Discussing the “Cucumber” single, Dost notes, "I knew the album would be called ‘Cucumber’ and that there would be a title track long before I knew what that meant. It just felt right - Cucumber. It kept percolating in my head, lyrics gradually formed, and I worked with Chris Hatfield to help bring it to life. The song kind of brings the themes of the album full-circle. It’s about the bits of information that get lost when people die, get divorced, or otherwise lose touch. The recipe only your grandma could make, that’s impossible to replicate. The breakfast spot you went to in Brooklyn that you don’t want to trouble an ex to ask about.
The unstoppable surf-rock innovators The Routes return with their latest release, Surfin’ Pleasures, out on November 8th via Topsy-Turvy Records. Known for their "beat-you-to-death surf music" (as described by Iggy Pop), the band takes a bold new direction by reimagining the iconic music of Joy Division.
Following their successful surf interpretations of Kraftwerk and Buzzcocks, Surfin’ Pleasures is not a typical tribute album. Instead of straightforward cover versions, The Routes have carefully deconstructed 12 of Joy Division’s classic tracks—drawing subtle inspiration from the original melodies and rhythms to craft something wholly unique. The result? A head-spinning collection of 60s surf guitar instrumentals that pay homage to the post-punk legends while transforming their songs into a sonic wave of reverb-drenched, retro surf rock.
Fans can expect beloved Joy Division tracks like "A Means to an End" and "Ice Age" to get a full-on 60s drag race soundtrack treatment, while "Transmission" channels The Astronauts’ timeless sound, and "Digital" morphs into a beach party anthem. Whether you’re a surf rock aficionado or a die-hard Joy Division fan, Surfin’ Pleasures offers something fresh and exciting for all music lovers.
The album cover is a standout in itself, featuring a reimagined design from British design icons Peter Saville and Malcolm Garrett. A playful take on Saville’s iconic Unknown Pleasures artwork, the pulsar lines are reworked into the sound wave of a reverb tank, echoing the album’s retro surf vibe with a nod to Bridget Riley-inspired op art.
Is this project blasphemy or musical alchemy? You decide. One thing is certain—The Routes have delivered another future cult classic that will either delight or disturb for years to come.
The Bluetones, the legendary British indie rock band hailing from West London, have officially announced the release of their highly anticipated new EP, marking their first new music since 2010. This fresh release, which also inaugurates the band's very own label, Brainhole Records, is the first of a trilogy set to roll out over the next 6-8 months.
Formed in 1993, The Bluetones quickly established themselves as a force in the UK music scene with thirteen Top 40 singles and three Top 10 albums. Although the band first rose to prominence during the Britpop era, their influence and artistry have never wavered. After years of successful tours and revisiting their iconic back catalogue, the band is ready to share their next chapter with the world.
“For the first time since we formed the music isn’t driven by an outside agenda, or a need to fill somebody else’s schedule. It feels like the purest thing we’ve done since we were a signed band” says frontman Mark Morriss.
Celina from Future Star shares her fascinating journey from a childhood filled with music to her career as a successful artist. Growing up with a piano teacher for a mother and a musician father, Celina’s life was enriched with musical experiences that fuelled her passion. From a humorous anecdote involving Sarah McLachlan's manager to the communal joy of choir singing, she reflects on how these moments shaped her artistic path. The conversation underscores the deep connection and cultural significance of shared musical experiences, sparking thoughts on the rarity and beauty of communal singing in today's world.
Celina reveals her transition from a DIY musician to working with Men Records. We discuss the support and structure this brings, allowing her to focus more on the craft while maintaining her musical essence. Wrapping up with admiration for Celina's artistic achievements, we offer encouragement for her future endeavours and reflect on the imaginative journey through her unique lens. Filled with anticipation, we look forward to the continued evolution of her music and the shared moments that await.
While dreaming about houses that have been torn down and shows that happened in venues that don't exist anymore, Future Star explores the space between now and then with their upcoming album It's About Time!. A retrospective on seven years of songwriting, It's About Time! reminds us that a moment can go on infinitely, a memory can be shared, and something might have changed when you weren't looking.
Willie Nelson is now in his 7th decade as a songwriter, performer and recording artist, but one of his most underrated talents is song interpretation. Over his career he has tackled songs from across the world of music, making each his own. Now for his 76th solo studio album and 153rd album overall as he celebrates his 91st year, Willie turns his gaze to a collection of songs by rock legends, idiosyncratic singer songwriters, altrock heroes and indie folk artists.
The second single from the album is Willie’s take on “Do You Realize??” One of The Flaming Lips’ most enduring songs is an existentialist masterpiece well-suited to the tao of Willie. From their perspective, the Lips loved it. “He’s just such a unique singer,” lead singer Wayne Coyne says. “You hear one second of his voice, and you go, that’s him.” Fellow bandmember and song co-writer Steven Drozd says his only regret is that his late father won’t get to hear it: “I wish he was still alive to see this happening, that Willie Nelson is doing a Flaming Lips song I had a part in co-writing. He’d be very proud.”
“More sprawling and subdued than their raw breakthrough LP, 2020’s Every Bad, Clouds finds frontperson Dana Margolin parsing creative exhaustion and crumbling relationships with ragged vulnerability.”
– Pitchfork, The 36 Most Anticipated Albums of Fall 2024
“The cathartic lyricism of the [songs] we’ve heard so far really stands out, as does their intensity, and that has our hopes for this album high.”
– Brooklyn Vegan, 43 Albums We're Anticipating for Fall 2024
“Where the previous single ‘Sick Of The Blues’ has the band’s main songwriter Dana Margolin seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, ‘A Hole In The Ground’ finds us right in the middle of the heartbreak, as Margolin’s voice breaks with unremitting sorrow and ache.”
HotKid is the creative vision of Canadian producer, songwriter, and guitarist Shiloh Harrison. For over a decade, Harrison's soothing vocal delivery and knack for writing enduring pop songs have helped HotKid cultivate a cult following around the globe. With four full-length albums and multiple EPs and singles to their name, HotKid’s sound ranges from guitar-driven rock anthems to dreamy, melancholic pop ballads.
In the creative pastures of Glasgow’s music scene, Snowgoose stands as a beacon, helmed by the nuanced artistry of Jim McCulloch and Anna Sheard. McCulloch, with his illustrious stints with The Soup Dragons, Isobel Campbell and BMX Bandits, alongside Sheard’s compelling vocal palette, carve out a niche that feels both warmly retrospective and boldly new. Snowgoose gear up for the release of their third album, "Descendant” where they invite us into a place where the complexities of human emotion are laid bare against a backdrop of melodic beauty.
Anna describes the album: "Descendant explores the delicate interplay between the joys of love and the inevitability of loss. Each song navigates the complex emotions that connect these experiences, serving as a reflection on the beauty and pain of impermanence."
Snowgoose have consistently garnered praise for their musical depth and emotive songwriting. Uncut Magazine described their earlier work as "spellbinding," while The Scotsman praised Anna's vocals for invoking "the spirit of Sandy Denny, a soothing instrument no matter what sorrow she is imparting."
"Descendant" is crafted with their exquisite blend of folk and psych. Featuring the guitar of Raymond McGinley (Teenage Fanclub) the keys of Chris Geddes (Belle and Sebastian), the bass of Stevie Jones (Arab Strap), the pedal steel of Tim Davidson (Tracyanne & Danny), and the drums of Stuart Kidd (BMX Bandits) and Adam Stearns (Trembling Bells), this album is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Scottish indie royalty.
Gary Olson from The Ladybug Transistor takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his first encounters with the magic of radio, which ignited his passion for music. Imagine the excitement of flipping through radio dials as a child, stumbling upon the hidden gems of college stations that would ultimately shape a lifelong musical path. Gary reveals how his unconventional songwriting methods, which rely on layering sounds with a four-track recorder rather than traditional chord progressions, have been key in the formation of The Ladybug Transistor. As he shares his unique creative process, we get a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that drives his artistic endeavors, offering insight into how it all comes together to create the band's signature sound.
Gary opens up about the benefits of recording vocals solo in the studio and how working with an engineer can bring a fresh, objective perspective to the mix. We reminisce about the creation of their album "Albemarle Sound," recalling the creative energy that flowed from living together as a band. With the upcoming 25th-anniversary reissue on the horizon, Gary discusses the thrill of unearthing rare demos and b-sides that breathe new life into the album for a new audience. Tune in to explore the artistic choices and collaborations that have defined Ladybug Transistor's enduring legacy.
Titles
ifitbeyourwill • Gary Olson of Ladybug Transistor
Gary Olson Unveils the Secrets Behind the Music
Reviving the Melody Gary Olson's Way
The Creative Tapestry of Ladybug Transistor
Gary Olson's Unique Path in Song craft
Overall, this podcast episode offers a profound exploration of Gary Olson's musical journey, the creative processes behind The Ladybug Transistor, and the band's enduring impact on the indie music scene. The episode is a must-listen for music enthusiasts, offering a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and artistic insight.
“‘this little lighter of mine’ is a title I brought into a write with Josh Lovell and Hank Compton,” shares Cone. “I wanted to put an edgy, cheeky twist on the traditional children's hymn, ‘This Little Light of Mine.’ Ultimately, this song is about vices. We’ve all got 'em and need something to take the edge off every now and then, because life is hard sometimes.”
Join us on a fascinating musical exploration with Mary Water and Pat Maley from Guidon Bear as they reveal the heart and soul behind their new record, "Internal Systems." Discover how their 25-year collaboration began in the 90s when Pat, captivated by Mary's performances, brought her onto the Yo-Yo Recordings label. With roots in church bands and experimental Philly sounds, their journey highlights music as a therapeutic force that helps them maintain emotional balance and connection, much like a deeply personal therapy session.
Curious about how creativity thrives amidst imperfections? Mary and Pat share their insights into the unblocking of the creative mind, a process akin to embracing spontaneity in live performances. As they unfold the secrets of their dynamic partnership, listeners will gain an understanding of authentic artistic expression, far removed from the polished facades often seen on social media. Adrian Lenker's songwriting class on this very topic provides a backdrop to their unique approach to music-making.
Explore the reality of life on tour with the compelling track "Ride Into the Beast," inspired by the challenges and discoveries encountered on the road. Pat's cultural insights and musical versatility shine through, transforming simple arpeggiations into resonant soundscapes that echo shared experiences. In a world where connections are increasingly sought through screens, this episode prompts reflection on the nature of empathy and the narratives we construct to make sense of our own lives.
"all the invention and heart we’ve come to expect from Guidon Bear, capturing the experience of real life with a unique sound" - Various Small Flames
"infused with tremendous energy and an authentic approach...exudes a warm, homemade atmosphere." - Start Track
"glistening and cheery melodies and harmonies, perfectly soundtracking lyrics from the real world and lived experiences, reflective and occasionally noir in nature. The result is all-original and
catchy compositions that have that undeniable ear-worm quality." - Aldora Britain Records
"I adore the sense here that feels seeded from 60's bohemian folk, 70's busker punk and maybe from new artists that fueled retro adorations of revisionist indie sounds" - American Pancake
To the uninitiated Cracker might seem to be just another '90s alternative rock band. However, fans recognize that the band is much more than that, having skillfully explored a wide array of styles over nearly 35 years. Regrettably, when newcomers hear a Cracker song and wish to learn more about the band, they often start with algorithmic streaming playlists. These playlists are typically limited to the dozen or so tracks with the most streams. As a result, these playlists are dominated by a few albums from the early 1990s, the heyday of alternative rock radio. There are also a few “greatest hits” compilations for Cracker available, but these, at best, cover only the first third of the band’s 35-year career. Both of these sources overlook some of the band’s most critically acclaimed and fan-favorite work.
"As you’ll see in the video, Dr. Cool’s imagination is intensely vivid and, perhaps it’s all right to say, mind-blowing. We are very lucky for this chance to collaborate with him, and grateful for the huge determination and patience it must have taken to create this powerful story from out of nothing, and fuse it to the ‘Enigma Bird’ song. For us it’s beautiful and moving to participate in this creation.”
“Dark Mystery Enigma Bird” is the final pre-release single from Nap Eyes' much anticipated forthcoming fifth album, The Neon Gate set for release on October 18, 2024. This disjunctive avian fable told through a stream-of-consciousness narrative provides, with its sun-dappled surreality, perhaps the most immediate earworm melodies and arrangements on the record. Unlike most vocals on The Neon Gate, which were recorded live with the band, songwriter Nigel Chapman recorded his vocals for “Enigma Bird” in a blanket-draped children’s cardboard castle in his parents’ basement.
Pickle Darling lends an uplifting cover of Billy Bragg's poignant classic, "The Milkman of Human Kindness.” Lukas Mayo, the creative force behind Pickle Darling, wields the song’s socially conscious message with a delicate plucking metronome through a terrain of synths, guitar and snappy drum machine.
Lewis’ ability to pair biting lyrics with unexpected warmth is on full display in ‘They Still Haven’t Figured Out What’s Wrong With Me.’ It’s a record that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable, capturing the messiness of life in all its complexity. psychMag
Christopher Lee Lewis returns with the follow-up to his July release, They Haven’t Figured Out What’s Wrong With Me, both on Sweet Cheetah Records. This second installment delves even deeper into Lewis’ battles and unfiltered narratives that resonate with authenticity and vulnerability. Go ahead--call it a part two, if you'd like.
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