Gentleman Jesse Preps 7″ for Drunk Dial Records

Drunk Dial Records is an interesting concept; the label encourages bands to get together for a 24 hour drinking session, record a new tune and then rip a solid cover. The spontaneity and inebriation always land on interesting results, and we’re stoked to hear that ATH fave Gentleman Jesse is on board with a new 7″ dropping this week. If you’ve been following Jesse Smith’s trajectory over the last several decades, the power-pop enthusiasm should come as no surprise here. But, for me, it’s the breakdown, perhaps booze-infused jamming, where I begin to grin, as Smith stretches the tune into some darkened regions that he pulls off perfectly, right before jetting right back into a perfect howling close that would make Bolan proud. Then the trio switch into a swaying power-stance version of Mark Morrison‘s “Return of the Mack.” If you weren’t familiar with the tune, such as this 90s nerd, you might not even know its a cover, as they take it to an entirely different place. You can grab the 7″ HERE.

Aisha Burns Covers Gillian Welch + Tours with Torres

Following her exceptional cover of Chris Isaak late last year, Aisha Burns announces some tour dates with Torres by sharing a new cover of Gillian Welch‘s “Look at Miss Ohio.” Impressively, Aisha’s voice doesn’t stray too far off from Welch’s original, which is a great reminder of just how much she’s come into her own through the years. For me, I love Burn’s honesty in her words about the song and its continued importance, expressing admiration for the protagonist “declaration of doing things in her own time, despite expectations.” It’s an admission that we can still expect growth and change from Burn’s work, and our job is to support and uplift where we can. Speaking of…look for Aisha on the road with Torres through the end of this month! Tune courtesy of Western Vinyl!

Aisha Burns Covers Chris Isaak

I shit you not; I received four different emails from four different projects, all of which were covering Chris Isaak, and all of them covering “Wicked Game.” But, I’m only running this Aisha Burns cover because a) she’s always been kind to us at ATH b) it’s being released by Western Vinyl, who have also shared a lot of kindnesses over the years c) Aisha’s voice almost betters Isaak’s (yeah, I said it). Burns, in the press release, looks at the spell of unrequited love in terms of what its like to be both an artist and an African-American woman living in the United States, drawn to art and humanity despite those things not being reciprocated. Well, played Aisha!

The Laughing Chimes Share New Music

We were out and about on Friday when these fresh tracks from the Laughing Chimes dropped, and as always, the young band have an intoxicating sound that continues to blossom and wear varying shades. You get one fresh tune, and one that’s a cover of The Ocean Blue‘s “Ballerina Out of Control.” On their new tune, press notes jangling sounds with gothic undertones; I can hear bits and pieces of Felt in the guitar sound, and any number of darkened goth voices to spin in the vocal presentation. In terms of the cover, I love the way the vocal turns lighter, reflective and light, working to fit perfectly in between the sharp notes that ring from the guitar. It feels like trio is onto something really really special, so hopefully their label Slumberland keeps us in the loop!

Dot Dash Drop 16 Again LP

We’ve been covering Dot Dash for years, and now, we have multiple reasons to celebrate the DC band! For starters, they just dropped 16 Again, a nod to the Buzzcocks that hints at the number of songs on the record. The bonus? Well, for the first time, the band’s new LP will be released on vinyl, courtesy of Country Mile Records. For all intents and purposes, this is a best of release, with several tracks from albums I adore like Half-Remembered Dream and Winter Garden Light making the cut. You also get the added bonus of the band covering the Television Personalities‘ “Jackanory Stories,” which is the icing on the proverbial cake. Stream all the songs below and have some fun, then grab it on vinyl!

Another Tune from the Feelies Some Kinda Love LP

On a day when there just didn’t seem to be a lot to fall in love with, why not go with the tried-and-true classics, like the Feelies covering the Velvet Underground. As I’ve previously mentioned, the Feelis will soon be releasing Some Kinda Love, a full album’s worth of live recordings of the band covering the Velvet Underground. For me, and maybe my ears are off a bit, “I’m Waiting for the Man” seems to have more of a rush in the percussive element; it just feels like the tempo is pushing a bit, giving the song more of a growl than I think the original carried. The double album will be released by Bar None on October 13th!

Razor Braids Share Nashville, Again Single

The year hasn’t quite picked up yet, so this new track from Razor Braids is the perfect way to slow roll your way into 2023. It’s a slow burner, almost like the last flames flickering out on a Winter fire; you’ll also get just the faintest hints of that sort of western guitar bending, snaking around the beautiful melodies the band have crafted here. Personally, there’s this great moment waiting for you at the 3 minute mark, the guitars feel heavier and there’s the slightest burst like a sputtering firecracker. Plus, if you dig it, the band have also attached a cover of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” to go with this new single!

The Very Most and Starry Eyed Cadet Announce Split

Ah, Tuesdays. Tuesday is a nice day for simple pop joys, and perhaps we might peak too early in the week by sharing this track from Starry Eyed Cadet. Technically, it’s a song done previously by The Very Most from Congratulations Forever, but they’ve mixed it up just a bit to put their own spin. Here, the electronic pulse of the original is still intact, but its been flipped here, turning the guitar and vocals into the driving pop vibe, which ends up creating an almost Camera Obscura-esque sensation. You can look for the Very Most to return the favor and cover Starry Eyed Cadet on the Very Most Starry Eyed Cadet split, which, of course, can only be brought to you by the good folks over at Recorded Psychic Readings/Sunday Records.

Hunting Cover Sparklehorse’s Piano Fire Single

Mark Linkous would have been 60 this last Friday, which was the day Hunting decided would be the perfect day to release this glorious cover of “Piano Fire.” Typically, I stay away from covers, but I very specifically picking up It’s a Wonderful Life back in college upon the recommendation of a friend, and I, too, found myself in love with Linkous songwriting. The band also chose to announce that they’ve got a new LP of their own titled You’ve Got Love coming your way this November, so keep your eyes peeled for that. Just a nice reminder of great songwriting, and a pretty spot on cover!

Old Fire Announce Voids LP, Shares Don’t You Go ft. Bill Callahan

John Mark Lapham has teamed up with a bunch of our favorite vocalists to flesh out his latest Old Fire project, with participation from the likes of Adam Torres, Emily Cross…and as you’ll see below, Bill Callahan. While the song is a cover of the underrated John Martyn, I think the composition, film work and Callahan give the song a complete makeover. For starters, the black and white imagery leaves you emotionally naked while watching, as if it’s you being buried beneath the dirt in the video clip. The piano and string work add to the drama, but ultimately Bill’s voice just hits you. There’s something about those deep tones, a sweetness whose melody seems like a light turned on in the darkest of tunnels. I get the feeling we’re in for a moving collection when Old Fire releases Voids in November via Western Vinyl.

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