Aria Pullman Ostrander – who goes by AO in the music community – just released her latest track, a swirling beaut called “Lonely Hunter”, this morning. Sound effects make it all feel a bit otherworldly, her raspy, edgy vocals adding a hint of soul to a track that then feels more “old west” than anything else. Trust us when we say, this is something that will make you feel powerful. It’s definitely a must in your autumn soundtrack, and might be the perfect thing to play as you walk into that unavoidable upcoming class reunion.
With baited breath we’ve awaited the arrival of indie rock collective Daisybones‘ 10-track album Gold. The Boston quartet has really provided us with the energy shot we’ve been needing, from the very first chords of the title track, through slightly slower – but just as otherworldly rock as its predecessor – “Choke”, and into “Drag”, which slows down exponentially but doesn’t quite drag, if you as us. (We’re full of jokes today.)
Daisybones performs with a hint of 60s British punk woven into lead singer Dillon Bailey’s vocals. This is especially evident in “Bang”, though “Crush” follows suit perfectly. “Beautymark” might be our favorite of the collection, the tempo changes alluring and the crashing cymbals providing a soundscape that we can both veg out AND dance our asses off to. Many fans might like “Daiquiri” for its tropical vibe, providing us an escape from our (now) snowy landscapes.
“Score” is the obvious head-bopper, frantic and staccato in its existence. If you’re looking for a slower rock track to nerd out over, “Heave” is your particular brand of ear candy, though last track “Lemondrop” might sound as such. “Lemondrop” is actually the perfect way to end the album, slowing everything down exponentially and providing an almost rock ballad-like atmosphere that will lord over you for the rest of the day.
New Orleans-based Sexy Dex and The Fresh – comprised of Dexter Gilmore (Guitar, Vocals), Gabrielle Washington (Vocals), Andrew Landry (Bass), Evan Cvitanovic (Drums), and Ben Buchbinder (Keys) – has been winning awards left and right in the south, and we can see why. As a young band, their technique – and, truly, pure chemistry – is undeniable. Not to mention the alluring genre they’ve almost created unto themselves. You can witness this in their new EP Don’t Play My B-Sides.
Though you’ll hear some psychedelic influence amidst the funk in “SDTF”, hip hop makes its way in there, as well as some interesting pop-infused dance breakdowns. We could see ourselves dancing to “Play Me Birdie” at a sock hop, but there’s an 80’s flare to it as well as a quirky, fast tempo that is a total earworm. “These Young Charms” exists in a more quintessentially 80s soundscape, while “!Wait!” presents a cacophony of sound that is otherworldly in its disposition. Last track “Fotographs” begins with a speaking part that truly captures the otherworldly, as the song blossoms into another 80s-inspired dance track.
Los Angeles-based musician Jordan Vincent released an alluring, intense beauty of a track in latest single “Sister Jill”, which seems to be his version of a soulful rock ballad. Vincent displays his gorgeous, multi-faceted vocals while crooning, a hint of 50’s sock hop sauntering in while the guitars whir with bravado. Soft, endearing, without ever losing its rock roots.
This is a ‘mildly spooky’ playlist, because it’s Halloween time as I’m writing this and I’m feeling festive. Nothing obvious or overtly goth or doomy, for the most part, just songs that have a tint of dark/weird vibes. Good to listen to while decorating your Halloween Tree.
1. The Words That Maketh Murder – PJ Harvey
(Because she’s awesome and it’s clever how she references ‘Summertime Blues’ while describing the horrors of war.)
2. So Alive – Love and Rockets
(One of my favorite songs. Awesome backing vocals.)
3. Penetration – The Stooges
(More rock songs need to utilize a celesta. Or not.)
4. Fool – Nadine Shah
(I listened to this song on repeat for a month. Such a cool vibe and perfectly made.)
5. In Madonna’s Gazebo – Circus Devils
(When I can’t take time out of my day to have an uncomfortable acid trip, I listen to Circus Devils.)
6. Vomiting Mirrors – Clockcleaner
(I can’t really make out what he’s singing. Probably on account of the mirrors he’s vomiting.)
7. Jimmy, Renda-Se – Tom Zé
(Making this song fit the theme might be a stretch. I just love it and want to include it.)
8. Carnival of Souls – Combustible Edison
(Exactly what you’d expect to hear at a carnival of souls.)
9. Mass Dream – TV Ghost
(I found this song on a music blog once and it stuck with me like a bad dream.)
10. Call Across Rooms – Grouper
(Liz Harris is an amazing musician and artist. I want to live in this house in which rooms are being called across.)
11. Cut-Out Witch – Guided by Voices
(Guides by Voices is one of my favorite bands, so they must be included.)
12. Drugs – Talking Heads
(There’s a strong possibility that this song is about drugs.)
13. Ugly – Love and Rockets
(Spooky, mildly.)
14. Shrivel-Up – Devo
(I’ve always wanted to cover this song but I think I need to get an Energy Dome first.)
15. Sunday – David Bowie
(What a dude. Heathen is probably my favorite album of his.)
16. Fall Breaks And Back To Winter – The Beach Boys
(What the hell?)
17. Hi I’m Martha, How are you? – Circus Devils
(My third Bob Pollard song on this list. I have problems, but so does Martha.)
18. The Twilight Zone – The Ventures
(Because we are living in the Twilight Zone.)
19. Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath
(I want to sing this song at karaoke but it’s hard to come by.)
20. Glazed Eye – Girls Against Boys
(Sweet dreams.)
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David Thomas Jones’ new album Occult Years is out on November 13th. Keep up with him here, or via Instagram, Twitter, or Bandcamp!
Los Angeles-based pop/soul songstress Jenna Lotti hits the week full force with her latest track “Better In The Morning”, which was released on Friday. The song itself captures feelings of doubt and fear in life-changing situations, echoing Lotti’s thoughts while making a cross country move with her husband last year. Gorgeously composed, the track edges on ethereal with strong, confident vocals that still somehow feel delicate and wonderful. It’s exactly what we need on this bright, wonderful day to keep us leaping into situations with confidence. {{GO VOTE!}}
Just in time for Election Day (GO VOTE!), Santa Monica-based singer/songwriter Mason Summit has released his tantalizing new track “Thoughts & Prayers”. A bit tongue in cheek as it were, the percussion is standout as it leads you into a song that will make your hips sway. His smoky, gorgeous vocals dance over a soundscape that plays with tempo in an alluring way. The instrumentals themselves set the tone for a picture perfect autumn evening, though the lyrics will definitely make you swoon even more if you’re a little perturbed at our current political situation.
Check it out below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Having captured the imaginations of listeners this year with a string of quality singles, including the massive “Feel Alright” and “Whatever You Do Like,” both tracks clocking in at just over 8 million streams on Spotify alone, Haneri is back with her third release of 2018 in the form of “Real Love.”
Haneri pairs her classy vocals with a mellow, down-tempo production which helpfully showcase her incredible range as a singer. Musically it’s stripped back and low key, “Real Love” has a dreamy warmth which is sure to endear listeners to her music even more. She is sure to have a strong 2019, too.
New York-based indie pop trio VHS Collection – expertly comprised of long-time friends James Bohannon, Conor Cook, and Nils Vanderlip – released their new 12-track stunner, Retrofuturism, on Friday. With vocals reminiscent of The Kooks, first track “One” explodes into an interesting cacophony of sound effects and percussion that will get your head spinning, yet better prepared for what’s to come. “I Can’t Stand It” deconstructs the album a bit, keeping a good dance pace loaded with a little more attitude, while “Take My Money” makes you feel like you should be donning clothing of yesteryear, putting on your favorite pair of shades in slow motion.
“Sign” modernizes the sound even more, though keeping it glittering and 80s-inspired, magnetic in its disposition. “Blame It On A Dream” bounces into a layered version of what you might hear in a hip hotel lobby, “American Cynic” bounces back into intense, late 80s MTV vibes, though “The Otherside” slows it all down for us, the instrumentals harnessing energy from late 90s love songs as we head into the intense, hard-hitting sounds of “Animal”. While ninth track “What Does It Mean” takes on an “80s slow dance at prom” vibe, tenth track “Break” is a track music supervisors should keep their ears on for any upcoming coming-of-age projects, if we’re being completely honest.
“Feel It Boy” is energetic, fun, and something we can get on board with lyrically and sonically. “Fade Out” takes on a more contemporary pop sound that slightly overshadows the 80s vibes, with quirky percussion and beautiful, entrancing lyrics. It rounds the album out quite nicely, and gets us in the mood for a dance party like no other.
