Album Reviews: A Sampling of Songs

A couple of weeks ago I posted a list of albums released in 2020 that had been recommended to me from various sources.  I’ve listened to them all, and starting next week I will begin posting full album reviews.  Today, though, I’m going to post a few songs I liked from albums that didn’t make the cut for an album review.  Kind of like a Monthly Mixtape, but kind of not.

In the meantime, if you have any albums or songs or EPs or rock operas or anything else from 2020 you think I should listen to, let me know in the comments.

Selections from A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip by Sparks:

“Lawnmower”

“All That”

Selections from Agitprop Alterna by Peel Dream Magazine:

“Emotional Devotion Creator”

“It’s My Body”

Selection from Manic by Halsey:

“Finally // beautiful stranger”

Selections from Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa:

“Don’t Start Now”

“Break My Heart”

Selections from Walking Like We Do by The Big Moon:

“Take A Piece”

“It’s Easy Then”

 

 

 

Monthly Mixtape – March 2018

Hot songs spinning in my ears over the past month.

Courtney Barnett – “Nameless, Faceless”

Femi Kuti – “One People One World”

Jorge Elbrecht – “Here Lies (Feat. Tamaryn)”

Orquesta Akokan– “Mambo Rapidito”

Khruangbin – “Maria También”

Hollie Cook – “Stay Alive”

 

Previous Mixtapes:

• February 2018
• Songs of the Week

Song of the Week: “In Your Beat” by Django Django

Open up 2018 with a danceable track from London’s Django Django, “In Your Beat.”

What new music are you looking forward to in 2018?

2017 Year in Review: Favorite Songs

Here are 20 of my favorite songs of 2017. For previous year-end lists of previous years check out my lists for 2016, 2015,  2014, 2013, 2012,  2011,  2010  and  2009.

In no particular order

“Blue Mountain Road” by Florist

“Memories are Now” by Jesca Hoop

“You Would Have to Lose Your Mind” by Barr Brothers

“Cherry Blossom: by ALA.NI 

“Drinkee” by Sofi Tukker

“Every Day’s the Weekend” by Alex Lahey

“Witness” by  Benjamin Booker (feat. Mavis Staples)

“I Give You Power” by Arcade Fire (feat. Mavis Staples)

“Quiet” by Milck 

“Work” by  Charlotte Day Wilson

“Familiar” by Agnes Obel

“Cryin’ in the Streets” by Zeshan B

“Venus Fly” by Grimes (feat. Janelle Monae) – technically this song is from 2015, but the video of this most important collaboration came out this year bringing due attention to the song.

“Hot to Trot” by  Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas

“Modafinil Blues” by Matthew Dear

“The Underside of Power” by Algiers 

“A Wall” by Downtown Boys

“Future Politics” by Austra

“Learning to Lose” by Margo Price (feat. Willie Nelson)

“Straight Boy” by Shamir

 

Song of the Week: “It’s Xmas (and Everyone is Miserable) by The Dirty Sidewalks

The seasonally appropriate final song of the week for 2017 is “It’s Xmas (and Everyone is Miserable” by The Dirty Sidewalks.  Hey, part of a healthy holiday season is acknowledging your feelings, even the dark ones.

Merry Christmas to all, even if you’re miserable.

Song of the Week: “Brushfire” by Ikebe Shakedown

On a chilly day one can warm up with the Afrobeat sounds of Ikebe Shakedown, the 70s funk revival septet from New York.  “Brushfire” should get you dancing.

Song of the Week: “Learning to Lose” by Margo Price feat. Willie Nelson

The sweet voice of Margo Price is paired with the wizened voice of Willie Nelson on the tearjerking country ballad “Learning to Lose.”

Song of the Week: “Best Friend” by Sofi Tukker

Sofi Tukker is a New York City based dance pop duo consisting of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern.  You may have heard it before because apparently it’s being used in commercials, but since I don’t have tv I’ve come to it with no preconceptions.  Anyhow, a song about friendship is ideal for Thanksgiving weekend, and it also has some nice beats.

 

 

Song of the Week: “Powerwalk” by The Nunnery

The Nunnery of Minneapolis makes loops of vocal sound live to create the mesmerizing “Powerwalk.”  And that’s about all I can tell you about The Nunnery because they seem vague about their identity online.

 

 

Song of the Week: “Matter of Time” by Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

On November 18, 2016, Sharon Jones died leaving behind a musical legacy and broken hearts everywhere. A year later, the final Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings album Soul of a Woman will be released on November 17, 2017.  The first single, a peace anthem called “Matter of Time” reminds us of what we lost and what we’ll always have from Miss Sharon Jones’ musical gift.