Australian indie rock band Eliza & The Delusionals feels like a band poised on the brink of something big. Formed in 2015, the band released their debut EP ‘The Deeper End’ in 2017, and their full-length album is set for a 2020 release. “Just Exist” is a tune with great appeal that starts off in mellow fashion, with frontwoman Eliza Klatt’s breezy vocals building to a powerful final chorus. Reviewer comparisons are quite diverse…everything from Fleetwood Mac to Blink 182 to Icehouse…whereas the first band that came to my mind was The Sundays. It’s a song that will happily exist on many a playlist.
Alanis Morrissette “Reasons I Drink”
Good to see Alanis Morissette back on the scene again, with an upcoming tour to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of “Jagged Little Pill”, and a brand new album (“Such Pretty Forks In The Road”) in the works as well. The 75+ million-selling, multi award-winning singer songwriter is still sounding fabulous, and still keeping it real with highly relatable lyrics on the new single “Reasons I Drink”.
Yay, Saint Motel is back and delivering the goods! Spaghetti western riffs and other intriguing motion picture audio elements decorate this perfectly danceable three-minute pop tune from Saint Motel’s new “The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” Pt. 1”, a 3-part album to be unveiled over the next few months. The handful of tracks released so far, with the band’s unique brand of retro flavoring, have all been a delight. Looking forward to more sonic treats from this California band in the months ahead!
White Reaper “Might Be Right”
This catchy tune keeps getting stuck in my head lately. White Reaper’s new album “You Deserve Love”, released in October, is the band’s major label debut on Elektra, and features their first-ever charted single “Might Be Right”. But the Louisville Kentucky quintet has been around a while, releasing their first album back in 2015. Their catalog currently consists of three full-length albums and two EP’s. White Reaper blends garage rock, pop and contemporary punk in a successful combination that derives from multiple eras, evoking bands from Cheap Trick to Rooney, while still producing a sound that’s uniquely their own.
Just listened to a pile of recent releases and this one from Incubus, which previews their upcoming next album, really stood out. I can’t decide if the music is more reminiscent of Duran Duran, or Roxy Music’s “Love Is The Drug” – there are hints of several other tunes of the era in the mix as well. Meanwhile the video is an obvious homage to the 80s cult classic film The Lost Boys, giving “Into The Summer” an all-around classic 80s vibe. The band is currently in the midst of a 20th anniversary tour celebrating the release of their 1999 breakout album “Make Yourself”.
The Struts “I Do It So Well” / “Tatler Magazine”
The Struts dropped a couple of new videos recently from their “Young and Dangerous” CD. I’m really digging the cool aesthetics in the video for ‘I Do It So Well”. But “Tatler Magazine” with its glam-pop Queen-esque vibe (which is still so very classically The Struts) is one of my favorite tunes from that CD. So I’ll just have to share them both!
Mental Jukebox: 80s Retrospective: Having recently fallen into an absolute treasure trove of fabulous 80s era New Wave/Modern Rock/Alternative music videos, and re-discovering so many great songs of that era, I couldn’t resist doing a bit of a retrospective on some of the fabulous bands that existed back then. So many of these artists had huge careers in Australia, the UK or Canada, but weren’t given a lot of attention in the musical mainstream of the US. Until MTV came along, of course. Many of these bands that you might vaguely remember for the one or two songs that cracked the early Modern Rock charts have impressive back catalogs that are well worth exploring. Perhaps, like me, you’ll discover some new gems to treasure among the old favorites.
Pseudo Echo “A Beat For You”
Mental Jukebox 80s Retrospective: Best known in the U.S. for their cover of Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown” in 1986, the Melbourne-based New Wave band Pseudo Echo had several Top 20 hits in Australia, including this tune (“A Beat For You”) from their 1984 debut album Autumnal Park. In listening to some of their back catalog, I was surprised by how many of their songs I actually knew, but had somehow forgotten, although the track “Living In A Dream” (the follow up t“Funkytown”) was the band’s only other charting hit in the U.S. Elsewhere, they’re still going strong. Pseudo Echo celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2007 with a sold-out show in Melbourne followed by a short tour, released their 5th studio album “Ultraviolet” in 2014, and recorded a live album at Hollywood’s Viper Room in 2015.
Mental As Anything “Live It Up”
Mental Jukebox 80s Retrospective: Mental as Anything was a new wave/pop rock group from Sydney, Australia that formed in 1976. The original members shared an art school/visual design background, making them pioneers of the music video form beginning in the late 70s. Along with their memorable (and often humorous) videos, they had a number of hits in Australia and Canada throughout the 80s, including some interesting covers of tunes by the likes of Roy Orbison, The Reflections, Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. “Live It Up” was their biggest worldwide hit, also reaching the Top 5 in the UK, Norway and Germany, and getting some exposure in the U.S. via the film Crocodile Dundee, plus a North American tour with Men at Work. This band has an amazing catalog of great songs, which I really encourage you to check out. They released a total of 13 studio albums between 1979-2009, and continue to tour in their native Australia.
Boom Crash Opera “Onion Skin”
80’s Retrospective: One of my favorite late 80s albums was Boom Crash Opera’s 2nd release “These Here Are Crazy Times”, which was produced by Jimmy Iovine and featured a number of excellent tunes, including this one. The album reached No. 10 and spent 40 weeks in the Australian Top 50, achieving double platinum status there. Despite a string of hits and numerous ARIA awards in their native Australia, they never really cracked the charts in the U.S., although “Onion Skin”, did receive a bit of MTV airplay. But my personal favorite track from that album, “Dancing In The Storm”, (also posted below) went on to have more enduring fame at home, resurfacing a number of times, and finally serving as the title track of their last studio (acoustic) album in 2009.
Bronski Beat “C’mon! C’mon!”
80s Retrospective: Bronski Beat was a UK band best known for their excellent 1984 hit “Smalltown Boy”, but this follow up tune “C’mon C’mon” was a personal favorite. The band was fronted by Glaswegian singer Jimmy Somerville, who went on to have success with The Communards (1985-88) and then as a solo artist. His distinctive countertenor/falsetto vocals have been featured on a number of collaborative tunes with other artists, including several classic disco covers. His first solo album ”Read My Lips” was released in 1989 and charted three UK singles, including this fantastic title track (also shared below). He added “actor” to his resume in the 90s as well. His most recent release was the 2015 album “Homage”.
Fans of the Wombats will definitely want to check out Love, Fame, Tragedy – the solo project of Wombats singer/ songwriter Matthew Murphy. “My Cheating Heart” is an early release from the EP “I Don’t Want To Play The Victim But I’m Really Good At It” coming on September 14th, which includes collaborations with musicians from The Pixies, Alt-J, Pearl Jam, Bastille, The Killers and more. Many of the songs started out as tunes for the last Wombats album, so the familiar sound is there…but with a few new twists. The plan is to release one new song & video each month until it forms a full album. Something to look forward to!
The 1975 “People”
The 1975 is a band that refuses to be pigeonholed. I was really impressed with the diversity of their sound when I saw them live a couple of years ago. Now they’re heading off in yet another completely different direction with the aggressive lead single “People” from the new album “Notes On A Conditional Form” coming in 2020. Wasn’t quite sure what to think but I found myself strangely intrigued. I daresay this one is going to surprise a lot of people.
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Hembree “Culture”
Hembree is an indie rock band from Kansas City, MO that has built a strong word-of-mouth buzz via their live performances. Their new single “Culture” is a pulsing, atmospheric electro-rock tune with ethereal lead melodies and a side of social awareness. The lyrics address our “penchant for putting emphasis on things that lack actual significance” and encourages the questioning of priorities and values. The band drew rave reviews at SxSW, and has toured extensively with artists such as Elvis Costello, Phoenix, Cold War Kids, Vance Joy, Joywave and more. An earlier single “Holy Water” was featured in an Apple commercial that aired during during NFL/Superbowl games and the Grammy Awards. Their debut album “House on Fire” was released in April. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9EWsmaIwTs
Big Wild “Maker”
Heard this on AltNation’s Discovery (new music) channel a few weeks back and was waiting to see if there would be a video released to complement it (’cause you know this early MTV-era gal likes to share music videos!) Alas, no. But this one is *much* too good to pass by regardless. “Maker” is a gorgeously lush, euphorically funky electro-pop tune by DJ/producer Jackson Stell aka Big Wild. His debut album was released earlier this year, following a 2015 breakout track “Aftergold” and the EP “Invincible” in 2017. Don’t miss out on hearing this excellent tune. I’m SO loving the sound of this one!!
Keane “The Way I Feel”
Ahh…so good to see these guys back again and sounding so great! Unfathomable that it’s been *fifteen years* since I first heard “Somewhere Only We Know” and the fantastic debut album “Hopes and Fears”. I still think Keane creates some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. The video for “The Way I Feel” was directed by Kevin Godley (of 10cc/Godley & Creme). The new album “Cause and Effect” is due out on September 20th. Definitely something to look forward to!
Joywave “Like A Kennedy”
Wow Joywave….just…wow. Wasn’t expecting such a darkly iconic socio-political statement from this band. I wasn’t quite sure how to react to this video at first…but “Like A Kennedy” is a subtle yet chilling statement that captures the combined horror and numbness being spawned by our daily news cycle, from politics to gun violence to our failure to learn from history. Somber, yet highly relatable to anyone who’s actually paying attention.
Playing catch up again – life too often gets in the way of listening to good music. The Head and the Heart’s latest hit “Missed Connection” has already reached #1 on the Adult Alternative charts and continues its upward momentum elsewhere as well. The first single from the band’s 4th studio album “Living Mirage, released in May, suggests a more pop direction for the future of this indie folk band, who has seen a few personnel changes since their last album “Signs of Light”, released in 2016. If this excellent track is any indication, the band is poised for a very interesting next chapter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myi1bABePlQ
Lana Del Rey “Doin’ Time”
Not sure if it’s blasphemy to say that Lana del Rey’s cover of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time” is probably my favorite track from her since the alluring debut of “Video Games”. I absolutely love what she’s done with this song. Oddly enough, her voice and style are somehow a perfect (yes, even a “sublime” 😉) fit for this tune. My only complaint is that it’s way too short – this delightful sonic tidbit should last for at least another two minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6UazdAlqhs
As one reviewer put it “If you haven’t heard of Billie Eilish yet…you must be old.” Since a lot of my friends happen to fall into that category, (sorry guys 😉) …they may want to remedy that lack. Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell is of Irish/Scottish descent (Eilish is Gaelic for ‘Elizabeth’), but was born in Los Angeles/Highland Park. Currently 17, Billie began writing songs at age 11, taking after her musician brother Finneas, with whom she now collaborates. A unique and intriguing “new” artist (who just happens to have seven gold and two platinum singles already), Billie has a distinctive musical style and a voice that deviates from ethereal to husky. Her debut single “Ocean Eyes” (go watch that one too!) was released in 2016, and the EP “Don’t Smile At Me” had music fans all over the world eagerly anticipating her first full-length album. “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” debuted at #1 in the US and UK, making her the youngest female ever to have a #1 in the UK, and the first artist born in the 2000s to have a #1 album in the U.S. “Bad Guy” is the 5th single from that album, and probably my favorite track so far…although it’s a very close tie with “Strange Addiction”. All worth a listen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyDfgMOUjCI
Illenium & Jon Bellion “Good Things Fall Apart”
This powerhouse collaboration between multiplatinum DJ/artist Illenium and Grammy-award winning songwriter, producer and singer/rapper Jon Bellion made an impressively swift and strong debut on the alternative charts. This emotionally charged tune skillfully contrasts moments of sparse acoustic guitar and acapella vocals that crescendo into a dramatic anthemic chorus. The song neatly juxtaposes lyrics that depict a relationship’s end with a video depicting the dystopian future of Earth – and is dedicated to “those who have the courage to change the course we are on.” It’s easy to grasp the immediate appeal of this masterpiece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpmeVNxZ-Ks
Tame Impala “Borderline”
Loving this euphorically hypnotic new tune from Aussie psych rockers Tame Impala! Drenched in synth and pan flutes, with Kevin Parker’s buoyantly airy vocals and existential yearnings, Tame Impala definitely haven’t lost their psychedelic vibe. Fans are still eagerly awaiting word of the band’s expected follow up to 2015’s celebrated “Currents” album. “Borderline” is the 2nd new track they’ve dropped so far this year, and the band headlined Coachella this past spring. Dare we hope to see a release date soon? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6QBLUqyIk8
Some of you with good taste in music and live bands might have caught these guys opening up for Panic! At The Disco on their latest tour. The American rock/electro-pop band Arizona (who are actually from New Jersey) met while attending college in Boston. Their debut album was released in May 2017; “Find Someone” is the first single from their upcoming 2nd album. The infectious tune is definitely worth a listen…and who can possibly resist a video that’s filled with adorable baby animals? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXhtzMDTxKI
Morrissey ft. Billie Joe Armstrong “Wedding Bell Blues”
OK I’m sharing this one just out of the sheer delight that it even exists. Morrissey (The Smiths) and Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) together, singing the 5th Dimension’s “Wedding Bell Blues”. I’m not sure which part of this I love more. 😯😍 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3z-aureKFE
Dominic Fike “3 Nights”
I’ve been loving this one for a while. It’s hard to believe that Dominic Fike is a 22-year old artist who started out as a rapper uploading songs to YouTube while still in high school. “Three Nights” has more of a guitar-based tropical sound that has reviewers drawing comparisons to the likes of Jack Johnson, who just happens to be one of Dominic’s key influences, along with Blink 182 and Red Hot Chili Peppers. His debut EP “Don’t Forget About Me” was originally released from a jail cell in Florida, and then released again last October, after a hot label bidding war. A very intriguing new artist. Keep your eye on this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWKzRngush4
X-Ambassadors “Boom”
X-Ambassadors are back on the scene with a bangin’ new groove from their upcoming second LP “Orion”, due out in June. The first single, an ode to blowing up toxic relationships, is a bit of a sonic departure for the New York group. Clocking in at under three minutes, “Boom” is a delightfully funky toe-tapping tune with an irresistible bass line and guitar riff that goes by so quick you need to go back and hear it again. The NBA has already scooped it up for prime time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXLRy1cNMWs
Fitz and the Tantrums “123456”
I can pretty much count on Fitz & The Tantrums to drop a tune that’s going to become an instant addition to my workout playlist. “123456” is certainly no exception. The upbeat pop tune was co-written with Grammy-nominated artist K.Flay. The band will be releasing a new album later this year, and co-headlining a summer tour with Young the Giant plus Alice Merton and Coin on support. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSoqC6ERnYA
Feels a little bit like cheating ‘cause I know I just featured I Don’t Know How But They Found Me a short while ago…but I’m so very excited to see them actually getting some REAL airplay on alt radio. “Choke” is a cheerfully twisted “F-U” song that I could totally hear being sung by My Chemical Romance… although maybe not quite as brilliantly as IDKHow delivers it. Glam rock meets goth. Put this one in your repertoire to pull out the next time you really need to tell someone off (with a smile). From the EP ‘1981 Extended Play’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v64-DpcLEvI
Mallrat “Groceries”
Grace Shaw, a 19-year old Aussie from Brisbane (better known to her fans as “Mallrat”) is charming listeners with a song from her EP “In The Sky” that depicts grocery shopping as a quaint metaphor for enduring love. The dreamy electro-pop tune has a sweet simplicity and depicts the inconvenient feeling of being caught between the ideal of a lasting commitment and wanting to remain independent. Her seemingly effortless alliteration tickles the ear just enough to make the tune instantly memorable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssFgYNn0BUA
Parker Bossley “Lifted”
Fascinated by this video. I think it’s partly because I can’t stop thinking that Parker Bossley looks like the androgynous love child of Scott Weiland and John Waite…but never mind. Parker is no stranger to fans of Canadian indie rock, being a sought-after session bassist and talented singer/songwriter who has been a member of several popular bands, including Hot Hot Heat and Gay Nineties. The song “Lifted” is a “shimmery glam pop-rock tune” that keeps threatening to crack the US charts. Just when you think it’s slipped away, it resurfaces. Likewise, I seem to keep being drawn back to it again and again. I’m kinda rooting for this one…I’d like to see more future solo endeavours from Parker Bossley. https://youtu.be/KLuo8WgXYl4
Half Alive “Still Feel”
The Long Beach, California based band Half Alive [aka half.alive] got its start in 2016, and released their debut EP “3” in 2017. The single “Still Feel” was released in mid-2018, but just hit the charts in 2019. The song has gotten a lot of attention due to its simple but clever video, incorporating intricate choreography [but is it dancing…?] and multiple costume changes in virtually a single take. The video was directed and edited by Josh Taylor, who is also the band’s obviously multi-talented singer-songwriter – not least of all for proving that it’s still quite possible to create an impressive video on a relatively small budget. Visuals aside though, the song is a groovy and familiar-feeling little masterpiece of funk-pop that leaves me eager to hear more from this band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOOhPfMbuIQ
Feet “English Weather”
Hot tip for Britpop fans here in the US! The versatile Coventry-based quintet known as Feet may be relatively new to the scene, but the band is already garnering some solid buzz, and being hailed as “Britpop for the next generation”. Feet deliver a dose of quintessential wry British sarcasm/humor in “English Weather”, a catchy indie-nostalgia* tune that will keep you coming back for more. Their full-length debut album is due out later this year. Fans of Britpop will definitely want to check this one out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFKCxZXnceQ
*I believe this emerging genre refers to the plethora of alternative/indie bands putting out songs with heavy “retro” throwback to the sounds of the 60s-80s, something I’ve been noticing for quite a while. Being from those eras, it’s a trend that I both approve of and thoroughly enjoy! 😊
Having grown up with Prince looking (pretty far) ahead to 1999, it’s admittedly taken me a while to fully embrace [get used to] the idea of a song that takes a nostalgic look *back* on 1999 as the ‘good old days’ (gulp). But I can no longer deny “’99”’s obvious appeal and catchy hook. From British rocker Barns Courtney’s debut album “The Attractions of Youth”, which also includes his previous hits (going as far back as 2015) “Fire”, “Golden Dandelions” and “Glitter & Gold”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmbCKz2N4II
Lil Peep & ILoveMakonnen feat. Fall Out Boy “I’ve Been Waiting”
This breezy and toe-tapping collaboration “I’ve Been Waiting” from ILoveMakonnen (ILM) and Lil Peep (prior to his untimely passing in 2017) is a song I just can’t get out of my head! The tune includes seamlessly blended vocals contributed by Lil Peep’s musical heroes Fall Out Boy (is emo pop rap its own genre yet?) and seems to be part of a larger generational trend towards “happy/sad” songs. Melodic and addictive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQYPimscA20
Cosmo Sheldrake “Come Along”
Why is a song released in late 2017 just now finding its way into the mainstream? Blame (or thank!) Apple. But the real question is – why didn’t we hear Cosmo Sheldrake’s brilliantly whimsical song “Come Along” sooner? A prime example of how easily the best and most interesting music too often gets by us –even when we try to seek it out. What is it that I love so much about this wonderfully unique tune…is it the quirky lyrics? The playful and catchy refrain which irresistibly beckons one to escape? The creative use and layering of instrumentation [Timpani! Bass clarinet! Flutes, bells, trombones…just to name a few] typically more at home in a marching band than a pop song? Why yes. So glad we’ve been given a second chance to appreciate this gem of a song. I can’t stop pressing “repeat”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIyl9bCp6W4
Vampire Weekend “Harmony Hall”
Not super-new but still very timely. This one shot up the charts so fast and has been pounded so hard by alt radio it already feels like it’s been around for ages. Lots of excitement out there for the new Vampire Weekend album coming in May. Deservedly so. “Harmony Hall” is not just an excellent song with some great guitar work, but also “a powerful rebuke of hypocrisy, bigotry and duplicitousness in the modern era” with lyrics that strongly resonate. (Seriously…google ’em). For those who *might* have missed this somehow (because you don’t obsessively listen to alt radio like me?)…well, fix that now. The more I hear this song, the better it sounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlkTVMMkCP4
Mental Jukebox 