The Charlatans have kissed me deeply every day for the last 35 years. Their latest is called We Are Love and it's hard to disagree with this sentiment. These West Midlands lads spread their hearts out every day across the cosmos.
First track...just a stunner...the vibe...
The heavy and dream pop sound of Lathe of Heaven is on my mind today as I listen to their latest offering, Aurora. This record is an absolute powerhouse of cosmic love. Check it out!
Opening track...
I'm quite happy to see that Say She She is still making great music. Their latest is called Cut & Rewind and it's quite spectacular in all its popness. It has just enough of an edge to maintain their alternative and indie vibe.
One of my faves...
Mappe Of has a new record out called Afterglades and it's quite the mellow, introspective album. It really suits me these days and sets my mind in a very chill place which is a good thing.
One of my faves...
October really rolled by fast and I feel like I've neglected the Autumn Music Series this year. Not many posts. But the latest album from The Autumn Defense marginally makes up for it. Here and Nowhere is quite a fall wonder and I highly recommend a listen.
Opening track...
The Besnard Lakes have a new record out called The Besnard Lakes are the Ghost Nation. It is the year's finest example of Americana gothic. Dive in!
Opening track...
Twenty One Pilots are, in many ways, the perfect American band. They tell stories about middle America and their life experiences in very painful yet wonderful ways. Their latest is called Breach and it forcefully continues this general theme.
The able opens with this fantastic number
bar Italia is back with a corker of a new record. It's called, most appropriately, Some Like It Hot and the opening tracks lets us know what we are in for on the rest of the record...
The Favors are quite the unique little outfit. They have this very special vibe that is deep and dark Americna. Their first album, The Dream, just dropped and it's quite wonderful. Check it out!
Title track...
Tame Imapala's latest is a lush exploration of the heart, soul, and mind. Deadbeat is a tour de force for the band and brings the listener close to the truth.
My fave...
Ariel Pink is back with another collection of loungey psych pop. With You Every Night is simply wonderful. It makes me want to be romantic with a loved one...
Opening track...
The self titled debut record from The Cords is here and jangle pop fans as well as dudes with guitars fans (me) are ecstatic! The Scotish duo has stormed on to the music, bringing all the glory and fury of guitar based pop.
The opening track lets you know where you are at...
Miles Kane stands over the world like a colossus of music. Every song and every record is sheer perfection. His latest further adds to his awesomness. Sunlight In The Shadows adds to his massive lexicon.
Let's start with my favorite track.
Polica is back with a wonderful record called Dreams Go. My mind is expanded and the universe is in tune with this band.
Opening track, delicious...
Robert Plant is back with a wonderful folk soaker called Saving Grace. Musical guests abound on this one and the record shines in its beauty. And the Americana on this one...very impressive for a Brit...
Opening track...
Flock of Dimes. Wow. What a band. Bringing chill to a new level that somehow manages to meld perfectly with the soul. Their latest is called The Life You Save. Easily the best yet.
Opening track...
Benny Sings is quite a sunny fellow and his latest offering, Beat Tape III, is an excellent illustration of this. His music is nostalgic and yet very current. I just love the places he sends us!
Opening track...
Those amazing and loveable lads from Liverpool are back with a completely incredible record. Circa Waves have really outdone themselves with Death & Love. The record just bursts with dudes with guitars jangle pop!
Opening track...
SG Lewis...holy crap what a beautiful record he has made. Anemoia is easily in my top ten of 2025 with its cosmic strands of awesomeness. The layers he creates are shovel to the head stunning.
First track...
Hollie Cook is back with all the joy and love she brings to the world. Shy Girl is sheer perfection with every track reaching a new level of LOVELY.
Opening (and title) track...
The power...the glory...the ROCK of Glenn Hughes is on my mind today with his amazing new record called Chosen. It brings the fire and passion! Man, I'm glad people are still making music like this!!
Opening track...
Golden Apples is quite a fun band. Their latest is called Shooting Star and I feel famous when I listen to it. Especially this psychedelic track...
Kathleen Edwards...an Ottawa gem. Her latest is called Billionaire and it's quite good. Songs of love, devotion and heartache.
My fave...
Holy crap is Yellowcard a fantastic band. The Jacksonville outfit has a really wonderful new record out called Better Days. The power and the glory that is this album is a stunning thing to behold.
Opening (and title) track...
Richard Ashcroft writes and performs music with god's fist. He is an absolute fucking legend and when he releases a new album, it is always monumental. Lovin' You is out and completely amazing.
The title track hits like god's fist....
Gruff Rhys is back with a truly heartfelt record called Dim Probs. It's a wonderful exploration into the soul of the world. New horizons are explored.
Opening track...
LA's own Rocket is back with what I think is their best effort yet. R is for Rocket cooks well for 10 fantastic tracks.
Check it out!
Durham's own Bombadil are back with a very heartfelt album called The Moon Got Back Home. These lads really hit the soul with their latest round of explorations.
Dig it!
Taylor Swift's new record, The Life of a Showgirl, is great. I don't care what the haters say. All they going to do is hate hate hate. It's just a fact that it has many good songs.
This is my favorite...
KAYTRANADA is a boss. His latest is called AIN'T NO DAMN WAY and it's exactly how I feel these days. You are in the groove and being a boss like him immediately.
Lady Wray is an R&B genius. Just crazy fucking good. Her fourth album is Cover Girl and it's easily her best. The soul drips from it...
Opening track...
Saint Etienne teaches all of us the true meaning of class and grace. They are now in the fourth decade (!) of letting us know how to vibe and be cool. After all, they are the coolest. Zero doubt.
Their new record is called International which pretty much sums up their whole jam. They are the trend setters, the ones who tell us the look.
First track...
Margo Price is back with a joyfully upbeat record filled with mightily impressive numbers. Hard Headed Woman is her most powerful record yet. It just goes strong for over an hour.
One of my faves...
The vibe of the new Rochelle Jordan record is...cool. Through The Wall puts the listener right in the heart of the club and pulsing like a mofo!
Witness!
The London Suede are back! Their new record is called Antidepressants!! Who wants to dance with the Europeans?
David Byrne is back with a triumphant new record called Who Is The Sky? The album goes beyond the typical stuff that he puts it. Honestly, it makes me go to a place where I didn't even know that I had a place.
Opening track...
There's finally a chill in the air here in the North Woods so it's time for my first installment of the Autumn Music Series. First up is Robin Kester with her wonderfully touching new record called Dark Sky Reserve.
The album is filled with the moods of fall and all it's leaf crunching romance. Find a loved one and listen with them!
Oh, Ivy. We have missed you so much. It's been fourteen years since your last record and all of us were dying (Dying!) for new music. And now we have it again in the form of Traces of You. So so happy that your version of lounge pop is back!
First track sets the tone...
Jon Batiste is a national treasure. The R&B master from Louisiana has made yet another gem with Big Money. He delves deeply into his bag of soul on this one and produces pure magic.
Opening track...
London's own Flyte is back with a wonderful new record of chill called Between You And Me. The band goes deeply introspective on this one, delving down into the most interesting of human emotions.
My fave...(bonus live performance!)
Hey, The Chameleons are back! And it's the first record of new material since 2001. Arctic Moon takes me back to those halcyon years of jangle guitars and psych pop in the 1980s. Every track is gold, folks!
Opening number...
Who is up for some great techno? Look no further than the latest offering from Melbourne's own Cut Copy. Moments is synth heaven, replete with 80s vibes and many cool takes on life and love.
Opening track...
Gulp is quite a fun dream pop band from Wales. They have a new record out called Beneath Strawberry Moon and it is wonderful. It's a great soul supporter!
Fave...
Jeff Tweedy is a god. His new record, Twilight Override, proves this to be so. This triple (!) record is full of just fucking incredible songs. What is it about his voice? It's John Lennon and Jerry Garcia all rolled into one.
This track just blew me away...
Montreal natives TOPS are sweeter than honey! Their latest is called Bury the Key and it's quite extraordinary. It's replete with fine fine pop songs.
One of my faves...
Orions Belte have quite the amazing record out. Pur Jus is a cavalcade of style ranging from lounge to psychedelic pop and all the way back to alternative/indie. Sit back and listen cleanly, dudes...
Opening track, warriors....
Hayley Williams=genius. No simpler way to put it. Her latest solo endeavor is called Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party and it is filled with insanely good music. Each track is a truly transformative experience.
Opening track=killer
Brooklyn's own Big Thief are back with Double Infinity, a record that will blow your socks right on your ass! Every track is simply gorgeous in its theme and craft.
Here is one of my faves...
CMAT is back and making wonderful music again. Is it pop? Is it country? Who cares? It's bloody magnificent!! EURO-COUNTRY is wall to wall awesome. The sing-a-long vibe is immediate.
One of my faves...
Curtis Harding is back with a tremendous record called Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt. It's yet another shining example of why this man is a soul legend.
The album opens with this chestnut...
Chicago's post punk outfit Ganser is back with Animal Hospital, a gritty record that really shows their growth as an artist. It's an exploration of the genre that is sorely needed right now.
My fave...
Blood Orange is back with yet another stunner of a record. Essex Honey is as sweet as your imagination allows. The stories he tells are stark and riveting.
Opening track...
Toronto's very fun guitar pop band have a very wonderful new record called No Hard Feelings. The Beaches are more refreshing than a cold glass of water on a steamy day. So fun! So poppy!!
Opening volley...
The Beths are back with a corker of a record called Straight Line Was A Lie. The Auckland wonders have a unique brand of alternative/indie. Love those guitars!
Opening and title track...
Irvine Welsh is the man I dream of being if I hosted my own 1970's soul show. Known mainly for his writing, Welsh has now allied himself with The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra and have conquered the R&B universe. Men In Love is a colossus!
Opening track...
The quiet certitude of Modern Nature is suiting me quite well these days. Their latest offering, The Heat Warps, is a deep exploration of the chill life...with cool guitars!
Opening track...pure joy
The Chicago Duo of Water From Your Eyes have a fun little record out called It's A Beautiful Place. Every track is just a dandy romp through indie wonderland.
Witness!
Much hullaballoo has been made about the dover of Sabrina Carpenter's latest record. Yet, Man's Best Friend is more than just a cover. It's a most excellent collection of fine pop songs. Check it out!
Opening track...
I've really been enjoying the drone-y shoe gaze of Hard Habits latest offering. Blue Reminder is a gorgeous record that cuts right in the soul with its honesty.
Opening track...
What can I say about The Black Keys that hasn't already been said? They are the ultimate alternative indie outfit that has defined the last three decades of the genre. Dan and Patrick are cosmic artists weaving their aural exercises into our souls. Their latest is called No Rain, No Flowers and it's shovel to the head stunning.
The opening track is also the title track...
Deftones have alked many paths for a long period of time with a very loyal legion of fans, some of whom span generations now. Each release is a powerhouse and their latest, private music, is my favorite so far in their thirty seven year career. It's whole lot of thunder and swagger!
Opening track...
The very lovely and extremely talented shoegaze outfit, Winter, are back with wonderful record called Adult Romantix. It's easily their most intimate and my fave so far!
Opening track...
Royal Otis are back with a dynamite record called hickey. It's all the lovely that they bring to the world with their chill vibe and cool ass sound. I feel emotionally better after listening to this one.
Opening track...
Melbourne's own Folk Bitch Trio have their first full length out and I have been enjoying it immensely these last few weeks. Their harmonies are out of this world! More importantly, the tunes and the themes, even with all their softness in delivery, hot like a thousand pound hammer.
Opening track...
The world's greatest party band is back with The Hives Forever Forever. Of course, it had to be "Forever" twice, right? After all, it is The Hives. The pomp, the power, and the fury are all present on this one.
It kicks off with this statement.
The Clearing is the latest record from London's own Wolf Alice and it's quite the charmer! The sheer beauty of the record is completely overwhelming, sending my mind, body, and soul to new universes.
Witness...
Hometown pride is large for me with She's Green, a dream pop outfit that chills me with love every day. Their latest is called Chryrsalis and it's a shoegazer's delight. Zoom into space with this beauty!
Opening track...
Alison Goldfrapp has a fab new record out called Flux. It's wonderful romp through love, life and people-y things. She's got some pretty serious self-actualization going on with this one and I love it!
Opening track...
Ah, Laufey. You have completely taken my soul with your music. It sends me into the most wonderful fits of nostalgia and sanguinity. It's from another time when love was much different. And it's also 21st century in its antique sheen.
The latest is called A Matter of Time. The opening track perfects serves the martinis...
Jack Garratt is quite the Little Chalfont lad. His third long player is finally out and it's a doozy! Pillars brings all the vibes and grooves that growing kids need.
Witness!
NZ's own Bret McKenzie is back with a wonderful new record called Freak Out City. It's a collection of Beatle-esque pop songs guaranteed to lift the soul.
Opening track...
Power up, bitches! Halestorm has a new record out that is guaranteed to knock your socks right on your ass. Everest is a steep climb but it's worth it when you read the top...which is immediately!
Opening track...
Holy crap do I love the latest from Cass McCombs. The reflective self chill vibe is turned all the way to eleven on this one! Interior Live Oak is one of the best of 2025.
Check it out!
The quiet, introspective sounds of Hayes Carll are suiting me just fine these days. His latest is called We're Only Human and it has been in heavy rotation in the "kick back" portion of my day.
One of my faves...
The Modfather is back with a collection of ultra rare cover songs that truly dazzles the mind and warms the heart. Finding El Dorado is our Joseph Campbell's heroes journey and it begins with this amazing track.
Ethel Cain is just what the doctored ordered for me these days. A zony wonder, her latest is called Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You and it really puts my heart in some solid places. Tough places but necessary nonetheless.
My fave....
Just fucking crazy. That's how I'd describe the latest offering from Tokyo's own BABYMETAL. METAL FORTH is a veritable tour de force of power, guaranteed to make us all fall in worshipfulness to the majesty of this band.
Opening track...
Bad Suns are back with a stellar new record called Accelerator. The Woodland Hills, Cali boys are firing on all cylinders on this one. Some pretty sweet grooves and funky vibes on this one...
Opening track...
NYC's own Anamanguchi is back with their fourth long player and it's quite a romp! Anyway is rock 'em, sock 'em from back to front. Guaranteed to start a mosh in a nursing home!
My fave...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...
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...
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 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!
Bite Me by Renee Rapp starts of with an absolute fucking banger.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!
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...
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 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!
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...
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...
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 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...
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 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 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...
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!
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!
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...
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 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...
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!
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...
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 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 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.
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!