So....Hayley Williams' granddad made a record a while back (the 1970s) and it's just now seen release. Rusty Williams' Grand Man is a tour de force of soft rock. The nostalgia is strong on this one and gets you going right away.
Philly's own Japanese Breakfast is back with a wonderful new record called For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women). The word "chill" can't even begin to describe how relaxed this record is. Perfect vibe for today..
Peace is back after a long hiatus with a new EP called Polly With The Perfect Hair. The four track outing shows the lads from Birmingham still going strong with their unique slant on pop.
London's own Sam Akpro gets my nod for Album of the Week. Evanfall is his first full length release after a series of singles and EP's. It's an Everest like opening volley that culminates all the songs we've heard so far in a perfect climax.
The album opens with this stunner...
And then it kicks it up a notch...
We get the love for my second favorite city in the world...
Akpro's music is a genre in and of itself. Start listening!!!
Vancouver's own Destroyer is back with Dan's Boogie, the outfit's 14th record. What a long and storied career these amazing Canadians have had. Their latest effort really encapsulates how incredible they are.
The debut album for the powerhouse indie band, Hot Wax, is here. Hot Shock shows that these Hastings, East Sussex gals are serious about their rock and roll!
Brighton's own Rizzle Kicks are back with a corker of a record. Easily their best yet, Competition is for Losers is a tour de force of stream of consciousness hip hop. Example...
Some of it even sounds like old school R&B...
Mos def in the running for my top albums of the year!
Art Rock Wunderkind Steven Wilson is back with The Overview. What is life like on earth if we look at it from the universe's perspective? And how do we look at the universe? Both of those questions are answered on this magnifient work.
Andy Bell is a renaissance man. He has his own ridiculously awesome band (Ride), he plays with superstars (Oasis) and he makes great solo records. It's the latter that gets my nod for Album of the Week this week. Pinball Wanderer sees Bell stretching his musical muscle into some very interesting and innovative aural landscapes.
The album opens with this beauty...
And then drones into this exquisite monstrosity...
Later we have this gorgeous track...
It's amazing to this Cardiff lad stretch himself out there so much. Check it out!
I'm in an alt country sort of mood today so it's all about Lola Kirke. Her latest is called Trailblazer and it is simply wonderful. The stories she tells are most heartwarming.
Brian D'Addario is a pop treasure. The Long Island native has been crafting amazing music for over two decades. His latest effort is called Till The Morning and it is pure genius. I feel like he should host his own variety show in the 1970's!
I have been quite enjoying Bambara's latest offering to the world. Birthmarks is a masterpiece of pop and goth. The laying of the keyboards and the vocals are astounding.
Lady Gaga's latest is called Mayhem and holy shit does she bring it! This record has dragon level power and thunder not seen in a long long time. The whole thing is just shovel to the head stunning from start to finish.
The pride of Cardiff are back with a wonderful new record called Cotton Crown. The Tubs know how to do "dudes with guitars" quite well, mixing in mod and pop most effectively. I love all the Welsh cultural stuff and their views on Great Britain in general.
Let's turn up the pop music to 11! Because Sasami has a new record out called Blood On the Silver Screen. It is a masterpiece of pop combined with a distinct sound that reminds me of every James Bond title track.
I'm officially declaring this week Michiweek! This Latinx superstar has taken the world by storm with her debut record called Dirty Talk. Talk about the grooves...
And the vibe...
And the heart pounding love...
This might very well be my album of the year...wow! Start listening!!
Chicago's own Circuit des Yeux is her own musical genre. It's goth, baroque, alternative, indie and Broadway. Her latest is Hate On The Inside and it is magnificent.
Six Sex is a guilty pleasure. Yes, she is cliche but her latest EP is a whole lot of fun. X-sex shows just how much of a boss the queen of the Puerto Rican rave is these days!