Last Week’s Jams (4.22 – 4.26)

It’s been a strange few weeks if I’m looking at the numbers on our Last Week’s Jams; we’ve run 28 songs for the last three weeks, compiling a fun playlist that runs at 1.5 hours. Well, whatever, time’s on your side my friends. We were fortunate to premiere a couple of stellar tunes this week from the Ar-Kaics and Noelle and Deserters; one offers a crackling fire of psychedelia while the other is a bit more old school western vibes. And, there was the joyous return of Bad Moves! Of course, we also filled the pages with new stuff from Lightheaded, Laughing, Luma Fade, Lunchbox and the Laughing Chimes…you know, all the big Ls! Some Austin love as always via mentions of new records from Don’t Get Lemon and Hovvdy too. Sit back and get into Monday.

Lightheaded Offer Bright Happy Girls

In a few weeks, Lightheaded will release their much anticipated Combustible Gems, so they celebrate today with a doozy of a pop hit. At first, they come at you with a bit of psychedelic americana, punching through to offer a bit of bravado and gall that one might not expect. But, as folks have come to hear, they don’t stick their for too long, turning the corner into this incredibly charming melodic lead, emphatically driven home with some enthusiastic backing vocals. This song is filled with contrasts, whether its juxtaposed jangling riffs or stylistic switches within the song’s core, it’s all set against each moment to maximize every happy emotion in the world. Combustible Gems drops May 17th via Slumberland Records.

Last Week’s Jams (4.8 – 4.12)

Apparently it’s that time of year when I just can’t help myself; I’m going full-time it seems, as we ran 28 brand new tracks this last week, plus some nods to albums we liked that dropped on Friday. We got some fresh premiere activity from the Wesleys and Max Blansjaar, then there were some recent favorites dropping in new stuff like Lightheaded, Neutrals and Autocamper. Me personally, I loved the new Gregor single, and that new CBVB plays into similar territory. This collection of songs, like my own catalog, is pretty random, though we always tend to aim for left of the left of the dial. Stream on.

Lightheaded Share Moments Notice

If I had to encourage you to grab one single record in the month of May, might I fully put my weight behind Lightheaded. They offered up the Good Good Great EP late last year, blending it bits of indiepop and 60s doo-wop, but this go round, they sound like they’re working to take an indiepop nod towards the Grateful Dead…though maybe that’s just me that hears a springier version of “Uncle John’s Band” in here. While they clearly have nostalgic tastes, their recipe of bridging those influences into something refreshing and exuberant make their sound all the more welcoming. They’re offering up a modern bridge to the past, and Combustible Gems is surely going to be high upon the list of records we’re clamoring to get our hands on here; it’s out May 17th via Slumberland.

Last Week’s Jams (3.11 – 3.15)

For some reason or another, we were rather preoccupied with the Austin goings-on, so perhaps we didn’t cover as much as we might have liked. I’ll be circling back through this week to try and get as much of it up as I can. But, we did have some really solid jams…and a few premieres…or whatever you call it. I was definitely feeling a little electronically inclined, covering new stuff from Maria Chiara Argiro and Cong Josie. Got blown away by the new Lightheaded track, not to mention fawning over tunes from Kindsight and Mammoth Penguins. Oh, and speaking of premieres…we had a new Unwed Sailor and a live cut from The Wind-Ups. Check them below.

Lightheaded Announce Combustible Gems

We were floored when we first latched onto Lightheaded; they had this indiepop sensibility with a nostalgic girl-group charm. Today, that sentiment grows, as they seem to be furthering their sound, albeit with all the same charms as their early work. It’s quite difficult to really get into the norm-core descriptors; there’s a bit of paisely jangling going on, but sort of an art-pop croon that wouldn’t be out of reach from a Nico or Mary Weiss comparison. Still, even in that artistic realm, there’s an element of joyousness that seems to naturally seep through the craft, making it difficult to turn away from all their work has to offer. Prepare yourself for Combustible Gems, which is out on May 17th via Slumberland Records.

Last Week’s Jams (10.30 – 11.2)

Last week was a bit of struggle. Had a bit of the post-Levitation exhaustion, plus that whole Halloween thing with my little kids. So, maybe not as on top of it as we usually are, though we filled in the latter bit of the week with some jams. We got to post incredible indiepop from the likes of The Laughing Chimes and Postal Blue, with an added bonus Rock n’ Recipe piece from Lightheaded. Good to see the announcement of Austin’s Wet Dip‘s forthcoming LP, so we made sure that was included in our coverage. Plus, since last week was Bandcamp Friday, we had tons of recommendations such as the Smashing Times, Erik Nervous, and more…just because it’s not a Friday doesn’t mean you can’t buy an LP!

Rock n’ Recipes: Lightheaded

One of the more pleasant musical surprises, for me anyways, has been New Jersey’s Lightheaded. They just released the Good Good Great EP, a teaser of sorts for their forthcoming album in 2024. It’s a collection that’s blending all eras of pop songwriting, as I’m sure you’ll hear if you spend a little time with the EP, courtesy of Slumberland Records. We talk a little about their history with the label, then get a sweet recipe for a Puerto Rican influence Chicken Stew with Corn.

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Last Week’s Jams (10.9 – 10.13)

We’re getting to that point when everyone is scrambling to find their favorite tracks, find their favorite collection of songs to put into those fruitful lists that you’ll all look at, then claim to hate! We do it too! Still, covered a bunch of great new music last week. There were great new tunes from Red Pants and Teenage Tom Petties, plus we got to celebrate a really busy release week with stuff from Lightheaded and Upchuck, among others. Our friend Jared Leibowich had a new tune up, but it didn’t make it onto the DPSs yet, so be sure to circle back and check on that one. There’s a couple of long-burns too, from Native Cats, a Beacon School and the Uptights, all worthy of some deep listening. Stream on!

Friday Album Streams: Lightheaded, Blue Ocean, Mope City and More

There’s only a few more sleeps until all the music folks decided to hibernate for the year, so better be sure to listen to as much new music as possible, right? Well, on this Friday, we’ve got a couple of really delicious records for you to devour, if that’s your thing. No need to wax poetic here, just links so you can fall in love and spend some quality time with your new favorite LP.

LightheadedGood Good Great (Slumberland Records)

Mope CityPopulation 4 – (Tenth Court)

Blue OceanFertile State (Slumberland Records)

A Beacon Schoolyoyo (Grind Select)

Half DreamWill I Still Bloom (Self-Released)

UpchuckBite the Hand That Feeds (Famous Class)

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