Stephen McLaren - They Don't Put Any Money In Your Pocket

 

We always pay attention when Stephen McLaren graces the world with new music. And our attention is always richly rewarded whether the music is Stephen's solo work or his work with others. Today we focus on his new solo album They Don't Put Any Money In Your Pocket. The album delivers piano ballads, synthy dreampop, and wide scope pop anthems. But it isn't just a collection of quality songs. McLaren has thoughts political and social on his mind, and he crafts them into concise and direct statements with loads of heart and some anger, but also with charm and wit. And because he is Stephen McLaren, those statements are decorated with great musical skill and his best set of vocal performances to date. They Don't Put Any Money In Your Pocket is a treasure of an album and it deserves your ears, as well as a place in your music collection.

The album is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via Errant Media.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for album

Jim Shepherd - The Circle

 

The Circle combines the old and new. The 'new' is the 12 tracks of pop infused indie rock that comprise this solo album by the UK's Jim Shepherd. The 'old' is the backstory of Jim Shepherd. Jim was the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of Creation Records and Poptones darlings Jasmine Minks. And if that isn't enough of a selling point -- although it damn well should be -- consider the worthies that have joined in to support Jim on this album: Dave Morgan (The Loft, the Weather Prophets, and Subway Sect) on drums and production, Frank Sweeney (The June Brides) on strings and keys, and Arash Torabi (The June Brides, The Distractions, Beat Hotel) on bass. Guest vocals were supplied by Tommy Reid (The Jasmine Minks), Beth Arzy (The Luxembourg Signal, Jetstream Pony), Vapour Trails, and Marianne Dissard.

As fans of Jim's past work would expect, the songwriting for The Circle is as superb as it is varied. Rock, jangle, powerpop psychedelic pop and a bit of soul are all represented, and the performances are unfailingly tight irrespective of style. But what makes this album so special for our ears is the palpable passion for the material and the joy of playing it. The Circle is not some former rocker living off the past, it is a set of songs as vital as any indie rock you will find anywhere today. This album deserves a wide audience -- do your part.

The Circle is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via Spinout Nuggets.

Twitter

Bandcamp for The Circle

credits

Congotronics International - Where's The One?

 

We are here to suggest that you can turn your computer/phone into an instrument of excitement and energy, all without visiting a site that would shock your mother. All you need to do is hit the Bandcamp link for Where's The One?, the 2022 release by supergroup Congotronics International. You get the excitement and energy promised above, and a groove that may keep you up way past your bedtime. After all, the album lasts 82 minutes.

We realize that the term supergroup may be overused, but Congotronics International earns it. The project combines Konono No.1, Kasai Allstars, Juana Molina, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, and members of Deerhoof and Skeleton. The project was developed over a period of years, including a lot of remote collaboration as well as face to face sessions. With multiple styles and artists speaking different languages the music is adventuresome and expansive, but remains rooted in the fusion of traditional Congolese music and rock. Dig in, folks, it is like an audio National Geographic collage.

Where's The One? is out now in vinyl, CD, and digital formats via Crammed Discs.

 Bandcamp for Where's The One?

Crammed Discs

And the Broken - Black and Blue EP

 

How about an entertaining combination of '60-style garage and powerpop? Sounds good to us, and comes via Malmo, Sweden's And the Broken. The three track EP is titled Black and Blue, and displays the band's ability with both upbeat and melancholy songs. 

And the Broken are Mans Katsler (drums/vocals), Conn Fridh (bass/vocals), Linus Lindvall (guitars/vocals), Johan Hellsten (guitars) and Tobias Borelius (lead vocals). Black and Blue EP is out now as a digital download -- see the Bandcamp link below.

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp for EP

Timeshare - Yellow

 

Melbourne's Jordan Thompson (Ocean Party/Pop Filter) previously has released EPs Blue and Red under the name Timeshare. Continuing with the color template for naming, his latest six track recording is Yellow. We don't know whether Jordan intends to release further records with similar titles, but given the quality of the Timeshare music so far, we would be in favor of Jordan going through the entire Crayola 64 colors before giving a though to stopping. We find Yellow to be the best of the crayon box so far. The melodies are excellent and the arrangements sparkle. Everyone needs a lift to get through a new work week and this EP might be the right medicine for you.

Yellow is out now via Osborne Again.

Instagram

Bandcamp for Yellow

No Monster Club - Deadbeat Effervescent

 

Ireland's Bobby Aherne is a pop savant who entertains in various styles via several different projects. His musical guises over the years include Sir Bobby Jukebox, Popical Island (a collective of multiple talents), and No Monster Club. It is the last of the three that draws our attention today to listen to their recent LP, Deadbeat Effervescent. We must admit that we don't know the reason for "deadbeat" in the album title, but the music more than earns the term "effervescent". But that has been a recurring and appealing attribute of Bobby's music. It is upbeat and full of hooks, often with an almost circus quality. Humor is a common component, as is a variety of instruments and other sonic details, creating a sonic collage that dazzles and surprises the ears without appearing overstuffed.

The songs on Deadbeat Effervescent are classic No Monster Club creations, only tighter (as tight as NMC gets, that is) and seemingly more polished than previous records. They take the listener on an entertaining musical trip the almost leaves one breathless, and we highly recommend it to end your week on a positive note.

On this outing No Monster Club are Bobby, Tim Falcon Prime, and Mark Chester. Deadbeat Effervescent is out now via Emotional Response Records.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Deadbeat Effervescent

Various links for Deadbeat Effervescent

Kevin Robertson - Teaspoon of Time

 

An album from Kevin Robertson doesn't need a lot of words, it really just needs your ears. The man is a master of jangling psychedelic and guitar pop favorably recalling our favorite music of the '60s and '80s. His new Teaspoon of Time is another solo effort, although he also is a member of The Vapour Trails. The Scots singer songwriter is a musical multi-tool. His songwriting is melodic and evocative, his vocals gentle and nuanced, and he plays multiple instruments well. His previous solo album Sundown's End was a welcome treat, but this album even tops its predecessor. Spend and evening with Teaspoon of Time, and it will be an evening well spent.

Of course, an album this good requires contributions from a number of talented individuals. In addition to Kevin (vocals/guitars/keys/harmonica), contributors include Nick Bertling (drums/keys/bass/Sitar/guitar), Scott Robertson (bass/backing vocals/guitar/keys). Additional guest contributions were provided by Dave Morgan, Andrew Taylor, Arash Torabi, Jim Shepherd, Tali Trow, and Nick Frater. Teaspoon of Time is out now via Subjangle Records and Futureman Records

Facebook

Bandcamp for album

Say Sue Me - The Last Thing Left

 

In their most impressive work yet in their already admirable career, Say Sue Me processes grief and related emotional trauma resulting from the death of their friend and former drummer Semin Kang on their new album The Last Thing Left. The work is an absolute triumph. The songcraft is deft, the arrangements varied and fully fleshed out, and the performances elegant and dynamic. Special commendation goes to lead guitarist Byungkyu Kim, whose guitar speaks eloquently in many languages over the ten tracks, and vocalist Sumi Choi, whose pristine voice and nuanced delivery infuses the songs with genuine emotion. BTS, the countrymen of this Busan, South Korean quartet, attracts more attention, but Say Sue Me's undeniable talent deserves a wide and appreciative audience.

Say Sue Me are Byungkyu Kim (lead guitar), Sumi Choi (vocals/rhythm guitar) Jaeyoung Kim (bass) and Sungwan Lim (Drums). The Last Thing Left is out now via Damnably Records and Beach Town Music.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for The Last Thing Left

"Credit Note" by Holiday Ghosts

 

If When You Motor Away decided to hire a house band for all of our functions, Holiday Ghosts would be one of the top invitees. In fact, we aren't hiring a house band because we actually lack a physical facility to house a function and the house band. Further, the term "hire" suggests some compensation. We have some money from time to time, but summer is coming and that means our beer inventory needs a bump so, well, I think you understand.

But our need to have the essentials of life doesn't diminish our joy at learning that Holiday Ghosts have more music ready for our ears -- music we can listen to and pretend it is played by a house band we had the money to hire. The upcoming installment is an EP titled Credit Note and it is due July 27 via FatCat Records. We understand that the digital version has five tracks, and the vinyl version includes a bonus sixth track. We haven't heard the entire EP, but based on past recordings we expect energetic indie rock with good pop smarts and a sound and performance that could convince you that they are live and in the flesh, albeit in your ears. Take it for a test drive with title track "Credit Note".

The core of Holiday Ghosts has always been Katja Rackin (drums/vocals) and Samuel Stacpoole (guitar/vocals), but they have collaborated with various friends for past recordings. For Credit Note they are joined by B. Spanks (2nd guitar) and Morgan Lloyd-Mathews (bass).

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp for EP

"Teeth" by Wy

 

A year after releasing their well received LP Marriage, Swedish duo Wy is preparing to drop an EP titled Something Amazing. The title of the EP seems apt when considered with the beautiful lead track "Teeth". Dealing frankly with the desire to protect someone close but realizing the limits of one's ability to do so, it demonstrates the married couple's connection with real emotions.

Wy is Ebba and Michel Gustafsson Agren. "Teeth" is out now, and Something Amazing will be released June 17 via Rama Lama Records.

Rama Lama Records · Wy - Teeth

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Various links for "Teeth"

Hater - Sincere

 

Hater didn't need to change an thing. The band was already considered one of the brightest rising stars in Sweden and had earned fans at home and abroad for their tuneful, melancholy jangle pop. But the quartet apparently felt the fire to explore new sonic territory. The results are on grand display on their recently released Sincere. The changes are immediate and dramatic. The sound is denser and more layered. Mans Leonartsson's guitar ring, crunch, snarl and stab like a chorus of unleashed spirits. The drums are big; the bass insistent. The arrangements are more expansive and often explosive. And the songwriting has a more aggressive edge. Of course, the focal point remains the vocals of Caroline Landahl. Always expressive and nuanced, she seems to have found another level to match the change in material.

Sincere asks questions of their creators, and in our view they answer them all with style. Regardless of tempo and noise level, these songs are fully fleshed out and played with punch and confidence. The world may be down one jangling pop band, but there is a new indie rock star ascending.

Hater are Caroline Landahl, Mans Leonartsson, Frederick Rundquist, and Rasmus Andersson. Sincere is out now via Fire Records

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Sincere

"Look Back" The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness

We don't know how long a couple of guys can endure being nervous, but based on the quality of the music they create The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness are holding up quite well. This is especially true as they work remotely with one member in Spain and the other member is Scotland. Their third album coming in September and it is appropriately named The Third Wave Of ... . While September is a long way away, the boys have released a single titled "Look Back" which is available now. A lot of power pop and a touch of new wave, it is a great midweek pick-me-up.

TBWTPN are Andrew Taylor and Gonzalo Marcos. "Look Back" is out now as a digital single. The album will be released by Tear Jerk Records in Australia and Bobo Integral Records in the rest of the universe.

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp for pre-order of album

"Yelling At A Dog" by Near Beer

 

One of our favorite bands some years ago was The Henry Clay People, and we were very sad when they stopped making music. However, our spirits lifted today when we learned that Joey Siara -- former frontman for THCP -- was now fronting Near Beer. This trio combines some things that our special to us: Rock music; Affinity for dogs; The songwriting of Joey Siara; and An understanding that beer should be kept near. But why try to explain ourselves when you can just listen to their latest (and very dog-positive) single "Yelling At The Dog".  The song is out now on digital platforms and also is the lead track of the band's self-titled debut LP, which will be out this summer via Double Helix Records.

Near Beer are Joey Siara (vocals/guitar), Brent Stranathan (drums), and Jeremy Levy (bass/backing vocals).

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp

Various links for "Yelling At A Dog"

"Romantic" / "Octopussy" by Lande Hekt

 

What a great way to start our publishing week -- a 7" by Bristol, UK singer songwriter Lande Hekt. The frontwoman of Muncie Girls, Hekt released her debut solo effort Going to Hell last year, and now is solo again for a two song single consisting of the delicious pop tune "Romantic" plus a cover of the Wedding Present's "Octopussy" (we have been assured that David Gedge approved). This is top stuff, and it is available now in digital and vinyl formats via Emotional Response Records.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for "Romantic"

The Glass Picture - The Glass Picture EP

 

The Glass Pictures was formed  in 2020 by new flatmates Violetta Del Conte-Race and Lucy Emanuel (collectively veterans of Las Tetas, Modal Melodies, Primo!, and Reserve Game). However, as evidenced by their debut self-titled EP, the duo has quickly honed a distinctive and enthralling sound. Their songs are synth pop, but with dark folk and baroque elements. The melodies are captivating and the details lavishly applied, but the songs have a force about them. We assure you that you will be left wanting more. The replay button is your friend.

The Glass Pictures EP was released in November 2021 via a Melbourne cassette label Hidiotic Records, but fortunately the good folks at Chapter Music realized that a digital release was well-deserved. And so it is.

Bandcamp for EP

"Baby, We're Ascending" by HAAi

 

We needed this song to start the day. We mean, we really, really needed it. Swamped at work, exposed to COVID and feeling like we might not have dodged it and waiting for the slow PCR test confirmation. To understate it a bit, we needed a lift, and a lift we got via "Baby, We're Ascending". The song is the title track from the album by London-based DJ HAAi. A thrilling an uplifting dance floor delight, created with the assistance of Jon Hopkins, it is just the mood enhancement we needed. And now we are looking forward to the album.

Baby, We're Ascending will be out May 27 via Mute Records.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for album

Various links

Man Behind Tree - 3

 

Man Behind Tree might be viewed as an ominous name for a band, but it only takes a few moments of listening to new album 3 to relax and give yourself to the superb jangle pop and power pop that this quartet creates. Although based in Berlin, sound of Man Behind Tree is classic Teenage Fanclub and west coast US guitar pop. And it is done with flair and style. If you are a jangle fan like us, this is your discovery of the week.

Man Behind Tree are Hans Forster (vocals/guitar), Tobias Suttner (vocals/guitar), Gregor Huttner (drums/vocals), and Graham McCarthy (bass/vocals). 3 is out now in digital, CD and cassette formats via Subjangle and Twaague (cassette). Members of the band also are, or have been, in Seaside Stars, Hanemoon, and Mincer Ray.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for album

Jeanines - Don't Wait For A Sign

The spirit of C86 is strong with New York City's Jeanines. They do no-frills guitar pop that focuses the listener's attention where it should be focused: The harmonies and hooks riding the jangling guitar and rubbery bass lines. Their new album is the crisp and charming Don't Wait For A Sign. Many of the LP's songs seem to shoulder into the space between crash pop, twee and jangle pop, the first of which, to our ears, gives the material a sense of immediacy and punch. There also are elements of '60s folk rock that amplify the charm factor. Concision is the order of the day, as none of the 13 songs breaks the two-minute mark. But we think it is a confident and adept choice to end a song where the song should be ended rather than to hit some artificial length related to radio play that isn't in the cards anyway. Our user's guide to this album is: Spring is here and these songs will add plenty of sunshine and energy to bridge you to the summer; repeat as needed.

Jeanines are Alicia Jeanine (vocals/guitar) and Jed Smith (bass/drums). Don't Wait For A Sign is out now via Slumberland Records.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for album

Various links for the album and the band

"Open Up The Box" by The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness

 Every day is a good day for new music from The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness. "Open Up The Box" is a warm and generous power pop gem. It jangles and sparkles with a slightly more dreamy Teenage Fanclub vibe. Cue it up, and the sun might break through in your part of the world. It did for us.

TBWTPN are Andrew Taylor and Gonzalo Marcos. "Open Up The Box" is out now as a digital single via Bobo Integral Records.

Facebook

Instagram

Bandcamp for single

Various links for single

Yea-Ming & The Rumours - So, Bird ...

So, what is it about So, Bird..., the new album by Yea-Ming & The Rumors? Although I covered their prior album I wasn't aware that this one was released until last week, yet I now think it is going to be in my rotation for months to come. I can't easily point to a classification that encompasses the whole, but I have no trouble pointing to elements that make this an endearing album. There is a lot of '60s folk rock, with jangle, reverb, a bit of country-rock twang, and catchy sing-along melodies. But there also are songs that seem more akin to modern dreampop or just timeless folk. 

Thematically, So, Bird... is remarkable as well. The lyrics are introspective, personal and direct, but not uncomfortably so due to the upbeat arrangements and the lovely vocals by Yea-Ming Chen. This is the sort of songwriting that, if life in the music world was fair, would make legends. After all, it worked for Lee Hazlewood, and we detect some positive similarities with Yea-Ming's songs. As it is, we can only assure you that this album demands your ears, and you won't regret giving in.

The players on So, Bird ... are Yea-Ming Chen (vocals/guitar/slide guitar/piano/bass/drums/percussion/synths), Eoin Galvin (lap steel/guitar), Sonia Hayden (drums/percussion), Anna Hillburg (bass/vocals), and Matt Bullimore (guitar/slide guitar/organ). Yea-Ming Chen wrote all the songs except for "Takeda Lullaby", which is a traditional Japanese folk song.

The album is out now via Dandy Boy Records in the US and Lilystars Records in the Philippines. 

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for album

Lilystars Records page for album

Various links for the album

"To Dream" by Say Sue Me

Busan, South Korea's Say Sue Me have an excellent shoegaze sound and sharp pop smarts. Their next album, The Last Thing Left, arrives next month, and to keep our interest high they have released another single. "To Dream" is a shimmering delight with top quality vocals. It also happens to be the only song on the album with Korean lyrics. But have now fear -- the video shows the English translation.

Say Sue Me are Byungkyu Kim (lead guitar), Sumi Choi (vocals/rhythm guitar) Jaeyoung Kim (bass) and Sungwan Lim (Drums). The Last Thing Left, due May 13 via Damnably Records and Beach Town Music.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Various links for "To Dream"

Bandcamp for The Last Thing Left

Papercuts - Past Life Regression

Papercuts can hurt, but in the capable hands of Jason Quever, there is no reason for fear. Jason is an excellent producer, songwriter, performer, and instrumentalist. But he is best known to us as Papercuts, crafting remarkable soundscapes with melodies that stick to our hearts like our children's art work - precious, memorable, unique, fragile and treasured. His latest album is the recently released Past Life Regression. The ten tracks reflect a wide range of the pop landscape, in some instances reminding the listener of the '60s, in others the '80s or later, with a palette spanning dreampop, shoegaze and psychedelia. But the songs uniformly reflect careful songcraft and impeccable performances, while packing a palpable punch.

Past Life Regression is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Slumberland Records.

Slumberland Records · Papercuts - The Strange Boys

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp for Past Life Regression

Various links for Past Life Regression

"Angel" by Trudy and the Romance

 

How about a truly special slice of big-scope Americana from Liverpool, performed by a men who goe by the name of Trudy and the Romance? We didn't need any persuading to check out "Angel", because we have featured Trudy and the Romance before and absolutely are fans of their sincere, heart-on-his-sleeve delivery and memorable songwriting.

Enjoy the performance below. The song is out now via B3SCI Records.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Various links for single

Stephen's Shore - Green EP

 

Stockholm's Stephen's Shore was formed in 2011 and we think that by now they should be known to all guitar pop fans. It is true that they are not the most prolific band, but the music they create more than makes up for a lack of volume. To our ears the five-piece has arrived at the perfect blend of jangle, psychedelic pop and melancholy guitar pop. Perhaps think of it as a blend of Belfast's Sea Pinks, Dunedin's The Bats, and Los Angeles' Allah-Las. We absolutely love all of those bands, and are happy to add Stephen's Shore to the list. You can climb on the fan train yourself right now with their new EP Green.

Stephen's Shore are Viktor Sjodin, Erik J. Undehn, P.A. Blomqvist, Johan Dittmer, and Mattias Bergqvist. Green is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Madrid's Meritorio Records.

Facebook

Bandcamp for Green

Meritorio Records page for Green

"Hearts Underground" by Tallies

 

"Hearts Underground" is our first exposure to Tallies, but in light of the quality of this song we intend to focus some attention on this Toronto dream pop band. The song is a lovely, jangling delight reminiscent of the Sundays and Cocteau Twins, and some of The Cure's discography as well. It is taken from their upcoming July LP release Patina, which will be out via Bella Union (UK/EU), Kanine Records (US), and Hand Drawn Dracula (Canada).

Tallies are Dylan Frankland (guitar), Sarah Cogan (vocals/guitar), and Cian O'Neill (drums).

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Patina

Various Tallies links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talliesband/

Romero -Turn It On!

 

What is a Romeo and where might one find it? The answer is Romero is a five-headed music beast comprised of a big dose of punk, an even bigger dose of powerpop and classic rock, and a bit of channeling the love child of Blondie and Joan Jett. All of that is driven by a jaw-dropping vocal performance, twin guitars and a powerful rhythm section delivering your weekend party tunes from Melbourne -- packaged in their just released LP Turn It On! As for where to find them, check the entertainment bill at you local club. If is there, you should be there too. If they aren't, just get the album. Too few bands are making music in this vein these days, and too few of those who do are really good at it. Romero is really good at it. Get this record, turn it on, and turn it up.

Romero are Alanna Oliver, Adam Johnstone, Fergus Sinclair, Justin Tawil, and Dave Johnstone. Turn It On! is out now via Feel It Records and Cool Death.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Turn It On!

Various links for Turn It On!

"Solid Gold (feat. Amelia Fletcher)" by Red Sleeping Beauty

 

For us there is no better way to start the weekend early with a slice of pop genius. And today that means treating our ears to "Solid Gold". The song was written and performed by Swedish indie pop masters Red Sleeping Beauty, who invited Amelia Fletcher to provide the vocals. A jangling, upbeat bubble of euphoric sound, it makes us feel young and happy. And given our age and the state of the world, such emotions are a much needed gift. Songs don't always live up to the promise of the title, but "Solid Gold" easily hits the mark.

Red Sleeping Beauty has long provided much appreciated guitar and synth pop, and always manage to touch our pleasure points with just the right amount of pressure. Amelia has thrilled us with Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, Tender Trap, Marine Research, and more recently, The Catenary Wires and Swansea Sound. This collaboration is magic -- grab some for yourself.

Matinée Recordings · Red Sleeping Beauty - Solid Gold (featuring Amelia Fletcher)

Facebook for Red Sleeping Beauty

Twitter for Red Sleeping Beauty

Matinee Recordings page for "Solid Gold"

fine. - Fine

 

fine. is quite fine, thanks for asking. A duo of Liam James Marsh of Sheffield, UK, who also performs as Kid Chameleon, and Alice Kat of Boston, fine. has an excellent touch with indie pop, fuzz, jangle and weaves those elements into affecting, melodic creations. This self-titled album contains a generous 26 tracks comprised of their 2021 album I'm Glad It's Over Now (tracks 1-11) and 15 additional tracks curated by Liam from their catalogue of singles and EPs. Fine was available in double CD format, but those beauties are sold out. However, the digital album is available for 'name your price'.

Fine is a collection of top tunes with variety and a plentitude of hooks decorating well-crafted melodies. The duo could be forgiven if the rested on their laurels after this one, but we hope they don't.

Bandcamp for album

Liam's Kid Chameleon Bandcamp

Alice's Bandcamp

Alice's Facebook

Alice's Twitter

The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Life In The Void

In our opinion Glenn Donaldson's additions to his discography as The Reds, Pinks & Purples over the past couple of years is unprecedented. The quality is superb, musically and emotionally, and the volume is remarkable. Now, just a few months after his glorious new album Summer At Land's End (our feature here), he has released a three-song single Life In The Void. Consisting of the title track, which follows the layered, melancholy dreampop template of his recent albums, plus the acoustic "Nothing Between The Lines At All" and the eight-minute instrumental "Evening At Land's End", it seems to us that it is the perfect encore to Summer At Land's End. It is available now as a digital download for 'name your price'. But pay something -- Glenn deserves it. You also could buy one of the cool T-shirts while you are there if you or a fan you know wears the size that is available.

Twitter

Instagram

Bandcamp for Life In The Void

Various Artists - "I Found That Essence Rare" - The Sounds of Beauty

 

Since earlier today we stated that Sundays are the perfect day for compilations (especially when it rains all day, as it has here), we wanted to bring you more than one. And what a pleasure this one is! "I Found That Essence Rare" - The Sounds of Beauty is a 20-track compilation from Ottawa, Canada's best label, The Beautiful Music. The songs are by artists whose work has appeared on the label, although some of the songs haven't been on a TBM label record previously and a few are alternative versions. So to some extent it is a label sampler, but it really is broader. The purpose, however, is simple: To provide you with exciting music and invite you to seek out more music by these artists regardless of label. And you have no incentive not to do so, because the link at the end of the post takes you to a page with a link to a free download of the album. Yes, that is free, as in $0.00 Can/US/Aus whatever. Free. Happy listening!

Link for album (label page and includes a link for free download)

Various Artists - Under The Bridge

 

Sundays are for relaxing. And being music fans, relaxing often involves listening to music we like. One of the best ways to do that is to find good compilations so we have top tunes, some healthy variety and a sense of discovery. If you agree with us, we recommend a really wonderful compilation of songs by various artists titled Under The Bridge. A good compilation should have a focus and in this case all of the artists were connected with iconic Sarah Records. The intriguing twist is that this comp doesn't offer songs released via Sarah Records, but rather new songs (most of which have not previously been released) by the Sarah Records artists, either under the name used in the Sarah Records days or with the name of a new project. So what the listener gets is new, well-curated songs by great artists with that old Sarah Records vibe. Folks, that is your Sunday listening sorted. 

Under The Bridge is available now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Skepwax Records. Also note that the several artists will perform in two, all-day gigs in Bristol, UK on April 23 and London on April 24.

Bandcamp for Under The Bridge

Twitter

Instagram

"Far From A Mind" by Hater

 

One of the top young guitar pop/rock bands in our viewfinder is Malmo, Sweden's Hater. And as more indie music fans become exposed to them, their fan base grows in equal proportion. And deservedly so. Equally adept in the pop and rock channel, their upcoming album Sincere promises to be both a bit darker and feature heavier instrumentation than 2018's Siesta. A good example of their current sound is found on the latest single from the album, "Far From A Mind". The instrumental component of the song is both dense and euphoric, while the lyrical content is tense and the performance infused with a simmering aggression. We find it a compelling combination and an excellent song.

Hater are Caroline Landahl, Mans Leonartsson, Frederick Rundquist, and Rasmus Andersson. Sincere will be released May 6 via Fire Records.

Facebook

Twitter

Various links for "Far From A Mind"

Bandcamp for Sincere