Madonna: CONFESSIONS II

If there was ever any doubt that Madonna was no longer a total fucking force of nature, one need only look at her over five million views on her video for "I Feel So Free." Her latest is Confessions II, a sequel to her 2005 album Confessions on a Dance Floor. This record is a shovel to the head stunner. 16 songs of pure Madonna.

Opening track...

Tasha: You Are Spring

You Are Spring! is the title of the latest record by NYC's folk rock darling Tasha. She takes us all on a magical journey not only of the spring season but every season of our lives.

One of my faves...

JJerome87: The Canyon

JJerome87 has a wonderful new record out called The Canyon. The combo of alternative, indie and pop on this one is a cornucopia of uniqueness. Just a ton of fun!

Opening track!

Butthole Surfers: After The Astronaut

It's refreshing for all of us that Butthole Surfers are still active in their now fifth decade of making music. In many ways, they defined what "alternative" rock is and their latest is a great example of this. After The Astronaut is a stellar record that you need in your collection immediately.

Witness! 

Goose: Big Modern!

Goose is back with wonderful new LP Called Big Modern! It is an absolute triumph of power and persuasion, laying down the law with the title track.

Get your slinky on and start listening!

Temples: BLISS (Album of the Week)

Do you have a jet stream heart? I do and it's because of Temples' latest record, my choice for Album of the Week this week. BLISS is a wonder filled with sonic love and cosmic joy. 

Speaking of jet streamed hearts...

And Revelations....

Of course, the glimmer...

Easily a contender for Album of the Year. Just stunning. Start listening!!

Pond: Terrestrials

I love the shimmer of Pond's latest offering Terrestrials. It's all so very dream poppy coupled perfectly with dudes with guitars. The urge to air guitar is overwhelming!

Opening track...

Graham Coxon: Castle Park

As a massive Brit Rock, I massively heart Graham Coxon. He is a massive talent. The key word here is massive. His latest record is a gem. Castle Park hooks you immediately with its beat rock vibe and general charm. Check it out!

Opening track...

The Pretty Reckless: Dear God

The Pretty Reckless are back with all the power and the fury that is their vibe. Dear God is filled with all the thunder we expect from this outfit and then some. They just fucking kick ass.

One of my faves....

Zoon: Happy School Thought

Zoon is quite a charming shoegaze outfit. Their latest is called Happy School Thought and it's filled with transplendant wonder. The power and sonic awe is overwhelming.

Opening track...

Swim Deep: Hum

The cascading sonic power of love is seen with great clarity on Swim Deep's latest called Hum. Dream Pop and Shoe Gaze lovers will be filled with joy and connection with this one. It's a mighty fine cosmic journey, folks!

Opening track...

Daniel Lanois: Belladonna Nocturne

Daniel Lanois is back with yet another cosmic exploration into the instrumental universe. Belladonna Nocturne is a beautiful piece of music that illustrates Danny's position now as a musical elder.

Opening track...

Lizzo: Bitch (Album of the Week)

Lizzo is back like a fucking wrecking ball of R&B power. Bitch is far more than that, though. Check out my favorite track on the record, my choice for Album of the Week this week. 

That's a fucking MOD song!!

Of course we have the usual go-to's.

And let's get slinky...

This record is an absolute powerhouse. Start listening!

Slayyter: WORST GIRL IN AMERICA

Slayyter is not the worst girl in America as her new album suggests. She is the best girl in America in terms of her trash pop awesomeness.

Witness her power...

Yes: Aurora

Yes is back with yet another excellent entry into art rock nostalgia. Aurora hits all the marks and charts some new paths in the cosmos. I've been a fan of this band since I was a kid and my dad played them at top volume in his basement stereo. 

The band has gone through many lineup changes over the years but they always seem to land in that sweet spot. 

Opening and title track...

Infinity Song: Infinity Song

Shaking out all characterizations and conventional definitions, Infinity Song are taking the music scene by storm. They vibe out visually like a pop band but sound like an alternative/indie band. So cool!

Opening track,,,

M.I.A.: M.I.7

Let's all please thank the Lord for M.I.A. Her seventh record is out now and it's quite wonderful. It lifts up the soul with a might big heart!

Witness!

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs: Mission of Mercy

Mike Campbell and his ridiculously cool band, The Dirty Knobs, have a new record out called Mission of Mercy. This is their fourth record and it's clear that they have a mission and that's to rock the fuck out of us. 

Opening track...

Sublime: Until The Sun Explodes

Sublime is back with wonderful new record called Until The Sun Explodes. The Long Beach outfit is now in their fifth decade of making music and their latest shows they move easily from strength to strength.

Opening track...

Olivia Rodrigo: you seem pretty sad for a girl in love (Album of the Week)

Olivia Rodrigo has released what is easily a contender for Album of the Year. you seem pretty sad for a girl in love is a fucking gem. This is her best record yet as she conquers new horizons and stretches her musical soul to infinity. 

As a child of the 80s, I was completely blown away by her deep bow to The Cure. 

Robert Smith himself checks in later on this absolute gem of a track...

The last track puts a colossal bow on a massive tour de force.

An absolute treasure!

Shabason & Krgovich: Four Days In June

Shabason & Krgovich are quite the pair. Their collaboration has spawned some deeply introspective and self actualized music. Their latest is called Four Days in June. Join them in reveling in those four days.

Opening track...

Kelsey Lu: So Help Me God

What can we say about Kelsey Lu? She is a slow burn of torchy awesomeness. Her latest is called So Help Me God and it is wonderful. It's a soul transporting magical pile of stars.

Opening track...

Bella White: A Sign In The Weather

Calgary's own Bella White has just released her sophomore effort and its caress is most glorious. A Sign In The Weather is the perfect soundtrack for any bar in Canada or the United States. Those long and deep gazes...

Trouble...

Deer Tick: Coin-O-Matic

Deer Tick are back with Coin-O-Matic, a much needed dose of Americana. The Providence, Rhode Island natives have outdone themselves on this one. The head really gets nodding!

Opening track...

villagerrr: Carousel

Ah, the gentle lilt of villagerrr. It gets to me every time. Their newest offering is called Carousel and it kisses me gently every time I listen. The Columbus, Ohio natives are treasures of the nation.

Opening track...

Brian Jackson: Now More Than Ever

Brian Jackson is proudly carrying that golden R&B torch into all of our futures. His latest is called Now More Than Ever and it is a zeitgeist of soul. Let the music take your mind to the cosmos.

One of my faves...

Jalen Ngonda: Doctrine Of Love (Album of the Week)

Jalen Ngonda has finally released his second album and it is spectacular, well worth the wait! Doctrine of Love fulfills the promise that all soul artists have: TO BE FUCKING AWESOME.

Opening track...

Second track...

Third track...

I put the first three tracks up on purpose to let you know how the album is set up to R&B our asses into submission. 10 songs of sheer soul pleasure!

Kurt Vile: Philadelphia's been good to me

Kurt Vile. What a dude. He's the modern day Lou Reed. He just makes great music. His latest is called Philadelphia's been good to me and it's extraordinary. The Americana on this one is particularly wonderful. The cover of the record lends us to this path.

Opening track...

Dogstar: All In Now

LA's own Dogstar are back with All In Now, their first record in three years. Keanu and the lads have really outdone themselves on this one. The energetic style is overwhelming.

One of my faves...

All Them Witches: House of Mirrors

Nashville's own All Them Witches are back with a wonderful new record called House of Mirrors. What a triumph in their psych heavy metal style. The drone is stellar on this one. 

Opening track sets the tone for a dark ride...

Dua Saleh: Of Earth & Wires

Dua Saleh is a metaphysical trip into the cosmos and twisting into your soul. Her latest is called Of Earth and Wires and it pretty much knocked my socks right on my ass!

One of my faves...

Primitive Ring: Primitive Ring

Primitive Ring have finally released their first LP and it's a self-titled tour de force. It harkens back to the hard rock bands of the 1970s with a 21st century flair. 

Opening track...

Broken Social Scene: Remember The Humans

The pride of Toronto is back with a lovely new record called Remember The Humans. Broken Social Scene have proven, once again, why they are relevant, now in their fourth decade of making music.

Opening track...

Paul McCartney: The Boys of Dungeon Lane (Album of the Week)

Ah, Macca. You lovingly rule over all of us with your mega-stardom. Now you have released your most personal record in your now seven decades of making music. The Boys of Dungeon Lane hits the soul like a comforting mac truck. 

First track sets the tone...

Later we get hit with this dragon level nostalgia...

This one really hits me in that spot...classic Macca.

An absolute triumph!

Touch Girl Apple Blossom: Graceful

Austin's own Touch Girl Apple Blossom have a wonderful debut LP out called Graceful. Jangly guitars o'plenty are present on this fine fine record. And oh, the stories they tell...

Opening track...

Ed O'Brien: Blue Morpho

Ed O'Brien has a nifty little solo effort out called Blue Morpho. He delves deeply into some very introspective realms on this record which cause a great deal of thought provocation. It's truly an inspiration.

Opening track...

Alela Diane: Who's Keeping Time?

Alela Diane has a new record and I absolutely love it. Somewhere along the line I became a country fan, likely it was alt country music as we see with this artist. Who's Keeping Time? is dragon level awesome, a delicious jolt of Americana that I really needed right now.

Opening track...

Bleachers: everyone for ten minutes

Bleachers are back with a wonderful new record called everyone for ten minutes. They style and themes certainly live up to the title of the album. The Jersey lads have really delivered on this one.

Opening track...

Basement: Wired

Basement is back with their fifth long player and it's called Wired. My view is that this record is their zenith, embracing a cornucopia of indie and alternative delights.

Opening track sets the tone...

Cola: Cost of Living Adjustment

Quebec's own Cola are back with a wonderful jangle pop, dudes with guitars offering called Cost of Living Adjustment. The album is mesmerizing journey into the complexities of modern day life. Check it out!

Opening track...

The Coral: 388 (Album of the Week)

The Coral are one of my favorite bands of all time. The Liverpool lads have been churning out incredible music for the better part of three decades now. Their psychedelic pop sound is unique and quite charming. 

Their latest is called 388 and it has all the bells and whistles of a Coral record and then some.

First up, perfect way to start a record...

Later we get this gem...

The spiritual side...

Immediate contender for Album of The Year. Start listening. 

Muna: Dancing on the Wall

The pop stylings are on my mind today with Muna's latest effort, Dancing On The Wall. Just a ton of fun and catchy tunes to sing/dance along to. 

Title track...

Lykke Li: The Afterparty

So...Lykke Li is back. With a vengeance. And the power of a colossus! Her latest is called The Afterparty and it's a story that needs to be heard by all.

Opening track...

Rotsam: American Stories

Rotsam is back with his third offering of wonderful music. American Stories dives deeply into Americana and how he sees it. It's dark and wonderful.

One of my faves...

Hiding Places: The Secret To Good Living

Hiding Places are back with a wonderful new record called The Secret To Good Living. The slow core grunge sound of this record brings me back to the early 90s.

Witness!

Future Islands: From A Hole in the Floor to a Fountain of Youth

Future Islands is back with an eclectic look at life. Their latest is called From A Hole in the Floor to a Fountain of Youth and it is filled with some truly bizarre yet wonderful grooves.

One of my faves...

Kevin Morby: Little Wide Open

Kevin Morby land is a fun place to visit. His latest is called Little Wide Open and he's telling us those cabin and campfire tail. The level of self actualization is truly something to behold.

Opening track...

The Loft: Badges (Album of the Week)

The Loft are back and more incredible than ever...yay! Their latest is called Badges and it's easily a contender for Album of The Year. 

First up, this track...jangle away, lads!

Then we get introspective...

Later, a shiver and a sigh...

It's so wonderful to see so many of those early Creation records artists still out there slinging the Brit Rock stars. 

Start listening!

Maluna: Loco X Volver

I'm in a Latin mood today. Luckily, we have Maluna's latest masterpiece called Loco X Volver. This record takes the listener on a journey that is blank to begin with and then ends with each listener's raison d'etra.

What a stud...

The All American Rejects: Sandbox

Who's up some good old fashioned rock and roll? The All American Rejects are! Their latest is called Sandbox and it kicks all sorts of ass!

Check it out...

Genesis Owusu: REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE

I decided that today we need some power from the street, deep in culture that makes our world groove. Perfect for this listening endeavor is Genesis Owusu and his latest which is called REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE. 

Witness his dragon level awesomeness....

This Ghanian-Aussie is fucking powerhouse. 

Weird Nightmares: Hoopola

Man oh man do I love me some good garage band sound. Weird Nightmares fulfils this desire perfect with Hoopola, ten tracks of thrashy voice and thrashy guitar love and joy.

Opening track....

The Lemon Twigs: Look For Your Mind!

Fans of psychedelic pop will rejoice at the latest offering from The Lemon Twigs. Look For Your Mind! is a great guide for exploring both inner and outer cosmic journeys.

Opening and title tracks...

Niko Rubio: Sunday Girl

We have yet another fine EP from LA's own Niko Rubio. Sunday Girl is an erotic romp through a very magical world of psych pop and lounge. 

Opening track...

Kacey Musgraves: Middle of Nowhere (Album of the Week)

Kacey Musgraves warms my heart on a daily basis. Her latest is called Middle of Nowhere and it kicks by letting listeners know what the vibe will be.

Just shovel to the head stunning.

Right after this one, we get a little surfy.

Later, the heart strings get an extra tug...

Easily in the running for Album of the Year. Start listening!

Zara Larsson: Midnight Sun: Girls Trip

Oh Zara! Zara Zara Zara...I bow before your pop awsomeness. In fact, Mthe whole world does. Heck, let's say this a galaxy level appreciation of how amazing your vibe is. 

Midnight Sun: Girls Trip is your latest masterpiece. It moves and grooves in all those vintage power pop wasy.

One of my faves...

Geordie Gordon: River Round

I love the world according to Geordie Gordon. How amazing that world is can be seen on his latest offering, River Round. Just feel so close to his vibe.

Opening track...

youbet: youbet

NYC's own youbet are back with indie bliss. Their third record, self-titled, is simply wonderful. It cascades over you like a ridiculously pleasant waterfall.

One of my faves...

The Black Keys: Peaches!

The Black Keys have a cover album out and it's ton of fun. Peaches! is their favorite songs done by other rare and obscure blues artists. So so cool...

Opening track...

The Claypool Lennon Delirium: The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy

Les Claypool and Sean Lennon. Wow. What a most excellent combo. Their latest is called The Great Parrot-Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy and it is wonderful. Lots of great romps and just a pithy fucking record.

One of my faves...

Cindy: Another Country

Cindy has just dropped their first full length record and it is fabulous. Another Country is more of a dream pop record and less county. The vibe is strong with this one.

One of my faves...

American Football: American Football (LP IV) (Album of the Week)

American Football. What a band. Just all levels of majestic. Their latest is their fourth album hence it's name, LP IV. The sweeping waves of cosmic joy are overwhelming. The Urbana, IL lads have really brought new meaning to emo and dream pop. 

Opening track...

The next track brings us to a new level of shoegaze

Later we have this absolute gem...

My dreamy pop head is saturated!

Asake: M$ney

What to think about Asake? First, a deeply spiritual man. Second, an admirer of the human condition. His new record is called M$NEY and it is a deeply religious experience in the most grooviest of ways. 

One of my faves...

Carla dal Forno: Confession

I have a confession. I love Carla dal Forno. And yes, I mean it in "that" way. Her music is smoking hot and has deeply seduced me on many levels. Her latest is called Confession and it will slink into your heart like a magnificent waterfall.

Opening track...

The Milk Carton Kids: Lost Cause Lover Fool

LA's own The Milk Carton Kids are back with Lost Cause Lover Fool, a deeply thoughtful record that makes you feel soft all on the inside. This deeply self-actualized duo cradles our lives.

Opening track...

Failure: Location Lost

I'm so happy that Failure is continuing to make records. They have a vibe that is just groovy. Their latest is called Location Lost and features their own unique style in spades. Cosmic in its journeys...

Opening track...

Gia Margaret: Singing

Gia Margaret has a new record out called Singing and it is quite lovely in the softest of ways. It brings you into a world of quiet introspection. Love it so much...

Opening track...

Angelo De Augustine: Angel in Plainclothes

Angelo De Augustine is back with an amazing new record called Angel in Plainclothes. The ten songs on this record delve deeply into the human psyche with love, fear and affection. A deeply introspective artist...

Opening track...

Foo Fighters: Your Favorite Toy (Album of the Week)

The first track on the new Foo Fighters record, "Caught In The Echo," made me go...uh. What? Just a loud pile of obnoxious noise passed off as music. 

Yet it has grown on me and I have really been enjoying the record from these Seattle lads. Dave's lyrics have grown so wise over the years that it's overwhelming how awesome they are. Your Favorite Toy is my pick for this week's Album of the Week.

Here are some choice tracks from later in the record...

Fab beat on this one...

The passion on this one...

And this one really hits my heart in the right spot...

Could be the Album of the Summer!

Noah Kahan: The Great Divide

The pride of Stafford, Vermont is back with compelling and deeply felt record called The Great Divide. The seventeen songs on the album delve deeply into some really personally shit that we all communally experience as humans.

Opening track...

Las Cruxes: Las Cruxes

That 60s LA vibe is on my mind these days thanks to the wonderful band called Las Cruxes. Their self-titled recent release has me moving and grooving in my muscle car.

Opening track...

Metric: Romanticize The Dive

Ah, Metric. So fucking cool. Their latest is called Romanticize The Dive and it is quite good. A deeply introspective look at life as well as a hefty dose of self-actualization. 

Opening track...inspiring!

Ringo Starr: Long Long Road

Ring is back with a wonderful collection of melancholia. It's OK to be sad sometimes because it oddly ends making you happy. Long Long Road is sure a great title for this octogenarian. He still looks not a day over 50!

Opening track...

King Tuff: MOO

King Tuff is a fun outfit. Their garage band vibe is quite charming and most evident on their latest record, MOO. The pride of Vermont have really knocked it out of the park on this one.

Opening track...

Fcukers: O

Fcukers have electronic music down to a fine art. O is their latest offering and it is simply wonderful. It feels like the club is everywhere and never ends.

One of my faves...

Charlotte Cornfield: Hurts Like Hell (Album of the Week)

Charlotte Cornfield is a treasure of Canada. Her soft and unyielding voice soothes me soul immensely. Her latest is called Hurts Like Hell and it's clearly her best effort. What hurts in your life? She covers the range of all of it in a eerily optimistic way.

Opening track...

Next is the title track with a killer slide guitar...

Later we get this gem...

I'm in it for the long game with Ms. Charlotte. An absolute gift to the world.

Luke Winslow-King: Coast of Light

Sometimes you just need the Blues. And Luke Winslow-King's latest record, Coast of Light, delivers big time. It's not just his guitar work that shines here but his voice is simply magical.

Opening track...

Fellow Mortals: STELLA'S BIRTH-DAY

Fellow Mortals have turned out an extraordinary record. STELLA'S BIRTH-DAY paints some very deep impressionalism and surrealism in its style and lyrics. The sound is slinky too! Here's to these former Trashcan Sinatras!

One of my faves...

ps goner: there's an atm inside

ps goner has released her debut record and it's clear that she is the pride of Edmonton, Alberta. there's an atm inside is a stunning effort, rooted deeply in that wispy and cosmic music with which David Lynch fans would be familiar.

Opening track...

Penny Arcade: Double Exposure

Penny Arcade is back with a wonderful new record called Double Exposure. The light and airy feel to this album is maximum calmage for listeners. Ultimate chill...

Kick back...relax..

dreary: Birding

Dream pop lovers will very much heart the latest effort by London duo dreary. Birding is a stunning and ethereal cosmic journey in to the soul. Shimmering beauty, folks. 

One of my faves...

Joe Jackson: Hope and Glory (Album of the Week)

Joe Jackson has, for nearly five decades, completely destroyed me with his musical awesomeness. From the early days of the Joe Jackson band's insanely great pop and through all of his other stylistic exploration, Joe Jackson is dragon level awesome. Just a complete fucking gem of the music universe, bowing to no one on what style he wants to try.

His latest is called Hope and Glory and boy oh boy does it start off with a bang...

Just crazy...

After that, vintage Joe...

Later, he breaks my heart...

Joe Jackson is titan! Start listening to this record!

Uni Boys: Uni Boys

LA's own Uni Boys are back with a self titled record with jangly guitar pop that is guaranteed to jangle your heart and soul. Man, I just love music like this.

Opening track...

Elizabeth & the Catapult: Responsible Friend

Haunting and moving are two words that very accurately describe the latest from Elizabeth & The Catapult, Responsible Friend. Who is your responsible friend?

Courtney Barnett: Creature of Habit

The incredibly talented and awesome Courtney Barnett is back with Creature of Habit. The pride of Sydney really shines on this record with style and pizazz. Those grooves are sick!

Opening track...

Arlo Parks: Ambiguous Desire

Arlo Parks is a gem of the world. Her music hits me in the most unique and special Arlo Parks ways. Her latest ridiculous pile of awesomeness is called Ambiguous Desire and has 12 tracks (the perfect number and gold standard for records) and it's taken me on many magical journeys.

One of my faves...

U2: Easter Lily EP

U2 has surprised us all with yet another amazing EP. Easter Lily is a fantabulous collection of six songs that it right into their 40+ year lexicon of stellar music. 

Here is one my faves...some deep shit, brosephs and sisters...

Paula Kelley: Blinking As The Starlight Burns Out

The incredible innovations of Boston's own Paula Kelley are back with her latest release, Blinking As The Starlight Burns Out. This record is sensational! The sweeping grooves wash over you like starfall from the cosmos. 

Dig it!

Thundercat: Distracted (Album of the Week)

The eternal soul of Thundercat is back with an extraordinary effort called Distracted. The layers of pure R&B on this record are the very definition of infinity. The cosmos belongs to Thundercat. 

Opening track...

Later we get this gem with A$AP Rocky...

A solemn nod...

Folks, please join the rest of us in his universe

Sharp Pins: Radio DDR

The jangly and mildly cosmic guitars of Sharp Pins are on my mind today. Their latest is called Radio DDR and it makes me feel like I'm in a psychedelic lounge in 1971. 

Dig it!

Tom Misch: Full Circle

Ah, the sly stylings of Tom Misch. He has tapped into that soft, velvety sound that comforts the soul. His fourth long player is now out and easily his best effort. Full Circle hits deep and powerfully.

The New Pornographers: The Former Side Of

The New Pornographers are back with a wonderful new record called The Former Side Of. The Vancouver outfit really shines on this one with their energetic style and deeply self actualized lyrics. I love how all their voices sound.

Opening track...

The Academy Is...: Almost There.

Chicago has produced some fantastic bands over the years. One of the finest is The Academy Is...and their latest cosmic journey is called Almost There. Dream pop at is finest. 

You are sucked in immediately...

Snail Mail: Ricochet

Time to space out wonderfully with the latest from Snail Mail. Ricochet is indie pop at its finest and Maryland lass Lindsey Jordan, the driving force behind Snail Mail, has really driven it out of the park with this latest effort.

Opening track...

Special Friend: Clipping

Ah, the indie noise pop of Parisian duo Special Friend is quite intoxicating to me right now. Their latest release is called Clipping and it is magnificent. All of you must soak yourself in it immediately!

Opening track...

Ora Cogan: Hard Hearted Woman (Album of the Week)

Ora Cogan has herself quite a record out. It's been soothing my heart and soul in a massive way for the last couple of weeks. Hard Hearted Woman is dragon level awesome. 

It kicks off with this one...

And then slides marvelously into this one...

Later she rips up my heart...

Please listen to this treasure of the world.

Son Little: Cityfolk

Philly's own Son Little has an absolute corker of a record out called Cityfolk. It's a truly mesmerizing record that seeps into your urban soul.

Opening track...

Avalon Emerson: Written In Changes

Avalon Emerson shines out her bright and joyful pop on her new record called Written in Changes. Each song makes me warm inside my tummy. A truly gifted artist.

Opening track...

BTS: ARIRANG

BTS is back after a stint in the military. Their latest is called ARIRANG and it's splendid. I must dance (awkwardly) when I listen to it. 

Opening track...

Spencer Thomas: Cynical Vision

Spencer Thomas! Wow, what an absolute gem. His latest is called Cynical Vision and it is simply transplendent. This Jackson, MS lad knows how it bring it!

Boss!

Ladytron: Paradises

Complete and utter genius outfit Ladytron is back with Paradises. You will feel like you are in a paradise as you listen to these Liverpool legends. It is both transportative and transformative. 

Dig it!

Jack Harlow: Monica

Louisville's own Jack Harlow is back with a wonderful new record called Monica. Can an artist have a cool vibe and be ridiculously playful at the same time? Indeed!

Check out that combo...

Morrisey: Make-up is a Lie (Album of the Week)

The coolest human on the planet (according to him mostly but the rest of us have to concede it's true) is back with a new record called Make-up is a Lie. The Moz is back in fine form with a collection of 12 songs (aka THE perfect and required number of songs on a record) that are powerful and dragon level awesome.

Opening track...

Ridiculously awesome track...

My favorite track...

It's the vibe, folks, That Moz Vibe!

The Orielles: Only You Left

The pride of West Yorkshire is back with a wispy and wonderful new record called Only You Left. The Orielles are entirely plugged into THAT vibe and we should all be grateful for it!

One of my faves...

The Sophs: Goldstar

LA'S own The Sophs have just dropped their debut record and is quite a wonderful weird pile of shit. Goldstar is a collection of 10 ridiculously off kilter noise that I just love and can't recommend enough.

One of my faves...

Daniel Romano and The Outfit: Preservers of the Pearl

Falling out of a van in the 1970s is Daniel Romano and his Outfit. Their latest is called Preservers of the Pearl and it's resplendent with that classic rock sound. The riffs...my GOD...the riffs..

Check it out!

Kim Gordon: Play Me

When I think of the word LEGEND, Kim Gordon comes into my head. The woman emanates edgy cool. Her latest is called Play Me and we all very much should.

Opening (and title) track...

The Black Crowes: A Pound of Feathers

Holy mother fucking shit are The Black Crowes back. Their latest record, A Pound of Feathers, took my head clean off and I had to re-attach it at my local Black Crowes fan club building. The power, thunder and fury are all still there!

Opening track (please protect head from removal)...

Bridgette Calls Me Baby: Irreversible

Chicago's own Bridgette Calls Me Baby is back with a fab new LP called Irreversible. It's the sophomore effort for the outfit that shows them truly embracing a magnificent 80s pop sound. All the power and the fury!

One of my faves...

Squeeze: Trixies (Album of the Week)

Squeeze is one of my favorite bands of all time. They are British so I naturally think they are gods taking the sword directly from the Lady in the Lake. The London lads have been making kick ass pop songs for six decades and are in regular rotation in my house.

Their latest is called Trixies and I don't want to give too much of it way other to say it's fabulous concept album

The album starts with this chestnut...

Next we get this gem...

Later, a shiver and a sigh...

Take a trip to Trixie's. It's a Kennedy Era Cool lounge...

Cut Worms: Transmitter

Cut Worms (aka Max Clarke) is back with a transplendant new record called Transmitter. He channels his inner John Lennon and Neil Finn with some really great vocals on this one.

Opening track...

Hater: Mosquito

Hater is quite the little brilliant band from Sweden and they have cranked out a most excellent indie pop album. Mosquito is pure alternative grist with healthy dash of pop thrown in. Check it out!

Opening track...

Gnarls Barkley: Atlanta

Gnarls Barkley is back after a much too long hiatus with a deeply moving record called Atlanta. It hits you like a shovel to the head in its social commentary and just all around love for humanity. His voice has never sounded better. 13 wonderful songs that dig deeply in the soul.

Opening track...

Bory: Never Turns To Night

Bory is back with a wonderful new record called Never Turns To Night. The pride of Portland, Oregon has turned out their finest yet with a unique plethora of indie pop hooks. 10 tracks of pure goodness

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Heavenly: Highway To Heavenly

After a thirty year hiatus, the UK's Heavenly is back with a wonderful new record called Highway to Heavenly. I highly urge everyone to take this highway as it is filled with wonderful goodness.

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cootie catcher: Something We All Got

Those goofs from Toronto are back with Something We All Got. cootie catcher are just bloody fabulous in the low fi psych lounge vibe. I love how their music makes my mind bend. 

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Harry Styles: Kiss All Time. Disco, Occasionally (Album of the Week)

Holy crap, is Harry Styles having himself a helluva solo career. Who would have thought he would develop a complete new massively cool vibe? I call it late night club martini music. His latest is called Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. Seriously, this fucking record is stunning. Early Album of the Year contender.

He kicks it off deep in the vibe...

And then ramps it up...

Dare I use the word haunting? Yes, romantically haunting.

Later we get this gem...

I can seriously not get enough of this record!

Iron & Wine: Hen's Teeth

Iron & Wine continues to dive deeply into Americana and the soul of the United States. His latest treasure is called Hen's Teeth and washes over you like a cool waterfall.

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Blackpink: Deadline EP

Ah, Blackpink. K-Pop hotties. They just kick all kinds of ass. And I will always be grateful to all of my Asian students who introduced to the genre and compelled me to dig it. What's not to love about the new Deadline EP? 

Zero

Hey Colossus: Heaven Was Wild

English noise rock fans (and really anyone at all) will be blown away by Heaven Was Wild, the latest offering from Hey Colossus. It hits you deep in the gullet!

Opening track..

Crooked Fingers: Swet Deth

After a very long hiatus, North Carolina's own Crooked Fingers are back with Swet Death. The ten songs on this record are among their most introspective yet. Just a great big pile of love.

Witness!

Leigh-Anne: My Ego Told Me To

Holy crap, Leigh-Anne, your latest offering is fucking awesome. What a giant pile of fun is My Ego Told Me To. Thanks for reminding all of us why life is so dark and yet so wonderful.

One of my faves...

Feng: Weekend Rockstar

Feng is quite the inventive English rapper and strong evidence for this is Weekend Rockstar. This long player is filled with spicy grooves and spiritual insight. 

Ah the life!

Bruno Mars: The Romantic (Album of the Week)

After a far too long hiatus, R&B wonder and treasure of the world Bruno Mars is back with The Romantic. The album blends soul with straight up torch song pop. 

Example...

He breaks out the lounge...

Later we get this gem...

Folks, this is an ESSENTIAL 2026 album. Start listening and let Bruno work his magic!!

The Legal Matters: Lost At Sea

Detroit's own The Legal Matters are back with Lost at Sea, a simply wonderful indie romp into our lives today. They carry me away with all their awesomeness.

Opening track...

Mitski: Nothing's About to Happen to Me

NYC's Mitski is back with yet another deeply moving record. Nothing's About To Happen To Me is a profound exercise in self-actualization. The purpose of all this is to connect to us and acheive common support. 

One of my faves...

Rob Zombie: The Great Satan

Rob Zombie is a colossus with unlimited power to lord over all of us with his awesomeness. His latest offering is called The Great Satan and it knocks your socks right on our ass from the first track. Bow before him1

One of my faves...

Gorillaz: The Mountain

Gorillaz have a new offering called The Mountain. It's very large in its sound, hence the title. It has many good tracks but my favorite is The Moon Cave (see video below). So space age!

Voxtrot: Dreamers in Exile

Austin's own Voxtrot is back with yet another extraordinary LP filled with dreamy goodness. Dreamers in Exile has an 80s vibe to it, more than their previous releases. 

I've always loved current nostalgia...