I’d hoped to listen to these on my flight from London to New York yesterday but the WiFi was incredibly sketchy so now, lying in bed at the hotel at 4 in the morning wide awake with jet lag, feels like as good a time as any.
I love that Orville Peck & Willie Nelson collaboration and the entire album is fantastic and perhaps worthy of a spot in my top 20 (yes, you’ll just have to wait to find out!).
I wasn’t aware that Horace Andy had teamed up with Jah Wobble but that’s a great cover. I’ll definitely give the album a listen. Horace Andy had two great albums in 2022 - Midnight Rocker, released in April and the dub-infused Midnight Scorchers, released in September - both of which made my AOTY list that year. BTW, Massive Attack are from Bristol.
Trevor Horn’s covers album was a little patchy for me and the Love is a battlefield is only okay for my tastes.
Although the Linda Lindas haven’t produced an album that I’ve loved in its entirety, they’ve had some great songs and I’ve really enjoyed watching their career. Their performance of the Talking Heads cover is fantastic. I’ve enjoyed the few other tracks I’ve heard from that tribute album and will have to give the entire album a listen. Perhaps sacrilegious to some, but I only listened to Stop Making Sense for the first time last month after Kevin included it in his top ten albums of all time.
That Cunningham/Bird collaboration was great! It’s been years since I listened to Buckingham Nicks but now I want to go back and explore both the original and the covers. Thanks for the intro!
I did NOT have Max Richter and Sparks collaboration on my 2024 musical bingo card!! I’ve never really listened to enough Sparks to have an informed opinion but what I have heard hasn’t done much for me. But I enjoy Max Richter’s work. And the pairing is gorgeous on this track. Will have to give the entire soundtrack a listen.
Quick Hits: Not familiar with Fastbacks but enjoyed that cover. Never really been able to get into Fantastic Negrito and this track didn’t change that. The Iron & Wine collab with Fiona Apple was lovely. Based on the one song, Peter Murphy and Boy George screams for an entire album. Not familiar with Justice but I really liked the song with Tame Impala.
I'm trying to get out of my classic rock rut that I've wallowed in since the late-80s, but I'm too lazy to look for new music. Let someone else do the work, I say. Guess you're it. Great music truly does exist even if not performed by my era of musicians. So, your list gives me something to consider. Like, why did the kids steal the popcorn in the Iron and Wine video? Thought they would have been inspired by the dancers to dance with each other. Anyways, thanks for making my new music choices a bit easier.
Happy to be a source for new music! As I do love to seek out the gems from older artists still recording excellent tunes, it’s a nice balance of the generations.
Regarding that Iron and Wine video, it’s an odd one, isn’t it? I had a few comments about that. I guess kids will be kids!
Smart twist on the year-end "best of" lists, Steve! When they're your faves, the songs will resonate with a lot more people who will also share your likes! Plus, I dig the radio/V.O. presentation! I will say I had no idea as to the history of what I like to call "The Overtly Adverbly Song"! I was unaware of Willie covering it solo many years ago, and I wasn't aware of a Ned Sublette (or, any of the little Sublettes...if there be any).
I love how most, if not all, of your choices seem to have a link or a nod to the past, or past artists...again, a step above all other songlists/playlists. What a daring move to cover an entire album (Buckingham/Nicks in that one example), although I know it's been done before. Even those around in the days of the original missed it, and to "the kids these days," it's near-certainly unheard! A weird Sparks track, but just thankful they're still working!
Thanks, Brad! I do try and avoid the usual albums/songs that you can read and listen to anywhere. Future episodes will feature more modern artists, many likely new to you. But also many you will know.
Did you listen to the audio? Or just the YouTube clips? It’s fun editing them together but I have a feeling I get maybe 2 listeners for that. It’s all good though.
Kevin and I and Jami and Sam are posting our favorite albums lists together this week. Stay tuned for that on Wednesday.
Driving home right now after 5 days in SoCal dealing with family stuff. And now it’s moving time back home, so glad to have my posts essentially be playlists so my brain won’t be needed much.
I don’t listen to new stuff, but I do like hearing what you find new-new, ‘cause we not only have similar tastes, I feel, but you’re not as motivated to find the most obscure and/or bizarre new songs/artists like others seem bent-over-backwards to feature!
I dropped the needle across your audio. I loved how you segued smoothly, and wanted to see if you back-announced (or announced upcoming) any songs, and I don’t think you did. I can’t even visualize how you made the smooth transitions…but, that’s my lack of tech knowledge! I would think those with the app/cel phones would appreciate the audio.
I did listen, or take a bite of, most of the videos, though, especially the ones that featured older artists, like Sparks, the Horn/Almond one, Buckingham/Nicks covers, etc.
Safe travels, and hope your aunt’s doing well. Guess I should wrap up Tuesday’s Tune Tag! See ya there!
I did back announce each ”side” of music. And forward announce the first of the “side B” tracks. Then a wrap up at the end. I didn’t want to talk too much during it so I interject every five songs or so.
Good call, but I think listeners would excuse a brief intro to each song, 'cause if it's new to them, they won't want to have to look it up. Not a "that was, here is" kinda thing...just a "here's this by them." Regardless, I'm impressed that you do it. One day, I'll graduate to the V.O. side. I think I've got a total of 3 that I voiced on the site...all done while dog/house sitting, and the prayer was that the standard poodles wouldn't bow-wow during!!
My thought was that if any listener wanted more info on the songs, they could easily return to the write-up beneath the link to the “radio show.” You are probably the rare listener who would prefer hearing me ramble between songs! Also, to be honest, it takes a ton of time to edit these, so the fewer interruptions I make the quicker I can get ‘em done! I play instrumental music behind my talking because I edit what I say pretty severely. Lots of “uhms” and “tongue clicking” and stumbles and mumbles. I don’t have a radio-ready voice like you, Mr. Kyle.
I get that….my thought was the people (I’ve been told…I’m sans smart phone) who listen while walking, driving, etc for whom referring back to your article might be inconvenient. But, you’re doing far more than I. I’d love to do more with V.O.s myself, but, I’ve found a comfortable zone in “just” writing! We carry on!
So Bowie was doing Peter Murphy all that time? 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are way above average.. Cunningham Bird is superb for that track. That Horn/Almond thing? Nah.No. Love to hear the Linda Linda’s without a seven? piece backup band but it was better than okay. It’s an abomination for any version of a released Massive Attack to be altered. Whyyyyy? Fiona sounds great, very solid, way better than good duet. Lame video. But both The Sparks soundtrack and the Boy George duet were brilliant. Time to pull out some vinyl. Great stuff!
Ha - funny you say that about Murphy, as on his last tour (at least in San Francisco, but I'm pretty sure elsewhere), he played a set of all Bowie covers. Maybe Bowie is playing "Cuts You Up" ad nauseum wherever he is in the afterlife.
The live Linda Linda version that I share utilizes 2 or 3 of the Tonight Show band, so maybe that gets you closer to the 'Heads Stop Making Sense band size.
Ha, you'll likely abhor the rest of the Horace Andy/Jah Wobble covers album. They definitely mess with many classic (and over-covered) tunes. As I was less familiar with that one from Massive Attack (and that Andy sang on the album at all), I had no attachment to the original. But I totally get it.
thanks for putting the time into checking the playlist out!
I tracked down lots of other Linda Lindas stuff. More than anything g I thought they had really chosen a bad front singer, especially with that hair and get up - I've known the Talking Heads since 1976 from RISD and Tina gave me an original unlabeled vinyl of what would later be re done. The other tracks I saw are wayyyyyyy better, especially their latest. They're like an almost Go Go Girls phase in there but some their songs are good Brit Punk riffs. Very interesting about Murphy. David lived in the same building with me in NYC and no one ever noticed him on the street. He could be invisible. His wife, however, always made a loud and obnoxious scene at the grocery store. I'm going to check out Peter Murphy some more. Obviously someone told him that, or he knew, or knew Bowie.
Your write-ups are always so much fun. I wish there was this amount (or half of it) of new music in my favourite genres that would get me as excited. Truthfully. Kinda jealous actually! 😅
Soul. But with flawless singers. Those singers that electrify you and leave you breathless. They don’t make singers like this anymore!
I listen to various other genres like blues, R&B, of course pop and rock, etc. But the singing needs to be there. And technically great singing is not fashionable anymore unfortunately.
I have, yes. She's not bad at all. I think vocally she could do with a bit more variations as she always seems to sound the same. But I know I'm extremely picky when it comes to these things 🤣
Well, I think you are going to really like the next playlist. I hinted at the direction it was going by the last song on this mix. It’s going to be dance/soul/R&B. Loosely defined. Nothing at the MARIA level vocally, but Jalen Ngonda, if you’re not familiar, has a classic soul voice in the Michael Jackson school of singing. That’s my one hint.
Mmm. Interesting choice. A bit throaty (I’m a fcking pain, I know), but soulful for sure. I will definitely keep an eye out and will give it a listen when it comes out! Thanks 😊
I would think you would like throaty? (Sorry, I had to go there.🤪) It's a new single, not on any album, which is better than everything on his 2023 album (which I liked, but felt a bit samy to me).
Oh well… I do like some throaty stuff, but I lost my gag reflex a long time ago 😂
You know, this morning I realised I have his album on my wantlist, which means I must have really liked it. I would need to listen to everything again but I suspect it was probably quite smooth (which some may find bland). This new track is a lot more strident, which gives it a nice contrast. Only thing I would say—it’s one thing to be strident like Aretha or BB King, with that technique 🤣 But I’m going to shut up now because I know I can be obnoxious with all this voice technique thing sometimes 😅
For anyone that says things like "music today sucks" or similar, I'd offer up The Linda Lindas as Exhibit A for the Defense. They are incredible, and the idea that they're not even out of school yet makes it all the more impressive.
They’ve fast outgrown any semblance of gimmick and are stellar musicians and tight as nails band. I’ll soon feature more younger bands. Though the veterans get more attention in these lists.
I saw him at the knitting factory with Bill Laswell and I would love to say that it was awesome but it really wasn’t. Totally uninspired performance. The studio is where his magic happens and that’s OK!
Thanks, Nolan! Yeah, he's up on my list of favorite bassists. Sadly, when I saw him earlier this year playing the PiL Metal Box album, it was not so good. Partly the mix, but also, zero stage presence and he sang instead of including the guest vocalists on the album (that he recently made covering the entirety of the PiL album). And he can't sing. But I'm still glad I got to see him, as I'd never seen him live.
I’d hoped to listen to these on my flight from London to New York yesterday but the WiFi was incredibly sketchy so now, lying in bed at the hotel at 4 in the morning wide awake with jet lag, feels like as good a time as any.
I love that Orville Peck & Willie Nelson collaboration and the entire album is fantastic and perhaps worthy of a spot in my top 20 (yes, you’ll just have to wait to find out!).
I wasn’t aware that Horace Andy had teamed up with Jah Wobble but that’s a great cover. I’ll definitely give the album a listen. Horace Andy had two great albums in 2022 - Midnight Rocker, released in April and the dub-infused Midnight Scorchers, released in September - both of which made my AOTY list that year. BTW, Massive Attack are from Bristol.
Trevor Horn’s covers album was a little patchy for me and the Love is a battlefield is only okay for my tastes.
Although the Linda Lindas haven’t produced an album that I’ve loved in its entirety, they’ve had some great songs and I’ve really enjoyed watching their career. Their performance of the Talking Heads cover is fantastic. I’ve enjoyed the few other tracks I’ve heard from that tribute album and will have to give the entire album a listen. Perhaps sacrilegious to some, but I only listened to Stop Making Sense for the first time last month after Kevin included it in his top ten albums of all time.
That Cunningham/Bird collaboration was great! It’s been years since I listened to Buckingham Nicks but now I want to go back and explore both the original and the covers. Thanks for the intro!
I did NOT have Max Richter and Sparks collaboration on my 2024 musical bingo card!! I’ve never really listened to enough Sparks to have an informed opinion but what I have heard hasn’t done much for me. But I enjoy Max Richter’s work. And the pairing is gorgeous on this track. Will have to give the entire soundtrack a listen.
Quick Hits: Not familiar with Fastbacks but enjoyed that cover. Never really been able to get into Fantastic Negrito and this track didn’t change that. The Iron & Wine collab with Fiona Apple was lovely. Based on the one song, Peter Murphy and Boy George screams for an entire album. Not familiar with Justice but I really liked the song with Tame Impala.
I'm trying to get out of my classic rock rut that I've wallowed in since the late-80s, but I'm too lazy to look for new music. Let someone else do the work, I say. Guess you're it. Great music truly does exist even if not performed by my era of musicians. So, your list gives me something to consider. Like, why did the kids steal the popcorn in the Iron and Wine video? Thought they would have been inspired by the dancers to dance with each other. Anyways, thanks for making my new music choices a bit easier.
Happy to be a source for new music! As I do love to seek out the gems from older artists still recording excellent tunes, it’s a nice balance of the generations.
Regarding that Iron and Wine video, it’s an odd one, isn’t it? I had a few comments about that. I guess kids will be kids!
Smart twist on the year-end "best of" lists, Steve! When they're your faves, the songs will resonate with a lot more people who will also share your likes! Plus, I dig the radio/V.O. presentation! I will say I had no idea as to the history of what I like to call "The Overtly Adverbly Song"! I was unaware of Willie covering it solo many years ago, and I wasn't aware of a Ned Sublette (or, any of the little Sublettes...if there be any).
I love how most, if not all, of your choices seem to have a link or a nod to the past, or past artists...again, a step above all other songlists/playlists. What a daring move to cover an entire album (Buckingham/Nicks in that one example), although I know it's been done before. Even those around in the days of the original missed it, and to "the kids these days," it's near-certainly unheard! A weird Sparks track, but just thankful they're still working!
Thanks, Brad! I do try and avoid the usual albums/songs that you can read and listen to anywhere. Future episodes will feature more modern artists, many likely new to you. But also many you will know.
Did you listen to the audio? Or just the YouTube clips? It’s fun editing them together but I have a feeling I get maybe 2 listeners for that. It’s all good though.
Kevin and I and Jami and Sam are posting our favorite albums lists together this week. Stay tuned for that on Wednesday.
Driving home right now after 5 days in SoCal dealing with family stuff. And now it’s moving time back home, so glad to have my posts essentially be playlists so my brain won’t be needed much.
I don’t listen to new stuff, but I do like hearing what you find new-new, ‘cause we not only have similar tastes, I feel, but you’re not as motivated to find the most obscure and/or bizarre new songs/artists like others seem bent-over-backwards to feature!
I dropped the needle across your audio. I loved how you segued smoothly, and wanted to see if you back-announced (or announced upcoming) any songs, and I don’t think you did. I can’t even visualize how you made the smooth transitions…but, that’s my lack of tech knowledge! I would think those with the app/cel phones would appreciate the audio.
I did listen, or take a bite of, most of the videos, though, especially the ones that featured older artists, like Sparks, the Horn/Almond one, Buckingham/Nicks covers, etc.
Safe travels, and hope your aunt’s doing well. Guess I should wrap up Tuesday’s Tune Tag! See ya there!
I did back announce each ”side” of music. And forward announce the first of the “side B” tracks. Then a wrap up at the end. I didn’t want to talk too much during it so I interject every five songs or so.
Good call, but I think listeners would excuse a brief intro to each song, 'cause if it's new to them, they won't want to have to look it up. Not a "that was, here is" kinda thing...just a "here's this by them." Regardless, I'm impressed that you do it. One day, I'll graduate to the V.O. side. I think I've got a total of 3 that I voiced on the site...all done while dog/house sitting, and the prayer was that the standard poodles wouldn't bow-wow during!!
My thought was that if any listener wanted more info on the songs, they could easily return to the write-up beneath the link to the “radio show.” You are probably the rare listener who would prefer hearing me ramble between songs! Also, to be honest, it takes a ton of time to edit these, so the fewer interruptions I make the quicker I can get ‘em done! I play instrumental music behind my talking because I edit what I say pretty severely. Lots of “uhms” and “tongue clicking” and stumbles and mumbles. I don’t have a radio-ready voice like you, Mr. Kyle.
I get that….my thought was the people (I’ve been told…I’m sans smart phone) who listen while walking, driving, etc for whom referring back to your article might be inconvenient. But, you’re doing far more than I. I’d love to do more with V.O.s myself, but, I’ve found a comfortable zone in “just” writing! We carry on!
So Bowie was doing Peter Murphy all that time? 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are way above average.. Cunningham Bird is superb for that track. That Horn/Almond thing? Nah.No. Love to hear the Linda Linda’s without a seven? piece backup band but it was better than okay. It’s an abomination for any version of a released Massive Attack to be altered. Whyyyyy? Fiona sounds great, very solid, way better than good duet. Lame video. But both The Sparks soundtrack and the Boy George duet were brilliant. Time to pull out some vinyl. Great stuff!
Ha - funny you say that about Murphy, as on his last tour (at least in San Francisco, but I'm pretty sure elsewhere), he played a set of all Bowie covers. Maybe Bowie is playing "Cuts You Up" ad nauseum wherever he is in the afterlife.
The live Linda Linda version that I share utilizes 2 or 3 of the Tonight Show band, so maybe that gets you closer to the 'Heads Stop Making Sense band size.
Ha, you'll likely abhor the rest of the Horace Andy/Jah Wobble covers album. They definitely mess with many classic (and over-covered) tunes. As I was less familiar with that one from Massive Attack (and that Andy sang on the album at all), I had no attachment to the original. But I totally get it.
thanks for putting the time into checking the playlist out!
I tracked down lots of other Linda Lindas stuff. More than anything g I thought they had really chosen a bad front singer, especially with that hair and get up - I've known the Talking Heads since 1976 from RISD and Tina gave me an original unlabeled vinyl of what would later be re done. The other tracks I saw are wayyyyyyy better, especially their latest. They're like an almost Go Go Girls phase in there but some their songs are good Brit Punk riffs. Very interesting about Murphy. David lived in the same building with me in NYC and no one ever noticed him on the street. He could be invisible. His wife, however, always made a loud and obnoxious scene at the grocery store. I'm going to check out Peter Murphy some more. Obviously someone told him that, or he knew, or knew Bowie.
I was happy that The Fastbacks reunion is so good.
Me too! It’s like they hadn’t missed a step!
Your write-ups are always so much fun. I wish there was this amount (or half of it) of new music in my favourite genres that would get me as excited. Truthfully. Kinda jealous actually! 😅
What genres? Maybe they are coming in a future playlist
Soul. But with flawless singers. Those singers that electrify you and leave you breathless. They don’t make singers like this anymore!
I listen to various other genres like blues, R&B, of course pop and rock, etc. But the singing needs to be there. And technically great singing is not fashionable anymore unfortunately.
Andy, have you listened to Lady Blackbird? If not I’d suggest starting with her 2021 debut Black Acid Soul before moving on to this year’s release.
I have, yes. She's not bad at all. I think vocally she could do with a bit more variations as she always seems to sound the same. But I know I'm extremely picky when it comes to these things 🤣
Well, I think you are going to really like the next playlist. I hinted at the direction it was going by the last song on this mix. It’s going to be dance/soul/R&B. Loosely defined. Nothing at the MARIA level vocally, but Jalen Ngonda, if you’re not familiar, has a classic soul voice in the Michael Jackson school of singing. That’s my one hint.
Mmm. Interesting choice. A bit throaty (I’m a fcking pain, I know), but soulful for sure. I will definitely keep an eye out and will give it a listen when it comes out! Thanks 😊
I would think you would like throaty? (Sorry, I had to go there.🤪) It's a new single, not on any album, which is better than everything on his 2023 album (which I liked, but felt a bit samy to me).
Oh well… I do like some throaty stuff, but I lost my gag reflex a long time ago 😂
You know, this morning I realised I have his album on my wantlist, which means I must have really liked it. I would need to listen to everything again but I suspect it was probably quite smooth (which some may find bland). This new track is a lot more strident, which gives it a nice contrast. Only thing I would say—it’s one thing to be strident like Aretha or BB King, with that technique 🤣 But I’m going to shut up now because I know I can be obnoxious with all this voice technique thing sometimes 😅
For anyone that says things like "music today sucks" or similar, I'd offer up The Linda Lindas as Exhibit A for the Defense. They are incredible, and the idea that they're not even out of school yet makes it all the more impressive.
They’ve fast outgrown any semblance of gimmick and are stellar musicians and tight as nails band. I’ll soon feature more younger bands. Though the veterans get more attention in these lists.
Love this! I particularly liked the Justice/Tame Impala tune. Great collaboration!
A match made in sonic heaven.
Love me some Jah Wobble bass lines. A solid list of tracks from the man with Earworms!
I saw him at the knitting factory with Bill Laswell and I would love to say that it was awesome but it really wasn’t. Totally uninspired performance. The studio is where his magic happens and that’s OK!
Thanks, Nolan! Yeah, he's up on my list of favorite bassists. Sadly, when I saw him earlier this year playing the PiL Metal Box album, it was not so good. Partly the mix, but also, zero stage presence and he sang instead of including the guest vocalists on the album (that he recently made covering the entirety of the PiL album). And he can't sing. But I'm still glad I got to see him, as I'd never seen him live.