Friday Playlist

So much new music this week from old friends, some of whom we have not heard from in years. In fact, there are so many songs that fall under that description that I can only play a few of them this week so there is room for other tracks.

“Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)” – Julia Jacklin
A week ago Jacklin announced she had signed with 4AD records, a big jump up for her. This week she dropped the first single off her upcoming album. I love it already.

“Stone” – Prince
The Prince Vault is opening up again. His estate is releasing an album in August that features tracks recorded between 1977 and 2016. This one is from 1995. Not classic Prince by any measure; he didn’t even write this one. But the effortlessness to it is a reminder of his immense talent.

“Shooting Shadows” – Sweeping Promises
Apparently these kids now call Lawrence, KS as home, so I automatically like them. I also like their combination of classic punk and Riot Grrrl era grunge influences.

“Better Man” – Slow Pulp
NOT a Pearl Jam cover. Although they are from Chicago, Eddie Vedder’s hometown.

“This Mirror Weighs A Ton” – Interpol
New Interpol music that sounds nothing like old Interpol music. Hey, you know what else weighs a ton?

“Miuzi Weighs A Ton” – Public Enemy

I’m a Public Enemy but I don’t rob banks.
I don’t shoot bullets and I don’t shoot blanks.
My style is supreme, number one is my rank.
And I got more power than the New York Yanks.

“Nobody’s Coming To Save You” – Gurriers
Seems appropriate both in tone and title for this moment in time.

“Don’t Even Have To Say His Name” – The Waterboys
More directly about the era we are living in, the best song of this type that’s come out this year.

“Spin” – Johnny Marr
Marr has spent the last 25 years putting out solo music that is solid but never great. Always B-/B, never a straight A. Nothing like his classic work…

“There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” – The Smiths
…such as this track. This week was the 40th anniversary of the release of The Smiths’ masterpiece, The Queen Is Dead. I will always insist that Marr’s guitars were as important to The Smith’s brilliance as Morrissey’s lyrics and singing.

“My Backwards Walk” – Manchester Orchestra covering Frightened Rabbit
I don’t know how I missed it, but long time MO drummer Tim Very passed away earlier this year. A terrible loss. The band released a live album, recorded over a series of stripped-down shows in London in 2023, last month. While that was well before Very’s death, you can’t help but sense the band dealing with their loss in the songs. And it makes this cover of their old pal Scott Hutchison’s song even more powerful.

“Bethany” – Craig Finn
Just a couple days after seeing him lead The Hold Steady, Finn announced two mini solo tours later this year. A couple shows in Chicago and Wisconsin, but I doubt I’ll drive up for any of them. He also released this video of my #6 song of 2025, a live performance with his new backing band recorded earlier this year in London.