"Music is power, let it flow through your mind" (Richard Ashcroft)
Oh, Ivy. We have missed you so much. It's been fourteen years since your last record and all of us were dying (Dying!) for new music. And now we have it again in the form of Traces of You. So so happy that your version of lounge pop is back!
First track sets the tone...
Jon Batiste is a national treasure. The R&B master from Louisiana has made yet another gem with Big Money. He delves deeply into his bag of soul on this one and produces pure magic.
Opening track...
London's own Flyte is back with a wonderful new record of chill called Between You And Me. The band goes deeply introspective on this one, delving down into the most interesting of human emotions.
My fave...(bonus live performance!)
Hey, The Chameleons are back! And it's the first record of new material since 2001. Arctic Moon takes me back to those halcyon years of jangle guitars and psych pop in the 1980s. Every track is gold, folks!
Opening number...
Who is up for some great techno? Look no further than the latest offering from Melbourne's own Cut Copy. Moments is synth heaven, replete with 80s vibes and many cool takes on life and love.
Opening track...
Gulp is quite a fun dream pop band from Wales. They have a new record out called Beneath Strawberry Moon and it is wonderful. It's a great soul supporter!
Fave...
Jeff Tweedy is a god. His new record, Twilight Override, proves this to be so. This triple (!) record is full of just fucking incredible songs. What is it about his voice? It's John Lennon and Jerry Garcia all rolled into one.
This track just blew me away...
Montreal natives TOPS are sweeter than honey! Their latest is called Bury the Key and it's quite extraordinary. It's replete with fine fine pop songs.
One of my faves...
Orions Belte have quite the amazing record out. Pur Jus is a cavalcade of style ranging from lounge to psychedelic pop and all the way back to alternative/indie. Sit back and listen cleanly, dudes...
Opening track, warriors....
Hayley Williams=genius. No simpler way to put it. Her latest solo endeavor is called Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party and it is filled with insanely good music. Each track is a truly transformative experience.
Opening track=killer
Brooklyn's own Big Thief are back with Double Infinity, a record that will blow your socks right on your ass! Every track is simply gorgeous in its theme and craft.
Here is one of my faves...
CMAT is back and making wonderful music again. Is it pop? Is it country? Who cares? It's bloody magnificent!! EURO-COUNTRY is wall to wall awesome. The sing-a-long vibe is immediate.
One of my faves...
Curtis Harding is back with a tremendous record called Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt. It's yet another shining example of why this man is a soul legend.
The album opens with this chestnut...
Chicago's post punk outfit Ganser is back with Animal Hospital, a gritty record that really shows their growth as an artist. It's an exploration of the genre that is sorely needed right now.
My fave...
Blood Orange is back with yet another stunner of a record. Essex Honey is as sweet as your imagination allows. The stories he tells are stark and riveting.
Opening track...
Toronto's very fun guitar pop band have a very wonderful new record called No Hard Feelings. The Beaches are more refreshing than a cold glass of water on a steamy day. So fun! So poppy!!
Opening volley...
The Beths are back with a corker of a record called Straight Line Was A Lie. The Auckland wonders have a unique brand of alternative/indie. Love those guitars!
Opening and title track...
Irvine Welsh is the man I dream of being if I hosted my own 1970's soul show. Known mainly for his writing, Welsh has now allied himself with The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra and have conquered the R&B universe. Men In Love is a colossus!
Opening track...