Surprise, I've been listening to more music! As we head into a new week, I've been compiling a list of the tunes that stood out throughout the week that was. Some are new, some are old, all of them are worth your time!
10. Once Upon a Time at Texaco Pt. 1 - Amigo the Devil
For the second week in a row, a song from the new Amigo the Devil LP appears on this list. This time, I'm recommending 'Once Upon a Time at Texaco Pt. 1', a macabre and aggressive folk song about a heist gone wrong. It's got that dark, grim and humorous style that only Danny Kiranos can really bring.
I'm working on a little first 1/3 of the year check in where I plan on ranking my top albums of the year so far. It's safe to say that 'Yours Until the War is Over' will be pretty high on the list, and it's an album that I am only growing fonder of as time goes by. You can also check out my review HERE to see my full thoughts on the wonderful LP. Songs like this are a great reason why Amigo the Devil intrigues me so much. It's tragic, it's funny, it's intense, and it's got an allure I can't deny.
9. Flashlight - The Front Bottoms
Ah, the classics truly never go out of style. The opening track from the Front Bottoms 2011 self titled record, 'Flashlight.' This is a song I re-fall into every now and again, and that time is currently right now. It's quintessential Front Bottoms; a folky/emo messy mix, unusual melodies and delivery, and lyrics that won't leave your brain ever.
This is just a sidebar but I can't believe that this song and record are pushing THIRTEEN years old. We do be aging, am I right? At any rate, I can listen to 'Flashlight' quite often and it will still feel fresh and new to me. It's tinged with the perfect amount of nostalgia, hope, and young angst. If you are someone that has gone this long without hearing this song, now is as good of a time as any! I'll always have a soft spot for the Front Bottoms and this song in particular, and it's one I'm just going to keep jamming to.
8. A Town to Give Up In - Stay Inside
Our next artist making their triumphant return this week is Stay Inside with their track 'A Town to Give Up In'. Their new LP, 'Ferried Away', is a magnificent look into a band that is about to be making some serious waves in the Emo/Post Hardcore scene. If you'd like to see my full thoughts on the album, check out my review HERE.
This track in particular is a great microcosm of what makes the record so good in my opinion. The melodies are unique and unpredictable, the instrumentation is slick and each performance is great, and the lyrics are suitably angsty for the genre.
Stay Inside are one of the bands currently ascending in the emo scene that excite me the most. I truly think they are on the cusp of greatness, and this album will serve as a big jumping off point for their success. Check out 'A Town to Give Up In' for a taste of the record, and if you dig it give the rest of the record a go!
7. Roundabout - Yes
Man, this song bangs so hard. From the insane bass line that kicks things into gear, addicting guitar riffs, sharp and cutting synth, to the prog goodness of the lyrics, this song goes so many places. They all work, too! The 8+ minute track hooks the listener from the very beginning, and doesn't let go.
And, yes, it's also the 'to be continued' meme song.
Yes is just one of those bands that always deliver, and the 1972 LP 'Fragile' that this song appears on is some of their best work, and this is possibly the best song on that record. I know that prog rock isn't for everyone, but if you're a fan of rock that's on the different side of things, you could do much worse than this tune and this band. I recommend giving it a listen if you've missed it up until now.
6. Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs - Alkaline Trio
Longtime pop punkers Alkaline Trio made their triumphant return after Matt Skiba spent some time with Blink-182, releasing 'Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs.' It's a really fun record, and the title track is maybe the most catchy and memorable on the LP. If you would like to see my full thoughts on the album, you can check out my review for it HERE.
To be honest, the song really hasn't left my head since it first got its hooks into me, and it's one of those tunes that you just gotta crank up and yell along to. They have a knack for writing catchy, macabre songs and this is another one to add to their already huge catalogue.
5. Sinner - The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party have stormed onto the scene, after a few single releases leading to their debut record, ' Prelude to Ecstasy'. One of those singles that would eventually find its way onto the album would be 'Sinner', a dancy, funky, driving tune about giving in to those sweet temptations.
The religious lyrics throughout the song come off as extra playful and cheeky, given the theme of the overall song. It's got a great drum and bass line that keep the song going, and the vocal performance is apt and memorable. On a record full of absolute bangers, this one keeps me bopping my head and singing along.
The Last Dinner Party are a band to definitely keep your eyes on going forward, and if the debut is any indication they will be writing some absolute BOPS for a long time to come. Also, I reviewed this album earlier this year so check out my full opinion if you'd like to right HERE.
4. Garbage Pail Kids - JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown
Admittedly, I don't find myself often listening to a ton of rap/hip hop. Not that I have anything specific against the genre, most music just simply isn't for me. Typically, when I do listen, it usually has to be a tune that hits just a little bit different. Enter Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA, two of the most unique, absurd, and masterful artists you'll find in any genre.
In 2023 they would join forces to release 'Scaring the Hoes', a great record that by all accounts shouldn't be as enjoyable as it is. It's full of beats that sound impossible to rap over, cheeky and pretty raw lyrics, and some really incredible performances by each.
'Garbage Pail Kids' is a song I come back to quite often. Danny and JPEGMAFIA take turns rapping about the current state of the genre, over a a beat made up of a looped chant, fat bass, and pounding drums. Also, the bridge about halfway through the song is absolute perfection. Check out this song and album if you like weirdo rap, ok?
3. Where We've Been - Friko
Earlier this year, Friko came from seemingly out of nowhere (to me, anyways) and released one of the more exciting records so far this year. 'Where We've Been, Where We Go From Here' is a great record that opens with a strong first impression.
'Where We've Been' opens the album in impressive style, featuring a little bit of everything the band does well. Introspective, vulnerable lyrical themes, shimmering acoustic guitar that eventually gives way to a distorted wall of sound, and a little bit of Radiohead meets Bright Eyes for the melody. It's catchy, in its own way, and I for one can't stop listening to it.
It'll be interesting when the album of the year talks really begin later on this year, I really think this record will place pretty high on my list. Check it out if you're a fan of mid 2000's indie, emo, or any other sad boi (or girl) rock genre.
2. Wyoming - Benjamin Tod
If there's one thing about me, I do be loving sad cowboy music. This sad cowboy song is called 'Wyoming' and it's by Lost Dog Street Band frontman Benjamin Tod. His third solo LP 'Songs I Swore I'd Never Sing' was released in 2022, and this song is maybe the heaviest hitter on an album full of them. It's actually a cover of a Lost Dog Street Band song from years ago, but this time performed solo, slowed down, and a little more introspective.
Lyrically, things are pretty heavy. There are themes of self worth, broken dreams, suicidal tendencies, and living life with a heavy heart. It's classic sad cowboy music, but should appeal to more people than the niche it surely has found. It's a beautiful, heartbreaking ballad that Benjamin Tod is so good at writing, and I'm glad to recommend it to anyone reading this, should you have the heart for it!
1.Higher Lonesome - Willi Carlisle
I guess the top of today's list is all about sad cowboy songs, because here comes another one! My favorite album released so far this year is probably 'Critterland' by folk/alt. country singer Willi Carlisle. My favorite song on said album, without a doubt, is 'Higher Lonesome.' In fact, it's probably my favorite song of the year so far full stop.
'Critterland' as a whole is as raw, vulnerable, and real as it gets. It's a real coming out party for Willi Carlisle, who deserves to be a star in the folk scene. 'Higher Lonesome' sees Willi poetically croon about the price of true freedom and the loneliness it can take. The chorus is so sing along worthy I wish I could inject it right into my eardrums for life. The performances and production is great, and really lends itself to the rawness of the song.
Willi really has a beautiful way with words and music, and I hope nothing but success for him in the future. 'Critterland' is a masterpiece, and should be required listening. 'Higher Lonesome' is a great place to start, too. If you dig that, you'll certainly love the rest of the album.
And that's another week in the books! Did you find anything new to add to your playlist? What have you been listening to? At any rate, I hope you liked the read, if you're still here that is! I'm really enjoying sharing music that I think deserves it, and I hope you enjoy it too.
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