Bush: The Art of Survival

It's nice to hear that bands like Bush are still out there making thumpin' rock and roll. The latest from these London lads is called The Art of Survival and it's theme is perfect for our world right now.

And the style is BOSS!!

Chloe Moriondo: Suckerpunch

Chloe Moriondo is quite a unique force in 2022. Her social commentary in her music is honestly in its own category. The Chloe category. Her latest record is called Suckerpunch and it feels every bit like one.

Witness.

Todd Rundgren: Space Force (Album of the Week)

Ah, Todd. You are such a genius and you've been a part of my life for nearly all of my 55 years. My dad played your records in the 1970s and you are still making great music today. I've loved every minute of all of them and have seen you 22 times in concert. 

Your latest record is amazing and fun. The collabs are boss and every one of the 12 tracks is pure platinum. It's the last one that really gets me. Reminds me of all your styles wrapped up in a bow!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Cool It Down

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are back with indie bliss in the form of Cool It Down. This ethereal, wispy and mega Twin Peaks ish record is just a trip. I felt like I'm floating when I listen to it! Karen O and the lads really outdid themselves on this one. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks...

Tim Burgess: Typical Music

Charlatans front man Tim Burgess is back with another stellar offering called Typical Music. There is nothing typical about the Salford native's latest record. It's twenty two tracks that are all over the map in terms of musical diversity. Straight up pop all the way to choral type music? Wow! 

Here is one of my faves...

Suede: Autofiction (Album of the Week)

Ah, the London Suede. So cool. So debonair. Eternally sounding current. Massively hip. Their latest record is called Autofiction and it's completely mega. It's everything music should be in eleven luscious tracks. 

Here is the opening track, performed live recently on Later, with Jools Holland.

Palace: Bitter

London's own Palace has got me extra autumnal today with their track from 2014 called "Bitter." As usual, it has the obligatory haunting, echo-y guitar combined with heavy echoes on the vocal that makes for a truly bleak (but very fall-like) track.

Add it to the list! 

Unloved: The Pink Album

LA's own Unloved are back with their third offering of that groovy mid-60s in London spaced-out cinematic psychedelic sound. The Pink Album is their best yet and makes me want to grab my Austin Powers Halloween costume from a couple of decades ago.

So groovy! 

The Mars Volta: The Mars Volta (Album of the Week)

The seventh studio release by El Paso's own The Mars Volta is all levels of awesome, especially including dragon level. What a complete explosion of pure sonic joy! I wish there were more bands that made music like this, delving deeply into moods and styles that champion diversity for the pure sake of the art. 

Having the album name be just their band name is perfect! 

Editors: Ebm

Birmingham's own Editors are back with a wonderful new record called Ebm. It's got more of late night club dance feel than their previous records. There is a pretty solid industrial sound as well. The guitars are just amazing. True sonic love!

Dark Dark Dark: Winter Memory

Hometown boys Dark Dark Dark have a perfect autumn song. Taken from the soundtrack to the film Flood Tide, "Winter Memory" is a perfect song for today here in the North Woods. I woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow on the ground! 

The feel of the air and the calendar says it's still fall so enjoy this amazing track. 

Daniel Lanois: Player, Piano

Venerated music shaper and icon Daniel Lanois is back with a perfect album for the autumnal season. Player, Piano is a quite, introspective affair that is truly the perfect soundtrack for colder days, dazzling colors and even dark, rainy fall days.

Here is a taste...

Ryan Adams: Devolver (Album of the Week)

The eternally prolific Ryan Adams has graced us with yet another release in 2022. This one is free and it's called Devolver. It's a big thank you to the fans who have supported him through his challenges in the last couple of years. 

The record has that same late 70s, early 80s AM radio pop sound that he has been cultivating on his last few records albeit with a little more edge and rock and roll to it. 

There is nothing up on YouTube in terms of samples but the album is available to download here. 

Whitney: Spark

The pride of Chicago, Whitney, is back with another fabulous record that's called Spark. It's got all those 70s feels with even more pop added for luscious goodness. I love the way it bursts my mind open with nostalgia!

Here is the opening track...

The House of Love: A State of Grace

London darlings The House of Love is back after a nine-year absence with a very curious and amazing record called A State Of Grace. The record represents a decidedly new direction for the band as much of it sounds like they spent a lot of time listening to mid-period Led Zeppelin. This is highly apparent on this track...

All in all,  heavier sounding record but still with all the shoegaze love...

Santigold: Spirituals

The glory and the power that is Santigold returns to the music scene which a deeply personal album called Spirituals. The Philly native really stretches herself out on her fourth record with some 80s pop and danceteria style music. 

She truly is the High Priestess!

Jude: Julian Lennon

It's quite nice to have Julian Lennon back on the scene again. His latest record is called Jude and it showcases the variety of styles of all of his previous records. He has such a deeply personal voice that is decidedly unlike the musical pantheon that has surrounded him from day one.

Case in point...

Honestly, I hear Planet P Project and Bowie in this one which is totally mega. Discovering the other strands and influences as each track unfolds really makes this album an adventure. 

Turn Brakes: Wide-Eyed Nowhere (Album of the Week)

Turin Brakes, aka the pride of Balham, are back with a ridiculously amazing record called Wide-Eye Nowhere. Their tenth album (!) is filled with glorious SoCal pop hooks and breezy melodies guaranteed to put smile on your face and a spring in your step. 

This track made me want to grab the missus and dance!

And this one belongs on the Autumn Music Series playlist!

Wide-Eyed Nowhere is in immediate contention for my Album of the Year. Congrats to the lads on such a stunning achievement. 

Greentea Peng: Greenzone 108

Greentea Peng is back with another stellar foray into R&B psychedelia. Greenzone 108 is soulful, spaced-out goodness that belongs directly in a space-age bachelor pad on the moon. The East Londoner calls this record a "mix tape." 

I call it a perfect trip.

Thee Sacred Souls: Thee Sacred Souls

SoCal's sweet pioneers of soul Thee Sacred Souls have just dropped their long-awaited debut and self-titled LP. It's twelve amazing tracks that continue the now massive soul revival music going on around the world. This record has everything from classic grooves to that signature Motown echo in the vocals

Find a romantic partner and dance the night away, close together and slowly...