Echo & the Bunnymen: Apples For Isaac

Liverpool is known for many great bands. One of the best is Echo & the Bunnymen and they have been absolutely stellar for going on five decades. Their latest is called Apples For Isaac and it has all the sweet, sweet Echo stuff. Especially the emo!

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Beck: Ride Lonesome

Well, Beck has a made a very depressing record and it's called Ride Lonesome. As with all of his music, the sad songs somehow manage to lift up the listener. He truly has a soul southing gift. 

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Nicole Atkins: Drama

Nicole Atkins is back with a wonderful new record called Drama. She has a very profound and charming way of looking at love and life. Her music is illustrative of this.

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Kasabian: ACT III (Album of the Week)

Leicester's own Kasabian is back with a lovely new record called ACT III. It has all the power, pomp and circumstance that the lads are known for.

Like this killer diller track...

Followed by this chestnut

Later we get this gem...

Such fab record. Start listening!

Sleep: Hemispheres

Fans of art rock will rejoice at the latest offering from San Jose's Sleep. Hemispheres is a cosmic exploration of wonder. The band slithers its way into your heart.

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Mykki Blanco: CAFE PARADISO

Mykki Blanco is an absolute gem. His latest release is called CAFE PARADISO, a treasure of a creation that spans a wonderfully diverse spectrum of styles. My soul is filled upon each listen. 

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Chat Pile: Who Loves The Sun

Chat Pile is a just a ton of loud and raucous fun. Their latest is called Who Loves The Sun and it kicks all kinds of ass. Guaranteed to thump!

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Angus & Julia Stone: Karaoke Bar

Angus & Julia Stone's latest offering is called Karaoke Bar and it is truly a magical place. A welcome place for all comers.

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Gnomes: Losey

Gnoomes are back with a wonderful new record called Losey. It's dreamy and rockabilly all rolled into one tasty morsel. 

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Dexy's Midnight Runners: LOVE

Dexy's Midnight Runners are back with a wonderful new record called LOVE. It showcases the band's later year magic with songs of England and beyond. A deeply cultural endeavor!

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Prince: Timeless (Album of the Week)

I miss Prince every day. He's the reason why I moved to Minneapolis. I saw First Avenue in the film Purple Rain and told myself that I was fucking moving there. 

The estate of Prince has been releasing many of his vault tracks and the latest is called Timeless. It has ten completely wonderful tracks, some of which have already been released, albeit in different forms.

First up, is this fab track.

Then we have a redo of one of my all time faves

Later we get this chestnut.

They will likely keep these releases coming and I am very grateful. It makes me miss him just a little bit less. 

Julia Holter: Materia

She came to LA by way of Milwaukee which means that Julia Holter is a well traveled soul. Her latest is called Materia and it's a fresh piece of psychedelic slink.

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Grace Potter: Trespasser

The pride of Vermont is back with her fifth record. Trespasser sees Grace Potter in top form. Hold on tight for the absolutely dripping Americana.

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Marci: Mask Lady and Late Night Girl

Any record that has a mask lady and a late night girl is pure gold. This is the latest from Montreal's own Marci. Their synth pop soothes the soul.

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Mike D: Thank You

Finally. Fucking finally. Mike D is back. Oh, how we missed you. Your new record, Thank You, expresses our gratitude that you are doing your thing again.

My fave...

Little Big Town: It's A Dying Art

Little Big Town's latest, It's A Dying Art, is pure Americana. The energy of the music washes over you and reminds us all why we live in the best fucking country on the planet. 

My fave. And I am a sucker...

Dinosaur Jr.: There Near

 Ah, J. You are just a fucking rocker. Your band, Dinosaur Jr., has never lost its magic. Your latest is evidence of the continued kick ass. There Near is the bomb diggity. 

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The Jayhawks: Sanctuary Park (Album of the Week)

The Jayhawks have been one of my favorite bands for the last nearly fifty years. Of course, my bias springs from the fact that they are from my hometown, Minneapolis. Each time they release a new record, it becomes an instant classic of the North Woods and the seven country metro. Their latest, Sanctuary Park, is just such an example.

The album opens with this lovely track.

Next we get this gem.

Later, a shiver and a sigh...

Hometown pride is a powerful force. This band continues to be a colossus!

The Linda Lindas: GOTTA GET OUT

The Linda Lindas are the epitome of youth and cool, wrapped up neatly in the same little vibe. They also have a punk rock fist raised to all who oppose them. Their latest is called GOTTA GET OUT. I have to get out and see them live.

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Alabama Shakes: I Must Be Dreaming

Alabama Shakes are back and with a giant fist of vengeance! Their latest is called I Must Be Dreaming and it is dragon level awesome. It just kicks everyone's ass and knocks them right off their socks.

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Allah-Las: Sirenas

Allah-Las are one of the magic groups. It's like they were gifted with cosmic stars to be the stars that they are. Their latest is called Sirenas and it's simply lovely.

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Interpol: This Mirror Weighs A Ton

Interpol is indie alternative gold. Their music careens around the edges of life and brings both darkness and joy to the listener. Their latest is called This Mirror Weighs A Ton and it is fabulous.

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NCT 127: BLINGY-The 7th Album

Alright, so years ago my students (mostly Asian) got me into K Pop. It's really that great. One of faves is NCT 127. Their seventh record, Blingy-The 7th Album, is out now. The title track is BOSS.

Tiny Habits: Keepers

Tiny Habits make the most beautiful music. It's fucking lovely. Their latest is aptly called Keepers and it digs deeply into the soul.

One of my faves...

Mystery Jets: A Hole To See The Sky Through (Album of the Week)

Mystery Jets have always flown under the radar on the Brit Rock scene. Sometimes I think they prefer it that way. Their latest is yet another example of their awesomeness. A Hole To See The Sky Through is a most excellent record and it finds the rest of us sitting in wonder of these Twickenham lads.

Opening (and title) track..

Slinky and hard for the next one...

Later we get this magical number...

Folks, start listening to this record and, quite frankly, the band's entire catalog.

Westside Cowboy: It Goes On

Manchester's own Westside Cowboy have a delightful debut full length called It Goes On. This comes after series of killer singles and EP's. The lads are officially out in the world and it's a better place because of them.

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Wild Pink: Still Coming Down

Wild Pink. What a fab band. They just have that certain lilt to their vibe. Their latest is called Still Coming Down and it hits the soul very deeply. The Brooklyn lads are going from strength to strength. 

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Sweeping Promises: You Say I Romanticize

Boston's own Sweeping Promises are back with a post punk powerhouse. You Say I Romanticize feels like it fell out of the year 1979. So so good

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Real Numbers: Was It Always This Way

Local (Minneapolis!) heroes Real Numbers have a fabulous new release out called Was It Always This Way. It has all the wonderful dudes with guitars jangle pop they are known for. Get up and dance, fuckers!

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Black Marble: Life In Small Spaces

Brooklyn's own Black Marble have a most excellent release out called Life in Small Spaces. They are channeling some fairly significant 80s vibes on this one.

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