Last Week’s Jams (7.31 – 8.4)

I really thought we knocked it out of the park last week, covering 25 different tunes. But, it looks like we decided to one-up ourselves and post 26 for this week’s Last Week’s Jams collection. We got some of our favorite labels and bands putting out fresh new stuff, like new Tony Jay on Slumberland and new Onyon on Trouble in Mind. Plus, our friends at Keeled Scales are putting out a new LP with one of my favorite Texas songwriters, Will Johnson. All that and we haven’t even talked about how great that new Smashing Times single is. As much as it can be a challenge to cover it all, feel like we did our damndest to bring you some of the more deserving hits you might not find where the cool kids hang out.

Diners Release Someday I’ll Go Surfing

You ever come across a voice and it just feels like somehow its speaking to you? Well, each time I press play on a track from the new Diners LP, I can’t help but think of Blue Broderick’s vocal charms. Musically, there’s this sweet simplicity, with the focus stemming on the steady chug of those twinkling guitar riffs; it makes sense that the new LP was produced by Mo Troper, as this track completely builds along similar Troper territory, twisting good old fashioned rock styles into undeniable hits you can’t get out of your head. Classic pop rock never goes out of fashion, especially when its executed this well; Domino is out August 18th via Bar/None Records.

Diners Play Pop

dinersIt’s interesting hearing Diners work with Asian Man Records; I always associate that label with a lot of good pop punk. But, with Diners, they’re just giving you straight pop, of the infectious sort. It borders on the line between Jens Lekman, Dent May andSummer Salt…beach vibes, good hooks and harmonies. I reckon it never matters who puts it out as long as someone loves it, and I think you’ll love this one. Summer vibes with a nostalgic story line. Look for the band’s new album, Three, on September 16th.

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