“You” – Julianna Riolino
Should a Canadian with a name like this play music like this? I guess that’s a dumb question, because clearly she does. I’ve shot some songs back and forth with my brother-in-music E$ lately that have fallen on the far side, for me, of the line between country and alt-country. This one lands one the near side of that line, with just enough pop to balance the early era, Dolly Parton vibes that carry it.
“Full Round Table” – Chappaqua Wedding
These Mancunians say that this song is a response to the endless negativity their generation faces, constantly being told that the world is a mess and getting worse each day. It’s not that they are denying that, just asserting that being young is supposed to be a time of optimism. A pretty good reminder for every generation, not just The Youngs.
“killer” – FKA Twigs
I’ve been aware of FKA’s career for years, but none of her songs ever really bored into my brain until I heard this one.
“Gay Space Cadets” – Lande Hekt
That this is a really good song is just a bonus because this has a GREAT title!
“Get Lost” – Queen of Jeans
This song is about three years old, but I came across it a few days ago and was reminded of how good it is. I checked when I shared it back in 2019, and I mentioned then how it felt right for the moment when you start to feel summer slipping away. We aren’t quite there yet, but we have had just lovely weather the past 7-10 days and you can’t help but start thinking about fall.
“Reach Out I’ll Be There” – Four Tops
“Can I Get A Witness” – Marvin Gaye
Lamont Dozier died late last week. He was one third of the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland writing trio that helped create the Motown Sound in the 1960s. They wrote dozens of massive hits for artists all up-and-down the Motown lineup. These are two of my favorites.
“Oysters In My Pocket” – Royel Otis
This song is about exactly what the title says.