For the last several months, I've been listening to the debut LP by Lamplight, the musical project of one Ian Hatcher-Williams of Roanoke, Virginia. It has sunken in and taken a deep hold on me with its sheer beauty and artistry. He gets me to places where I didn't even know I had places!
London's own Bess Atwellhas a lovely new record out called Light Sleeper. The track (see below) that is really hitting me in the heart strings is "The Weeping." It's everything indie folk music should be.
Pond's latest offering is quite a trip. The Perth Peeps have really outdone themselves on Stung!, exploring a multitude of genres that range from pure pop to just plain avant garde.
Lake Street Dive is the kind of band I dream about. They bring me right back to AM Radio and the late 1970s, early 1980s with that amazing feeling of wonder at music. Their latest record is called Good Together and it opens with the title track...
Just gives you the best feeling...
The slinkiness of "Help Is On The Way" gets right into my soul...
The band has often described itself as an outfit that would play at a dive bar on Lake Street in Minneapolis. The track "Seats At The Bar" sums this vibe up quite nicely.
Not too many bands make music like this anymore. I am very grateful that these folks are keeping the dream alive...
Moby is an enigma. Truly, a gifted artist who creates soundscapes that expand the mind in the most wonderful of ways. His latest is called Always Centered At Night and its title perfectly fits its mood and style. It seeps you in slowly...
The smooth sounds of Jose James' 1978 is sending my nostalgia into overdrive these days. What a perfectly warm summer record. The NYC singer is sending lovers everywhere on moonlit walks...
Lenny Kravitz is an American treasure. His latest record, Blue Electric Light, demonstrates this fact with the full force of category five hurricane. The album opens with this slinky number...
I love how he has always managed to combine R&B and Beatles-esque psych pop.
Next up is an ultra funky number for all you Star Wars fans out there....
The album closes with the triumphant title track and we are once again left in awe of this magnificent human.
Pearl Jam is back with yet another fantastic record to add to their lexicon of Americana melancholy and truth. Dark Matter isn't for the feint of heart. The lads from Seattle let us all know that life is indeed a challenge.
Carly Pearce is really hitting me in the right spot these days with her latest record. Hummingbird is what country music should be in 2024. All the right words, the perfect vibe, and whole lot of heartache!
Holy crap do I heart the new record by The Decemberists. As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again is simply gorgeous. The style variety is broad and merrily intriguing. I mean, this track, actually made me stand up and sway my hips...
Buffalo Tom are back with a whole bunch of great indie rock and alt country songs. Yea, baby! The Boston lads latest is called Jump Rope and it's their first full length record in six years. My mid-90s self is so so happy!
Pokey LaFarge is the pure embodiment of Americana. His music digs deep into the manifest destiny that is the United States. It's as if a time warp opened up and LaFarge spilled out from the American Century. Of course, it all makes sense because his origin point is at the heart of the Midwest, St Louis, Missouri by way of Bloomington, Illinois!
His latest record is called Rhumba Country. The album opens with a mover and a shaker...
Later we hear this cooker...
Even later, it's time for that romantic partner...
I feel so patriotic listening to this record. You should listen to it too!!
The chill vibe of the latest offering from Eels is suiting me just fine on this Sunday evening. Eels Time! is shining example of why this Los Angeles outfit is so cool.
Athens, Georgia's own Of Montreal is back with Lady On The Cusp, a ten song collection of indie rock wonder. My favorite track is "Rude Girl On Rotation" because, even as a 57 year old man, I feel that way sometimes.
I love music that is current yet makes me feel nostalgic for another time. That's how I feel when I listen to Pop and Circumstance by Lunchbox. The Oakland psych garage outfit gives me all those mid 1960's feels.
La Luz is back with a wonderful new record called News Of The Universe. The Seattle outfit has turned in their best record yet, a piece of work that runs the gamut of alternative, indie, psych pop and lounge.
Birmingham's own Swim Deep make me happy. And warm and fuzzy inside. Their fourth long player dropped this month and it's pure Brit Rock bliss. It makes one float!
The garage punk stylings of Oakland's Shannon And The Clams are fitting my groove just right these days. Their latest is called The Moon Is In The Wrong Place and this time around they've added some "under the boardwalk" type music to their lexicon.
Shoegazers of the world-be happy! DIIV has a new record out and it is fantabulous!! Frog In Boiling Water is quite the charmer, sending one's mind and soul to other planets! This band is growing into something truly spectacular...
Fans of those wonderful "dudes with guitars" bands can rejoice because LA's Wallows is back with a spanking great new LP. Model is their best yet with a whole collection of banging tracks guaranteed to knock your socks right on your ass!
My father was my own personal Jim Morrison. He introduced me to the foundation of what is my music taste today (largely British rock from the 1960s and 1970s). I, in turn, showed him the glory of 80s music from U2 and REM to the great synth pop bands like Tears For Fears and Duran Duran. I have a similar musical relationship with my own kids. I laid out a foundation for them and they have reciprocated with introducing me to some very fine artists making music today. It is most synergistic.
One of the outfits I learned about from my kids is Twenty One Pilots. Their latest record is called Clancy and it proves a very central fact about them: they are an absolute fucking force of nature. Their entire catalog is a must have in any and all forms. Their latest is a gem added to their magnificent lexicon of awesomeness.
The album opens with a very deep exploration of the soul, most typical of this artist...
A perfect club banger!
The introspection of this duo has no limits...
I also love how they recognize the history of music...and love...
Cage The Elephant is back and the Bowling Green, Kentucky lads have really outdone themselves on this one. Neon Pill is pitch perfect alternative grist along with several shout outs to 1970s soul and rock. I really love what the lads have done on this one!
NYC's Bodega has a new record out called Our Brand Could Be Yr. Life and I find it quite refreshing. The main reason for this is that it's a concept album aimed at social commentary on our Tik Tok y world. I love the narration between tracks!
Ah, the jangly guitars of indie rock. They get me every time. That's why I really heart the latest from Chicago's own Dehd. Poetry is the genre at its finest, complete with exquisite commentary on love, life and heartache.
Crowded House is a band that has been the soundtrack to my life for the last forty years. That's well over seventy five percent of the time I've been on this planet. And that means that each of their releases have been an integral part of whatever particular phase was happening at the time.
When I think about what was going on during these various periods, I hear Crowded House. From the early records during my time in college to their later albums that came out when my kids were growing up, they have always been there just like a loving and supporting family member, coloring events with their amazing music.
Their latest is called Gravity Stairs and it comes to me at the empty nester phase of my life. Several of the tracks have held some deep connections with me as I reminisce about the past and how it plays into the present.
Here is a great example...
My wife and I feel like we are having teenage summers now that it's just the two of us.
Crowded House also has a mysterious side that is often haunting...
Truly a mystical track that taps directly into the soul.
The album closes with this incredibly lovely track that feels like family...
Thanks, lads, for your amazing music that has been the soundtrack for my life for so long and continues to be a big part of my world to this very day!
London's own Ibibo Sound Machine has been in heavy rotation in my house and beyond for the past several weeks so it's time for a shout out. Their latest is called Pull The Rope and it's a ripping groove fest of awesomeness. There is a loveliness to it that is quite honestly unparalleled.
I guess I'm on a folk rock kick this week hence the highlighting of the latest record by proud sons of Concord, North Carolina The Avett Brothers. The self titled record leans heavily into country and I love it!
Angus and Julia Stone are quite the treasures of the folk community. The Australian duo has a new record out called Cape Forestier which I feel is their best yet. Twelve tracks of heart warming goodness!
80's music always sounds better in the summer. That's when we Gen-Xers would haul out our portable trannies or Sony Walkmans and head outside for adventure with the best soundtrack ever in the history of music. London'sPet Shop Boys were a big part of that and so, it is with great honor, that I have chosen their latest offering as the Album of the Summer.
Nonetheless is a stellar record. It reminds me of that golden age of music when synths and rhythm set the tone and told the story. The first track lets the listener know where they will be traveling...
The next track just sent nostalgic shivers up and down my spine...
And then we have the club number...
Folks, this record will be your theme music for the summer!
The pop stylings of Zayn have taken a decidedly soulful turn on his latest record. The Bradford, West Yorkshire lad has really come into his own on Room Under The Stairs. I highly recommend this record for fans of pop and soul alike!
The sheer emo-ness of Billie Eilish makes her a national treasure. Simply no one makes music like her. Her latest is called Hit Me Hard and Soft and the Los Angeles native continues to hit me in place where I didn't even know I had places.
True Scots Camera Obscura are back with a wonderful record called Look To The East, Look To The West. It's their first full length in eleven years and it's well worth the wait. The happy fun glimmer pop shines throughout all eleven tracks. There's even a dash of lounge which I love!
The Lemon Twigsremind us all of time that nearly all old people miss...the 1970's! Their latest is called A Dream Is All We Know and it positively drips with that decade. Art fueled nostalgia that makes me yearn for the past yet has come out in the present is eternally amazing.
Chicago has produced a plethora of amazing bands over the years and Bnny is one of the best. Their latest is called One Million Love Songs and it's indie rock at its finest. The voice if Jessica Viscius pierces the soul...
St. Vincent's latest record plays like one long and amazing soundtrack to the next James Bond film. All Born Screaming is a tour de force in every sense of the word. I don't like using that phrase all that often but nothing else aptly can characterize how wonderful this record is.
The Modfather is back! His latest record is called 66 and it just so happens that this is now his age. There is zero doubt that Paul Weller has aged like a fine wine. 66 sees all the usual and wonderful Weller explorations from pastorals and club music to dad rock and all the way through just great pop songs.
The first track that really sunk in was this haunting number...
It just hits the soul...
"Flying Fish" reminds of 2010-2012 Weller (Wake Up The Nation, Sonik Kicks)
And then just the pure MOD ROCK!
I make no bones about how Weller is second only to John Lennon in my world but 66 is a record for everyone. Start listening!
Dua Lipamakes me happy when I listen to her music. For starters, it's just good fucking pop music. You can tall that she carefully crafts each track so it's just right. Her latest record follows this recipe and it's divine. Radical Optimism is a great album and a lifestyle...
NYC'S Sam Evian's latest is called Plunge and its indie pop goodness has been most enjoyable to me of late. It has a psychedelic feel to it that reminds me of solo Beatles records. Or maybe just the 70s in general. Check it out!
Kings of Leon are back with Can We Please Have Fun, a very fun and yet chill affair that sees the lads from Nashville doing what they do best: make romantic music with a statement. I continue to be most pleased that music with actual instruments continues to be made with aplomb.
I've been quite enjoying the latest offering from The Reds, Pinks, & Purples these last few days. Unwishing Well is, in many ways, a perfect spring album. Fresh and new! The San Francisco outfit has really outdone themselves on this one!!
What a year it's been for Taylor Swift. She's pretty much the monarch of the world right now, sowing envy in the hearts of men everywhere. So, it's really nice to see her make a theme record that focuses on the exact opposite of regency: tortured poets.
She may be a megastar but she her true personality is an emo chick who just can't deal...
Far too many British bands make a couple of records, gain massive fans like me, and then break up or form other bands. I honestly thought The Zutons, a Liverpool outfit, were one of those bands. I sadly left them back in 2008 when their third and supposedly final record came out, occasionally going back to listen to their catalog and lamenting the loss.
Yet here we are sixteen years later with a new Zutons record called The Big Decider. Fuck yeah!
The first track is just a corker...
And then we get into some serious northern soul!
So so happy this band is back. Start listening now!
Kelly Jones has a new solo record out called Inevitable Incredible and it's wonderful to see this artist's truest expression of himself. His recent foray into filmmaking has inspired his music to be more cinematic. Honestly, I feel like I'm watching a movie when I listen to this album.
Sometimes you just need a little alt country. That's why I'm massively hearting Sarah Shook and the Disarmers' latest record called Revelations. What a powerhouse this record is. I'm so thankful that bands still make albums like this.
Rock icon and monster guitar wizard Mark Knopfler's latest record is yet another gem in his now six decade catalog. The 12 songs on One Deep River are shining examples of why this man is a complete and total legend.
Venerated Brit rockers James are back with another excellent addition to their lexicon of solid rock and pop music. The Mancunians latest is called Yummy and it is indeed just that. The positivity is overwhelming on this one
The keyboard/synth/80s power of Boeckner is on my mind a lot these days. His first official solo album (self titled) just dropped and it is quite magnificent. Listen and dance!
Soft rock lovers will being completely mad for Swiss duo Klaus Johann Grobe's latest record, Io Tu il Loro. I've been feeling nostalgia for the 70s and summer breezes listening to this album for the last few weeks. They have completely nailed the genre!
The Black Keys are back with a rockin' new record called Ohio Players. The Akron Ohio natives have really outdone themselves on this one with the stories told and the style unfurled. Also, one of the best album covers I've seen in years!
Houston's own Khruangbin is back with another shag worthy record for lovers everywhere. A La Sala slides into your heart and soul like a fine Vesper martini.
Readers of this site know how my soul is filled very deeply with British music. I love bands from that amazing island and The Libertines are a shining example of that excellence and superiority in music.
The lads from London have a new record out called All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade that is dripping with the culture of England and how it affects the lives of those who live there.
A great example is this track...
And this track...well, the title says it all...
No doubt they have taken a serious turn on this one but it is most welcome.
Vampire Weekend is back with Only God Was Above Us and the NYC outfit has never sounded better. Their deployment of a massive array of instruments on all ten of its amazing tracks.
Chemtrails is quite an interesting outfit. The Mancunians latest is called The Joy of Sects and it reminds me a great deal of the B-52s. And they have this great way of singing that is just magical!
Ithaca's own X Ambassadors take a very much welcome mellow turn on their latest effort, Townie. The stories told and the music played paint a very melancholy view of our country. It's important to hear in the year 2024.
Here is one of my faves...also the closing track...
NYC's own Blu Detiger gets my nod for this week's Album Of The Week. All I Ever Want Is Everything is a shovel to the head stunner of a first record. It cooks like my grandma's chili and soothes like the best healer in the world.
Example...
But she also has tracks the are smooth and silky...
Blu has me head over heels with this album. The absolute perfect combination of pop and indie.
Today I'd like to thank Daniel Romano for making an album like they used to make them in the 70s and 80s. Too Hot To Sleep is an absolute gem. The guitar work and pop craftsmanship are out of this world.
Completely and utterly overjoyed that Sydney's best dream pop outfit, The Church, keep making thoroughly amazing music. Their latest is called Eros Zeta And The Perfumed Guitars and it's all the things we love about this band.
Here is one of my faves...they always have that "future" vibe...
The pride of Oxford is back with a shoegaze extra dream poppy wonder of a record. Ride continues to completely amaze me with their ability to stand, Colossus-like, over the last four decades. Interplay has more pop sound than their previous record and it is most welcome. The opening track sets the perfect tone...
Later on in the record we get this stunner...
The very essence of Ride and, indeed, the entire genre...
The soothing soulful sounds of Erika De Casier's latest album, Still, is just what we all need on this rainy day in Minneapolis. The Dane born in Portugal has turned out one of the top R&B albums of 2024.
Ah, those halcyon days of CD wallet inserts that one could pour over for juicy little tidbits about the band and how they album was made. The musical project of one Pete Sagar tackles this dream on the latest Homeshake record called CD Wallet.
Brighton's own Lime Garden have just dropped their first long player and it's official. Wonk pop is now a genre in music. One More Thing is a very unique record. At times, I felt like I was listening to a perfect melange of Kennedy Era Cool Space Pop and indie guitar rock.
Elbow is back with a new record and we can all thank the Brit Rock gods for yet another amazing gift to the world. Audio Vertigo comes out swinging for the fences...
Philly's own Sheer Mag are back with a wonderful record Playing Favorites. It's a garage rock lover's dream with fast paced and very loud guitar. The themes and lyrics of each of the eleven tracks are boss.
One of London's top shoegaze and dream pop outfits, Whitelands, has a fantabulous record out called Night-Bound Eyes Are Bling To The Day. Dream pop and shoegaze lovers will rejoice at this magnificent outing filled with sonic landscapes guaranteed to oat your mind.
London outfit Another Sky is back with a corker of a record called Beach Day. Every track is a sweeping anthem to the various passions of life. The towering guitars are overwhelming in all the best possible ways.
Here is one of my faves, performed live a few months back.
Modern English may be best known for their mega hit "Melt With You" but they have several releases that are completely mega. Their latest record is called 1 2 3 4 and is all the 80s you could ever ask for and more. Essex unite behind your amazing lads!
San Cisco may hail from Freemantle in Western Australia but they will always be a hometown band for me and my family. They have played in Minneapolis no less than seven times! In fact, before the 2015 gig at the Triple Rock, my daughter and I met Jordi outside and took this great photo (left). He was incredibly gracious and fun!
Their latest record is called Under The Light and it's their strongest outing since Gracetown. Their uncanny ability at creating perfect pop songs is at an all time high on this album. All eleven tracks are sheer brilliance in the genre and are, quite frankly, shovel to the head stunning. OMG-the pop hooks!
Here is a great example.
Talk about a direct descendant of Brian Wilson! It's also great to hear Scarlett more present on the vocal tracks.
San Cisco has always been a summer band for me. Their music is filled with warmth (sometimes even heat!) and love. I can't wait to play this track over the summer months...
This record will be in the running for my Album Of The Summer and is clearly one of the best of 2024 so far.
Those wacky Scots, The Jesus and Mary Chain, are back with a wonderful record called Glasgow Eyes. In many ways, these lads were the original alternative or indie rock band. Their forty plus year career has consistently seen cutting edge and highly engaging music.
The pride of Searcy, Arkansas is back with corker of a record. Real Power is a shining example of all that is wonderful and amazing about Gossip. And it's a surefire footmover!
The pride of Birmingham, Alabama is back with Tigers Blood, yet another shining example of why Waxahatchee should be in continuous rotation on our musical players. Katie and Co. are deeply tapped into Americana, meaning all the hopes, dreams, fear and love contained therein.
The self-titled debut record from South Africa's own Tyla is out and it has taken the world by storm. She's managed to combine R&B, pop and African rhythms into a simply gorgeous blend of sonic power.
Liverpool's own Cast is back with Love Is The Call, their first long player in seven years. The eleven tracks on this magnificent album are a solid reminder why the Brit Rock genre isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It's more glorious than ever!
The opening track sets the tone for the more serious journey we are all about to take.
Quite illustrative of our times, eh?
The title track harkens back to those "La's" days...:)
Please join me in exploring the Deeper Well that is the new record from Kacey Musgraves. This is easily her best album in both theme and style. The way she explores the human condition is enchanting.
If you are looking from some solidly awesome R&B, look no further than Ledisi's Good Life. It's thirteen tracks of pure gold. Her voice has never sounded better and we should all be grateful that music like this is still being made by such stellar artists like Ledisi.
It's always wonderful when psychedelic garage bands come from Los Angeles. Meatbodies are a perfect example of this. Their latest is called Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom and it's giant pile of mind expanding awesomeness.
The Kaiser Chiefs have gone for the BIG GROOVE on their latest record, Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album. The Leeds lads are off their ass with all the fun and joy on this one.
Here's a great example and my fave on the record...
Sounds like they are channeling their inner Friendly Fires!
Here's another one that not only is a great stadium sing along but is massively life affirming...
Declan McKenna's latest record is quite the gem. What Happened To Beach? sees the Enfield lad really hitting his stride in terms of pop craftsmanship. I really dig this record!
The Snuts have a new record out called Millennials and I love it! The West Lothian Scots are quite charming on this one with a most excellent blend of pop and rock.
Middleton, Connecticut's own MGMT is back with Loss of Life, a joyfully dark exploration of the human condition. The duo really gets into a deep dive here on where we all stand in the universe.
This is apparent on this track...
Even more so on this one which really brings me the Joy Division and New Order feels..
Three decades into their ridiculously awesome career, Portland's own Strfkr are better than ever. Their latest is called Parallel Realms and it's a great place to visit. The scifi feel to it is truly out of this world!
Yard Act is quite the outfit. The proud sons Leeds West Yorkshire have their sophomore effort out and it's a stream of consciousness/pop groove extravaganza. Where's My Utopia? is a question I often ask myself and a shining example of modern day culture in the UK.
Likely my favorite current female artist,Faye Webster is back with an amazing record called Underdressed At The Symphony. This album strikes me as more mystical in nature with a much deeper dive into the complexities of romance.
Proud Jersey boys Real Estate just dropped their latest and it's my pick for Album of the Week. Daniel is a jangle pop lover's dream. The opening track lets you know right where you are heading...
The pure pop goodness of "Flowers" is an absolute blessing to humanity.
I completely heart Hurray For The Riff Raff and their whole vibe. It just drips with Americana and makes your soul all fuzzy and warm. Their latest is called The Past Is Still Alive and the title does indeed take me to those long road trips I used to take with my dad in the late 70s and early 80s.
Good rock music is hard to find. Thankfully we have Mary Timony's latest record called Untame The Tiger. It's the DC native/s fourth long player and I think it's clearly her best. Long live rock!
There is something greatly infectious about the latest Allie X record. The Toronto native's latest is called Girl With No Face and it's an 80s bliss dream.
It's about near perfect that two god like geniuses of Brit Rock decided to make an album together. Liam Gallagher and John Squire have put out a magnificent self titled LP. The ten tracks contained therein are clearly destiny for these two legends.
One of my faves is "Mars To Liverpool," a track that is an exemplar of the genre...
Another track, the album closer, is bound for stadium sing along anthem...
Modesto, Cali's own Grandaddy are back with Blu Wav, a soothing star (and shoe) gazer of a record. It's been seven years since their last record and they have sorely been missed. This outfit has the ability to emanate chill.
I really heart the latest record by San Francisco janglers, The Umbrellas. Fairweather Friend reminds a lot of the indie rock I listened to the 80s. Lloyd Cole for sure comes to mind.
Liverpool's own Crawlers have dropped their first full length album and it's an amazing pile of girl angst. The Mess We Seem To Make is jaw droppingly honest look at what it means to be female and a Zoomer in the 20s.
London's own Tapir has their first full length record and the title alone lets you know what you are in for. The Pilgrim, Their God And the King of My Decrepit Mountain is an absolute tour de force, charting new territories in journey music. So much more than just indie folk!
The debut album from Sydney's own Royal Otis is finally here. Pratts and Pains is a guitar pop lovers dream. I love the landscape the whole record lays out.
The debut album from New Zealand outfit Office Dog is here and it is wonderful. Spiel has just the right amount of drone-y emo and general weariness that makes those down days all the more wonderful.
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes have a corker of a record out called Dark Rainbow. It's Dudes with Guitars Brit Rock at its finest. So happy that music like this is still being made and shouted proudly out!
Future Islands are back with a fantabulous record called People Who Aren't There Anymore. The introspection on this one combined with their usual amazing style lead the listener to reflect on the people we sometimes leave behind. Or leave us behind.
After a ten year hiatus, Bristol's own shoegaze outfit, The Fauns, are back with How Lost. The opening track lets us all know how much they have been missed.
The layers of sound on this one are otherworldly
The next track is one of my faves on the record. Reminds me a lot of the vibe of the 80's.
Play this one a lot, folks! It's bloody gorgeous!!
Ah, the soft and sweet sounds of NYC's Sy Smith. Her latest record is called Until We Meet Again and it's like a refreshing waterfall on a hot summer's day. So so happy that music like this is still being made
The pride of Galway, Ireland has finally dropped their debut LP. Madra is a shoegaze wonder filled with goodness. I expect New Dad to be fathering themselves all over the world.
The pride of Laguna Beach is back with his fifteenth long player. Three Bells is an epic in garage rock drone. Ty Segall has officially become a master.
K Pop sensations Le Sserafim latest has been sticking with me for several months now so it most certainly deserves a shoutout. Unforgiven explodes towards the listener in a wonderfully aggressive way. Man oh man, those grooves!
Toronto has a fabulous dudes with guitars band called Ducks Ltd. Their second long player, entitled Harm's Way, just dropped and it's an absolute corker. The opening track lets jangly pop fans know that they are home...
Later in the album, we are treated to this dark gem...
This magnificent duo has a very bright future ahead of themselves!
London's own Iraina Mancini has a corker of a debut record out called Undo The Blue. There are so many genres present on this album that I honestly find myself at a loss to describe it. One key one is Kennedy Era Cool chanteuse...my fave!
Lil' Yachty's latest record, Let's Start Here, resets all expectations of what rap and hip hop should be. In fact, it strives for and reaches new horizons that I honestly thought wasn't possible for music in general.
The tone is set immediately with the opening track...
K Pop Sensation Soojin have a most excellent EP out called Agassy and I have to say it makes this old lounge lizard happy as heck that people are still making music with an early 60s, Kennedy Era Cool vibe.
Laura Veirs latest offering is yet another gem. The record is called Phone Orphans and, once again, the Portland, Oregon native brings her soft sweetness combined with lyrical beauty to the world of music.
Fusion fans will completely rejoice at the latest offering fromIdris Ackamoor & The Pyramids. Afro Futuristic Dreams is an enchanting trance of a record that sends my mind palace on mythical journeys into the cosmos and beyond.
Example...
Explore outward, body and soul, with this amazing record...
Dylan LeBlanc is out on the road and I caught him last night at The Turf Club. What a show. For nearly two hours, the Louisiana native propelled his way through slinky and spiritual numbers that made me want to go on a long drive on a darkened highway.
And also fall in love...
His songs explore romance in a very unique way that goes along with his style (Daniel Lanois, Chris Isaak, Ryan Adams).
LeBlanc has a keen sense of the human condition. Combine that with the fact that he is a musician's musician (The Cactus Blossoms attended the show and were standing behind me) and it's a powerful sonic concoction.
He started off with the laid back, mellow tracks from his last two albums (Coyote and Renegade). The highlight for me during this part of the set was "Dust" which honestly made me cry the first time I heard it. Just the sheer beauty...
Then he and the band cranked it up and played the louder stuff, ending with a four song encore that blew the roof off of the place.
His signature sound of loads of echo really sounded amazing on these heavier songs.
LeBlanc is on tour for the next several weeks. I highly recommend you check out his show when he comes to your town.
The latest EP by K Pop sensations, Kiss of Life, is quite the rager. The dance moves just flow out of you in merely the first few seconds of the record and, quite honestly, lift the spirit...
Mr. Bill Ryder-Jones is quite a treasure of the world. He was in the fab Merseyside band, The Coral, for a while and now he is solo. His latest is Iechyd Da and it makes me feel greatly relieved that someone else sees life the way I do.
Green Day is back. Yay! The band that most literally defines Gen X has just offered up Saviors and it's a wonderfully savage way to start off 2024.
All of the usual Green Day vibes are there on this one. Example...
But then we have stuff like "Bobby Sox" which taps deeply into a cultural and historical dimension.
If this would have come out back in the day, it would have been a double album with its 15 tracks which honestly is awesome because it has that double album feel. The lads really explore more deeply their style and flavor.
The power of The Streets is massive and never ending. I've been a fan of Mike Skinner's project for nearly two decades. His latest is just bril. The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light delves deeply into the conflicts that we all experience deep in our souls.