Antony Szmeirek: Decoding Birdsong

Sometimes we need a spoken word jam. That's why dial up Antony Szmeirek. His latest is called Decoding Birdsong and it is perfectly splendid. It's a cascade of wonderful.

Fave track...

DMA'S: DMA'S (Album of the Week)

The DMAs are back with a self-titled release that brings all the Brit Rock power to center stage. It makes me beam with pride that this band is carrying the torch so effectively.

Example...

This one is a triumph...

And of course, a shiver and a sigh...

Here's to hoping they continue in this marathon of awesomeness. 

The Afghan Whigs: Soft Control

The Afghan Whigs are back with a wonderful record called Soft Control. It has all the hunk of poppa that is this amazing band that seemingly never gives up on having longevity and relevance.

Opening track...

Weezer: Weezer (The Gold Album)

I love it when Weezer is chillin' and just being Weezer. That's what we get on the latest record, Weezer (aka The Gold Album). It's chock full o'good Weezer fun. And now that I've used the word "Weezer" at least four times, let's get to the opening track. 

KATSEYE: WILD (EP)

KATSEYE has quite the "pep" vibe. Their latest is called WILD and it is guaranteed to get you dancing. The banger is "PINKY UP." Just a never ending pulse. 

Check it out!

Johanna Samuels: Sorry, Kid

Johanna Samuels is back with Sorry, Kid, a heartfelt collection of amazing tracks. Clearly, this is her best effort, diving deeply into life, love, and hope.

Opening track...

Jungle: Come Back To Me

London's own Jungle has their own unique R&B take. Their latest is called Come Back To Me and it bells all the whistles. Some click groves and zesty dance numbers.

One of my faves...

Phoebe Bridgers: Lost Weekend

I can't think of a better person to go on a lost weekend with than Phoebe Bridgers. Her latest record is a stunning endeavor, deeply exploring human themes that have never been discovered. She has places where most people don't have places.

Title track...

Laura Veirs: Temple Songs

Laura Veirs is back with a lovely collection of new tracks. Temple Songs is soothing kiss guaranteed to send the soul into bliss.

Example...

Triptides: Past Lives (Album of the Week)

Triptides are amazing. They are one of the premiere psychedelic pop bands on the scene, fully embracing the roots of the genre while catapulting all of us into the cosmos. Their latest masterpiece is called Past Lives and it is extraordinary. 

The opening track pulls you in magically...

Next up is the title track, a nice jaunt!

Later we get this gem...

Folks, this band is mega. Check them out!

The Womack Sisters: The Womack Sisters

The Womack Sisters are here. Their debut self titled record is out and fully embraces their musical legacy. One feels as though they are in Detroit or Philadelphia in the early 60s within a few short moments of listening to the record. 

Opening track...

Kiwi jr: Blowin' Up

Kiwi jr is pure pop goldenness. Their latest is called Blowin' Up and man does it ever. Just lushes over you like a waterfall. 

Dent May: The Big One

Dent May is back with his usual melodic triumphs. The Big One is quite the accomplishment, sending the listener on an interplanetary journey.

Opening track...

Hovvdy: Big World

Hovvdy is back with Big World, a truly magnificent that delves deeply into the heart and the soul. It makes me kick back and smile at the universe. 

Opening track...

The Anchoress: As We Once Were

The pride of Wales is back with a corker of a record called As We Once Were. The Anchoress is a spiritual gem that needs to be nurtured and championed on a regular basis.

Witness!

Family Stereo: The Thread

London's own Family Stereo is back with The Thread, a deep record of self actualization that is much needed in these trouble times. It slides right in whatever vibe you requires. 

One of my faves...

Trashcan Sinatras: Ever The Optimist (Album of the Week)

Let's all go back to those halcyon days of very early Brit Pop in the 90s, before Oasis and Blur. The Trashcan Sinatras were one of the earliest progenitors of the genre and bloody fabulous.

They are still thankfully making music. Their latest is called Ever The Optimist and the positive vibe with this one is the panacea that we all need.

The album opens with the title track, a lift for the heart and soul...

Next up is some introspection...

Later we get this pop gem...

A much needed and hearted injection of nostalgia, folks. 

Citizen: Halycon Blues

Punk, Emo, and Metal. What a combination. Citizen carries it off with dragon level aplomb. Their latest is called Halcyon Blues and it is easily their strongest effort. 

Opening track kicks all sorts of ass...

zzzhara: Distant Lands

What to say about zzzhara? Relentless drive, cosmic journey in retro spacecraft. Oh yes, and the wispy, shimmering vocals. Distant Lands shows this LA outfit in top form. 

Opening track...

Nu Genea: People of the Moon

The Italian music duo Nu Genea has a new record out called People of the Moon. Apparently, moon people can shank down some pretty thick and tasty grooves. This one will get you movin'!

Opening track...

Ceremony: Tell Me Your Dream

Please allow the thumping and trippy sounds of Tell Me Your Dream by Ceremony into your heart and soul. The Aussie outfit knows how to rock the fuck out...

Opening track...

FLO: THERAPY AT THE CLUB

FLO has a hella good record just out called THERARPY AT THE CLUB. We all need some club based therapy these days and this outfit provides it fully.

Leak It!

Man/Woman/Chainsaw: Cannonball

The power of Man/Woman/Chainsaw is overwhelming. Their first full length is out now and Cannonball is easily in contention for Album of the Year. The wonder of this record...

Opening track...

The Strokes: Reality Awaits (Album of the Week)

The Strokes (aka one of the best bands in the fucking universe) are back with yet another era defining record. Reality Awaits is a deeply felt record both thematically and stylistically. 

The album opens with some psycho shit...

And then continues with some fun shit...

Later we get some deep shit...

The Strokes are larger than life, folks. Go listen to this record!!

Mopar Stars: Official Researchers Of The NJ Devil

Hard driving rock and roll is the rasion d'etre of Mopar Stars. Their latest is called Official Researchers Of The NJ Devil and it's got a whole lot of power. I couldn't resist air guitaring!

Opening track...

Shearwater: The New World

Shearwater. Man, what a band. They send you on a wide variety of mind trips. Their latest is called The New World and I am very grateful they are taking us with them on their journey there. 

Opening track...

Arianna Grande: petal

Arianna Grande is back with a corker of a record called petal. It is the very definition of sultry, drawing you into world of deep red amour.

One of my faves...

Nimrods Original Soundtrack

Nimords is new film about a group of dudes who travel to LA in the false belief that they will be opening for Green Day. The soundtrack is out and it is filled with Green Day chesnuts. Check it out!

Baby Queen: I Hope You Don't Remember Me

Feeling a little extra emo today? Look no further than Baby Queen's I Hope You Don't Remember Me. This record reaches deeply into those corners of the soul where there weren't even corners to begin with. So so good. 

Opening track...

Robin Hitchcock: The Confuser

Robin Hitchcock is back with an absolute corker of a record. The Confuser continues his colossus like impact on the lexicon of Brit Pop and Rock. The tracks all necessitate toe tapping!

Opening track...

Fabienne DelSol: Indigo Red (Album of the Week)

I find myself dreaming often of being in a psychedelic lounge. And the music playing is spectacular. Lately I have been in Fabienne DelSol's psychedelic lounge. It's called Indigo Red and it is bloody fabulous. 

The album opens with this absolute chestnut...

After that we have the magical sway of this number...

Later we get this gem...

This record is easily in the running for Album of the Year. Clearly, it's already Album of the Cosmos!

Pete Yorn: All The Beauty

Pete Yorn is back with All The Beauty, a shining example of why he is an absolute indie and alternative darling. Yorn delves deeply into all his usual themes and style plus adds in some surprises. 

Opening track...