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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.