Songs You Need To Hear Now Playlist #16
Need some new tunes for the holiday weekend? We have you covered with the latest from Felipe Gordon, Velvet Vision, Low Praise, Blur, Strobe, Jeff Rosenstock, Jess Williamson and more!
Here are all the highlights from the great new music I’ve been listening to this week. Please be sure to follow and save the playlist for all of the latest updates:
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Programming note: Apologies for the lack of a new music review yesterday. This past weekend was the first I could think of in three years where nothing was phenomenal enough to tell you that you need to listen to it - I’m not about to lie and say I enjoyed the Kesha record as much as everyone else.
While the quality of albums hasn’t been the greatest this week, we’re getting some great singles! Here are the highlights:
Oakland-based post-punkers Low Praise dropped Dressing, their debut full-length album, this past Friday, and for a first record (they’ve released two EPs and a handful of singles prior), it’s pretty solid. The first half, including “Forget That It’s Summer,” “Gate,” “Angela,” and “Supermind,” is amazing. If you’re a fan of Wire, The Fall, or Parquet Courts to toss out something a little more contemporary, check ‘em out. I’m still trying to come around to the back half, but in the meantime, here’s “Time Is Calling,” which is easily towards the top of my favorite songs of the year so far:
I’m sure the new Blur single flew under no one’s radar, as it’s always a big deal when these guys get back together these days, but I must mention their new single, “The Narcissist.” Since the Brit Pop heyday, Blur will always be my favorite (even if I've argued Supergrass was the best band to come out of that era), and I’d compare my excitement to that feeling most people seem to get when Taylor Swift announces something. After all, I put up with the four or so Gorillaz albums in between each Blur release. Their ninth album, The Ballad of Darren is out in July, and if the album cover that throws back to their mid-nineties peak of popularity is any sign of the quality of songs on Darren, it could be a great one.
Finally, I want to ensure another New Mexico musician is on your radar. After an EP and a few singles over the past few years, Velvet Vision, from right here in Santa Fe, is releasing her debut album, Together, next month. In the meantime, check out the synthpop goodness of the record’s first single, “Comfortable:”
No idea what the hell I’m talking about? Read more here:
These songs are also included in the ever-popular Good Ass Songs 2023 playlist. At over 200 songs and counting, it’s the best way to catch up on another excellent year of music!
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Can’t pick something to listen to? Throw on Earwormz!