beings. The guitar power sweeps are out of this world. 

Opening track...

Jeff Rosentock: Hellmode

I make no bones about how much I love "Dudes with Guitars" artists and outfits. Jeff Rosenstock has an absolute corker of a DWG track out called "Liked U Better." In fact, the Long Island native's whole record is filled with stunners.

Check it out! 

Spelling & The Mystery School: Spelling

Oakland's own Spelling is back with a slinky, self titled pop record that is a pure delight. Her fourth record sees her exploring multiple genres withing the pop milieu and striving to be cinematic in her style. 

Here is one of my faves which could easily be the next Bond theme!

Jalen Ngonda: Come Around and Love Me (Album of the Week)

The great soul revival of the new millennium continues with a powerful first volley from Jalen Ngonda. The East Coast, USA native moved to Liverpool ten years ago to study music and apparently has discovered why early 70s Motown, in particular Marvin Gaye, is MEGA. 

Here are two tracks off the record that showcase this young artist's immense talent. Each sets a mood just like those classic soul tracks did decades ago...

Summer Camp: Two Chords (Autumn Music Series)

It's October 1st and that means it's officially time to kick off the annual Autumn Music Series. I started this event several years ago because there are just certain songs that sound good in the fall. They make you feel like the season which also happens to be my favorite. 

First up is a band called Summer Camp which is certainly odd considering their name. But the song "Two Chords" from their self-titled sophomore outing is a perfect autumn track. Hearing Liz sing "Waiting...waiting...waiting" is pure fall bliss!