Highspire: Crushed

Highspire is proudly carrying the torch of dreampop and shoegaze. Their latest offering is called Crushed and it has indeed done that to me with its awesomeness. 

Opening journey...

Styx: Circling From Above (Album of the Week)

I can't believe I'm typing this but Styx has a new record out. And it's fantastic. Circling From Above harkens back to the early art rock years, opening with this beautiful title track...

Next we have this exploratory endeavor...

Later we have this classic Styx pop song...

It warms my heart greatly to see this band still going strong!

Cory Hanson: I Love People

Cory Hanson is quite the charmer. His latest record, I Love People, has swept me off my feet in a very Ryan Adams kind of way. The Americana is thick on this one!

Opening track...

Wisp: If Not Winter

Wisp is a cherished wonder of the world with her magical soundscapes and cosmos traveling soul. Her first full length record, If Not Winter, just dropped and it's stellar.

Check it out!

Renee Rapp: Bite Me

Bite Me by Renee Rapp starts of with an absolute fucking banger.

And the rest of the record is fine example of POP MUSIC. Check it out!

Lord Huron: The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1

Wow...is the first word I thought of as I listened to Lord Huron's latest record which is called The Cosmic Selector Vol.1. The nostalgia machine is surely on overdrive.

The opening track sets you on your ride into the past...with all those demons...

Bush: I Beat Loneliness

Sometimes you just need the thunder. Thankfully we have Bush. Going on four decades now, this London outfit continues to crank out fabulous music. Their latest is called I Beat Loneliness and it's just wonderful. Thumpin!

Opening track...

Vinyl Williams: Polyhaven and Portsymphony (Albums of the Week)

Many years ago I fell in love with Vinyl Williams. Now he kisses me every day with his wonderful music and insanely chill vibe. 2025 has seen TWO releases from this magnificent human. Polyhaven and Portsymphony present the yin and yang of his jam. 

The opening track pf Polyhaven is mind expanding...

I love the pleading in "Eden." A nice funky groove as well.

Here is one of my faves from Portsymphony. Riddled with nostalgia for a time that never was...

This cat is bril! Start listening now!!

Burna Boy: No Sign of Weakness

Burna Boy's latest is aptly titled. It hits like a powerhouse from the get go! I listen to this album when I want to be lifted and fight all my demons!

Title track...

Skinny Lister: Songs From The Yonder

London's own Skinny Lister are back with Songs From The Yonder, a fun romp through the lower lands of England. The folk punk band have really out Pogued themselves on this one!

Paging Shane! Grab a pint!

The Reds, Pinks and Purples: The Past Is a Garden I Never Forget

A broad smile crept across my face upon my first listen to the opening track of The Reds, Pinks, and Purple's latest offering, The Past Is a Garden I Never Forget. The world does not indeed need another band. Well, maybe just these guys...

Jeanines: How Long Can It Last

NYC's Jeanines are back with their third long player and it's a doozy! How Long Can It Last is girl pop at its finest. There are a lot of strains of psych pop and lounge on this one. Calling Stereolab! 

Adrian Quesada: Boleros Psicodelicos II

Adrian Quesada is back with a sequel to Boleros Psicodelicos. Boleros Psicodelicos II is more of the same mind expanding and cosmos journeying musical chestnuts. I was seriously blown away by this one. Check it out!

Half Japanese: Adventure

The pride of Uniontown, Maryland has a lovely indie record out called Adventure. Half Japanese is a brotherly duo that spins some wonderful yarns about life, love and the pursuit of goals. And they've been doing it for nearly five decades!

Here is one my faves...

Monkey House: Crashbox (Album of the Week)

For the longest time, I tried to define what genre Steely Dan was. Was it jazz? R&B? Urban? It was...Steely Dan...they are their own genre. For so long, they just did their own thing and no one else did. 

But a band from Toronto has been honing their sound to give us Dan fans that sound that we have missed for so many years. Monkey House (named after the Kurt Vonnegut book) have hit their zenith with their latest record, Crashbox. 

This track scared me how much it sounded like Fagan...

The title track is just perfect...

And paging AM radio from the 1970s!

My faith in music is at all time high!

Autocamper: What Do You Do All Day?

There is a great jangle pop band that just dropped their first full length record. Autocamper hails from Glasgow and their album is called What Do You Do All Day? It also falls in the "dudes with guitars" sound that we have all loved so much these last 20 year, although I should mention half the band is chicks!

Opening track...

Kokoroko: Tuff Times Never Last

Kokoroko brings the lounge lizard and I can't help but crave a martini when I listen to them. The London outfit's sophomore effort is out and it's fabulous. Tuff Times Never Last is a testament to optimism and that always amazing cocktail vibe.

Opening track...

Frankie Cosmos: Different Talking

I've been loving me some NYC indie folks scene lately and, at the top of my list, is Frankie Cosmos. Her latest is called Different Talking. I love the honesty of the whole thing. People are like this, feel this way and think this way.

The best track is...

Slick Rick: Victory

Slick Rick is his own vibe. The London native continues to dazzle the earth with his latest release, Victory. His brand of paisley hip hop warms my heart.

One of my faves...

Daily Toll: A Profound Non-Event

Daily Toll is a wonderful band from New Zealand. Their first full length has just dropped and, man oh man, is it wonderful. Some serious chill, vibe and groove on A Profound Non-Event.

Opening track...

Triptides: Shapeshifter (Album of the Week)

Ah, psychedelic rock. It's such a beautiful thing. This kind of music takes you deep into the mind and out into the cosmos at the same time. A fine example of this is LA's own Triptides. Their latest is called Shapeshifter and it's one of the best albums of the year. 

The opening track reels you in...and out!

The next track, "More Than A Friend" is an instant nostalgia generator...

And the title track is a transformative journey...

Hail the gods of psych pop!

Yonder: Memento Mori

Hometown hereos Yonder have their first EP out and it's just what all of us indie/alternative fans need for the rest of the summer. Memento Mori has six tracks of sheer wonder!

Buckcherry: Roar Like Thunder

Who wants some good ol' classic hard rock? Anaheim's own Buckcherry is just the ticket!! Their latest is called Roar Like Thunder and boy does it ever!

Opening (and title) track...

Kesha: .

Kesha cool. Very cool. Her latest has one of the most boss songs in the history of pop music. It's a set of directions on how to pwn men.

Go listen to it!

YUNGBLUD: Idols

Holy crap, is YUNGBLUD amazing. His latest is called Idols and it proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, who is the current king of pop. Every track is pure gold and laced with power. He is a colossus!

Opening track...

Born Ruffians: Beauty's Pride

Holy crap! The new Born Ruffians record is easily their best yet. The Toronto outfit continues to blow me away with their sly and smooth style. Beauty's Pride is their ninth release and clearly their zenith. The album radiates that urban mood laced with amour.

Opening (and my favorite) track...

Saint Motel: Saint Motel & the Symphony in the Sky

LA's own Saint Motel keeps turning out magnificent music. A key element of their music is the cinematic quality of it. And that's never been more true than on their latest offering, Saint Motel & the Symphony in the Sky. The record is a sheer wonder of vision. Check it out!

Opening track...

Durand Jones and the Indications: Flowers (Album of the Week)

Soul music is alive and well. Thank god! Leading the charge of soul artists is Bloomington, Indiana's own Durand Jones and the Indications. Their latest masterpiece is called Flowers and is replete with instant soul chestnuts. 

Out of the gate...

And then this gem...

So many good things about this record...

As soul lovers, we truly live in a blessed time 

WITCH: SOGOLO

WITCH is just fucking crazy. This insanely intense band from Zambia just brings the shit, man! Their latest is called SOGOLO and it just cooks...with gas!

Check it out!

The Psycodelics: Please Keep Off The Grass

It warms my heart immensely to see that bands are keeping the spirt of soul alive. The Psychodelics are such a band and their latest record, Please Keep Off The Grass, is a testament to their deep commitment to the genre. Eight tracks of sheer soul chestnuts!

Opening track...

The Ravonettes: PE'AH II

Is there any band cooler than The Raveonettes? I don't think so. Their latest is called PE'AH II, a sequel to their 2014 record, Pe'ahi. It's a massive wall of cosmic energy infused with echo-y emo!

My fave...

The Young Knives: Landfill

The lads from Leicestershire put out a record earlier in the year and it has been slowly consuming me for the last six months. Landfill by The Young Knives is a 2025 treasure. What a wallop in the face for British culture, the good, the bad and the ugly.

One of my faves...

Lightheaded: Thinking, Dreaming. Scheming!

The title of the latest effort from Lightheaded is something we all do. And we do it with the same exclamation mark! Thinking, Dreaming, Scheming is baroque pop at its finest. Grab a romantic partner and listen!!

Opening track...

S.G. Goodman: Planting by the Signs

Hickman, Kentucky's own S.G. Goodman is back with her third record and it's a corker! Planting by the Signs sees new roads taken and amazing adventures to be had by all. Her voice gives me shivers and all sorts of feelings.

Witness!

Bruce Springsteen: Tracks II: The Lost Albums (Album of the Week)

I was 13 years old and my dad was picking me up for boy scouts in the dead of winter. My parents had just gotten divorced but my dad was really trying to stay involved in my life. He had this old car, it wasn't a Pinto, but it was something shitty like that. His car's heater didn't really work very well but he at least had an AM radio so we could listen to WLS from Chicago. At the time, that station was the only real gateway I had to music and, over the last year or so, the world of tunes had opened up quite massively for me because of it.  

That day, as I was shivering over to the other side of town for the troop meeting, the song "Hungry Heart" by Bruce Springsteen came on. It had been a massive hit for the last few months and everyone just loved it. I turned to my dad and smiled at how amazing the song was...the story...the sound...the heartache. He smiled back because he just knew too. He loved the Boss as well and now Springsteen was a superstar. 

As he has done many times in the thirty five years since this day, The Boss has, once again, shovel to the head stunned me. He has delved deeply into the vault and produced seven massively awesome records that are guaranteed to knock your socks right on your ass.

Tracks II begins with material from 1983-1984, between Nebraska and Born In The USA. The first track sets the tone...

Later on Disc 3 (Faithless, a "spiritual Western" film never made), we are transported to a different time and place...

Disc 7 is a collection of songs recorded from 1994-2011. Each one is an instant Boss classic. Example...

Folks, all seven discs are pure Americana gold. The Boss is fine example of how our elders are truly sacred.

The Doobie Brothers: Walk This Road

I'm very happy to see that The Doobie Brothers are still going strong with another fine effort called Walk This Road. Let's please walk with them...

One of my faves...

Lukas Nelson: American Romance

Lukas Nelson is back with American Romance, a most excellent collection of deeply spiritual tunes about our nation. Check out how the personal intersects with the public.

Title track...

Brian Eno: Luminal and Lateral

Brian Eno does treatments very well. Treatments are those spacey sounds that comes of his mind and goes into your deep subconscious. His music also transports the mind to the cosmos. 

His latest (two) records are called Luminal and Lateral. They are quite beautiful. Please listen to them.

Comet Gain: Letters to Ordinary Outside

Hey Comet Gain, you guys are cool! Your new record, Letters To Ordinary Outside, is BOSS. I like it because it makes me feel good inside my tummy.

Opening track...

Pat Methany: The Lore

Pat Methany has a new record out called The Lore and it is quite wonderful in its laid back jazz. It's a compilation album of deep cuts and some fine old tunes. Many chestnuts to choose from. Check it out!

Haim: I quit (Album of the Week)

Why is Haim so fucking cool? Oh yeah, they make great music. They set the perfect vibe everywhere they show up. They bring the heat on multiple levels. 

And they are Haim.

Their latest is called I quit. I think most of us are having those kind of days currently.

First track, MINT!

I am also down to be wrong...

And this one...just wow...

Thanks ladies! You are a true gift to the world!!

Black Moth Super Rainbow: Soft New Magic Dream

Those wacky dudes from Pittsburgh with a fab new record called Soft New Magic Dream. Hey, I need that in my life right now. Thank you so very much, Black Moth Super Rainbow!

Opening track...

L'Eclair: Cloud Drifter

Let's all send our minds out to the cosmos to explore space swept stars! That's how I feel when I listen to L'Eclair's Cloud Drifter. Get in touch with your inner universe!

Opening journey...

Neil Young: Talkin to the Trees

It's always a treat and a joy when Neil releases a new record with brand new songs. Talkin To The Trees is a deeply introspective affair, all of us seeing where this man is at in his life. Age 79...wow...and still touring!

One of my faves...classic Neil!

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Phantom Island

The ever shifting chameleon like output that is King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard's plentiful catalog added yet another to their flaming lexicon. Phantom Island is straight out of the year 1974 and all its luscious Chevy Van meets TV show theme song. There's also a dash of concept album on this one. 

One of my faves....

Pulp: More (Album of the Week)

How long has it been since the last Pulp album? Well, let's see. The 9-11 attacks were only a month old...Friends was still on regular TV...there was no such thing as social media...a long FUCKING time./

Thank god they are back, though, with More, a shovel to the head stunning return to form. The album opens with all the pomp...

Later we jam...slowly

Then we have this absolute gem of Brit culture....

All is well again with the world now that Pulp are back!

Turin Brakes: Spacehopper

It's great to see London's own Turin Brakes still in fine form on their latest offering. Spacehopper is a beyond amusing jaunt that has its own special slice of cosmic vibe. Love me some dudes with guitars!

Opening track...

The Minus 5: Oar On, Penelope!

The Minus 5 are quite a little fun project from the likes of Scott McCaughey, Peter Buck, Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow. Their latest is called Oar On, Penelope and it is chock full o power. Just some great guitar oriented pop, folks. We need more of it!

Opening track...

Sally Shapiro: Ready To Live A Lie

Ah, 80s synth pop...made in 2025! That's the vibe you are in for with Sally Shapiro's Ready To Live A Lie. The breathy vocals send the listener to the cosmos.

Opening track...

Silas Short: LUSHLAND

How can we describe Silas Short? Full of soul, rooted heavily in R&B, alternative, indie, and spaced out! His sophomore effort is out and it's called LUSHLAND. Lush indeed. I've fallen very heavily for this record...

Dig it!

Stereolab: Instant Holograms On Metal Film (Album of the Summer)

It's that time of the year again. What record should be playing and hearing on portable trannies for the next three months? Instant Holograms On Metal Film by Stereolab. It's going to be a space age bachelor pad kind of summer folks and this is your soundtrack!

Opening track...

More space age love...

Ah, the beauty...

Enjoy the warmth of the sun with this wonderful music...

Robin Trower: Come and Find Me

So so great to see Robin Trower continuing to crank out records. His latest is called Come And Find Me and the blues is strong with this one. And the jams are kicking...

Opening track....

Garbage: Let All That We Imagine Be The Light

Garbage is back with a positively stellar record called Let All That We Imagine Be The Light. In addition to being an optimistic message rooted in love, the album pulses energy. 

Example...

Check this gem out!

Sparks: Mad!

Sparks are in their own unique musical category. One can decide how to label them from their own point of view. I just say that they play "Sparks" music and generally everyone gets it. 

Their latest is called Mad! and it's anything but that emotion. In fact, it's just a ton of fun. 

Dig it!

Cola Boyy: Quit to Play Chess

Ah, the glory of Cola Boyy. Such a gift to humanity. His latest is called Quit To Play Chess and it is transplendent. 

Total groove!

Mt. Joy: Hope We Have Fun (Album of the Week)

Mt. Joy is back with their best effort yet. The LA band has really outdone themselves with Hope We Have Fun. Each song unfolds like a magnificent flowering powerfully blooming in the spring.

First up is this gem...

Next is this journey piece...

That song just cooks!

And then the vibe....

Early contender for Album of the Year!

Ty Segall: Possession

Ty Segall is back with a lovely indie romp called Possession. The Laguna Beach, California native is a master at crafting alternative pop wonders.

Opening track...

Sports Team: Boys These Days

Sports Team reminds me of that 80s vibe. Moonlighting TV show, pastel clothes, the over glorification of Miami and Los Angeles, and, of course, romance with great hair. This London outfit's latest is called Boys These Days and man oh man does it explode with nostalgia.

Opening track...

Foxwarren: 2

Chill out Canadian band Foxwarren have finally released a second record. 2 is most welcome and puts the listener in to a very solid state of mellow. Mind expanding mellow...

Matt Berninger: Get Sunk

The second solo offering of The National's front man, Matt Berninger, is out and it's wonderful. Get Sunk slides across the body and soul like a velvet panacea.

Example...

So so good....

Suzanne Vega: Flying with Angels (Album of the Week)

Wow, Suzanne. You still got it, girl! Your new record, Flying With Angels, has absolutely mesmerized me since its release.

First track, mint!

Second track, the title track, even more mint!

Later we get this slinky number...

Thank you for this amazing gift, Suzanne. 

Elton John and Brandi Carlile: Who Believes in Angels?

I do! I believe that Elton John and Brandi Carlile have made a perfectly angelic record called Who Believes In Angels? It's great to see both of these artists still at the top of their game. And they sound soooo amazing toghether!

Opening track...

MØ: Plaeygirl

MØ is back with a wonderful new record that is guaranteed to make you DANCE DANCE DANCE. Plaeygirl is all about the club and the grooves, baby. 

One of my faves...

Tune-Yards: Better Dreaming

Tune-Yards is back with more meta weirdness and hijinks. Better Dreaming is a bold statement for 2025. I love the weird places in my mind they get to...

Opening track...

Arcade Fire: Pink Elephant (Album of the Week)

Indie darlings of the last two decades Arcade Fire are back with Pink Elephant and the Montreal natives have really outdone themselves on this one. The album opens with a challenge...

And then moves on to outright beauty in the form of the title track...

When we finally reach the end, we know what it's all about...

Just a stunner and a top candidate for Album of the Summer.

Hawkwind: There Is No Space For Us

Space Rock has always been one of my favorite genres and no one does it better than London's own Hawkwind. They have a new record out called There Is No Space For Us and it is guaranteed to send your mind out to the cosmos for a good universal drift. 

Let the mind go...

quickly, quickkly: I Heard That Noise

quickly, quickly brings a fresh new glow to the indie scene with his latest, I Heard That Noise. The positivity is strong on this one!

One of my faves...

Julien Baker and Torres: Send A Prayer My Way

Send A Prayer My Way is surely a fine piece of work from they dynamic duo of Julien Baker and Torres. Their indie folk sounds are perfect for a day like today when the rain simply will not go away.

Curl up, babies!

The Kooks: Never/Know (Album of the Week)

The very much venerated Kooks are back to take all of us Brit Rockers by storm. Never/Know is positively incredible. The hooks are infectious and lethal from the very start with the opening (and title) track...

One of my faves is this fucking statement...

The pop is crazy good on this one...

Find a loved one to dance and sing with!

L.A. Guns: Leopard Skin

Keeping the era of 80's hair bands firmly alive, L.A.Guns are back with the absolutely wonderful Leopard Skin. It's chock o block full of all those amazing riffs and hooks.

The opening track says it all!

Counting Crows: Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!

Counting Crows still have the stuff, man! The San Francisco lads have a brand new record out called Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets and it is fabulous. Oh, those glorious stories...

One of my faves...

Alison Kraus & Union Station: Arcadia

It's always a good day when you have Alison Kraus & Union Station spinning away in your ears. Their latest is called Arcadia and it is truly diving. As they always do, the storytelling is finest kind. 

One of my faves...

Σtella: Adagio

The lounge-y and summery sounds of  Σtella are on my mind as the weather turns warmer and hearts become closer with all that solar energy. Her latest is called Adagio and it has many soothing tracks guaranteed to put you in that place...

Two Harbors: Can't Shake This Dream (Album of the Week)

My favorite bands are the ones that carry the flame. By flame I mean tradition and all its glory. Certain musical styles are infinite or in a constant state of spreading their power all over the universe. Brit Rock is one of those legacies and few bands these days have taken up the torch.  

Two Harbors are proudly carrying that flame in a massive torch held by a colossus! Even better, they are from my home state of Minnesota which puts my pride in this outfit at dragon level. 

Their latest effort is called Can't Shake This Dream and it's every single bit of the awesomeness that is Brit Rock. 

The album opens with a declaration of intent...

Later we really start rocking...

A recent live show really brought the power of this one out for me...what a message!

Speaking of messages, the best track on the album is the title track. It's relentless optimism is immediately infectious. We need the spirit of "Can't Shake This Dream" loosed upon the world and spreading everywhere!!

"Can't Shake This Dream" is a clear contender for best track of 2025 and it's so much more than just that. This band hung together through some tough times since their last album (2014).  Over the course of the last eleven years, they never gave up on the dream of making this record and their perseverance is a rock solid testament to their commitment to not only the genre but the musical universe.

Much gratitude to Two Harbors for being our heroes in music and beyond...

Tennis: Face Down In The Garden

Denver's own Tennis are back with a fab new record called Face Down In the Garden. Once again, shimmery pop goo reigns over us all with this album. The dynamic duo have done it again!

Opening track...

The Waterboys: Life, Death And Dennis Hopper

Anyone out there a BIG fan of Dennis Hopper? Well, Mike Scott is and he took it upon himself to make the latest Waterboys record all about one of the finest actors of our time. Life, Death And Dennis Hopper is a masterpiece. 25 tracks of Hollywood Mania with the spirit of Hoppy at the helm!

One of my faves...

Ghost: Skeleta

The pride of Linkoping, Sweden continues to rock out the type of music I heard on the radio in 1981. Ghost have really outdone themselves with Skelta. The sheer audacity of this band and their insane homages to the likes of Journey and Styx completely blows me away.

Opening track...

Billy Idol: Dream Into It

Head snarler and 80s icon Billy Idol is back (with Steve Stevens in tow, natch) after an eleven year hiatus. Dream Into It is a powerhouse that never lets up from start to finish. Enjoy the guest spots as they really round out the record.

My fave...Stevens shreds...

Blondshell: If You Asked For A Picture

Wistful is the best word to describe the latest from Blondshell. If You Asked For A Picture is the LA natives best yet. Such a great 'splainer!

Opening track....

Sunflower Bean: Mortal Primetime (Album of the Week)

The pride of Brooklyn is back with a fabulous new record called Mortal Primetime (easily one of the best titles in music history). Sunflower Bean continues to blaze their own trail in the universe with ten amazing tunes.

The album opens with a song that is a little bit of a banger...

The atmospheres this band creates are filled with wonder...

And we all have known love...

I can't wait to hear this record flowing out of all portable trannies this summer!

Djo: The Crux

Djo has crafted nice little niche for themselves on the music scene. Joe Keery is megastar with his turn as Steve on Stranger Things. Why not parlay that into a really cool indie band? The Crux is the latest offering and it's darn near perfect.

Opening track...

Polo & Pan: 22:22

The French musical duo of Polo & Pan have a wonderful new record out called 22:22. This is their third studio record and clearly the best so far. What a universe they release with each sonic wave...

BRONCHO: Natural Pleasure

BRONCHO is quite a fun band. These Norman, Oklahoma lads have a really unique sound that makes the mind wander and wonder. Their fifth long player just dropped and it's bloody mags! Please start listening to Natural Pleasure.

Opening track...

Jetstream Pony: Bowerbirds and Blue Things

Brighton's own Jetstream Pony are quite a jangly guitar treat. Their latest is called Bowerbirds and Blue Things and it really cooks with gas. I just love the way they all sing!

Opening track....

Stereophonics: Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait (Album of the Week)

Cwmaman's own Stereophonics are one of my favorite bands of all time. In many ways, they are the perfect rock band. Their front man, Kelly Jones, has all the right ingredients for a rock and roll voice. Sex, drink, smoke, rasp, and husky cadence are all present. It's an explosive combination that produces amazing results album after album.

Their latest is called Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait and it opens with an inspirational number.

Later we get the "hit"

And then we get that BOSS, DRAGON LEVEL song that shows how much ass the 'phonics kick!

The other track that I must mention is "Mary Is A Singer." Classic Stereophonics with a most lustrous selection of instrumentation.

This is a contender for record of the year. It's that fucking good! Start listening!!!

Throwing Muses: Moonlight Concessions

So please to see Throwing Muses back on the scene. Their latest is called Moonlight Concessions and, as always, the music is very revealing. Kristin and Co are off their ass good on this one!

Opening track...

Jethro Tull: Curious Ruminant

Holy Crap, Ian! Your guys new album is VINTAGE JETHRO TULL. Curious Ruminant has all the classic noises of this much venerated band. It's great to see this outfit still going strong in its now seventh decade!

Opening track...

Greentea Peng: Tell Dem It's Sunny

Greentea Peng is back, spreading her joyous love all over the planet. Tell Dem It's Sunny is an uplifting and majestic statement in its stark reality, a true connection to our times. Somehow, I am positive through all of it...

The Horrors: Night Life

The lads from Southend-on Sea are back with a wonderful new record called Night Life. The Horrors have become a goth rock/Brit pop colossus over the course of the last several years and their latest record puts an exclamation mark on all of it.

One of my faves...

Bob Mould: Here We Go Crazy (Album of the Week)

One of my all time favorite hometown heroes is back with a fabulous record called Here We Go Crazy. Bob Mould is now a six decade long Minneapolis treasure and, with each new record he releases in his massively prolific career, he cements himself as a true alt/indie hegemon.

The album opens with the title track...

Later we get some pulse pounding power reminiscent of the Husker Du days....

And this heartfelt rocker...

So proud of this amazing artist!

Hannah Cohen: Earthstar Mountain

Hannah Cohen lives in the gorgeous. Her latest record is a damn fine example of that. Earthstar Mountain is a gem of an album filled deeply romantic and groovy vibes. That voice lures me in every time:)

Opening track...

KiiiKiii: UNCUT GEM

 It's a K Pop Friday! And KiiiKiii has just the EP for YOU! UNCUT GEM is indeed just that. The opening track lets you know what kind of party you are in for...

Ok Go: And the Adjacent Possible

Ok Go is back with yet another ridiculously amazing record. How do they do it? I think it's the lush pop sounds and the straight to the heart themes they explore. Their latest is called And the Adjacent Possible and here is one of my faves...

Perfume Genius: Glory

Perfume Genius is back with a stunner of a record called Glory. It's the ultimate expression of this amazing's artist's journey through all of his unique challenges in life. For over two decades, this treasure continues to impress!

My Raining Stars: Momentum

My Morning Stars have always been a beloved outfit on the dream pop/shoegaze circuit. Their latest is called Momentum and it just shimmers.The crisp wonder of the cosmic universe...

My Morning Jacket: is (Album Of The Week)

 My Morning Jacket's latest record opens with an absolutely gorgeous, uplifting number. 

This is what is is. Immediate contender for Album of the Year. 

The album is filled with laid back introspectives on life and catchy as heck!

Here is one of the best love songs I've ever heard...

Just a stunner of a record...start listening!

Dean Wareham: That's The Price of Loving Me

Dean Wareham is back with a wonderful new offering called That's The Price of Loving Me. It's mystical on love that sent my mind to places where I didn't even know I had places...

Example...

Great title track...start listening!

Gary Louris: Dark Country

Gary Louris has a most excellent record out called Dark Country. It's one of those albums that takes you on a journey. And it's not necessarily all bleak. I find the mix of light and dark in both style and them to be refreshingly melancholic. 

Rusty Williams: Grand Man

So....Hayley Williams' granddad made a record a while back (the 1970s) and it's just now seen release. Rusty Williams' Grand Man is a tour de force of soft rock. The nostalgia is strong on this one and gets you going right away. 

Where's my conversion van?

Yukimi: For You

Yukimi Nargano is a treasure of the world. Her music kisses me every day. For You is the name of her latest offering and it really does feel that way.

One of my faves...

Japanese Breakfast: For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)

Philly's own Japanese Breakfast is back with a wonderful new record called For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women). The word "chill" can't even begin to describe how relaxed this record is. Perfect vibe for today..

Opening track...

Peace: Polly With The Perfect Hair

Peace is back after a long hiatus with a new EP called Polly With The Perfect Hair. The four track outing shows the lads from Birmingham still going strong with their unique slant on pop.

Here is a taste...

Sam Akpro: Evenfall (Album of the Week)

London's own Sam Akpro gets my nod for Album of the Week. Evanfall is his first full length release after a series of singles and EP's. It's an Everest like opening volley that culminates all the songs we've heard so far in a perfect climax.

The album opens with this stunner...

And then it kicks it up a notch...

We get the love for my second favorite city in the world...

Akpro's music is a genre in and of itself. Start listening!!!

Destroyer: Dan's Boogie

Vancouver's own Destroyer is back with Dan's Boogie, the outfit's 14th record. What a long and storied career these amazing Canadians have had. Their latest effort really encapsulates how incredible they are.

One of my faves...

HotWax: Hot Shock

The debut album for the powerhouse indie band, Hot Wax, is here. Hot Shock shows that these Hastings, East Sussex gals are serious about their rock and roll!

Killer...

Rizzle Kicks: Competition is for Losers

Brighton's own Rizzle Kicks are back with a corker of a record. Easily their best yet, Competition is for Losers is a tour de force of stream of consciousness hip hop. Example...

Some of it even sounds like old school R&B...

Mos def in the running for my top albums of the year!

Steven Wilson: The Overview

Art Rock Wunderkind Steven Wilson is back with The Overview. What is life like on earth if we look at it from the universe's perspective? And how do we look at the universe? Both of those questions are answered on this magnifient work.

Opening track...

Andy Bell: Pinball Wanderer (Album Of The Week)

Andy Bell is a renaissance man. He has his own ridiculously awesome band (Ride), he plays with superstars (Oasis) and he makes great solo records. It's the latter that gets my nod for Album of the Week this week. Pinball Wanderer sees Bell stretching his musical muscle into some very interesting and innovative aural landscapes.

The album opens with this beauty...

And then drones into this exquisite monstrosity...

Later we have this gorgeous track...

It's amazing to this Cardiff lad stretch himself out there so much. Check it out!

LE SSERAFIM: HOT

LE SSERAFIM is back with a luscious new EP called HOT. And it is most warm. Five bloody mags tracks that will force you to dance. 

Opening track...

Lola Kirke: Trailblazer

I'm in an alt country sort of mood today so it's all about Lola Kirke. Her latest is called Trailblazer and it is simply wonderful. The stories she tells are most heartwarming. 

One of my faves...great title!

Brian D'Addario: Till The Morning

Brian D'Addario is a pop treasure. The Long Island native has been crafting amazing music for over two decades. His latest effort is called Till The Morning and it is pure genius. I feel like he should host his own variety show in the 1970's!

Opening and title track...

Bambara: Birthmarks

I have been quite enjoying Bambara's latest offering to the world. Birthmarks is a masterpiece of pop and goth. The laying of the keyboards and the vocals are astounding.

One of my faves...

Lady Gaga: Mayhem

Lady Gaga's latest is called Mayhem and holy shit does she bring it! This record has dragon level power and thunder not seen in a long long time. The whole thing is just shovel to the head stunning from start to finish.

Opening track...

The Tubs: Cotton Crown

The pride of Cardiff are back with a wonderful new record called Cotton Crown. The Tubs know how to do "dudes with guitars" quite well, mixing in mod and pop most effectively. I love all the Welsh cultural stuff and their views on Great Britain in general.

Check it out!

SASAMI: Blood On the Silver Screen

Let's turn up the pop music to 11! Because Sasami has a new record out called Blood On the Silver Screen. It is a masterpiece of pop combined with a distinct sound that reminds me of every James Bond title track.

Check it out!

MICHI: DIRTY TALK (ALBUM OF THE WEEK)

I'm officially declaring this week Michi week! This Latinx superstar has taken the world by storm with her debut record called Dirty Talk. Talk about the grooves...

And the vibe...

And the heart pounding love...

This might very well be my album of the year...wow! Start listening!!

Circuit des Yeux: Hate On The Inside

Chicago's own Circuit des Yeux is her own musical genre. It's goth, baroque, alternative, indie and Broadway. Her latest is Hate On The Inside and it is magnificent. 

One of my faves...