“Nashville Girls” – Janet Simpson
This was about to drop off my current music playlist when I realized I had not shared it with you. Which is a huge error on my part, because it is a hell of a song, filled with swagger.

“Inside My Head” – Lost Ships
I love songs like this that have a variety of influences that are both readily apparent and blend together to make something that isn’t quite like anything you’ve heard before.

“In the Stone” – The Goon Sax
I heard some buzz about this band, with a few other of their songs suggested as entry points. And then I came across this dark, growly, post-punk jam and realized this was the damn song everyone should be pimping. This band is from Brisbane, which was just awarded the 2032 summer Olympics. Maybe they’ll play the opening ceremonies!

“The Way I Feel” – Alien Boy
I don’t usually go for emo, but this band hides it behind enough jangly guitars that I can get down with what they’re laying down.

“Drive That Fast” – Kitchens of Distinction
I discovered the Indie 1.0 station on SiriusXM a couple weeks ago and have been loving it. It is right in my damn wheelhouse. The other night I was taking C to Target to buy a gift for her friend and they spun this while we were on our way. I had to shush her and crank it up; it had been awhile since I had heard it. I went back to the first time I heard it, on a UK music podcast in the spring of 2005. It was one of the most striking musical experiences I have ever had. I felt like I was dizzy in the song’s closing section. Hell, maybe the roots of my vertigo are there!

“Peaches” – The Presidents of the United States of America
Fuck you, Biebs.

“Magic” – The Cars
Summer, it turns me upside down. Or at least it does when the forecast shows rain every day for the next week.