Just Listening

Linying 2020's - current alternative indie first song that reeled me in: "Donovan" DONOVAN single, 2024 A voice: sultry yet undeniably cool. Would be described as buttery if not for that perfect little chalky edge around each word. A St. Vincent-esque electric sound fills your headphones. It's like a dance beat, but not like those tired tracks played at a club. The ones where nobody can recollect the artist's name, but the buzz keeps them moving. The bass feels perfectly grounded while the scratchy sound effects perk your ears and keep you higher. By the time the hook comes, the vocals hit sounds signature of Grimes' - an unexpected delight. There's beauty to it. There's groove. There's mischief. There's something cinematic about it - not quite epic, but full and curated, while still keeping it casual.  You save the track for later, hoping beyond hope you remember to revisit the artist and that if you don't: the track will emerge from the o...

Morgan Delt 2010's - current...? (most recently featured on a "Re-Works" album by artist Volleyball in 2021.) alternative indie/psychedelic rock  first song that reeled me in: "Some Sunsick Day" Phase Zero, 2016 One of those songs that immediately felt familiar. It didn't remind me of anything but it instantly wrapped me in a soft blanket. Filling me with the same simple luxury a languid summer morning might. One where you're sprawled on the couch with a comic book or magazine or pulp fiction in your underwear. It's still early enough to fool yourself into thinking "I'll get up in a minute and get something accomplished". (You won't, but there will be no regret - only a shrug of your shoulders.) The window nearby is open. The breeze gives the room a little life and easy motion. It moves so you do not have to. You smell fresh air. It covers you. You smile. MORGAN DELT (2014) "Make My Grey Brain Green" swirls around you like...

Greentea Peng 2010's - current neo-soul first song that reeled me in: "Nah It Ain't The Same" MAN MADE, 2021 For anyone who ever got into Erykah Badu and wanted more but didn't quite know where to look. For anyone who loved Lauryn Hill's cool disposition on her laid back tracks. For anyone who just needs to chilllll, man... and have a nice, calm day. I share with you: Greentea Peng. Giving you exactly the environment necessary to propel you in that nice, hot shower with soft lighting in the bathroom. Incense. Tea. CBD. Giving you that hippie ease while still propelling you to accomplish things and be confident while you do so.  I don't have much experience in the neo-soul game. And as such: I'm just going to be highlighting some tracks in particular off of Greentea Peng's two records.  MAN MADE (2021) "Make Noise" kick starts the album in the key of: "unbothered". Very much: emotions unclcockable while still feeling everything a...

Alvvays 2010's - present alternative / indie first song that reeled me in: "Archie, Marry Me" Avvays, 2014 First of all, allow me to address: the spelling of this band - and all  bands alike - drives me absolutely bonkers. Do you not  want us to find your music at the record store? Are you just really hanging on the prayer that the employee we ask will be familiar enough with your work that they will be able to recall the special little way you spell your name? Assuming we will even be in a socially brave enough state to ask in the first place, that is.  Anyway.  I wasn't going to cover this band, as the first song that reeled me in had quickly become a massive source of irritation to me. (I simply heard it too many times - just marry that woman, already, Archie!) However: one shift at work, a co-worker was playing an album that caught me by the ear. It was by Alvvays. Haven't the foggiest which  album, but the point is: here we are! So, without further ado, I g...

The Bamboos 2000's - current funk / soul first songs that reeled me in:      "On the Sly" 4. 2010      "Helpless Blues" Fever in the Road, 2014 Formed in 2000, this band has undergone a few transformations (especially with members). Their discography is nothing short of impressive and with access only to the albums my music app allows me, I will have to chug on and simply do my best. I truly adore  these two tracks and the dynamic spectrum of emotion I can already tell this band is able to create / give us. And as such: I mean no disrespect by skipping a few albums and simply taking a little taste of the insurmountable body of work.  Step It Up (2006) Right out the gate: the first track (namesake of the album) has all the funk and joy of a Charles Wright tune.  The vocalist at this time, Alice Russell, gives us the sweet - and yet strong - performance that I would have requested, had the band come to me and asked while in the throws of produc...

Pale Honey 2010's - current alternative / indie first song that reeled me in: "Over Your Head" Pale Honey, 2015 Pale Honey / Self-titled (2015) Once I finally  was able to tear myself from track one ("Over Your Head"), the album brought me to a very original Indie place with "Fish". If the album keeps this up, I will have no choice but to play the entire ensemble over and over until I know every beat and lyric. Early track thoughts: With an attitude just left of Nirvana and sound edgier than Fiona Apple's coolest vocal tracks, I am thoroughly enjoying myself. (Perhaps if Nirvana had had a female vocalist, I would have liked them more.) The "bored-girl" / unimpressed female vocalist will never get old for me. In fact, it is often times my kryptonite. This band is no exception to that rule - I've been delightfully sucked in and am convinced I am the absolute coolest version of myself, as long as the band plays. And the harder instrument...