It might be snowing like crazy here in the North Woods today but I'm still thinking about the glory of autumn and adding to the ultimate fall playlist.
My next entry is the now-defunct Bolton band, Cherry Ghost. Their 2014 offering, Herd Runners, is autumnal grist. Here is the title track...
Glasgow's Travis is one of the greatest bands of all time. They have been a huge part of my life soundtrack for the last two decades. Their ninth record, 10 Songs, is perfect for our era. Quiet, introspective, yearning, and loving all at the same time, 10 Songs delivers straight to the heart and soul.
The opening track reminds all of us why this band is fantastic at emotional support in dark times...
Elvis Perkins makes very intriguing music. It’s a cross between folk and psych pop which means it’s quite wonderful. The Manhattan native’s latest record, Creation Myths, is amazing from start to finish. Check it out!
LA's own Dawes are back with their seventh full length called Good Luck With Whatever. Their elegant and nostalgic pop sound still continues to dazzle me. The title track is just wonderful...
Seattle's own Fleet Foxes are back with their fourth full length and it's absolutely perfect for the fall season. Shore is a positively gorgeous record with all fifteen tracks sending the listener on inward and outward explorations.
Here is one of my favorites...
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The opening piano to the title track gives me all the feels.
The Nude Party are a very fun band. They remind us all that there is great joy in music. These Boone, North Carolina lads have a good time ALL of the time and it's evident in their amazing music.
Their second full length, Midnight Manor, just dropped. Here is a slice.
If God told me I could only have one Van Halen song to listen to the rest of my life, this would be it.
Rest in Power, Edward...
The Flaming Lips keep making records and I keep on loving them as deeply as I love my wife and children. Their latest effort, American Head, is a stunning display of aural exploration. They create sounds that I wish I had in my imagination and they are all beautiful.
How cool is it that A Certain Radio are still making records? It's been 12 years since the Flixton lads put out an album but it was worth the wait. ACR LOCO is stellar from start to finish. The diversity in style shows just how much this band has evolved from their post-punk years.
A slide guitar with some extra echo always makes for a good fall song. It was pretty chilly here in the North Woods and this track from Calgary's own Chad VanGallen is perfect for curling up with a loved one by a fire.
LA's own Ariel Pink is a true American treasure. One of his tracks from 2010's Before Today has stuck with me very deeply since it's release now a decade ago. "Round and Round" is simply a stunning kiss...
Freemantle's own San Cisco have just released their fourth record and the god-like growth of this band continues to stun me. Their core pop sounds are still there, of course, but now we have Bacharatic ultra lounge and cinematic wonder added to the mix.
Great bands always evolve like this and the trajectory in front of San Cicso promises to be stellar. Here is one of my favorite tracks...
San Diego's own Delta Spirit recently release their fifth full length and it's quite good. It starts out poppy and then finishes with several introspective, acoustic ballads.
Great music for lovers everywhere...
I miss Cornwall's Haven. What a truly amazing band that should have stuck around for the Dudes With Guitars decade (2000-2009). They had a lot of Dream Pop in them too that made their tunes really soar.
Their first record, Between the Senses, dropped in early 2002 and is their best. Here are a couple of great tracks that illustrate their awesomeness.
It's that time of the year again, folks. The Autumn Music Series is back!!
Since this blog started, I've spent the fall months showcasing songs that are perfect for the season. Each has a certain quality about it...echo-y vocals, guitars and/or piano...colors to barren sonic landscapes...introspection...romance for crunchy leaf walks or by a roaring fire...quicker darkness, yet still somehow positive.
First up is NYC's Amen Dunes. This track is taken from 2015's Cowboy Worship.
Manchester heroes Doves are back after a way too long absence. The Universal Want is a stellar record and takes its place in the group's stunning pantheon of releases. This band is one of those bands for me, ranking right up there with other decade-defining bands like Kooks, The Subways, Stereophonics, and The Fratellis.
On this record, Jimi, Jez, and Andy delve deeply into cosmic consciousness and individual spirituality, offering new insight into the human condition. Much of the time, it's quite dark but that's OK.
Doves are here for all of us...
Manchester's own Everything Everything are back with their fifth full-length record and fans of the outfit will be overjoyed. All eleven tracks are completely amazing and deeply channel their inner Radiohead.
Here is a very chill track that is great to zoning out in the universe...
Brighton's own The Magic Gang are back with a fab new record called Death of the Party. It grabs you right away with the opening track (featured below) and never lets up. For a sophomore effort, this one is shovel-to-the head stunning!
Sometimes you just need a little Americana in your life. And it's OK if that Americana comes from another country. Canada's own Orville Peck has a great EP that is an addendum to last year's Pony. Show Pony is like one of those amazing treasures you find in an antique store. It just fits perfectly in your life.
So so beautiful...