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...

Six Sex: X-sex

Six Sex is a guilty pleasure. Yes, she is cliche but her latest EP is a whole lot of fun. X-sex shows just how much of a boss the queen of the Puerto Rican rave is these days!

My fave (as an ass man) of course...

Esme Emerson: Applesauce

Esme Emerson has a wonderful new EP out called Applesauce. It's perfect soundtrack for the start of spring. Slinky and fun!

Love love love this track...

Panda Bear: Sinister Grift

Panda Bear is quite a lovely little project for Noah Lennox. The latest effort is called Sinister Grift and it manages to successfully combine psychedelia, lounge and Beach Boys-ish vocals into a wonderful mashup of cornucopia. 

One of my faves...

Banks: Off With Her Head

I am loving me some Banks lately. Her latest drop is insanely good. Dragon level. Off With Her Head is the title. Vibe is the groove.

Dig it...

DOVES: CONSTELLATIONS FOR THE LONELY (ALBUM OF THE WEEK)

Doves are one of those magical bands for me. I've been a fan since they released their first EP in 1998 ("Cedar"). They hit me very deeply and the effect is ever permeating. They don't have an enormous catalog and release records very infrequently. But when they do come out, they are bloody mags. 

Their latest is called Constellations For The Lonely and it speaks to the great loneliness in the world that we all ironically share. The opening track sets the tone perfectly...

Later it just gets...magical...

And impeccably stunning...

Doves remind the world that there is great beauty in the dark corners of life. 

Ider: Late To The World

The dynamic duo of London aka Ider are back with a beautiful record called Late To The World. The power of this record is dragon level. 

Check out the title track and start listening!

Vundabar: Surgery and Pleasure

Boston's  own Vundabar are back with romp of a record. Surgery and Pleasure takes of at 100mph and never lets up. All tracks fun!

Here is one of my faves...

Jennie: Ruby

Jennie from Blackpink has a wonderful new record out called Ruby. The record flexes some serious diversity in style and for a still novice K Pop guy like me, that's good thing. 

This track is an early contender for track of the year...

bdrmm: Microtonic

bdrmm are back with yet another spaced out shoegaze EDM freak out. Yet it's chill as well. Microtonic is clearly their best record, dazzling in its cosmic wonder.

Here is one of my faves...

Yves Jarvis: Decision Tree

The chill vibe of Yves Jarvis is on my mind with his wonderful new record called Decision Tree. I'm instantly transported to the late 70's with the organ on the title track...

Manic Street Preachers: Critical Thinking (Album of the Week)

The Manics are back! And there was much rejoicing..

The Blackwood, Caerphilly lads have turned out a corker of a record called Critical Thinking. The record smartly opens with the title track

And then jumps right in to this amazing pop romp...

Later we get this gem...

Talk about a stadium sing along number!

It's the fourth decade for this staple of Brit Rock. Strength to Strength!!

The Horrors: Ariel EP

The Horrors have snuck out a mighty fine EP called Ariel. It sees the lads from Southend-on-Sea continuing forward with their emo/gothy pop ways. 

Here is the standout track of the five song offering...

The Chills: Springboard: Early Unrecorded Songs

The very last recording by The Chills is out now. Springboard: Early Unrecorded Songs is a collection of tracks written in the 80s but not recorded until 2023-24 era. It stands as a testament to the late Martin Phillips' pop craftsmanship.

Opening track...

Antony Szmierek: Service Station At The End Of The Universe

British stream of consciousness is the order of the day on Antony Szmierek's latest offering, Service Station At The End Of The Universe. It's an absolute mind rush of urban swirl and emoting. 

Here is a taste of the experience. 

Sam Fender: People Watching

Sam Fender has just released some seriously pure pop magic. People Watching showcases this artist's uncanny ability to craft the perfect song. And he's British!

One of my faves...

The Wombats Oh! The Ocean (Album of the Week)

Liverpool's own Wombats are back with yet another stunner of a record. Oh! The Ocean proves once again why they are the Brit Rock band that never went away. These dudes with guitars know how to bring t. 

The first three tracks are clear indications of the journey that awaits...

So so good...please start listening now, folks! Brit Rock Forever!!

Kestrels: Better Wonder

The pride of Halifax, Nova Scotia has a new fab new record out called Better Wonder. Kestrels are truly an indie/alternative wonder and this record establishes them as a force to be reckoned with!

Opening track...

Youth Lagoon: Rarely Do I Dream

The pride of Boise, Idaho is back with his best record yet. Trevor Powers aka Youth Lagoon has really outdone himself on Rarely Do I Dream. It's about "family and folktales" he states clearly.

Wtiness!

JISOO: AMORTAGE

Jisoo has one heck of an EP out called Amortage. It's just a fun pop album and honestly goes beyond the genre of K-Pop. Here is one of my faves....

Inhaler: Open Wide

The pride of Dublin (no, not that band) are back with an extraordinary record called Open Wide. Inhaler continues to impress with their tunes of love, loss and lament. This one seems to take it up a notch.

Opening track...

The Weeknd: Hurry Up Tomorrow (Album of the Week)

The Weeknd is back with a shovel to the head stunner of a record. Hurry Up Tomorrow opens with this slinky groove...

Then the power comes heavy....

Them the honesty....

And that's just the beginning of the record. A world gem, The Weeknd continues to blaze new trails and pioneer sonic landscapes of sheer delight. 

Patterson Hood: Exploding Trees and Airplane Screams

The latest offering from Patterson Hood is on my mind today in all its wonderfulness. Exploding Trees and Airplane Screams is a veritable cornucopia of aural wonder. My mind is expanded and comfortable.

Opening track...

Squid: Cowards

Brighton is a strange and mysterious place. Close to the big city of London and yet in its own orbit. As a band from Brighton, Squid are also strange and mysterious band. Their third record just dropped and it's magnificent. And just fucking weird!

Opening track...

Drop Nineteens: 1991

Boston's own Drop Nineteens continue their comeback with 1991, a shoegazer's delight of a record. I love albums that take you on cosmic journeys, inwardly and outward to the stars...

Opening track...

Ex-Void: In Love Again

London's own Ex-Void have just dropped the first full length record and it's an awesome add to the Brit Rock lexicon. In Love Again has all the jangly guitars and emoting one could ever need. Classic dudes with guitars!

Opening track...

High.: Come Back Down (Album of the Week)

Shoegazers of the world rejoice! High. is the band for you!! Their very first full length, Come Back Down, just dropped and it's a dream mess of wonder. We are already cascading on the opening track...

Next is chillax mode...

Then we have a track that is just plain gorgeous...

This New Jersey Band has a very bright future ahead of them!

The Moles: Composition Book

I'm quite enjoying the latest offering from Sydney's own The Moles. Composition Book is a classic alternative/indie pop record with all the bells and whistles. Straight out of the 90's, baby!

Eddie Chacon: Lay Low (Album of the Week)

The sweet soulful sounds of Eddie Chacon get the nod this week with his latest release, Lay Low. The self described "low key R&B legend" has really outdone himself on this one. The record opens silky...

Later we have the caress of the title track...

And then this love swept wonder....

A classic sound in the form of a modern treasure. Start listening now!

Heartworms: Glutton For Punishment

Goth and punk inspired Heartworms are back with a deeply dark yet oddly comforting record called Glutton For Punishment. This is a journey record through the labyinth of the heart and the human condition. Big time cheers for these South Londoners...

One of my faves...

Tunng: Love You All Over Again

London's own Tunng is back with a wonderful record called Love You All Over Again. That's actually what happens to me when a new Tunng record comes out. This one sounds it came out of the most magnificent jungle ever!

Bonnie Prince Billy: The Purple Bird

Bonnie Prince Billy is back and the Kentucky native has really outdone himself on his latest release. The Purple Bird is a master class of American storytelling. The styles and the lyrics are beyond stellar. Check it out!

One of my faves...

Circa Waves: Death & Love, Pt. 1

Liverpool's own Circa Waves are back with some Brit Rock bliss in the form of Death & Love, Pt.1. The record hits one like a shovel to the head in terms of its titanic master of the "dudes with guitars" genre.

Opening track...

The Laughing Chimes: Whispers In The Speech Machine

The Laughing Chimes are quite a wonderful jangle pop band from southeast Ohio. Their latest offering is called Whispers in the Speech Machine and it brings me back to those Lloyd Cole and the Commotions days of the mid 80s and the beginning of my college career. 

Here is one of my faves...

C. Duncan: It's Only A Love Song (Album of the Week)

Glasgow's own C. Duncan is back with yet another soft rock extravaganza guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic for 1970s  AM radio. It's Only A Love Song is his fifth long player and easily his best. 

Example...

There's also tracks that border on the cinematic...

The title track is amazing...

Start listening to this amazing record!

Ringo Starr: Look Up

Ah, Ring. You always make the most fun records. Now you've made a country record and it is just splendid. Look Up is what you were made to do...bring the world joy!

FKA TWIGS: EUSEXUA

The smooth grooves that only FKA twigs can vibe are back with EUSEXUA. She reels us in to world of eroticism and mystery on this one. I feel like I'm in a romantic thriller with cyberpunk themes....

Alpaca Sports: Another Day

Sometimes you are just in the mood for some jangle pop and Swedish duo Alpaca Sports hits that spot just right. Their latest is called Another Day and it's truly an amazing treat of music.

Here is one of my faves and also the lead single...

Michelle: Songs About You Specifically (Album of the Week)

I'm quite happy that my son got me into the band Michelle. The NYC R&B outfit has their third long player out and it's chock full o' musical deliciousness. Songs About You Specifically is an every track must listen kind of record. 

The sonic landscapes...

The pop wonder...

And the shivers and sighs of just great R&B...

Even though it came out late last year, this is likely going to be one of my major soundtracks for 2025. Start listening!

lots of hands: into a pretty room

lots of hands is a true gem of an outfit, hailing from Newcastle Upon Tyne way up in the North. Their latest is called into a pretty room and it is indeed most wonderful. The vibe is quiet and introspective. 

Here is one of my faves...

Metal Bubble Trio: Cucumber

Metal Bubble Trio is quite a pleasant little lounge-y exotica outfit that makes music that spans time. It is it the 1950s and the never ending enchantment under the sea dance. Their latest is called Cucumber and it's an absolute gem. 

Chill out to this vibe...

The Gentle Spring: Looking Back At The World

Parisian pop outfit The Gentle Spring have just dropped Looking Back At The World, a simply gorgeous folk pop record. The vocal arrangements are out of this world beautiful. And the melodies...ah those stunning melodies...

Opening track....

Victoria Canal: Slowly, It Dawns (Album of the Week)

With a very fresh breath of pop, Victoria Canal has dropped Slowly, It Dawns, a veritable cornucopia of simply delightful sounds. The vibe, of course, romance!

The 80's also called and loves it!

There are also some deeply heartfelt moments that tug at the soul...

Start listening!

Franz Ferdinand: The Human Fear (Album of the Week)

Let' s kick off 2025 with a Brit Rock record. Glasgow's own Franz Ferdinand are first out of the gate with a wonderful new offering called The Human Fear. All of the vibe that is Franz Ferdinand is apparent throughout the album (man, I miss that early noughties dudes with guitars era).

Opening track...

And aren't we all every day dreamers?...such a beauty...

We also have this sexy little club number...

A great welcome to the New Year. Start listening! 

Field Music: Limits of Language

Sunderland's own Field Music released a mighty fine record last fall that really hit the spot for me. Limits of Language sees the outfit exploring new sonic frontiers and conquering them. Opening track...

The Soundcarriers: Through Other Reflections

The Soundcarriers are carrying the torch of psychedelic pop proudly into the future. Their latest is called Through Other Reflections and it's their best yet. These Nottingham lads are cosmic!

The National: Rome

I have always been a big fan of live albums. Frampton Comes Alive came out when I was ten years old and all of my friends older brothers and sisters had it. His songs sounded so much better live. 

This is most def the case with The National's Rome which dropped at the very end of last year. The twenty one track set is a shining example of the power and glory that is this Cincinnati band. Check it out!

Saint Etienne: The Night

Let's start off 2025 with some records that snuck out at the end of last year. First up is The Night by one of my all time faves, Saint Etienne. The album gives off a decided cinematic vibe of things that happen in the evening. Make a cocktail for this one!