The Waterboys: Good Luck, Seeker

Mike Scott is a treasure of the world. Every couple of years he puts out a new record, it's awesome, and the planet bows before his godliness. The Waterboys' latest is called Good Luck, Seeker and it's rife with that core message. If you are trying to find something, follow the advice on these 14 tracks. 

Edinburgh rejoice! 

The Killers: Imploding the Mirage

Indie powerhouse The Killers are back with their sixth full-length record (wow, has it really been that long?). Imploding the Mirage continues the Las Vegas band's impressive run of stellar music. They helped to define a genre in the early 21st century and listening to their music today reminds me of how the years 2001-2009 were miraculous...

Here is a performance of one of their new songs. So so good...

Burna Boy: Twice As Tall (Album of the Week)

Nigeria's own Burna Boy just dropped his fifth album and it's a total stunner. Twice as Tall makes me feel ten times as tall as I am because it's that fucking awesome. The depth of introspection on this record is remarkable. I found my mind wandering to uncharted territory at several points throughout the album. 

And it's not just the lyrics. The music makes you take an adventure.

Creeper: Sex, Death & The Infinite Void

Sometimes, actually a lot of the time, it's good to bang out to rocking guitar music. Enter Southhampton's Creeper. Their sophomore effort, Sex, Death & The Infinite Void, is out now and I highly recommend it. It's not just a good album, it's a fun and deeply passionate affair. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks. 

Public Enemy: Fight The Power

Tiana Major9: At Sixes and Sevens

Need some chill in your life? Look no further than London's own Tiana Major9's latest project, At Sixes and Sevens. Like a gentle kiss on a breezy summer night, her voice soothes the soul with soul. 

The future of R&B is in good hands with this artist. 

Another Sky: I Slept On The Floor (Album of the Week)

The Holy Land of music has produced yet another amazing band. London's own Another Sky has just released their debut record, I Slept On The Floor, and I am completely in love with it. 

Dreamy, psychedelic, and art rockish all that same time, watching this band's trajectory is going to be an honor and a pleasure. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Victoria Monet: Jaguar

Sacramento's own Victoria Monet has finally released her first project and it is an R&B breath of fresh air. Jaguar is nine tracks of soft velvet and solid soul. Her voice makes me shiver and offers a much-needed chill to the world. 

It's the first of a three-part release which will comprise one big record. I can't wait to hear the next two installments!

Washed Out: Purple Noon

Georgia's own Washed Out (aka Ernest Weatherly Greene Jr.) is back with his fourth full length called Purple Noon. His take on the chillwave sound has been a most welcome addition to my listening library, particularly suited for dreaming on sun-drenched days. 

Here is the opening track from a positively stellar record!!

The Pretenders: Hate For Sale (Album of the Week)

The 1980’s were filled with Chrissie Hyde’s voice. Her band, The Pretenders, provided the soundtrack to many a Gen Xer’s adolescence. Their latest release, Hate For Sale, brings me back to those times even though it’s brand new music. It’s akin to a warm hug from a family member. 

All the classic Pretenders tropes are there...love, anger, passion...with, perhaps, the wisdom of age. It’s an album any generation will adore instantly. Here are a couple of tracks.

Charley Crocket: Welcome To Hard Times

Like a cool drink of ice water on a hot summer day, Charley Crocket’s Welcome To Hard Times gives the listener a most wanted chill. I’ve noticed myself enjoying country music more and more as I’ve aged (like a fine wine) and that’s OK. This San Benito, Texas native has struck the right chord with me these days and I love it!

Here is the opening track.

Deep Purple: Whoosh!

If you could see me right now, I'd be grinning from ear to ear. That's because Hertfordshire's own Deep Purple has released their 21st album, Whoosh! 

It's all the things you'd expect from the vintage rockers with nostalgia running deep and wild. My days of air banding all come rushing back as I listened to these 13 tracks of wholesome goodness.

Here is the opening track...

Fontaines D.C.: A Hero’s Death (Album of the Week)

Dublin’s own Fontaines DC has just released their sophomore effort and it’s a corker! A Hero’s Death brings me right back to my Joy Division and Smiths days and adds in 2020 malaise. Their sound is both modern and post punk nostalgic at the same time. It just puts you in THAT mood, Gen Xers. You know what I mean...

Folks, this record is in immediate contention for Album of the Year. It will easily make the top ten. 

Yeah, it's that fucking good. 

Courtney Marie Andrews: Old Flowers

Phoenix's own Courtney Marie Andrews has a wonderful new record out called Old Flowers. It's a perfect companion to lazy weekends with a romantic loved one. Whether it's brunch, a walk outside, or a late afternoon shag, this is your soundtrack for these moments and many more.

Here is the opening track. 

Love Fame Tragedy: Wherever I Go, I Want To Leave

Liverpool's own Matthew Murphy (aka Head Wombat), has a new solo endeavor called Love Fame Tragedy and it is magnificent. You have to pay attention these days to find stellar pop music like this. 

Murphy brings all the "dudes with guitars" stuff from The Wombats and adds an 80's drive complete with towering synths to create a melange of wonderfulness. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks performed live! 

 

DMA's: The Glow (Album of the Week)

Sydney's own DMA's are back with a fantastic record called The Glow. I've been a massive fan of this band since the beginning and their new album consistently stretches their musical muscles in some surprising new directions. 

Being Brit Rock devotees, it's not surprising that the opening track ("Never Before") would be a send-up to the baggy pants, Man City scene of the early '90s. From there we head out into some serious synth driven pop that you just can't help but shake a leg to. 

And, of course, we have that classic Brit Pop sound...

 

The real gem on the record is "Strangers." Stunning and haunting...

 

This band's entire catalog deserves a place in your collection. Go buy their records!! 

Juice Wrld: Legends Never Die

My son was deeply saddened when Juice Wrld passed away. I'll admit to not paying that much attention to his catalog but his posthumous release, Legends Never Die, a fitting coda to his career, gave me a glimpse into the depth of this troubled artist. 

He leaves it all out on the table with this one, folks. It's an intensely primal scream for help which sadly never came. Every track is soul-piercing. 

A profound and engaging young man...

Holy Wave: Interloper

When we think of Texas, we imagine hard-rockin' blues or Dixieland jazz. Perhaps even garden variety southern rock. Spaced out dream pop combined with psychedelia is decidedly not on the menu. But that's just what El Paso's own Holy Wave has brought to the world. Truly, they are an amazing gift to our planet. 

This quintet's latest release, Interloper, is a mind trip of a record. I've listened to it many times,  wandering around the hot sun and contemplating my place in the universe. Get lost in yourself and the world around you and pick up this album. 

Lianne La Havas: Lianne La Havas (Album of the Week)

Lianne La Havas is a sacred treasure. The fact that she is from London makes her even more of a gem. Her latest record, titled simple Lianne La Havas, is an absolute triumph.

Building on the power and complexity of her first two releases, her new album is 12 tracks of sheer love and profound passion. Every part of every single track is a beautiful kiss that warms my heart and soothes my soul.

Here is the opening track. When she sings, "no more hanging around" after the build up...good lord...


 

Athlete (British Music Spotlight)

London's own Athlete was a fab band in the Dudes With Guitars Era of the early 21st century. That's the decade from 2000-2009 that I personally have defined that began with The Strokes and morphed into a lot of cool bands playing guitar oriented indie pop.

The quartet made four stellar albums and then went their separate ways to pursue other projects. I highly recommend all of their releases. Here is a sampling.