The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Dust In The Path Of Love

Around the holidays it is common to hear "it is more satisfying to give than to receive". And while that generally is true in our experience, an unexpected gift is always a welcome pleasure. And today our day is made brighter by Glenn Donaldson, the mastermind of The Reds, Pinks & Purples. Today the man who has been filling our ears and hearts with wonderful sounds the last few year dropped Dust In The Path Of Love -- a free 5-track digital EP. Perfect for any time or place, but the timing and vibe is excellent as a soundtrack for our present wrapping duties tonight.

Enjoy!

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Principia" by En Attendant Ana

 

Smarter indie pop fans than the brain trust here at WYMA may be long-time fans of Paris four-piece En Attendant Ana. We just learned of them this week. But we aren't too proud to jump on the bandwagon now. Our introduction is "Principia", the lead track, first single and title track of the band's upcoming album. We understand that En Attendant Ana is known for their jangle, but this track is infused with dynamics and layers that go beyond jangle pop. It is an intriguing glimpse at the band's talent and we eagerly await the full length from our new friends.

En Attendant Ana are Margaux Bouchaudon, Camille Frechou, Maxence Tomasso, and Adrien Pollin. Principia will be out February 24, 2023 via Trouble In Mind Records.

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"Grassharp" by Julian Never

 

A bit over three weeks until the release of Pious Fiction, the debut album by California's Julian Never, we have "Grassharp", the second single. With roots in New Zealand guitar pop and a wash of darkly shaded post punk, it is a compelling track that further elevates our excitement for the release of the album.

Julian Never is the project of Julian Elorduy, who formerly was the drummer for MAYYORS. Our post about the first single is here. The album will be available on January 13 via excellent Sacramento label Mt.St.Mtn, and will be distributed by Revolver USA and Cargo UK.

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Pre-order page for Pious Fiction

Mt.St.Mtn.

"Mountain Pony 20" by Spice World

On our somewhat humble opinion, the perfect close to the weekend is "Mountain Pony 20 by Spice World. Relaxed and DIY, it has a bit of jangle and a lot of strum, and offers the Sunday evening intimate vibe that we craved. The song is the fourth single taken form There Is No I In Spice World by Freemantle, Australia's Spice World.

The album will be out on January 20 via Tenth Court and Meritorio. US orders will ship from Portland and European orders will ship from Spain.

Bandcamp for album pre-orders

The Catburgers - Dreamworld Sessions

 

We can't claim to have been lucky enough to have seen The Catburgers perform in Edinburgh back in the '80s, but probably not many can. More would have heard them if the songs that they recorded for Dan (Television Personalities) Treacy's Dreamword label had ever worked their way to the top of the "print" list, but that didn't happen either. Fortunately the good folks at Copenhagen's FELT label grabbed those recordings and had them remastered. The result is the three-song Dreamworld Sessions. The 7" is available in vinyl or digital at the links below. You might be interested if you are into collecting Scottish music, or it you are a jangle pop fan, or you are a C86 era obsessive, or if you thrill to collecting rare music. But our reason is simple -- these are damn fine tunes that we would want whenever and wherever recorded by anybody. So there!

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Bandcamp for Dreamworld Sessions (digital)

Rubadub page for Dreamworld Sessions (vinyl)

FELT bandcamp page

Galore - Blush EP

 

Well, well, well, this EP is precious. And we mean "precious" in the most complimentary way. It is sweet, melodic, hooky jangle pop of the kind that we often spend hours scouring the web to find. And here is Blush, in our inbox and created a few hours down the west coast in San Francisco by Galore. It isn't the band's first record (the released a self-titled LP on Sonny Smith's label a couple of year ago) but it the first of their records that have come to our attention, which is our loss. The five songs display solid pop smarts and an undertone of punk attitude without the insecurity that leads to snarls and shouts. They wouldn't sound out of place on K Records or one of several UK labels in the '00s, but as it is they have found a perfect home with hometown label Paisley Shirt Records. And may we bold to say that these tunes go well with the upcoming holidays?

Galore is Ava Rosen (bass, Britta Leijonflycht (guitar), Griffin Jones (guitar), and Hanna Smith (drums). Blush EP is out now in cassette and digital formats via Paisley Shirt Records in the US and Safe Suburban Home in the UK. Note that tapes are sold out in the US, although you still can get one shipped from the UK.

Bandcamp for album

"Dead Meat" and "Sniveller" by Tubs

 

A band name like Tubs does invite some humorous references, but since we a pretending to be serious journalists, and because our partners frequently remind us that we have a ridiculously inflated opinion of our own humor, we will refrain (but some partners are getting a lump of coal for Christmas -- oh hell, make that a TUB of coal for Christmas).

OK, who are Tubs? They are a London-based band with DNA reaching back to Welsh band Joanna Gruesome via Owen 'O' Williams and George 'GN' Nicholls. Their album Dead Meat is due in late January on the Trouble In Mind label, but we have the first two singles for you now. Of course, two singles are a slim basis to judge an album, but if we were forced to predict the future we would put Dead Meat down on our just started list of favorite albums of 2023. Yup, this is stuff we love.

  

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Long Odds - Fine Thread

 

Fine Thread is not a new release, although it was released in the first half of this year. But we won't let the fact that we belatedly discovered it to keep it off this blog. It is a fine album of lo fi guitar pop that we would have featured if we had heard it last spring, so we bring it to you now with apologies to our readers and, especially, to Long Odds. Your ears may detect some Sebadoh or GBV, although only hints of main man Adam Elliott's fine former band New Times Viking. It is lo fi and recorded in mono, but the songs are pop earworms well-worth your time and cash. And speaking of cash, this is a 'name your price album' so you can give some holiday cheer to Long Odds and still feel good at beating inflation.

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Katie Lass - Hypnopomp

 

Hypnopomp is a multi-layered treasure box that might just be the best tapestry of sounds that you have heard in a long time. It is sufficiently different that it presents a challenge to describe, but we will try -- creator Katie Lass has earned that. The songs on this album are colorful and detailed bedroom pop that fall more on the atmospheric/ambient side as opposed to the more traditional pop song. But the melodies are sweet and the sounds are like quickly blossoming flowers in a multiple or colors. Perhaps an apt analogy is that it is a musical version of a kaleidoscope. You probably won't miss you friend's 'new favorite jam' if you don't listen to this album, but you would miss a delightful and rewarding listening experience.

Hypnopomp is out now in vinyl and digital formats via HHBTM Records and Remove Records.

HHBTM Records · Katie Lass - Shadow On The Shoreline

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Bandcamp for Hypnopomp

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"Jag ser bara fel" by E. Bjorklund

 

Four to five years ago we covered several releases by a Swedish band known as Delsbo Beach Club. The group was headed by Erik Bjorklund, who also fronted Blodmyren. We had no news of Mr. Bjorklund in the intervening years, but we now have learned that his new project is E. Bjorklund. Our introduction comes via the very catchy and "Jag ser bara fel" (which we are advised translates to "I only sell flaws/faults"). The song is about being overwhelmed, but Erik's arrangement gives it an appealing swagger.

The single is out now via Rama Lama Records. A debut album is expected in the spring.

Rama Lama Records · E. Björklund - Jag ser bara fel

Bandcamp for single

Various links for single

Label page for artist

"High School" and "Silver One" by Julian Never

 

Although we haven't even completed our Christmas shopping, our priorities are in order: We have already begun our shopping lists for music to be released in 2023. And one of the first on that list is Pious Fiction. The album is by Julian Never and will be available on January 13 via excellent Sacramento label Mt.St.Mtn. Julian Never is the project of Julian Elorduy, who formerly was the drummer for MAYYORS. He released well regarded 7" previously, the two tracks of which are also on the upcoming album. Check our the jangling goodness on "High School" and "Silver One".

We give you permission to copy our work -- put Pious Fiction on your list too.

Mt.St.Mtn. · 2. High School

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Pre-order page for Pious Fiction

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The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Mountain Lake Park

 

We would never tell you that the only music you need is by The Reds, Pinks & Purples. But we will tell you, and often have told you in the past, that you need his music. His offerings have expanded yet again with the recent release of Mountain Lake Park. The album, which is comprised of eleven instrumental tracks, was originally an limited release, vinyl only add on to the Summer At Land's End LP. However, Glenn has made it available now as a digital download. Give the relaxing set of music a listen and, if you are so-inclined, get it at the Bandcamp link.

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"This Is Gonna Change Your Mind" by Martin Frawley

 If your wish list for 2023 is like ours, it has an entry about new music from former Twerps maestro Martin Frawley. We are here to tell you that you can put a check mark next to that entry, because The Wannabe, Martin's sophomore release under his own name, will drop on June 23 via Trouble In Mind Records (North America/UK/EU) and Spunk Records (Aus/NZ). And for those of you not sure, well, "This Is Gonna Change Your Mind". Yes, that is the name of the debut single, and it is an irresistible calling card.

TroubleInMind · Martin Frawley - This Is Gonna Change Your Mind (Trouble In Mind Records)

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Bandcamp for The Wannabe

Skytone - Adrift

 

Skytone is a duo consisting of siblings Rodney and Darius Doddridge. When we first encountered their music they were best described as a jangle pop band. However, for new album Adrift the brothers have created a very appealing tapestry of crystalline synth pop. So the sound is more Stockholm/Malmo than Dunedin/Glasgow. But the hooks are good, the choruses soar, and the arrangements paint in warm, bright colors. This album is so good that you will want to play it right now and think of warmer times. But don't forget to break it out again next summer for a worthy encore.

Adrift is out now via Ottawa label The Beautiful Music.

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Storm The Palace - La B​ê​te Blanche

 

Enthralling storytelling, which sometimes stretches credibility in a very good way, is the fare on offer on La Bete Blanche. The album is by Edinburgh-based Storm The Palace. The band, whose members hail from Scotland, the United States, and Spain, cook up a heady stew of progressive folk, chamber pop and, to our ears, a touch of Americana. But what really sets it apart from other folk albums is the quality of the writing and the band's evident joy in the theatrics and drama of their performances. The band cites fantasy cinema, dream pop and metal as among their influences, and that isn't mere puffery. So allocate some time to listen and some exciting musical doors may open for you.

Storm The Palace are Jon Bews (violin/vocals), Will Bews (bagpipes/bass/flute/vocals), Alberto Bravo (drums/vocals), Sophie Dodds (autoharp/field recordings/guitar/harmonium/vocals), and Reuben Taylor (accordian/harpsichord/organs/piano/Rhodes/synths/vocals/Wurlitzer piano). The album is out now in digital and CD formats.

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The Persian Leaps - Machines For Living

 

We love power pop, and one of our favorite purveyors of that pop/rock standard is St. Paul, Minnesota's The Persian Leaps. This is the ninth time Drew Forsberg's project has featured here, and so long as he continues and we continue, this won't be the last. Whether crafting snappy EPs (which seems to be his preferred mode of musical packaging) or stretching out into full albums, Drew always brings the crunchy, ringing guitars and indelible melodies. You may detect more than a  bit of GVB vibe here, and that certainly is a selling point. But there is a wash of Twin Cities guitar pop that puts an even more personal stamp on the music. Our favorite tracks at the moment are 1, 2, and 5, but that is subject to change with repeated plays. And there will be repeated plays.

The EP is available in digital and CD formats.

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Bandcamp for Machines For Living

Model Shop - Love Interest

 

Whether the message of the songs on Love Interest are happy, sad, melancholy or joyous, nothing therein is too heavy to not euphorically rise to the skies on the glorious music created by Model Shop. The Seattle trio has earned their stripes over the year in various projects (including Math & Physics Club for Kevin and Ethan), but this current combination has the feel of the graduate thesis after years of work. Why? Well, the simple answer is that it clicks on all fronts and in all presented styles. The guitars are direct and bright and the choruses are simply superb.  Model Shop can do a slow burner and rock out, but they shine the brightest on the uptempo pop songs such as "Lucky", "Letters to Melissa", Compilation Tape", "I Was Told This Would Be Easy", and "The Greatest Only"

Model Shop are Kevin Emerson (vocals/drums), Jen Fox (bass), and Ethan Jones (vocals/guitar). Love Interest is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Madrid's Meritorio Records. However, vinyl will be shipped to US purchasers from Portland, Oregon, which will save shipping costs.

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Bandcamp for Love Interest

Meritorio Records link for Love Interest

Field School - When Summer Comes

 

At times like this we wish that we had purchased the deluxe box of superlatives because the subject of this feature certainly is worthy. Charles Bert, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Math & Physics Club, refused to let the isolation of the pandemic prevent him from creating music. He began his solo project Field School and released a couple of EPs on a small label started by a friend. But quality has a way of finding a broader audience, and Charles' debut LP When Summer Comes is now available via Spanish label Bobo Integral. For fans of the sweet and bittersweet tunes of Math & Physics Club, and more generally for fans of jangling indie pop, the album is everything we could wish for and more.

The DIY ethos of hometown legends K Records seems to come naturally to Charles. But his musical feet remain firmly planted in the jangle and twee channel of Sarah Records, as well as numerous labelmates at Bobo Integral. What elevates the songs on When Summer Comes above others in that category, however, are the incisive writing and sincere performances. The listener can feel the joy and the melancholy, and enjoy the self-effacing humor. And even the more melancholy tunes benefit from Charles' relatively light touch, leaving the listener with a warm feeling and an understandable desire to hit "replay". This certainly is one of the jangle pop albums of the year.

When Summer Comes is out now in digital and vinyl formats.

Bandcamp for When Summer Comes

Bobo Integral

The Laughing Chimes - Zoo Avenue EP

 

Every year a number of bands surface with a jangling sound that earns our ears, as well as a place in the lineup with those jangle poppers who preceded them. But occasionally a new band will carve their way to the center of the genre, sounding like they have always been there and now are being imitated by others. Southeast Ohio's The Laughing Chimes may be such a band. The project begun by teenage siblings Evan and Quinn Seurkamp has released their debut EP Zoo Avenue which is one of the stronger opening statements we have heard from any band lately. It is no wonder that the brain trust at Slumberland Records signed them. Sunny, chiming optimism for a gloomy fall -- you really shouldn't miss these guys.

Zoo Avenue is out now in digital and cassette formats.

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Bandcamp for Zoo Avenue EP

Various links for Zoo Avenue

No Zu - Heat Beat

 

If a man in a trench coat approaches you and gives you a choice of "zu" or "no zu", you are hereby advised to take the less obvious choice. Sure, you might be tempted to take the first choice and become the proud owner of some zu which, you think, surely must be better than no zu at all. However, if you take the second choice you will have Heat Beat, the new EP by Melbourne's ultra terrific No Zu. If this discussion hurts your head, turn off your brain, press "play" on Heat Beat and let your heart and feet be your guide. This is punk funk. It is dance. It is world beat. It is dark but vibrant. It is the one and only heat beat.

No Zu are icons in Melbourne (and probably everywhere else they have played). Heat Beat is their first record in several years, and presents their last recordings with vocalist Daphene Camf, who died in 2021. We hope they continue because there is nothing quite like them. But the future aside, the weekend comes and everyone should have Heat Beat on their soundtrack. The EP is available in vinyl and digital formats via Chapter Music.

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Various links for No Zu

The Silent Boys - Sand to Pearls, Coal to Diamonds

 

Richmond, Virginia's The Silent Boys are indie/jangle pop lifers, with a quarter of a century, eight albums and a core of devoted fans paying tribute to their talent and dedication. That doesn't mean that they are famous -- after all, their tag line is "willfully obscure since 1986". But it does mean that if you are an indie pop fan you owe your ears a taste of the spanking new Sand to Pearls, Coal to Diamonds. This is music made by humans, not machines with an eye to beats per minute, but even so it seems more homespun than many guitar pop bands. To our ears the emphasis is on the story more than the sound, although the sound is sweet as well. And all that makes the resulting songs memorable as well as pleasing and well worth your time.

The players on Sand to Pearls, Coal to Diamonds are Wallace Dietz, John Suchocki, Grant Oliver, Michael Click, John Morand, Dan-O Deckelman, and Maitreya Suchocki. See the Bandcamp link below for the digital release. CDs are available via French label Too Good To Be True Records.

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Too Good to Be True Records

The Photocopies - Wrong Century

 

We won't pretend we are very familiar with Sean Turner's project The Photocopies. But having stumbled over Wrong Century, the new collection of songs, we suggest that it is a good place for you and us to start. Sean is a Londoner decamped to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and he obviously shares our fondness for '80s and '90s guitar pop. This record includes songs previously released on singles and EPs, plus some covers of worthy songs by other artists. A great listen!

You may be too late to get the CD from Discos de Kirlian, although it is worth trying. But digital copies certainly are available. See the links below.

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Bandcamp for Wrong Century-digital-version

Bandcamp for Wrong Century (CD version)

Heavenly - Heavenly vs Satan

 

Well, well, well ... this is just heavenly. Literally, Heavenly.

If you are a long term indie pop fan, you certainly are familiar with the '90s UK band Heavenly. Even if you are a more recent fan you undoubtedly have read references to Heavenly in reviews or current indie pop bands because they are a gold standard. And with good reason. The band reflected innate talent plus maturation of the sound of Talulah Gosh, their former musical residence. Heavenly vs Satan was the first of their four albums, displaying nuance and dedication to pop sounds not previously dominant in their former work. It is an absolute delight and, to our ears, perfectly timeless.

Heavenly -- that is Amelia, Mathew, Peter, Cathy and Rob -- has decided to release all four of their albums in vinyl, and have begun with Heavenly vs Satan. The disc also includes the first two singles released by the band. The releases are available via Amelia and Rob's Skep Wax label and records stores. For online orders, see the Bandcamp link below.

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Bandcamp for album.

"Lucky" by Model Shop

Seattle trio Model Shop opens our nostalgia floodgates. Before we discovered girls, we frequented model shops to buy and build plastic playthings. Then we developed love interests and model shops became a thing of the past. But Model Shop promises to call to mind both of those segments of our lives with their upcoming LP Love Interest, and to do so with the jangling, sparkling indie pop that we have loved for our adult lives. Take a taste with irrepressible new single "Lucky" and look back in our archives for our posts about previous singles "Compilation Tape" and "Letters to Melissa" (or take the efficient approach and just hit the album Bandcamp link below). 

The album will be released November 25 via Spanish label Meritorio Records. Note that US orders will shop from Portland, thus avoiding expensive shipping charges.

Model Shop are Kevin Emerson (vocals/drums), Jen Fox (Bass), and Ethan Jones (vocals/guitar). Kevin and Ethan were members of Math & Physics Club.

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Bandcamp for Love Interest

Meritorio Records link for Love Interest

"Jennifer Valentine" by Field School

 We are just a week away from the drop of an album that all indie pop fans should have on their wish list: When Summer Comes by Field School. We have shared a couple of singles from the album previously, but just in case you still have doubts or missed the earlier post, one listen to the final single, the yearning "Jennifer Valentine", should seal the deal. The song has made our "song obsession" list.

Field School is Olympia, Washington's Charles Bert. When Summer Comes LP, which will be out November 18 via Bobo Integral.

Bandcamp for single

Bandcamp for When Summer Comes

The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Everything You Ever Loved

 

From time to time we engage in a bit of housecleaning, and we invariably are proud of the results. However, Glenn Donaldson of The Reds, Pinks & Purples puts us to shame. You see, he has been going through his vaults of unreleased recordings (or limited and rare releases) over the past few years and packaging them for our eager ears. The latest is the six-song Everything You Ever Loved. If you are a regular reader you already know our high opinion of the music from this project. And you know that the music really sells itself with melancholy plucks on your heartstrings and melodies that seem like they have been in a happy place in your brain forever. So dive in, kiddos -- may Glenn's vault's never run empty!

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"Ice Cream Skies" by The Laughing Chimes

 

The optimism of youth plus an appreciation for the enduring appeal of jangle pop provide us with a couple of highlight tracks for our Saturday night. The band is The Laughing Chimes, consisting of teenage brothers Evan and Quinn Seurkamp. The Southeast Ohio duo have signed to Slumberland, and soon will release the six-song Zoo Avenue EP. The first single released from the EP is the jaunty "Ice Cream Skies". But just to let you know that the boys aren't one-hit wonders, we included a stream of the single edit of another of the EP's tracks, "Laurel Heights Court".

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Dot Dash - Madman In The Rain

 

All of us music fans have bands whose releases will always attract us. One of such bands for WYMA is Washington, D.C.'s Dot Dash. The trio has earned our ears over the course of seven splendid albums, but the new Madman In The Rain is, in our opinion, their best yet. Powerpop, jangle, and punky indie rock spread over 12 well-conceived tracks. Guitar, bass and drums all variously star and support with energy and nuance. The songs will thrill both fans of '80s and early '90s UK, US and New Zealand guitar pop bands, and fans of The Clash and The Jam. But but there is no imitation here -- just agile talent creating new music on good foundations. We are entirely captivated and have entered it on our year-end list of favorites.

The album was supposed to be released on November 5, but you can't keep a good album hidden and it has burst out of the gates already.

Dot Dash are Terry Banks (guitar/vocals), Hunter Bennett (bass), and Danny Ingram (drums). Their former bands include St. Christopher, Saturday People, Glo-Worm, Weatherhead, Swervedriver, Julie Ocean and Youth Brigade. Madman In The Rain is out via Ottawa, Canada's The Beautiful Music.

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Label page for Madman In The Rain

Smashing Times -Bloom

 

Bloom deserves a lot more fanfare than we have observed about it. Thirteen tracks of jangling, twee folk rock, vibrant psychedelic pop and freakbeat reminding us variously of Felt, The Jasmine Minks, Sneaky Feelings and Television Personalities, and sounding to us a lot like a well-curated playlist of hits. But despite the wide influences, and perhaps partially because of them, the album sounds fresh and original. Of course, credit for that largely goes to the writing and execution by The Smashing Times.

The five-piece resides in Baltimore, Maryland, although their musical hearts seem well traveled in place to the UK, New Zealand and California, and in time to the '60s, '80s and '90s. But our musical hearts travel the same spots in the time-space continuum, which may explain why an album new to our ears sounds like it has been in our brains forever. One listen was all it took to move Bloom to our list of favorite albums this year, and repeated listens find it insinuating up the ranks. We highly recommend that your treat your ears.

Bloom is out now via Spanish label Meritorio Records.

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Bandcamp for Bloom

Meritorio Records

Don Glori - Welcome

 

Welcome to Welcome. Created by double-bassist and composer Gordon Li recording as Don Glori, the album reflects jazz, soul, Brazilian and funk. Gordon paints with all of the colors available in the musical spectrum resulting in an incredible vibrant and uplifting set of songs. Gordon and his collaborators wield sax, vibraphone, bass, keys, flute, drums, percussion and vocals into a stew that reaches out and grabs your soul. Such a joyful and eminently human set of songs shouldn't be missed.

Welcome is out now via Bedroom Suck & Flightless in Australia and New Zealand, Cargo Records in the UK and EU, and Dispatch Dept. in North America.

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Various links for Welcome

"In The Woods" by Astrid Swan

 

Last year we wrote the following about Astrid Swan's LP D/other: "...songs that feature literate and poetic storytelling and ... compelling vocals. ... Don't miss this album, it is absolutely terrific." And if you did miss the album, consider this your reminder to rectify your omission. However, the purpose of this post isn't to grant you a second chance, although it does so, it is to share the good news that one of the finest tracks from D/other, "In The Woods", is now available as a single. It is a song about sadness and the value of accepting your sadness to allow you to go forward. And it is absolutely gorgeous.

The single is out via Helsinki's Soliti Music.

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Soliti Music

The 1981 - Polaroids EP

 

We have stumbled across a 'must have' record that we want to share with you. It is the five-track Polaroid EP by the San Francisco Bay Area band  The 1981. The EP consists of three songs previously released as singles, and two new ones. They all are worthy of being singles, and if this were still a time when indie rock ruled the radio airwaves and radio ruled our music experience, all five songs would have a better than even bet of charting well. Of course, this isn't 1981 any more, but this music is here and now and you should grab yourself a copy in digital or cassette format.

The 1981 is Adam (vocals/guitar/bass/drums/keys), and Bobby (keys/synth/organ/vocals). Polaroids is out now via Dandy Boy Records.

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Bandcamp for Polaroids (Dandy Boy Records)

Bandcamp for Polaroids (The 1981 band)

"Inside Every Mountain Is A Heart" by The Paperback Throne

The Paperback Throne is Ralph and Sylvia Hector. It appears that they are active with a community of other creatives and participate in projects with various combinations of artists. But they also release music as The Paperback Throne. And under that name they just released "Inside Every Mountain Is A Heart". A grand orchestral pop tune as heartfelt as the title would suggest, it is the centerpiece of the upcoming album Waves. The B-side is "Arms Around You", a folky tune about comforting your loved one. I actually needed these tracks today as my wife crashed on our bike ride and I just got back from the ICU. she is likely to be fine, but it is a reminder to pay attention to what is important and your loved ones, because it all can disappear fast.

The single is available as of October 21. Waves will be released on October 28 via Iffy Folk Records.

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Iffy Folk Records

My Favorite - Tender Is The Nightshift: Part I

 

One thing we decided early on in our blog careers is that we never should be embarrassed about covering an album that has been out for a while. Our goal is to feature music we like, not just music released this week that we like. We're actually proud that this excuse can apply frequently, but it is mentioned now because it also applies to the subject of this post. Tender Is The Nightshift: Part I was released about four weeks ago, but we just listened to it a few days ago. And then we listened to it again, and again, and again (we'll stop the reputation because we lost count).

So, what is it, (we hope) you ask. It is new wave, new romantic pop created for the modern times. Does it work, (we hope) you ask. Yes, better than we could have hoped. Of course, when one peels back the cover on My Favorite, the quality is perfectly understandable. Almost 30 years after their first single, the core of the band formed at Stony Brook is back to spin tales. The five members are down to two, but the core principles of new wave/art pop with punk spirit remains, leavened by the passage of time and the potential for eventual apocalypse. There are five tracks (the fifth a dub nice dub of the fourth) on this EP, which is the first of a planned three EP set. Count us as totally on board for the next two EPs as well.

My Favorite is Michael Grace Jr. (vocals/vocoders/melodica), Kurt Brondo (synths/piano/drum machines), and Gil Abad (bass). For this recording they are joined by Jaime Allison Babic (vocals) and Joseph Babic (guitars). Tender Is The Nigthshift: Part I is available as a digital download from the Band's Bandcamp and digitally and in vinyl from the Bandcamp for label HHBTM Records in the UA and wiaiwya in UK/Europe.

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Bandcamp for album (US -HHBTM)

Bandcamp for album (My Favorite Bandcamp)

wiaiwya Bandcamp for UK orders

Various related links

"Slow Down" by Whose Rules

 

"Slow Down" is an appealing and pleasing reminder to take time to enjoy the happy current moments and not always rush onwards. It is the creation of Marius Elfstedt, a Norwegian producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist known up until now for his work in the EDM field. The pandemic prompted him to start a solo project named Whose Rules. After listening to "Slow Down" we hope Marius isn't too slow about releasing more.

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Various links for "Slow Down"