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Ah Springtime…the time of year when there are so many records coming out that you don’t even know where to begin listening…or at least that’s how we see it here at the ATH. So, why not try and give you a little bit of guidance to find a record that’s perfect for you to enjoy…maybe even an idea of what it sounds like to go along with our guidance?
As avowed fans of The Reds, Pinks and Purples, it’s our joy to encourage you to listen to the opening track from the new LP, Unwishing Well. When I first listened to this one, I was really impressed with Glenn’s vocal work; it still has that softness that makes his craft so charming, but there’s a bit of rawness here too. In a sense, the vocals almost feel pained, like he’s struggling as he narrates a story of humanity’s decline. Don’t get me wrong, you still get those sharp guitar lines throughout, with a bit of oceanic fuzz built into the back half. Offers a different glimpse into what we can expect when Unwishing Well drops on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.
If you’re coming to this site to discover a new song or be reminded of a favorite act you’ve missed, then you’re likely going to find yourself in love with the new single from the Reds, Pinks & Purples. “Learning to Love a Band” can be seen as a track from both sides, as a fan fawning over their favorite act or as a person stepping into a new musical project. Either way, the subject matter is spot on for our site, and the musical element…the smooth softness of Glenn’s voice, the understated melody…you’ve been here before, and you loved the coziness, so feel free to learn to love this band all over. The new LP, Unwishing Well, will drop on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.
If I were to go full Kafka and build myself a chrysalis, I imagine that the fibers of said cocoon would be made up of the entirety of Glenn Donaldson’s musical catalog, particularly his Reds, Pinks & Purples project. Today, there’s the announcement of a new LP, Unwishing Well; I’m stuck here, drawn to this black hole that I know will crush me, grinning like a madman as it draws me into its depths. Let’s put aside the amazing vocals of Donaldson, because if you haven’t cozied up in that blanket, you’re listening to music wrong. Instead, I really focused on the way the song, whilst gentle, has great movement. It begins with an electronic wash working over a light strum, working with Glenn’s voice to sort of nip at your ears. His vocals get punctuated by the slightest thump in volume of the percussion, and as the tune moves, the gentle wash of atmospherics soaks up a more distorted sound; I love the way there’s a layered vocal on the refrain too as the track near’s its end. Honestly, there’s not a damn finer tune than this one. Unwishing Well is out April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love Records
The Spring generally means you’re just going to have to throw down a lot of money and grab record after record after record, so let us throw a few suggestions, or just give you some great stuff to stream, as its Friday, and who really wants to work on a Friday.
Zack Rosen – SYZYGY (Chimera Music)
A struggling artist gone before his time; these songs remind us of the gifts he left behind.
The Reds, Pinks & Purples – The Town That Cursed Your Name (Slumberland/Tough Love)
No one on this planet is writing songs as powerful as Glenn Donaldson.
Connections – Cool Change (Trouble in Mind Records)
If you need a record without a throw-away tune, this is the one.
The Sprouts – Eat Your Greens (Tenth Court)
Australia has a new supergroup, and you have a new favorite band.
Mary Anne’s Polar Rig – Makes You Wonder (Rama Lama Records)
A shapeshifting masterpiece of pop and rock, like if the YYYs, still had that risk factor.
Obligatory posts are very rare, but when someone’s in the writing form like Glenn Donaldson has been, it seems like it’s a no brainer as his songs for The Reds, Pinks and Purples are that good. There’s something in the title track for The Town That Cursed Your Name that seems uplifting, spiritually, almost joyous. For me, I think that highlights some of the thematic pieces that course through the entire record, as Donaldson seems to have found solace in just creating, pushing forward to balance living and art, despite the trials and struggles artists face these days. It feels like he’s giving a voice to all those out there in the same spot, loving to create in the face of decreased opportunities. The new LP is out March 24th via Slumberland Records.
This whole 2023 thing has been quite a shit show from those at the ATH offices: forced server changes, loss of electricity, loss of Internet (still!), and we’re old! But, we keep pushing on, as there’s still plenty of great tunes for you to cover and enjoy. It was good to hear that our old pal Jana Horn has a new LP on the way; she’s been one of my favorite voices forever. I think my favorite jam of the week came from the latest single from Roller Derby…with a video that has lots of nods to Austin and their journey to SXSW last year. Plus, Elephant 6 added the Rishis to their roster, so be sure to give a listen. Label of the week clearly goes to Slumberland with more Frankie Rose and new Reds, Pinks and Purples. I aim to hopefully have more tunes up this week! But enjoy a quick journey through what we loved last week!
It wouldn’t be a year in music without at least one release by Glenn Donaldson, so it’s good news that there’s already a new Reds, Pinks and Purples LP on the books for Slumberland Records. Honestly, I can’t imagine a better song to live through the shit-show that is Austin right now; there’s this comforting feel in Glenn’s voice, sort of what I imagine some celestial being encompassing, wherever I end up. According to Donaldson, the entirety of the new LP is based around “living while also feeling called to make music.” I’m definitely glad he’s had that calling, as my record collection wouldn’t sound nearly as moving if Glenn’s work wasn’t catalogued accordingly. The Town That Cursed Your Name is out in March via Slumberland Records.
There have been some really great tracks that have all led us to the release this week, and we’ve spent some time hopefully supporting the stuff that hits the hardest, in our books anyways. Most of these, other than one, probably haven’t gotten as much hype as they deserve, thus, here I am to be that voice. So, I’ve collected those album streams and encourage you to go grab copies for your collection, as all of these releases are worth spending your time with today.
Chorusgirl – Colapso Calypso (Reckless Yes)
The Reds, Pinks and Purples – They Only Wanted Your Soul (Slumberland/Tough Love)
Cozy Slippers – Cozy Slippers (Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten/Subjangle)
Adults – For Everything, Always (Fika Recordings)
Winter – What Kind of Blue Are You (Bar None Records)
Hitting our stride last week, or so it seemed. We wrapped up the week streaming tons of records we’d been jamming, plus new stuff out on Friday from Gold Star, Midwestern Medicine, Matching Outfits and more. Personally, I got stuck on that Melby tune, wondering what it would take to make them huge in the US. And, since we got to spin some records, we’ve also got some upbeat numbers sent our way by Fujiya & Miyagi, Certain Times and No Zu. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, so like us, its all over the place. Happy Monday.
