Friday Playlist

I have a mega-glut of music after the past month’s travels. That means you will likely get extra-stuffed playlists for at least a few weeks as I work on clearing out that backlog.

We’ll kick off this week with three new songs by bands that have been around since (at least) the early Nineties. Then some new songs from more current artists.

“Keep Looping” – Sugar
The latest release from Sugar 2.0. Still in the B/B+ range, but I’m just thankful they are recording and performing again.

“Several Got Away” – Dinosaur Jr.
Last year was Dinosaur Jr.’s 40th anniversary as a recording act. Which really seems wild, even if J Mascis has always looked like a wizened, ancient guitar god.

“Coalfield Wars” – Son Volt
One of several SV fan club singles that were just released to the general public. I can’t find much background for it, so not sure when it was originally recorded.

“Your Love Is Electric” – Leon Bridges
LB has a new album in the future. Last week he released four tracks as a preview EP. Not a bad song among them. One of L’s current favorite artists, so she’s excited.

“Lost Boys” – Phoebe Bridgers
New Bridges, new Bridgers, back-to-back. L had some friends over not too long ago and they were all amazed, in a good way, when I confirmed that I enjoyed Phoebe’s music. All kinds of Cool Dad cred.

“Abundance Of Power” – Season 2
A bit of an Aussie supergroup, pulling members from two different bands. Not sure what decade this track is most indebted to. Definitely some early Eighties in it. Then maybe some early 2000s vibes?

“point blank” – Kelela
Stereogum calls Kelela a “great avant-pop adventurer.” When you listen to her music, which defies being crammed into any easy genre/sub-genre, that seems like the best possible way to describe her.

“New Beginnings” – Yard Act
A natural progression of British music from the 1990s through the 2000s to today.

“Imanin” – Tamikrest
The latest terrific band from Mali to catch my attention. Or finally grab my attention, I should say, as Tamikrest has been making music for 20 years. I’ve never been sure what to call bands like them and Tinariwen. I just saw the term “Desert Blues” and like it a lot.

“Black Paint” – Ty Segall
Segall constantly puts out new music, and it never sounds like his previous release. This track takes a heavier route, and completely rocks.

“Fossils” – THAO
Thao Nguyen split her terrific Thao & The Get Down Stay Down five years ago. This is her first proper release under her new, solo persona. It isn’t too far removed from what she did with her old band, a funky mashup of various influences.

“Summer Girl” – HAIM
A perfect song for the back half of summer, when the heat and humidity begin to wear you down.

“Save It For Later” – The English Beat
Multiple times in recent weeks I’ve had live versions of this pop up in my Instagram feed, with those weird, AI descriptions that don’t really apply to the video. Then The Bridge played it earlier this week. I need no more encouragement to share, once again, one of the greatest pop songs ever recorded.