CMAT: EURO-COUNTRY

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: Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt (Album of the Week)

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...

Followed by this stunner...

Later we get the POWER

Soul music is alive and thriving!!

Ganser: Animal Hospital

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: Essex Honey

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...

The Beaches: No Hard Feelings

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: Straight Line Was A Lie

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...

Ron Sexsmith: Hangover Terrace

Ontario's own Ron Sexsmith has a wonderful new record out called Hangover Terrace. It has an alt country and AM Gold feel to it that I find to be the perfect fit right now. 

Opening track...

Irvine Welsh & The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra: Men In Love (Album of the Week)

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...

Here's a declaration...

And we are in love at last...

Folks, this is also a great dance party record, home or club use. Start listening!

Modern Nature: The Heat Warps

The quiet certitude of Modern Nature is suiting me quite well these days. Their latest offering, The Heat Warps, is a deep exploration of the chill life...with cool guitars!

Opening track...pure joy

Water From Your Eyes: It's A Beautiful Place

The Chicago Duo of Water From Your Eyes have a fun little record out called It's A Beautiful Place. Every track is just a dandy romp through indie wonderland.

Witness!

Sabrina Carpenter: Man's Best Friend

Much hullaballoo has been made about the dover of Sabrina Carpenter's latest record. Yet, Man's Best Friend is more than just a cover. It's a most excellent collection of fine pop songs. Check it out!

Opening track...

Hard Habits: Blue Reminder

I've really been enjoying the drone-y shoe gaze of Hard Habits latest offering. Blue Reminder is a gorgeous record that cuts right in the soul with its honesty.

Opening track...

The Black Keys: No Rain, No Flowers (Album of the Week)

What can I say about The Black Keys that hasn't already been said? They are the ultimate alternative indie outfit that has defined the last three decades of the genre. Dan and Patrick are cosmic artists weaving their aural exercises into our souls. Their latest is called No Rain, No Flowers and it's shovel to the head stunning.

The opening track is also the title track...

The vibe on the title track is just...perfect. Really no words for it. Just live it.

Later we have this dark excursion...

Just gives me the shivers.

And the LOVE song, with a dash of Motown...

Mos def a Top Ten of 2025. There is not a single track on this record that is less than amazing.

Start listening!

Deftones: private music

Deftones have alked many paths for a long period of time with a very loyal legion of fans, some of whom span generations now. Each release is a powerhouse and their latest, private music, is my favorite so far in their thirty seven year career. It's whole lot of thunder and swagger!

Opening track...

Winter: Adult Romantix

The very lovely and extremely talented shoegaze outfit, Winter, are back with wonderful record called Adult Romantix. It's easily their most intimate and my fave so far!

Opening track...

Royal Otis: hickey

Royal Otis are back with a dynamite record called hickey. It's all the lovely that they bring to the world  with their chill vibe and cool ass sound. I feel emotionally better after listening to this one. 

Opening track...

Folk Bitch Trio: Now Would Be A Good Time

Melbourne's own Folk Bitch Trio have their first full length out and I have been enjoying it immensely these last few weeks. Their harmonies are out of this world! More importantly, the tunes and the themes, even with all their softness in delivery, hot like a thousand pound hammer.

Opening track...

The Hives: The Hives Forever Forever (Album of the Week)

The world's greatest party band is back with The Hives Forever Forever. Of course, it had to be "Forever" twice, right? After all, it is The Hives. The pomp, the power, and the fury are all present on this one.

It kicks off with this statement.

And then right into some old school Hives...

Later we have this absolute gem...

Legalize living! And start listening to this fucking amazing powerhouse of a record!

Wolf Alice: The Clearing

The Clearing is the latest record from London's own Wolf Alice and it's quite the charmer! The sheer beauty of the record is completely overwhelming, sending my mind, body, and soul to new universes.

Witness...

She's Green: Chrysalis

Hometown pride is large for me with She's Green, a dream pop outfit that chills me with love every day. Their latest is called Chryrsalis and it's a shoegazer's delight. Zoom into space with this beauty!

Opening track...