Spring 2020 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify, enjoy!

1. "Where Do You Go When You Dream?" – Woods

2. "Fear of Heights" – Wye Oak

3. "Karen" – Surfer Blood

4. "Beaten Down" – Sharon Van Etten

5. "Friday" – Real Estate

6. "The Worst in Us" – The Dears

7. "Videostores" – Quivers

8. "Music" – Peter Bjorn and John

9. "Hey Hey I" – Other Lives

10. "As the Sun Sets" – Sorry

11. "Too Late" – Washed Out

12. "Mikaela Corridor" – Baths

13. "Upside Down" – Mondo Cozmo

14. "Aries" – Gorillaz featuring Peter Hook and Georgia
15. "Why Not" – Unloved
16. "Olympik" – EOB

17. "Illusion of Time" – Daniel Avery, Alessandro Cortini

Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2018

Compiling this year's Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day was an easy task, considering all the great new music lately from fave bands. Here are tunes that pull at the heartstrings by LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire, The National, Beck, Spoon, Washed Out, Mew and more. And check out the gender-balanced cover of Interpol's "PDA" by Daywave and Hazel English. Whether coupled up or single at the moment, it's all music to feed the soul.

Listen to my Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2018 on Spotify here.  For further inspiration, visit my posts from past years: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

1. "oh baby" – LCD Soundsystem

2. "All Disco" – Elbow

3. "Do I Have to Talk You Into It" – Spoon

4. "Seventh Heaven" – Beck

5. "Dark Side of the Gym" – The National

6. "We Don't Deserve Love" – Arcade Fire

7. "Come Break My Heart Again" – The Lone Below

8. "Hard to Say Goodbye" – Washed Out

9. "To Hold and Have" – The Dears

10.  "Love Is Love (Sun on Time)" – Woods

11. "Call It Dreaming" – Iron & Wine

12. "Carry Me To Safety" – Mew

13. "PDA" – Daywave, Hazel English

14. "Up All Night" – The War on Drugs

15. "Girl Like You" – Toro Y Moi

16. "The Fear" – The Shins

17. "We a Famly" – The Flaming Lips

Late Summer 2015 New Music Playlist

Why not rock another playlist while there are still weeks of summer left? There’s certainly enough new music on the scene to choose from. In researching my latest picks, I also discovered plenty of crazy descriptive phrases to label the bands, from electropop, indie pop and rock pop to atmospheric rock, post-rock and rocktronica. Check out whatever perks up those listening ears, be it veterans such as The Dears, Mates of State, Beirut, The Chemical Brothers and Wilco or newer groups such as Penguin Prison, FFS and Baio. Listen on Spotify via this link or as a YouTube playlist.

1. “Fixations” – Gardens & Villa
Californian indie rock band Gardens & Villa recently relocated from Santa Barbara to L.A. and downsized to two people for its third album since 2008, Music for Dogs. This kicky tune, “Fixations,” by Adam Rasmussant and Chris Lynch, demonstrates a new direction while keeping layered textures intact

2. “Staring Contest” – Mates of State
“Staring Contest” is a typical blast of fun from the indie pop couple Kori Gardner (keyboards, vocals) and Jason Hammel (percussion, vocals), musical allies since 1999. The latest release is a self-produced EP, You’re Going to Make It.

3. “No No No” – Beirut
Santa Fe native Zach Condon returns with a new batch of songs following hospitalization for exhaustion after excessive touring for his last album in 2011. This sweet ditty is the title track for the upcoming release, with a familiar worldview embedded in the instrumentation.

4. “Cream on Chrome” – Ratatat
This Brooklyn-based duo of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast just released its fifth studio album since 2001, Manifique. The single “Cream on Chrome” spotlights their quirky rocktronica instrumentals that inspire Ratatat’s signature sound.

5. “In a Future World” – Telekinesis
Drummer and songwriter Michael Benjamin Lerner took a different approach for Ad Infinitum, his third album since 2008 as Telekinesis. As a happy newlywed in Seattle, he took to the basement studio to compose songs dripping with electronica as evidenced in “In a Future World.”

6. “Island” – Surfer Blood
Surfer Blood is an alt rock quartet from West Palm Beach that just released its third album since 2009, 1000 Palms. Singer John Paul Pitts brings a laid back vibe to the vocals for the band, as demonstrated in “Island.”

7. “ I Used to Pray for the Heavens to Fall” – The Dears
Canadian indie rock band The Dears is ready with a sixth album since 1995, Times Infinity Volume One (volume two will appear shortly afterwards). Frontman Murray Lighburn leads the way through another emotional rollercoaster with this song, “I Used to Pray for the Heavens to Fall.”

8. “Some Minds (featuring Andrew Wyatt)” – Flume
Flume is the stage name of Sydney-based multi-instrumentalist and electronic music producer D.J. Harley Streten. Here he enlists Miike Snow’s Andrew Wyatt for lyrics and shadowy vocals in this stand-alone single, following a debut album back in 2012.

9. “Sensual People” – Lylas
Singer and banjo player Kyle Hamlett is the mastermind behind Nashville’s indie rock quintet Lylas since 2005. The song “Sensual People” supposedly arrived in his dreams, an enchanting tune for the upcoming second full length release.

10. “Gone” – JR JR
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. changed its name after five years to JR JR and recently released this feel-good single, “Gone,” in advance of a third album. The Detroit indie pop twosome of Daniel Zott and Josh Epstein is clearly ready to keep the party going, whatever the moniker.

11. “Call Girl” – FFS
The single “Call Girl” is a result of collaborative recording sessions between Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand and the L.A. rock pop brothers pair, Sparks (Ron and Russell Mael). Songs on the self-titled album revel in heavy hooks and a collective swagger found in this supergroup.

12. “Calling Out” – Penguin Prison
Penguin Prison is the electropop musical project of singer, musician, producer and remixer Chris Glover since 2008. “Calling Out” is the exuberant sing along single from his second album, Lost in New York.

13. “Random Name Generator” – Wilco
Wilco dropped a ninth album without fanfare, Star Wars, that’s full of the gritty alternative rock this Chicago-based group is famous for after two decades. With singer Jeff Tweedy’s undercurrent of vocals, “Random Name Generator” churns along with relentless persistence.

14. “Sister of Pearl” –Baio
Chris Baio, known as the bass player for Vampire Weekend, is releasing a solo debut of his dance music as he also keeps busy as a D.J. and record producer. This tune “Sister of Pearl” is a fun introduction to the new debut, The Names.

15. “Wide Open (featuring Beck)” – The Chemical Brothers
British electronic dance music partners since 1991, Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons are back with an eighth album, Born in the Echoes. They entrust the vocals to Beck for “Wide Open,” just one of the many rock star appearances in the collection.

16. “Sparks” – Beach House
The song’s genesis is a vocal loop captured during a sound check before a Beach House concert. It serves as a bewitching introduction to the upcoming fifth album, Depression Cherry, by the Baltimore-based dream pop duo of Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand.

17. “All Yours” – Widowspeak
Molly Hamilton (guitarist and vocalist) and guitarist Robert Earl Thomas of Widowspeak recently traveled upstate from Brooklyn to record new songs in a barn. “All Yours” is a winsome title track for the upcoming release, the band’s fourth album since 2010.

18. “No Comprende” – Low
Low is an indie rock trio from Duluth, Minnesota, known for slow tempos and spare arrangements for great effect. “No Comprende” lucidly continues that mantra as featured on an upcoming eleventh album, Ones and Sixes.

19. “Sad Heart of Mine” – Caspian
Beverly, Massachusetts instrumental post-rock band Caspian is getting ready to release its fifth studio album since 2005, Dust and Disquiet. The group strives to convey a story in music, much more than just presenting building blocks of sound.

New Song by The Dears, "I Used to Pray for the Heavens to Fail" (New Album Out September 25)

The Dears (Photo Courtesy Big Hassle Media)

Montreal band The Dears have announced not one but two albums on the way, with the first new song ready for a preview. The band returns using typical thoughtful prose for a title, "I Used to Pray for the Heavens to Fail," and the sound is straight out of the gate epic. With lush, dense instrumentation that infuses the tune with orchestral pop rock flourishes, founder and singer Murray Lightburn takes us on yet another musical journey. The new album, Times Infinity Volume One, is due September 25 via Dangerbird Records, with additional material spilling into Times Infinity Volume Two, out in early 2016.

It is the first album since 2011's Degeneration Street, the group's fifth release since 1995. A fan of the band already, I caught the band on tour around that time and the single "Omega Dog" found its way on my Winter 2011 New Music Playlist. Back then I also had the opportunity to interview keyboardist and Lightburn's wife Natalia Yanchak for PopMatters, when she was a new mother. I know well that during that time of life keeping any sort of side projects going is not easy, much less being in a band. But over the past two years, the process began again and things began to click into place musically. As Lightburn says, "When you start a band, you never think of the end. When we began work on this album, it was a process that consumed us completely, harkening back to our earliest days. In turn, the record became about sentimentality but in the face of great uncertainty; the concept of eternal love and all its fragility." With those words, take a listen to the song here or on Soundcloud and be ready to be moved beyond the surface into deep emotions -- something The Dears always do so well.

Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2012

I decided to make good on my promise to create a Romantic Tunes Playlist in honor of Valentine’s Day this year.  Since I began an iTunes account, I’ve had a playlist called “Romantic Songssss,” which has grown to over sixty songs and four plus hours.  Reviewing the lengthy list, the following tunes were chosen without digging too deep into the archives, for example to include George Harrison's "I'd Have You Anytime," John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” or David Bowie’s “Heroes.”  There’s a certain element in the music – a soaring melody, heartfelt lyrics or even an instrumental break that makes me daydream.  Of course, some picks take me back to a certain time and place with a particular person, but others just bring the warm glow of a sunny day or pull at the heartstrings. Music has taught me about many things, but perhaps the most important lesson is how heartache remains a universal experience, along with that emotional overhaul of love which implies anything is possible.  Link to listen here, enjoy!

1. Sterophonics, "Have a Nice Day"
2. AM, "Playing the Game"
3. The Dears, "Lost In the Plot"
4. LCD Soundsystem, "All I Want"
5. Iggy Pop, "Shades"
6. The B-52's, "Follow Your Bliss"
7. Art Brut, "Emily Kane"
8. Phantom Planet, "Anthem"
9. The Magic Numbers, "Love's a Game"
10. Guillemots, "Made-Up Lovesong #43"
11. Paul Westerberg, "First Glimmer"
12. Portugal. The Man., "Sleep Forever"
13. Weezer, "Hold Me"
14. Roxy Music, "More Than This"
15. Moby, "Slipping Away"
16. Talking Heads, "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
17. Am Radio, "I Just Wanna Be Loved"
18. Bright Eyes, "One for You, One for Me"
19. Manic Street Preachers, "You Stole the Sun From My Heart"
20. The Flaming Lips, Do You Realize??
21. Mew, "Comforting Sounds"

Winter 2011 New Music Playlist

What a winter we're having in the Northeast with three major snowstorms and another one this week. At least some new releases along with some holiday gifts (CDs!) are keeping all this indoor time interesting. Here's the link to my picks for a new music listening session whatever the weather may be...

1. Foster the People -- Pumped Up Kicks

This song was found on Sirius U in another one of those moments of discovery while driving. Checking out the read out while weaving in traffic on the interstate, I found this band from LA that just released a self-titled EP. The cheery groove with singalong lyrics, handclaps and whistling make it the perfect song to kick off the playlist. While their other songs don't seem to quite merit such a spotlight, this is definitely a young band to keep an ear out for going forward.

2. Grouplove -- Naked Kids

Here's another new band out of Los Angeles. Their myspace profile photo shows them all smiles running with a banner that reads "Never trust a happy song" so don't say I didn't warn you. This one even has sounds of the beach with the cooing chorus, shout outs for singing, and a jangly tambourine beat evokes the summer time fun of perfect waves and living out dreams. Another standout in a beginner's collection, with that toe in the water self-titled EP just released has me hoping for more happy songs ahead.

3. Matt & Kim -- Cameras

This Brooklyn couple's third release, Sidewalks, may have slicker production values but retains all of the playfulness of a house band in the basement. Matt Johnson belts out the vocals while working the synths and Kim Schifino keeps the beat perfectly basic.

4. Baths -- Hall

This creation is the brain child of Will Wiesenfeld, a 21 year old from the San Fernando Valley. He throws in everything from pure piano to samples of pen clicks or running water, just for starters. When his voice is added over the hip hop beats and dreamy synths, a warm falsetto brings a welcome human element to the track. The debut release Cerulean shows a wide range of musicianship and innovation, making Baths another new artist to follow.

5. Local Natives -- Wide Eyes

Local Natives are also from Southern California, and their more traditional band set up harks back to 70s with sunny harmonies plus a laid back vibe. Their forray into world beats bring to mind the Talking Heads -- the group even covers "Warning Sign" on Gorilla Manor, their debut release from last year. This song opens the collection and invites all to the chill party atmosphere.

6. CAKE -- Long Time

7. CAKE -- Sick of You

It's been over five years since the last release of new tunes from this veteran SoCal band that put the ALT in alternative music back in the mid 1990s. They haven't missed a trick -- the new songs are full of the same wry takes on modern life with killer beats over stand out bass lines, horns and the ubiquitous vibraslap. These two tracks are just a sampling of the Cake attitude available on their new release, Showroom of Compassion, and instant classics in my mind.

8. Avey Tare -- Lucky 1

Avey Tare is actually a side project of David Portner, a founding member of the New York based band Animal Collective. This is the single off of last fall's release Down There and while things may not deviate that much from his group efforts, it's still extremely worthwhile listening.

9. Autolux -- Audience No. 2

I'ts back to the west coast for this pick -- Autolux formed about a decade ago in LA and this song off their second release Transit Transit. Their sound is full of the popular fuzzed out arrangements now known chill wave but with an edgier vibe.

10. The Dears -- Omega Dog

This Montreal based band is back with their fourth release, Degeneration Street, full of heartfelt longing under the glow of Murray Lightburn's distinctive vocals. The single "Omega Dog" begins with a tight groove but ends in a psychedelic swirl -- quite a journey for just one song.

11. The Hundred in the Hand -- Young Aren't Young

"Young Aren't Young" sounds like it took a team of musicians but it's actually a Brooklyn duo creating the entire song, with just some help with background vocals. Eleanore Everdell sings into a lo-fi bullet microphone over lushed, layered electro dance beats with a wailing guitar provided by Jason Everdell. Their other songs from the self-titled release issued last fall Dressed in Dresden are similarly styled but this one stands out for its confident and tight musical structure.

12. The Decemberists -- Down By the Water

This Portland, Oregon indie rock band just issued its sixth full length release, The King Is Dead, with all of its story telling and folk influences still going full throttle. "Down By the Water" bursts forth with a driving beat and full sound before frontman/singer/songwriter Colin Meloy deftly spins another tale.

13. Ima Robot -- Sail With Me

14. Ima Robot -- Ruthless

Ima Robot is LA singer Alex Ebert's band for the past decade -- before Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros exploded onto the scene. His warm hippy vibe presides over this band as well, leading a clapping sing-a-long at the end of "Sail With Me" and the call outs of "Ruthless." Both tracks are off of last fall's release, Another Man's Treasure.

15. Dr. Dog -- Shadow People

Dr. Dog is a group from Phili that derives its psychedic rock from hippie bands in the 1960s and early indie pop of the 1990s. This wandering, feel good song is off their 6th release of last year as their journey continues.

10+ Concert Highlights of 2010

Happy New Year! Just one more list before moving on... I was so lucky to get to see some great concerts this year (thank you again Moogfest!) Many were with bands I've been a fan of for years, what a treat. I also enjoyed the choice of warm up bands just as much as the main act such as when Beach House presented a sweetly inspired set before Vampire Weekend and The Dodos hit the stage with their explosive sound before The New Pornographers. It was a fun trip down memory lane as I remembered each and every song -- ready for more in 2011!

1. Fitz & The Tantrums, Mercury Lounge, NYC (May 28th)
2. The Dodos/The New Pornographers, Terminal 5, NYC (June 19th)
3. Rufus Wainwright, The Ridgefield Playhouse, CT (August 6th)
4. Beach House/Vampire Weekend, Radio City Music Hall, NYC (September 17th)
5. MGMT, Moogest, Asheville, NC (October 29th)
6. Jonsi, Moogfest, Asheville, NC (October 30th)
7. Hot Chip, Moogfest, Asheville, NC (October 31st)
8. The Dears, The Kitchen, NYC (November 4th)
9. The Dandy Warhols, Webster Hall, NYC (November 6th)
10. Sufjan Stevens, The Beacon, NYC (November 15th)
11. Cake, Irving Plaza, NYC (December 8th)

The Dears @ The Knitting Factory Nov. 4th

The Dears are currently on tour playing their new album live in its entirety, even passing out programs with a song list before the show. Degeneration Street, which is being released in February 2011, continues the band’s journey with another collection of full throttle indie rock songs. This Montreal band is hopelessly romantic for all the right reasons, with yearning vocals, heartfelt lyrics and a big sound that brings out the passion of the songwriting. The line up of six members (three guitars, two keyboards, drums) has changed since it was formed in 1995, but founding member/lead singer Murray Lightburn and keyboardist/background vocalist (now wife) Natalia Yanchak remain.

After treating the crowd to a choral musical intro, the band took to the stage to lead off with the new single “Omega Dog” (which is available as a download on the band’s label, Dangerbird Records). It leads off with a funky groove of heavy synth layering and a jagged guitar part, with Lightburn starting in a high falsetto before being embraced with background vocals. The song continues through a cascading swirl of chaos before returning to the theme just as it ends. This song structure is successfully employed in a few other tracks while more upbeat dance tunes that got the crowd moving. With titles such as “Blood,” “Lamentation,” and “Easy Suffering,” the band doesn’t stray from its universal theme of emotional bonds.

“You guys having a good time?” Lightburn asked. “How you liking this new shit?” The group on stage sure looked like they were enjoying themselves and audience cheered with an enthusiastic response. He mentioned that they would get to the hits “if you’re good.”

The Dears made good on the promise during the encore. Lightburn strapped on an acoustic guitar to begin the mellow introduction of “The Second Party.” Then they tore through a string of hits such as “Lost in the Plot,” “Hate Then Love,” and “Gang of Losers.” Lightburn enlisted the audience for the finale, creating male and female callbacks for “The Death of All the Romance” with the room rollicking through the line “Tell me the lies.”