Several new songs by old artists this week. And some new songs by new artists. In other words, a normal week.

“In The Sun” – Blondie
We’ve had a little too much sun this week. It’s been miserable. This song makes me feel a little better about it.

“Breakaway” – Been Stellar
These kids keep cranking out good tracks.

“Modern Man” – MORN
Kick ass music from Wales!

“Move Now” – Marshall Crenshaw
One of my all-time favorite writers of pop songs is back with a new album of old tracks. From The Hellhole collects songs he released on vinyl for Record Store Day between 2012 and 2016 and then went out of print. Not up to his classics, but still good stuff here.

“Got To Have Love” – Pulp
As with The London Suede last week, Pulp is one of those bands that went away for a while then came back, sounding the same, and as good, as in their prime.

“Live Forever” – Sloan
These Canadian power pop legends are about to release the 14th album of their career. That’s a lot, even with the CAD-USD conversion rate.

“Crossing Fingers” – Rocket
Another Rocket jam filled with ‘90s nostalgic goodness.

“DEAD” – Sudan Archives
One of the most original and interesting songs I’ve heard this year.

“Just Like A Flower” – Winter
Winter said this captures the essence of daydreaming in her bedroom as a teen. I definitely hear that.

“You’re Pretty Good Looking (For A Girl)” – The White Stripes
The Stripes second album, De Stijl, was released 25 years and one week ago. It would be another 18 months or so before they exploded into the mainstream with tracks off White Blood Cells, but you could hear them working on getting to that point on this album. Here is side one, track one. Because you know Jack would prefer you to listen to it on vinyl.

Also, the album came out the same day as my 29th birthday party. An evening where, after dinner and many drinks a large group of friends went to The Levee in Kansas City to listen to Sonny Kenner. A show at which I ignored a lot of my friends to talk to a young lady who had just moved there from Indianapolis.

“Summertime Girls” – Y&T
I just read a book about hair metal. More about that next week. Y&T didn’t get a ton of space in it, but they were referenced, so perfect week to throw this one in as our summer bookender.

“Dr. Feelgood” – Mötley Crüe
While we’re on that subject, let’s end things with one of the best songs of that era.