“This one is for the daydream believers
Parents turned teachers
And believers 5am preachers
For the ravers divas and dealers
To the late night lovers boxset watchers in duvet covers
Round the clock mothers and part time clubbers
Remember
We’re all going through thе same thing”
I wasn’t prepared for how hard this song was going to hit me. I had so many feels, sadness, reflection, appreciation, and a bit of hope. Music moves all of us and the duo out of the UK, Everyone You Know with Joy Anonymous, nailed it.
As we continue to wade through the sludge of our times, this song provides a beautiful reminder….we’re all going through the same thing. Stay Strong!
Crank up the volume and enjoy!
Just For The Times-Lyrics
“My favorite song’s playing Everyone’s laughing, everyone’s smiling
This one’s for the daydream believers Parents turned teachers And believers, 5 AM preachers For the ravers, divas, and dealers To the late night lovers, boxset watchers in duvet covers ‘Round the clock mothers and part time clubbers, remember We’re all going through the samе thing And I’m sure it will all end soon Laughing and dancing under onе roof And that first time raving Hands in the air to our favorite tunes Hugs for your best friends, “Mate, I missed ya” Another night of smiling and pictures That’s gonna be night of our lives So this one here is just for the times
So this one here is for the sunrise spectators And the dance floor fiends This one’s for the careless The single parents and the troublesome teens I mean this one’s for the DJ’s playlist When we get back to them crowded places Making best friends with strangers We’re all going through the same thing Can’t wait for them Friday nights Wishful thinking, drinking inside Whiskeys, wine, queuing for pints They’re all on lines, but ain’t online Hugs for your best friends, “Mate, I missed ya” Another night of smiling and pictures That’s gonna be night of our lives So this one here is just for the times
And it don’t matter where you are It don’t matter what you’re doing What really matters is who you’re with ‘Cause none of this means anything if we ain’t together, you know? That’s what it’s all about, it’s about being together Together with the ones we love With your best friends and your family Your favourite song’s playing Everyone’s laughing, everyone’s smiling And that might seem like miles away right now But I promise you we’ll get there We’re all going through the same thing
This ain’t forever, this ain’t forever Sing it together, please keep your head up”
Everyone You Know is Rhys Kirkby-Cox and Harvey Kirkby. They are brothers from London. Check out all of their dance/electronic music by clicking here, Everyone You Know.
Tuesday’s atti’TUDE’ has me listening to new music from Claud, Major Murphy, and Ships Have Sailed
The loyal followers that know me well, have followed me through my many Monday Moods over the years. Today, I am also adding my Tuesday ‘tudes…specifically expressing my attitude on Tuesdays.
So today is Tuesday, and I am in a weird funky place. Yep, I have a bit of an atti’TUDE’.
Vaccinations are happening, the Covid-19 cases are decreasing and things are looking up for summer relief. I am thankful for sure.
I have multiple friends who have qualified and successfully received their vaccinations. Let me say how thrilled I am for them. It is life changing in a time where life has forever changed.
But what happens when they all go out and share their fun photos. Spreading their joy and excitement for a fairly Covid free experience seems happy but harsh right now. I don’t know about you but my lock down has me sad that I can’t be included and yet, in my cautiousness, I am almost punished for it. Tears flow as I see the celebrations, small and safe, but aren’t they a bit tone deaf to the many that are going on a freaking year of isolation?
Now, I am beginning to see the impending hardship. This will be a new world we will all have to navigate. The vaccinated and the not….
THE VACCINATED AND THE NOT
It is going to be tough.
I can’t be angry at their joy and their excitement for a new found freedom because I would totally feel the same way, but does it have to be placed in my face as I stay locked down? Have you experienced the harsh reality of those that easily move on and yet…because of uncontrollable circumstances you can’t?
As I ramble through my cozy cottage that I dearly love, like a ball in a pinball machine bouncing from room to room, I am reminded that I am virtually last on the list of vaccine takers. They said May, and now they are saying June for the end of the list of vaccinators. That seems forever away.
Can I hang on? We are talking MONTHS AWAY!
I will have to come to terms with friends that will laminate their Covid vax cards and have free reign of the world, parties…travel….concerts. I am happy for anyone that has made it through this tough year, but still, without the same freedom, I will remain reticent.
It will be a painful wait.
I have dreamed about my vaccinated Covid free plans. They are inclusive and wildly comprehensive. I am chomping at the bit for the joyous freedom of hosting friends and family again, and honestly pray that as I am the last to be free from the weighty chains of a deathly virus, I will make sure not to flaunt my freedom to others that are still, for whatever reason, hunkering down.
Won’t you also consider the masses as you slowly feel your own personal freedoms?
While I stay hunkered down, I stay connected with new music coming out every week. It is my life line and a beautiful reminder that creativity can occur even as I begin the next damn puzzle on my kitchen table…yep probably close to the 20th one since April 2020. Thank God for music!
So check out what keeps me sane despite the rotten hardships of staying in, tragic political disappointments, and missing visiting with the incredibly special people in my life.
MeetClaud, a bedroom pop musician from Chicago. Claud”s newest album release, Super Monster is totally worth your ears, Every song expresses emotion and experiences with authenticity, that we all seem to relate to in one way or another. There are so many gems, but this is the one I play on repeat.
Claud-Jordan
Major Murphy is a Grand Rapids, Michigan band that is breaking through the wider listening stream. They have an album, Access, out on April 2nd. I have a mark on my calendar for their second album release because I expect it to be a real gem based on this strong single.
The perfect reminder as I navigate the difficult waters of life.
“So in the meantime we’ll hold on/ We’re going the distance/ We’ll stand strong.”
Major Murphy- In The Meantime
Ships Have Sailed is a Los Angeles project of Will Carpenter – Vocals, Guitar, Production, Composition and Art Andranikyan – Drums. At first listen, I was totally captured by their sound and interesting arrangements. I now recognize that it is their uplifting message and my breath is a reminder I am here and alive….Let’s all Breathe.
“The song ‘Breathe’ is the exploration of what our traumas, our secrets, and our inner demons can do to us over time…how they can isolate us from those we need the most, and how they ultimately have the potential to be our biggest downfall. “
2021 had a crazy start…we had a lockdown in a pandemic which left little or no New Year’s celebrations, an overwhelming Georgia win of Warnock and Ossoff, an insurrection on the US Capitol, and then we finally welcomed the calm of inaugurating a new president. I don’t know about you, but my head has been spinning and swirling ever since. As I turn the calendar to February, I am slowly beginning to see the new year with a glimpse of promise and hope. Music always plays a role in my emotions, my impassioned political leanings, as well as my overall outlook. I now feel a break in the news cycle to slow down and give new music a serious listen.
So, my first music search found one with a chill vibe as well as a serious groove. Right now, I need the kind of music which calms me and yet orbits me outside of my usual realm. This song is it. The instrumental provides a sublime dreamy space to imagine a new year with new promise. I love everything about their sound.
Nikitch & Kuna Maze is a collaborative project between Nicolas Morant aka Nikitch and Edouard Gilbert aka Kuna Maze. They channel their instrumental skills to create compositions using their common chemistry while blurring the lines between improvisation, production and the creative art of DJing. Instrumental music is the perfect antidote to stress. I am playing it on repeat when I need to take a break from this crazy world.
Nikitch & Kuna Maze – Hey, This Must Be Deep (Confined Session)
I am all about new artists. Katy Kirby is one that I have totally fallen for.
“Kirby was born, raised, and homeschooled by two ex-cheerleaders in small-town Texas, where she started singing in church. After high school, Kirby moved to Nashville, where she managed to graduate college with a rapidly expanding circle of artistic allies, an amorphous collection of leftist beliefs, and a few handfuls of songs. After a series of painful failures to complete a record that reflected the temperament of those songs, Kirby finally turned to dear friends and co-conspirators to form a band capable of constructing a satisfying full length.”
Her album, Cool Dry Places, will release in February, but we have been graced by a handful of pre-releases. I am sharing “Juniper”, her latest. Her lilting vocals, and the dynamic musical stops and starts, emphasize her stark independence and create a powerful, catchy song.
“This is a song about motherhood, mostly. It sometimes seems like there’s far more material written on how dads can be terrifying and awful, or everyone is just less surprised about it. I’m uncommonly open and close with my mom, (and she’s asked several times if it’s about her — if you’re reading this Lisa, I swear, it’s not!!), but I was trying to work out how many distinct ways that sort of dynamic can uniquely harm. I wound up thinking a lot about vacancy, sort of how abandonment can happen even if someone technically sticks around. I heard Greta Gerwig say in an interview about Ladybird that “nobody doesn’t have a complicated relationship with their mother.” That feels pretty reasonable to me as far as super-broad statements go, and is maybe (probably) part of what scares me to death about raising a kid.”
Katy Kirby-Juniper
When I received this letter, my knees were weak and I literally belted out a “Waahoo” in support of the surprise release of Sympathetic Magic, by Typhoon. Overjoyed can’t even express the crazy emotions that washed over me. 2021 is looking better already. My favorite new music from one of my all time favorite bands.
My Dear Friend,
I hope you’re holding up. What a mess!
Small news in the big scheme, but we finished a record and I wanted to share it with you. I wrote all these songs while puttering around the house these past several months, because, what else was I going to do? The songs are about people – the space between them and the ordinary, miraculous things that happen there, as we come into contact, imitate each other, leave our marks, lose touch. Being self and other somehow amounting to the same thing.
The record is called Sympathetic Magic and it’s a great joy to share it with you. To be honest, it’s a joy to share anything at all in these isolating times.
Yrs, kyle / typhoon
Typhoon-Empire Builder
Another surprising release was from Tune-Yards. The lyrical message is a beautiful one and one I think we all need right now. Be kind and gentle with yourself as we all learn to survive in this new world of dramatic shifts and changes.
“We all have doubts (We all have doubts) We all have rage (We all have rage) We all have trouble being brave enough to turn the page (We all have trouble being brave enough)
But we will Hold ourselves now
Tune-Yards-Hold Yourself
Shovels and Rope came out with a remarkable collaboration with Sharon Van Etten and I just can’t get enough of it. They covered the Beach Boys tune, “In My Room”. It is a classic tune where they infused their signature sassy Americana honky tonk. Listening to this song today, it seems to have a broader meaning as we all learn to navigate staying home during this frightening pandemic. I am working through so many emotions in my room. Aren’t you? A must listen!
Shovels and Rope (featuring Sharon Van Etten)
Happy February, happy new music! Let me know what you are loving and listening to right now.
Shungudzo shares authenticity in her music and inspires people to vote for change
Photo credit: Yazz Alali
Authenticity Matters
Truth Matters
My blog here has nothing to do with more people liking it and creating more engagement. As much as I would welcome and love that, I am not going to change who I am to create a larger audience.
This is the space where I share incredible music within the context of my personal voice. It is hard and sometimes a personal struggle based on my deep passions about rights, politics, friendships, relationships, and our world. Yet, the music miraculously finds me, strikes a chord, and becomes a heartfelt companion.
I will continue to share my beliefs on human rights, black lives matter, health care for all, criminal justice reform, clean energy, rebuilding our infrastructure, as well as increased funding for public schools & mental health, and I deeply believe in love….all love. In 2021, I will work toward realizing these beliefs and I can’t completely separate these important foundations when I listen to new music. They go hand in hand. I am giving you fair warning.
In this unfolding new year, I strive to continue to lean into authenticity.
Authenticity means to be genuine, original, real, and true. It is a difficult thing to be in the world of social media. I have witnessed and been a part of incendiary statements made on sites to create tension and add engagement. Conspiracy theories or suggesting alternative information just to get a push back and click bait, is not a part of my language.
I speak only what I truly believe in my heart and what has been fact checked. But, thankfully, I have been blogging for over 7 years and I have learned it is primarily the music that brings people to this site. I am so thankful to you, my loyal followers, even as I have been more quiet in 2020. The quiet was intentional, for that is the only place where one can learn and grow. Loud cluttered noise, finger wagging, and empty chat provide no place for authenticity and discussion.
So, as we face one of the most important Georgia run off elections in history, I can’t help but share music which provides important power to the people. Let’s rid our system of career politicians that just make money from their political power. Vote for candidates that plan to work for the people of their districts and make strategic changes. If you live in Georgia and haven’t already voted, as I have, make a plan to vote! You have until 7pm!
Your vote, your power!
Shungudzo-It’s a Good Day (to fight the system)
Who is Shungudzo?
“Alexandra Shungudzo Govere, better known as just Shungudzo, is a Zimbabwean-American philanthropist, singer, songwriter, record producer, gymnast, journalist and reality television personality. She caught the attention of the world when she was a gymnast for Zimbabwe, and later founded the Kijana project providing relief for Aids orphans. Then, she gained wide media attention as a cast member for the reality show, The Real World:San Diego.”
She released a a mixed tape in 2010 and has released original music as well as cowritten a number of songs since 2017.
Her latest track, “It’s a Good Day (to fight the system)” was released in October of 2020 from the first chapter, I (motsi) of a forthcoming collection of music coming in 2021. Shungudzo’s catchphrase is “using words as weapons of love”. Her voice is like dripping raw honey with a lyrical, focused principle of rallying people to vote and inspire. I was swept up by the chorus of voices, as well as, the horn arrangements and crisp guitar. All contributed to creating bright and up lifting music. I can totally stand behind the message as well, we must all fight against the systems that oppress, with love and unity.
Happy New year’s to you and yours!
Letting go of 2020 feels so good!
As I sit at home (being responsible and cautious), I am listening to random fireworks blasting in the dark, rain spitting night. I think of a 2020 with so much heaviness. All I can say is that I simply want to let go. I want to release the pain and worry and fear of this past year. I want to be excited about the future, I want to be hopeful.
In need of positive vibes, this fresh tune from new artist Pynkie makes the grade.
New Music -Pynkie
Pynkie is the musical project from New Jersey ortho/neuro nurse, Lindsey Radice. Her latest song, is the closer on her upcoming album, #37, releasing on October 16th via House Arrest. “Vacation”, is a charmer with it’s soft catchy harmonies and upbeat, smile infusing sound. She successfully weaves lo and hi fi sounds with a guitar centric song and gently spiced with a jangly tambourine. To top it all off, the accompanying video is home movie joy. It reminds me of that special time when family life had crazy highlighted reels and no posed, curated selfies. Home movies are mostly embarrassing moments which become endearing and wonderfully special over time.
Take me back, please.
Pynkie brings on positive vibes and yes, join me to welcome them. Give it a listen.
Pynkie-Vacation
According to the press release….
“Vacation” is a true highlight, an upbeat song about breaking free from a former relationship as well as the old ways of thinking that went along with it. Featuring one of Radice’s catchiest choruses, the cheerful nature of the song belies a darker sentiment, as Radice sings, “And I’m telling myself on this new vacation/ that the minute I feel you slipping away/ I’ll only give you the green light.” It’s a song about liberation and freedom from past things that bring you down.
I want immediate liberation/freedom from all the messes in the world that bring me down. Hope you are all hanging in there in these crazy strange times. Check in with the people you love often, and be sure to….
Stand out new music-Jonathan Personne and Chris Wills. Get to know them and listen.
New Music
New music fills my inbox everyday. It is overwhelming. When the blog began back in 2013, new music came in slow, weak trickles. I literally had to seek it out. But now, it floods me. Fortunately, I eliminate many songs/albums because they are either not the right fit for my blog, or it is music I am not super hyped about.
Because I am only one person, music slips by and gets buried in the massive amounts of emails.
Going forward, the plan is to make a concerted effort to sift through the music and stay relevant and current.
Are music blogs a thing of the past?
Please tell me they aren’t. I don’t believe they are passé. I believe in my blog 100 % and in my gifted blogger friends. It is fascinating when so many voices and opinions can bubble up, based on one song, one artist, or one band. Amplifying the beauty of music is a true passion for these bloggers and not a job. The many colorful voices of music writers are valued and valid.
I hope you might appreciate mine, as I cherry pick all the best new music that comes my way. Here’s what the past week brought me.
Jonathan Personne-Alternative/Indie
Get to Know Jonathan Personne
Jonathan Personne is the solo project of guitarist/songwriter Jonathan Roberts. Roberts is also a member of the Sub-Pop signed indie rock band , Corridor. He released his second solo album on August 28th, Disparitions via Michel Records. The single I want to share, “Terre des Hommes”
“assimilates the sounds of 60s twelve-string psych, 80s jangle-pop akin to Flying Nun-signed acts, The Go-Betweens, etc and new wave. It further mines what Jonathan has described as “spaghetti western rock”, a genre given to himself that looks at dispirate themes such as loneliness, sparsity and feeling at one with yourself.”
To me, the jangle guitar and the stellar solo riffs provide such sweet listening satisfaction. The psychedelic/atmospheric vocals and french lyrics bring a softness to the perfectly timed colliding strings. There is something quite nostalgic about his clever mixing of genres and it lodges fittingly in your heart as an immediate like. Worldly, soothing, and yet boldly guitar forward, Jonathon Personne is a singer/songwriter to keep an ear out for.
The Canadians seem to have taken care of their citizens during this horrible pandemic and bands are actually securing dates to perform live this fall. He has dates on his calendar and I am so sad that I can’t see him in the states when he is out promoting this incredible album. But listening to the album on repeat will have to do for now. And, that is exactly what I am spending my time doing….
Jonathan Personne-Terre des Hommes
The Lyrics
“Seul. Seul face à l’histoire. Tremble et pleure comme un chien. Dehors, regarde les myriades. Les considérera demain. Héros devant le miroir, du sang plein les mains. Vers les nouveaux territoires, abandonnant le sien. Terre des Hommes, poussière dans l’espace disparaissant au loin. Évidemment, il est temps pour toi de quitter la planète, de fuir ta merde camouflée par les fleurs accrochées à ta veste. Évidemment, il est temps pour toi de quitter la planète, de fuir ta merde camouflée par les fleurs accrochées à ta veste. Héros devant le miroir, du sang plein les mains. Seul. Seul face à l’histoire. Tremble et pleure comme un chien. Dehors, regarde les myriades. Les considérera demain.”
Rough….very rough translation
“Alone. Alone in the face of history. Tremble and cry like a dog. Outside, look at the myriads. Will consider them tomorrow. Heroes in front of the mirror, blood in their hands. Towards new territories, abandoning his own. Terre des Hommes , dust in space disappearing far away. Obviously it’s time for you to leave the planet, to run away from your shit camouflaged by the flowers hanging on your jacket. Obviously, it’s time for you to leave the planet, to run away from your shit camouflaged by the flowers hanging on your jacket. Hero in front of the mirror, blood in his hands. Alone. Alone facing the story. Tremble and cry like a dog. Outside, look at the myriads. Consider them tomorrow. “
Chris Wills-Indie
Get to Know Chris Wills
Chris Wills packed up his car and moved from New Jersey to LA without looking back. It was a bold move because he dropped out of school, found a job, and pretty much lived in his car. It proved to be tough and a little scary, but he didn’t look back and decided to double down and lean into his passion of singing/songwriting. He was fortunate and met a community of people who were talented and inspiring. The core musicians on his first self-titled EP are Louie Diller of Holychild, Sam Stewart of Lo Moon, and Dan Sadin.
Each song is worthy of your ears, but “Carry You Home (feat. Doe Paoro)” is his most recent release. He describes it as…
” a song about faith and trust. To put your faith in yourself and to make friends with you no matter how difficult life may be at the moment. I placed it in the context of romance, a duet, because that’s where I feel a lot these struggles are sussed out. But it applies beyond romance”.
It has poppy, atmospheric vocals which are catchy and hopeful. Simple guitar strumming is the focal of the music’s charm. Chris Wills’ self titled EP is a nice introduction to the range and the ability of this new talent on the alternative/indie scene. Check it out.
Carry You Home-Chris Wills (feat. Doe Paoro)
The Lyrics
“And though the road it may seem weary And the end is still unknown And if you can’t seem to travel on, baby Oh I’ll be there to carry you home And though the road it may seem weary And the end is still unknown And if you can’t seem to travel on, baby Oh I’ll be there to carry you home Oh I’ll be there to carry you home”
Who are you listening to?
So many of my friends are leaning into nostalgic tunes that are reminders of how life used to be before we were hit with the realities of 2020. I am curious if you might have any recommendations of favorites, or new music that you find particularly stunning.
Listen to 5 songs with me and maybe for a little bit, we can forget the world is so damn wonky.
There is so much uncertainty in the world.
We have every reason to be a little crazy due to a dangerous lurking virus, a human rights struggle with the Black Lives Matter movement, and an economic collapse which rivals the Depression. There is so much uncertainty. Put on top of all of that tragedy, the inability to go to work, a restaurant, or simply gather with friends and family. We are all facing difficult pressure inducing conditions. Sadly, we have no way of releasing the mounting tensions.
Yet, somehow, we keep putting one foot in front of the other. New music helps.
Have you created habits that help keep you sane?
I juggle many new activities to ease the heartache of missing my normal routine. I try to switch them up to keep boredom at bay. The intricate puzzles which splay out on my kitchen table help to refocus my thinking. I have a regular Zoom with music friends another state away. We rank songs on a music bracket ( similar to a championship basketball bracket) by a particular band or artist. It provides a fun activity while we gather, kid around, and catch up. So far, we have ranked the songs from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Talking Heads, Steely Dan, Willy Nelson, Van Morrison, and Pink Floyd. Our next artist is Tom Petty, what an incredible discography!
I walk our neighborhood on repeat and sometimes bike. I am so thankful we have a lovely duckpond and park to visit. Spending a lot of time outdoors has made me more aware of nature. I have even seen families of foxes for the first time. Nature is revitalizing. I scattered wildflower seeds in my garden in March, and I enjoy watching surprise summer flowers appear regularly.
I am also working on a new embroidery project that has proven to be quite challenging. Reading books also helps to send my mind to unfamiliar places and spark a bit of imagination. There is also some serious Netflix watching. I worry that my giant supply of unseen shows might suddenly come to a halting end. Have any you might recommend? Cooking and cocktails is also a big thing too. Every night is a new adventure into what can we possibly eat that we aren’t tired of eating. So, dinner has become a new experiment. We take turns and collaborate for the evening meal. Honestly, I can’t wait to be seated in a real restaurant, pick my dinner from a variety of choices, and be served!
The past several months have been all about distraction. I am trying to find moments where I am not frantically following Twitter, and stumbling upon news updates which make my skin crawl.
The music blog has been in a holding pattern
I haven’t written much here at Immersed in Cool Music. I am trying to deal with the sadness of no live shows. So many venues are hemorrhaging money to keep their employees and their building leases. I have written my senators in support of Save Our Stages (please check it out- HERE) Then, on top of it all , it seems there are more allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct in the music industry. I do listen to amazing new music, but seem to be stuck with just adding it to my playlist. I hold onto it, instead of sharing it.
Don’t get me wrong, I have started several posts but then abandon them. Then, days pass and it becomes old and unimportant in the frightening scheme of things. Yep, I started this one about two weeks ago. I am simply pickier due to my intense need to find a bit of relief, or even support for expressing my internal rage.
This time, I am determined to push through every excuse I drum up inside my head. I will finish this post on my blog no matter how long it takes. Music and art are coming my way more than ever before. Surprisingly, there are those who can successfully use these difficult, uncertain times and create incredible beauty. I just have a harder time with it.
Listen with me and maybe for a little bit, we can forget the world is so damn wonky.
Fontaines D.C.-Post Punk
A Hero’s Death, from Dublin band, Fontaines D.C. was released just a couple of weeks ago. The latest album was only a year after winning the 2019 Album of the Year and a Mercury Prize nomination with their debut. They have returned to bring more of their punching, post-punk rock.
According to Partisan Records, A Hero’s Death
“Arriving battered and bruised – albeit beautiful – the album is anything but a re-hash of the swaggering energy from their first record. Instead the music is patient, confident, and complex – full of heady and philosophical takes on the modern world and its great uncertainty.”
Lead singer Grian Chatten with Carlos O’Connell, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan, and Tom Croll, all met at music college in Dublin. They first bonded over poetry, and released two books of poetry, that haven’t been placed in any of their songs as of yet. The band got their name from the character, Johnny Fontane, in the movie The Godfather. In the movie, Fontane was a singer which Vito Corleone helped break into the music business. Fontaines D.C. added the initials “D.C.” which stand for “Dublin City”, when a band in Los Angeles had the same name.
The title track on the album shouts the repetitive memorable line, “Life Ain’t Always Empty” and surrounds the worrisome but hopeful thought with a blueprint of positive actions and reminders to construct a fuller life . They serve up the perfect pounding beat with multiple guitar jangle, emphatic vocals , and a haunting background of oohs and aahs.
Listen…
Fontaines D.C. A Hero’s Death
Other listens-“Lucid Dream” and “I Don’t Belong”
Madeline Kenney-Indie Rock
Madeline Kenney is an Oakland, California singer songwriter and creative who recently released Sucker Lunch. It is her third album and it is a must listen. The music is gentle and rolling with a calming entity, but after diving deeper through multiple listens, it examines a multitude of feelings from almost every angle. Her sultry vocals add depth and beauty to the softness of each song. “White Window Light” is a gorgeous sonic exploration of love’s uncertainty with grace filled soft choruses and off kilter guitar chords. Stripped down, raw, and with hints of self doubt, it radiates truth and sincerity. Both radically needed in an uncertain world. Kenney has a gift of imagining the simple beauty of her love surrounded by white window light and translates her careful observations into a gorgeous song.
Madeline Kenney-White Window Light
Other Listens-“Sucker”, “Double Hearted”, and “Cut the Real”
Dehd-Indie Rock
Chicago trio, Dehd, returns with a studio produced album and many accolades of growth and amplified candor. The band is Emily Kempf, Jason Balla, and Eric McGrady. Each song on Flower of Devotion, provides a lush landscape of vocals, reverb, and wild vibrato woven craftily into the fabric of a powerfully confident band. The album is full of glaring songs which are really quite simple lyrically, but pushed forward vocally, creating a surprising intensity. It was so difficult to choose a favorite, but “Month” seems to nicely fit into the crazy pandemic narrative where there is so much doubt and I really don’t know what time, day, or month it is….
Dehd-Month
Other Listens-“Loner” and “Flying”
Sylvan Esso-Electronic Pop
It is three years overdue….but North Carolina’s Sylvan Esso recently announced the release of their follow up album, Free Love, coming out in September. I have been singing their praises for awhile now (Check out my other posts-Sylvan Esso Archives). “Ferris Wheel” is the first released track from the new album, I dare you to stay seated or still. It is a movement song that spins musically and is the perfect magical song of summer. It provides a much needed mood lifter.
Turn it up!
Sylvan Esso-Ferris Wheel
Other Listen from the new album- “Rooftop Dancing”
bdrmm-Modern Day Shoegaze
I haven’t watched much live music during the lockdown. I was a bit overwhelmed with the constant notifications and early on, the quality was a bit rough. Somehow, I stumbled upon bdrmm jamming on their back patio in England. I was mesmerized by their relaxed ease and the ethereal shoegaze they kicked out into the world. Originally a solo project, lead vocalist Ryan Smith decided to expand into a band; he roped in his brother, Jordan Smith, on bass before drafting Joe Vickers (guitar), Danny Hull (synth, backing vocals), and Luke Irvin (drums). They just released their debut album, Bedroom in July. The Instagram live concert was in support. During this uncertain time there really isn’t much reason to celebrate, but some accidents can be a wonderful thing.
bdrmm-A Reason to Celebrate
Other Listens-“Gush” and “Happy”
I would love for you to tell me what songs you are listening to right now. What songs comfort you or charge you? What activities are keeping you sane? Looking for suggestions to add to my repertoire. I hope you are surviving all the uncertainty. Please stay healthy, wear a mask in public, social distance, and continue to wash your hands on repeat. Stay safe and be sure you are registered to VOTE!
Maisie Peters shares a wonderful summer indie pop song which makes me smile…Listen
Sad Girl Summer…. more than one way to interpret this one. Catchy, sweet, and poppy, meant for girl vibing and togetherness, but also a statement on the weird time we live in.
Whatever, the joy of female bonding and support makes me oh so happy.
Music history inspiration for a modern day BLM movement. Patti Smith-People Have The Power
After protesting the Vietnam War and participating in pushing cultural change in the 60’s, Patti Smith (known as the ‘punk poet laureate’) and her late husband Fred “Sonic” Smith collaborated in writing a song in 1988 to help bring about inspiration for different causes of that time. They were trying to build a modern day movement with the same importance of the 60’s. Their song was Patti’s lyrical work based on Fred’s basic idea…people have the power. It has the spirit of the 60’s, vibe of the late 80’s, but still stands today as a song which provides reassurance that any movement is in the hands of us all. “People Have The Power” is the lead single off of the album, Dream of Life.
“What we wanted to do was remind the listener of their individual power, but also of the collective power of the people, how we can do anything. We wrote it consciously together to inspire people, to inspire people to come together.”-Patti Smith
I have been participating in protests for Black Lives Matter throughout the city of Atlanta. I feel the energy and the wave of change cannot be bottled up and cast aside any longer. The world is listening. Change is occurring. Change is inevitable.
Now, the BLM marches are becoming more specific in their wants. The organizers realize the power they have to create a transformative revision of modern policing in our country. It is a momentous moment. There are several serious hurdles yet to jump, but we recognize the ability to change the conversation based on the large, diverse population participating, and the final removal of the aggressive military and police presences. The voices of the protesters are being heard. I feel the power, through a few painful blisters, some emotional exhaustion, and a few bittersweet tears. I will continue to support important black voices which lead this charge. Yes, people have the power.
Change is on its way.
Patti Smith-People Have The Power
“I was dreaming in my dreaming Of an aspect bright and fair And my sleeping it was broken But my dream it lingered near In the form of shining valleys Where the pure air recognized And my senses newly opened I awakened to the cry
That the people have the power To redeem the work of fools Upon the meek the graces shower It’ s decreed the people rule
People have the power People have the power People have the power People have the power
Vengeful aspects became suspect And bending low as if to hear And the armies ceased advancing Because the people had their ear And the shepherds and the soldiers Lay among the stars Exchanging visions And laying arms To waste in the dust
In the form of shining valleys Where the pure air recognized And my senses newly opened I awakened to the cry
People have the power People have the power People have the power People have the power
Where there were deserts I saw fountains Like cream the waters rise And we strolled there together With none to laugh or criticize And the leopard And the lamb Lay together truly bound I was hoping in my hoping To recall what I had found
I was dreaming in my dreaming God knows a purer view As I lay down into my sleeping I commit my dream to you
People have the power People have the power People have the power People have the power
The power to dream to rule To wrestle the earth from fools It’ s decreed that people rule It’ s decreed that people rule I believe everything we dream Can come to pass through our union We can turn the world around We can turn the earth’ s revolution We have the power
People have the power People have the power People have the power
The power to dream to rule To wrestle the earth from fools It’ s decreed that people rule It’ s decreed that people rule
We have the power
We have the power People have the power We have the power”
