Rock 'N' Roll Will Save Your Soul
It's always vital, It's always new, It never lets you down.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Something Old...Something New (#33)
"Horses" - Patti Smith (released 1975)
"The Town That Cursed Your Name" - The Reds, Pinks & Purples (released 2023)
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Favorite Albums of 2022
1. Chris Church - "Darling Please"
2. The Reds, Pinks & Purples - "Summer at Land's End"
3. Young Guv - "III & IV"
4. Superchunk - "Wild Loneliness"
5. The Helicopters - "Eyes of Oblivion"
6. Flyying Colours - "Flyying Colours"
7. Healees - "Healees"
8. Cheap Star - "Wish I Could See"
9. The Beths - "Expert in a Dying Field"
10. The Smile - "A Light for Attracting Attention"
Other Favorites
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Something Old...Something New (#32)
"Aladdin Sane" - David Bowie (released 1973)
"Chime School - Chime School (released 2021)
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Favorite Albums of 2021
2021 was another challenging year for the music community with remote recording and cancelled tours remaining the norm. With many established acts electing to sit on the sidelines until some sense of normalcy returns it was a good year to discover new artists and that's definitely reflected on my list of 2021 favorites. Remember, musicians pour their hearts and souls into their work so be sure to support them any way you are able (vinyl, CD, download)
1. Cloud Nothings - "The Shadow I Remember"
The band reunites with legendary producer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios and emerge with another revelation. Light and shade abound in these eleven densely compact post-punk marvels featuring explosive rhythmic discord and resplendent melodies around every corner! Good luck choosing a favorite.
Sunday, February 7, 2021
Favorite Albums of 2020
Not a good year for anyone. Music clubs shuttered, recording studios empty, low quality streaming continues to be the main way people consume music - and yet excellent new releases continued to appear like lights in the darkness to provide comfort, diversion and hope for better times to come. Do your best to support these artists during quarantine as they/we await the return of live music and an avalanche of new releases in 2021!
1. Cloud Nothings - "The Black Hole Understands"
Recorded entirely in quarantine, Dylan Baldi (guitar, bass, vocals) and Jayson Gerycz (drums, mixing) produce a marvel of melodic, hook-laden modern pop/rock gems, each one impossibly outshining the next. The ultimate comfort food in a year when we needed it most!
5. Nada Surf - "Never Not Together"
This band never disappoints. Each release hones their sweet-sounding mellifluous Indie Pop to a fantastically finer edge. Singer Matthew Caws carries each tune with his engaging vocals and continues to write songs of deceptive intricacy.
6. The Persian Leaps - "Smiling Lessons"
After crafting my favorite album of 2019 ("Electrical Living") Drew Forsberg returns with a terrific eight song EP! Slashing guitar rhythms support compelling melodies and addictive choruses. In a better world this music is heading up the charts and on everyone's playlist!
7. Kestrels - "Dream or Don't Dream"
Halifax, Nova Scotia gifts us Chad Peck setting his swirling shoegaze ablaze with fiery guitar, including a remarkable appearance by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. My favorite "new" find has been recording since 2009 so I have a catalog to catch up on!
8. Close Lobsters - "Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera in the Forest of Symbols"
Scottish indie rockers return after more than 30 years and they haven't missed a beat, recapturing the jangly pop goodness of their legendary C86 years! They have been a favorite of mine since the "What is There to Smile About" EP in 1988. Welcome back, but what's up with the unwieldy title?
9. The Hanging Stars - "A New Kind of Sky"
Dreamy, psych-tinged, harmony-laden songs dripping with gorgeous pedal steel guitar. These young Londoners echo the best of Americana while putting their own stamp on each tune. RIYL Band of Horses, Byrds
10. AC/DC - "Power Up"
Following a tumultuous five years (Malcom Young's Passing, Brian Johnson's hearing issues, drummer Phil Rudd's plethora of legal problems) the band improbably returns with their strongest album in decades! Twelve succinct Angus/Malcom compositions loaded with explosive rhythms, searing guitar, and throat-ripping vocals! Straight hard rock and nobody does it better!