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. 

Opening track...

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.

Opening (and title) track...

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.

Opening track...

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.

Opening track...

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.

Opening (and title) track...

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.

Opening track...

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. 

Opening track...

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

Opening track. 

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!

Opening track...

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.

Opening track...

Antony Szmeirek: Decoding Birdsong

Sometimes we need a spoken word jam. That's why dial up Antony Szmeirek. His latest is called Decoding Birdsong and it is perfectly splendid. It's a cascade of wonderful.

Fave track...

DMA'S: DMA'S (Album of the Week)

The DMAs are back with a self-titled release that brings all the Brit Rock power to center stage. It makes me beam with pride that this band is carrying the torch so effectively.

Example...

This one is a triumph...

And of course, a shiver and a sigh...

Here's to hoping they continue in this marathon of awesomeness. 

The Afghan Whigs: Soft Control

The Afghan Whigs are back with a wonderful record called Soft Control. It has all the hunk of poppa that is this amazing band that seemingly never gives up on having longevity and relevance.

Opening track...

Weezer: Weezer (The Gold Album)

I love it when Weezer is chillin' and just being Weezer. That's what we get on the latest record, Weezer (aka The Gold Album). It's chock full o'good Weezer fun. And now that I've used the word "Weezer" at least four times, let's get to the opening track. 

KATSEYE: WILD (EP)

KATSEYE has quite the "pep" vibe. Their latest is called WILD and it is guaranteed to get you dancing. The banger is "PINKY UP." Just a never ending pulse. 

Check it out!

Johanna Samuels: Sorry, Kid

Johanna Samuels is back with Sorry, Kid, a heartfelt collection of amazing tracks. Clearly, this is her best effort, diving deeply into life, love, and hope.

Opening track...