Last Week’s Jams (10.14 – 10.18)
There was so much new music dropping last week that it was hard to keep track of it all, but I think with 22 new songs out there, we managed to do our part. Greg Mendez was a big winner, with a brand new EP we loved; I also definitely didn’t turn away from the fresh Innocence Mission, which maybe one of my favorite they’ve ever concocted. We had a premiere of a new Sunnsetter tune, and also hit up the latest from The Great Divides, so we’re kind of all over the place musically, making this playlist a journey of sorts. You can’t go wrong by pressing play below!
Throughout the string of stellar singles this season Club 8 have relied upon their electronic skillset to pump out hooks galore, but on their latest bop, the group are employing a more subtle piece, allowing the vocals to control the tune’s narrative. You’ll find moments in this track where they feel as if they’re nearing old school Camera Obscura methodology, operating with that high melody, with the backbeat just giving the song a bit of life and springiness. They always know how to come in at just the right time, bringing all the pieces together and leaving us with another enjoyable pop adventure.
A ton of new music dropped this past week, and as usual, we were on-hand to cover the stuff sliding under the radar of the cognoscenti. We had a few premieres, like the latest from UVTV, which finds the band slowing things down and exploring the shadowy tones of dreampop. I made sure to hype one of my favorite releases of the month, Mo Dotti, which I’m hoping is on the way to my doorstep any day. Still, some of our favorite labels Meritorio and Bobo Integral dropped new tunes from Slack Times and The Psych Fis, and we filled in the gaps with popular favorites like 2nd Grade and Greg Mendez, among many others. Just press play and send a thank you letter.
Consider yourselves lucky! Three of the song’s I wrote about didn’t make DSPs yet, otherwise, you’d have a two hour playlist of joy to listen through today. Luckily, Australia was keeping it real, with new stuff from The Male Gays, Pop Filter, Kosmetika and Alluvial Nuggets all gracing the site. There was some Austin show coverage too, namely Mikky & the Doom and Adrianne Lenker, so jams from those acts get included. On the personal tip, I was really pulling for the Manners Manners and Nightshift to be big hits out there in the scene, with this new Parallel tune right behind it! There’s also some expansive jams too from the likes of Immersion and Nap Eyes, if you need a tune over 5 minutes for your life. Enjoy.
After what felt like a down week, things really took off over here, with another collection of great singles and albums we were stoked to hype up on our end of things. The Austin contingent came strong, with new tunes from Genuine Leather, The Sour Notes, Holiday Music, Letting Up Despite Great Faults and Gus Baldwin/the Sketch. Some long time favorites like Club 8, Nada Surf, and Icarus Phoenix made the cut too! Our pal Michael Maly added some words and photos on Slowdive, so of course we included their classic hit. A lot of great pop stuff too from Sad Eyed Beatniks, Laughing and This Is Lorelei, thus you’ll need to keep your focus when you spend some time below!