I feel like I’m settling into my new groove after the switch to Apple Music, finding a better balance between the old and new music. I think you’re going to like this week’s choices, which includes a couple special tracks.
“Black Confetti” – Bob Mould
Hey, I’m seeing Bob Mould tomorrow night! And my brother-in-music Dave V. is coming to town to join me! I’m very excited to see the legend in person…and Mr. Mould, too.
It is a slight downer that Mould seems to be playing pretty much the same 27 songs each night, and there isn’t a single Sugar song in the setlist. I’m sure he has a reason, but as much as I admire his Hüsker Dü work and enjoy his 30-some years of solo efforts, I think he hit his peak in his Sugar days. A minor complaint, though. And, who knows, maybe he’ll throw caution to the wind and mix things up for us good folk in Indy. I bet it’s still going to be freaking awesome and I won’t be able to hear for a week after.
“Tyrants” – Sam Fender
Another example of an artist releasing a pretty good song not too long after releasing a pretty good album. In this case, “Tyrants” goes back a few years and Fender has played it live many times, but this is its first studio recording, released for Record Store Day ’25.
“Running of the Bulls” – Le Pain
Funny how a name and a sound can fool you into thinking a band is from somewhere far from where they actually hail from. This sister act is from LA, but they sure seem French to me. Until the guitars explode at the end, then they seem very LA.
“Neverender” – Justice with Tame Impala
Well this group is French. Or at least Justice is. Kevin “Tame Impala” Parker is from Australia. Hey, you got your French electro pop in my Aussie psych rock!
“Real Good Dream” – Acid Dad
Good, spring-ish, synth pop.
“Your Little Hoodrat Friend” – The Hold Steady
We’ve reached the anniversary portion of this week’s playlist. THS’ legendary Separation Sunday just celebrated its 20th anniversary. This song blew me away the first time I heard it, and still does every time I play it to this day. Tom Breihan wrote a predictably great accounting of the album. She’s been callin’ me again…
“Listen Like Thieves” – INXS
And Listen Like Thieves just turned 40. “What You Need” was the bigger hit, but this is my favorite song not only off that album, but maybe from the band’s entire discography. This is a new remix from the 40th anniversary re-issue which is out today.
“May Ninth” – Khruangbin
And guess what today is?
“Brimful of Asha” – Cornershop
Remember when these guys had a tiny moment? Most of you probably just responded “No.” It was such a short moment it was easy to miss. A remixed version of this track went to #1 in the UK but was a minor blip here, making it to #16 on the Modern Rock chart. Great song, though. And cool video.