Listening Post – December 2021

Words: Andy Hughes

The happiest of holidays to you, dear reader, as we find ourselves (over here in the UK at least) circling the plug hole of despair, destined to enter a festive lockdown. Still though – it’s not all bad news. On the horizon: Our Top 50 tracks of the year. There are likely more festive treats up our sleeves too.

In the meantime, our regular-as-clockwork playlist is here for your pleasure. 20 tunes, old and new, all worth a good going over.

Amyl and The Sniffers – Choices
(Comfort To Me)

I thought it had taken a while to listen to this, but apparently it came out in September? Warped timelines… Fuck knows. Either way, I can confirm I’m fully on board with the new one from the delightfully named Amyl and The Sniffers. The snarling Aussie punks deliver up a killer riff and pit-ready chops as frontwoman Amy Taylor quite rightly highlights that her choices and her body are her own. Stuff ya!

Audiobooks – Call Of Duty Free
(Now! In a minute)

Up until around a month ago, it’s been very much a dipping the toe vibe with Audiobooks, the pairing of Evangeline Ling and David Wrench. That’s all changed though and whilst their latest release ‘Astro Tough‘ got us on board, it’s this hypnotic, oddball piece from their debut album that has really had us hooked. The pronunciation of “Mum and Dad” never fails to make me laugh.

Richard Dawson and Circle – Methuselah
(Henki)

Trust modern day troubadour Richard Dawson to deliver the goods when putting out a collaborative release with Finnish heavy metal heads Circle. Dubbed “the greatest flora-themed hypno-folk-metal record you’ll hear this year“, ‘Methuselah‘ is an 8+ minute trip which offers up the same sort of laughs found on ‘2020‘ when Dawson hits those crotch-grabbing high notes.

Mitski – The Only Heartbreaker
(Laurel Hell)

Pop bop, make no mistake, the urgency of this kinda reminds us of Alex Cameron in a way, running outta luck… ‘The Only Heartbreaker‘ is a real heartstring tugger, as Mitski lays it all on the line in glittering splendour.

DITZ – Ded Würst

Calling to mind the rhythmic rumble and stark attack of Gilla Band (TAFKA Girl Band), DITZ kick off a run of new material with a pulsating industrial head-wrecker that has us all excited for whatever’s next!

Read all about it (in their own words) here!

Gabriels – Blame
(Bloodline)

The discovery of ‘Blame‘ came with it the thought that it could only have come from Los Angeles based trio Gabriels. Lifted to great heights by the soulful, stop you in your tracks vocal of gospel singer Jacob Lusk, it follows the incredible ‘Love and Hate in a Different Time‘ from earlier this year. Some voice, this kid!

Michael Kiwanuka – Beautiful Life
(Beautiful Life)

A new one from Kiwanuka! Recorded for documentary ‘Convergence: Courage in a Crisis‘, the aptly titled ‘Beautiful Life‘ is just beautiful, capturing his dulcet tones in a more reserved setting, allowing the Londoner to really get into your head.

Black Midi – Marlene Dietrich
(Cavalcade)

From an album I’ve returned to a lot this year, I was most surprised to hear Prefab Sprout stylings on offer from the much discussed Black Midi. Having been not too certain about the hype, ‘Cavalcade‘ has won me over sure enough. ‘Marlene Dietrich‘ is a daft delight.

TEKE::TEKE – Kala Kala
(Shirushi)

Psych-Rock sounds now from Montreal-based Japanese outfit TEKE::TEKE. ‘Kala Kala‘ opens up and very much sets up their debut album ‘Shirushi‘, the use of gorgeous traditional Japanese bamboo flute adding to their 60’s and 70’s inspired sound.

Daughters – What’s Inside a Girl
(Really Bad Music For Really Bad People: The Cramps as Heard Through the Meat Grinder of Three One G)

Daughters go rockabilly and the results are raging! Alexis Marshall switches out haunting vocals in favour of a good old time, whilst still maintaining a bit of a rough and ready edge.

Thank – Good Boy
(Thoughtless Cruelty)

DOOF DOOF DOOF! Rock hard noise on offer from Leeds outfit Thank, taking some inspiration from the techno groove of Scooter’s ‘Jumping All Over The World’ (so we were told…) From their forthcoming hotly tipped debut full-length album ‘Thoughtless Cruelty‘, ‘Good Boy‘ builds to a horrific yet totally satisfying conclusion.

Cate Le Bon – Moderation
(Pompeii)

Oooh, she’s good. Cate Le Bon turns back the years again with this nostalgic sounding cut from her forthcoming new album ‘Pompeii‘. A no brainer by now that she’s going to knock it out of the park with each new release, on ‘Moderation‘, the Welsh artist really cracks wonky pop. Another beautiful piece.

(Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young)

Sweeping Promises – Pain Without a Touch

As regular an occurrence as walking the dog or staring into the bottom of the coffee cup, a recent activity has been patiently refreshing the instagram page of Sweeping Promises on the hunt for a) a UK tour and/or b) a new single. Wonderful then to receives news of both this month, with the release of ‘Pain Without a Touch‘ capturing the invigorating energy of their self-titled debut album. In major news, it’s out on Sub Pop, who are sharing the load with Feel It Records (who put out their debut).

Prison Affair – Encerrado Contigo (en la prisión)

All the best songs are 110 second sprints, we’ve been telling you this… Fuzzy, speed-fuelled punk from Spain is well up our street and this is no exception. From a split with Research Reactor Corp, I don’t know much about Prison Affair other than a) I love this and b) their artwork is lots of knobs and arses.

Nice Biscuit – Passing Over
(Passing Over)

I heard this the other week and genuinely thought it was Steely Dan or one of their contemporaries. No sir, we’re in 2021 and in the company of Aussie lot Nice Biscuit, last seen on these pages with the Oh Sees meets King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard ‘Candle‘. Trading in psych for yacht rock stylings, this is a great sun-soaked number for these cold wintry months.

Bas Jan – Vision of Change
(Baby U Know)

Pound that wood block and take that bass line for a walk! Loving this funky little number from the brillo-pads Bas Jan, the urgency of ‘Vision of Change‘ (with its gnarly revved up violin solo) coming from the fact that their forthcoming new album had to be finished before one of its numbers entered the third trimester of pregnancy!

Alice Clark – Hey Girl
(Alice Clark)

Woof, once more we enter heart-stopping territory with Alice Clark and her wonderful self-titled debut album. A lot more upbeat than the last time we had her on these pages, the instrumental on this one goes nuts. Love how everyone lets loose to compliment the soulful vocal.

Gary Bartz – I’ve Known Rivers
(I’ve Known Rivers And Other Bodies)

From a record described by the BBC as “rare as rocking horse droppings“, ‘I’ve Known Rivers‘ is such a swell piece of kit, alto saxophonist Bartz as captivating across 8+ minutes now as he must’ve been at the 1973 Montreux Festival where this was recorded.

Shame – This Side of the Sun

Having started off the year with one of our favourite releases of 2021, London lot Shame bookend this 12 months with the ripper that is new single ‘This Side of the Sun‘. With everything we loved about their latest album packed into two and a half minutes, ‘This Side of the Sun‘ will keep us going until next year I reckon.

Jonathan Richman – Every Day Clothes
(Jonathan Richman)

“You know, T-shirt, You know, sweatshirt You know, cut-off shorts…” More cutie-pie realness from the ever charming Jonathan Richman. From his 1989 solo album, ‘Every Day Clothes‘ is a hand-clapping earworm to add a bit of light to December.

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Listening Post – November 2021

Words: Andy Hughes

As regular as my dog barking me awake every day before 9AM, Birthday Cake For Breakfast has your NEW monthly playlist to tuck into! First of the month, like clockwork.

Featuring everything that’s been tickling our fancy this past month, within these 20 tracks you’ll find new and old, loud and quiet, hard and soft and everything in between. Do yourself a favour – give it a like so you remember it each month and share it with your friends so they can do the same!

Jonathan Richman – You Can’t Talk To The Dude
(I, Jonathan)

‘No he don’t taste the food, he’s just shovelling it down.’ Yet another wonderful ditty from the ever brilliant Jonathan Richman, rhyming up a storm as is his wont. Continuing our lifelong Richman trip.

Nation of Language – This Fractured Mind
(A Way Forward)

Don’t look forward, look backward! Glittering nostalgic joy on offer from Nation of Language out of Brooklyn, NYC. ‘This Fractured Mind‘ is an energetic delight, calling to mind The Human League and ‘Johnny and Mary‘. Perfect pop.

Mr Ben & the Bens – How Do I Get To You?
(Melody Shed)

Wonderful Autumnal feeling on offer from the latest out of Lancaster’s finest, Mr Ben & the Bens. Crunchy leaves, wrapping up tight, crisp air. Rocking a bit of a timeless feel, one loves those brass bursts!

Wednesday – Handsome Man
(Twin Plagues)

Total slacker jam from North Carolina outfit Wednesday. Brings to mind the feelings we first felt when we fell in love with Milk Teeth all them years ago (before Josh left…) A spine-tingler no doubt, turn this one right up, kid!

Wombo – Dreamsickle
(Keesh Mountain)

Really swish stuff from Kentucky’s own Wombo, the trio letting rip on ‘Dreamsickle‘. The almost dreamlike vocal of Sydney Chadwick compliments the post-punk-ish instrumental perfectly. Joy Division one minute, The Strokes the next, then Omni the next.

Cate Le Bon – Running Away
(Pompeii)

Further Bowie vibes on the latest from the brilliant Cate Le Bon, from her forthcoming new record ‘Pompeii‘. Luscious and warm, ‘Running Away‘ is a welcome return, one which builds upon the splendour of the untouchable album ‘Reward‘.

Tall Ships – Gallop
(Everything Touching)

Lump in the throat territory from a pivotal album in the early days of Birthday Cake For Breakfast, a mid-October morning was sound-tracked quite wonderfully by the fantastic debut album from Tall Ships (RIP). ‘Gallop‘ sounds a lot more relevant almost a decade on from when we first heard it…

We Are Scientists – Contact High
(Huffy)

Boy oh boy, We Are Scientists know how to write a bloody catchy chorus. Whilst they’ve been waffling on about bringing back the bridge ahead of the release of ‘Huffy‘, there’s no denying their knack for penning an anthemic, sing-a-long refrain. Hearts set to burst.

Kit Sebastian – Senden Başka
(Mantra Moderne)

Satisfyingly 60’s sounding cucumber cool number from London formed duo Kit Martin and Merve Erdem, the pair bringing Turkish and French influences to the table. Martin perfectly sets you up for the knockout vocal of Erdem.

Delta 5 – Mind Your Own Business

Leeds lot Delta 5 sounding box fresh in the year 2021, despite ‘Mind Your Own Business‘ coming out forty years ago! Hypnotic bass line make no mistake, this is such a rager.

Metronomy x Biig Piig – 405
(Posse EP Volume 1)

From an EP we’ve been positively rinsing since its release a month or two back, this sultry, 80’s sounding piece featuring the vocals of the brilliantly named Biig Piig has been swirling round my brainbox almost as much as the undeniable collab with Folly Group and Brian Nasty. The fact that Metronomy have now followed it up with the ludicrously catchy ‘It’s Good to be Back‘ is testament to them!

BODEGA – DOERS
(Broken Equipment)

Dynamite lead single from the forthcoming BODEGA record, ‘DOERS‘ takes about 40 seconds before you know you’re in good hands. An anthem for the 2021 pandemic crowd, the refrain of ‘Bitter, Harder, Fatter, Stressed Out‘ feels very relatable!

The Limiñanas – Migas 2000
(Down Underground)

Rocking shoulder-shuffler from French duo The Limiñanas, with a garage-rock vibe that makes you want to whack on a pair of black shades and light one up. Much in the same way that BODEGA sound like they’re from New York, The Limiñanas most definitely sound like they’re from France (the vocal helps…)

Spill Tab – Anybody Else

As heard on that latest Metronomy EP, LA based French-Korean artist Claire Chicha creates perfect wonky pop as Spill Tab, with ‘Anybody Else‘ very much hitting the spot.

Future Islands – Peach

We’re still vibing off the latest record from Future Islands at Birthday Cake For Breakfast HQ, so it was a treat recently to discover this standalone single. I’ve always said they sound best when they’re moving at a clip and ‘Peach‘ is very much that brand from the quartet out of Baltimore.

SASAMI – Sorry Entertainer
(Squeeze)

Nails double-peddle nastiness from LA artist SASAMI and her newly announced album ‘Squeeze‘. Discovered here via the involvement of Patti Harrison (the star of multiple scenes in I Think You Should Leave), ‘Sorry Entertainer‘ is a ripper, a metal blast from the past that sounds gnarly as you like.

Mitski – Why Didn’t You Stop Me?
(Be The Cowboy)

Recent Mitski news resulted in some looking back to 2018’s ‘Be The Cowboy‘ and the terrific, hypnotising dance-y bop ‘Why Didn’t You Stop Me?‘. Love how much it builds and builds, leading to that fist in the air crescendo!

Ibibio Sound Machine – Electricity

Last month we were bigging up Ibibio Sound Machine and we find ourselves doing so once again this month off the back of their latest single, ‘Electricity‘. Recorded at the studio of Hot Chip, the collective were so keen on it that they wanted the world to know and we’re chuffed they did – yet another arse-shaker from the outfit.

The Gun Club – Death Party
(Death Party)

Raging garage punk banger from Yank lot The Gun Club. Love that yelped, almost unhinged vocal delivery from Jeffrey Lee Pierce. Proper sinks its teeth in this one, its repetition working you up so much you’re begging for another verse at its end.

Pigeon – Yagana
(Yagana)

Absolute disco-dance delight this, the work of Falle Nioke and members of SAULT, Soma World and Michael Kiwanuka’s band. The story goes the quintet got together in Margate after a visit to the pub, setting up an impromptu jam sesh that eventually led them to the business of ‘Yagana‘ (which translates to ‘It’s been a while‘), which was recorded in just one weekend. You’ll note Nioke has previously been seen round these parts, the vocalist moving to the UK from West Africa back in 2018 and coming to our attention through collaborations with sir Was and Ghost Culture.

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Listening Post – October 2020

Words: Andy Hughes

Well, what a month it’s been. Open the curtains, look out the window – chaos. Flick on the telly – heartache. But we’re still in this – we’re still coping and we hope you are too. We’ve put together yet another playlist for the month of everything we’ve been vibing off. 20 tunes, old and new, all good.

It’s not all doom and gloom after all. Christmas soon…

*UPDATE – Our playlist only sticks about for ONE MONTH before we move on. No regrets. You can listen to the latest playlist below!*

Handle – Lifes Work
(In Threes)

I still hold out hope that DUDS are going to get it back together but I think those days are long gone… Handle it is then, featuring former DUDS Giulio Erasmus and Nirvana Heire, with genderqueer multidisciplinary artist Leo Hermitt completing the line-up. The trio put out their debut album earlier this year via top tastemakers Upset The Rhythm and ‘Lifes Work‘ – one of its longest – is an energetic dose of hypnotising post-punk/no-wave/who-knows-what.

Hey Colossus – The Mirror
(Dances/Curses)

From their forthcoming double record ‘Dances/Curses‘ out this November, the ever-changing Hey Colossus have put out quite the opening gambit. Drafting in bassist Joe Thompson’s mate Mark Lanegan – the pair both put out books via the ‘Sleevenotes‘ series last year (though only one of them has had a Twitter spat with a Gallagher brother this year – so far) – ‘The Mirror‘ is an engaging bit of kit. The record is even out on Thompson’s own DIY label, Wrong Speed Records!

Disq – I’m Really Trying
(Collector)

In true lockdown fashion, following the rediscovery of Deeper’s ‘Auto-Pain‘, released earlier this year, a recent joy has been working through the debut album from Disq and picking up where we left off in March (christ!) An album we described back then as “an extremely accomplished debut“, ‘I’m Really Trying‘ is an incredibly joyous listen from the quintet.

Pottery – Bobby’s Forecast
(Welcome To Bobby’s Motel)

Pottery at their most Zappa – From their official debut proper, out earlier this year, ‘Bobby’s Forecast‘ feels like the sort of live showcase you might’ve heard from a band in their pomp decades ago. If you don’t mind us saying so, we nailed it on the head back then – “making the listener long for rooms full of people and sweat dripping off the ceiling.”

USA Nails – I Don’t Own Anything
(Character Stop)

I was thinking about this the other day – How is it possible for a band to get better with each new release? So many bands struggle to rustle up the enthusiasm for a second album, most crash and burn at the sniff of a third album. Noisemakers USA Nails rarely sit still, putting out singles, EPs and new full lengths at an impressive rate (whilst doing their own side projects), each just as storming as the last. From their forthcoming fifth album, ‘I Don’t Own Anything‘ is a burst of raging energy dusted off in under 90 seconds. Bosh.

Explode Into Colors – Eyes Hands Mouth
(Quilts EP)

A new discovery to these ears from a band that called themselves “Three Weird Aunts“, Explode Into Colors were a trio out of Portland a decade ago, who whipped up quite a stir with the release of this EP. ‘Eyes Hands Mouth‘ is a proper hypnotising ripper.

(Photo Credit: Ebru Yildiz)

Wax Chattels – Efficiency
(Clot)

From their new album out now (via Captured Tracks/Flying Nun), New Zealand outfit Wax Chattels give off a Preoccupations x Placebo vibe, with ‘Efficiency‘ hitting proper hard, the two-piece drum kit getting a proper battering!

OSEES – If I Had My Way
(Protean Threat)

Perfectly described by the folks at Post Trash (“you can almost see Pee Wee Herman dancing on the bar to this“), ‘If I Had My Way‘ was an early favourite from their brilliant new album. I say new, they’ve already announced its follow up at the time of writing (of course they have…)

Ho99o9 – Pray or Prey
(Christopher Dorner/Pray or Prey)

Having almost ran my legs clean off back in August from the flip-side of this double single, on ‘Pray or Prey‘, New Jersey hardcore punks Ho99o9 bring the vibe down, whilst still hitting just as heavy in the lyrics. Proceeds from the split to be donated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Advancement Project and the National Black Disability Coalition.

Thundercat – Fair Chance
(It Is What It Is)

A favourite from Thundercat’s tremendous new record released earlier this year (copped the pink vinyl, you know!), ‘Fair Chance‘ is absolutely dream-like. Love the addition of Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B, who probably take the best guest spot honours (after Zack Fox’s flight attendant, obviously…)

FUZZ – Returning
(III)

Having binged on Ty Segall over the past few years, it’s good to hear him back in full FUZZ-y glory with his mates Charles Moothart and Chad Ubovic. He’s even dressed up like a right little goth in the press photo! ‘Returning‘ is the aptly titled single from their forthcoming new album, engineered by Steve Albini, their first record in five years! A proper ripper, make no mistake.

Orlando Weeks – Milk Breath
(A Quickening)

A proper autumnal vibe to this one from Orlando Weeks‘ debut solo album ‘A Quickening‘. Released a few months back, our Ben called it spot on with the heart-warming ‘Milk Breath‘ – “A beautiful opening line delivered with Orlando’s gentle yet soulful croon which instantly hits you with a soft wave of warmth.”

Aldous Harding – Fixture Picture
(Designer)

Whilst it’s been a learning curve having to live and work in each others pocket every bloody minute of the day, one of the many benefits from working at home with my partner has been hearing Aldous Harding drifting in from the room she’s working in. The New Zealander’s third album is such a trip, perfect for the few remaining sunny days we’ve likely got this year. Always happy to hear H. Hawkline in the mix too!

METZ – Blind Youth Industrial Park
(Atlas Vending)

From their killer new album ‘Atlas Vending‘ – out this month on Sub Pop – on ‘Blind Youth Industrial Park‘, Canadian outfit METZ are relentless in their pummelling. Two songs into the record and already you’re putting your head through the wall!

Jamie Lenman – Sleep Mission
(King Of Clubs)

RIFF! Lenners knocks it out of the park once more on his mini-LP ‘King Of Clubs‘, a record I must’ve listened to at least three times on its morning of release. ‘Sleep Mission‘ is a brutal bit of kit – difficult not to headbang!

Michael Kiwanuka – Rolling
(KIWANUKA)

Massive shout to Kiwanuka on winning the Mercury this year! Is the Mercury Prize a bit bollocks? Kinda… But it’s nice to see people like the North Londoner do well (and it was great seeing Cate Le Bon nominated last year). ‘Rolling‘ is a cucumber cool ripper from his latest award winning album.

Hannah Georgas – Easy
(All That Emotion)

Discovered via METZ drummer Hayden Menzies – who recently answered a host of our questions don’t ya know – Hannah Georgas is a new one for me, but it’s not like she’s not been grafting. Three nominations for the Polaris Music Prize and four JUNO nominations back home in Canada, hypnotising single ‘Easy‘ reminds us of that last Bat For Lashes album (which is good company to keep, we’d say!)

Die! Die! Die! – I Seek Misery

NEW from New Zealand leg-ends Die! Die! Die!, from a forthcoming single out via our friends at Buzzhowl Records. Their second release featuring newly-returned bassist Lachlan Anderson, ‘I Seek Misery‘ really sinks into your psyche, rolling along with the impassioned shouts of vocalist Andrew Wilson against the rumble of Anderson and drummer Michael Prain.

Landowner – Swiss Pavilion
(Consultant)

Filling a Minneapolis Uranium Club sized hole in our lives right about now, I’ve had to check and double check (and, well, triple check) that the Landowner vocalist isn’t one of the Uranium Club bods (I’m still note sure to be honest). From their new album ‘Consultant‘, released via a label we keep seeing again and again of late – Born Yesterday Records, seen on these very pages recently via Cafe Racer and STUCK!

Mattiel – Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun
(Double Cover)

Bob on cover to finish up our playlist for the month, with the cucumber cool Mattiel Brown tackling the Beastie Boys at their brattiest for a recent Heavenly 7″. Brown sounds like she could easily slip into a Beastie Boys tribute, no danger.

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Listening Post – February 2020

Words: Andy Hughes

February already is it? Christ… Not just that, almost the end of February as well. Tell you what though, the new music keeps getting churned out and I keep getting stuck in, so it’s not all too bad. It’s been a big month for new discoveries and listening to really great records walking around the local park, as well as hammering records whilst writing up two big interviews that kicked off our year – More of that below! It’s also been a big month for doing the garden, hence the delay…

*UPDATE – Our playlist only sticks about for ONE MONTH before we move on. No regrets. You can listen to the latest playlist below!*

Jamie Lenman – Personal
(Devolver)

I had the pleasure of chatting with Jamie Lenman at the tail end of last year, both of us cross legged across from each other on a bunk bed like we were having a sleepover. Whilst writing up the piece, ‘Personal‘ got played again and again – an audio highlight reel of Lenman’s strengths whipped up into one track, with its killer riff, anthemic chorus and fist-raising shouty moments. A belter.

BODEGA – Treasures Of The Ancient World
(Shiny New Model)

Another new record that’s been on heavy rotation, the follow up to the debut album from cucumber cool NYC outfit BODEGA. Second track ‘Treasures Of The Ancient World’ is an infectious bit of kit, calling to mind their mates Parquet Courts.

Michael Kiwanuka – You Ain’t The Problem
(KIWANUKA)

A face and name i’ve seen about time and time again, but music i’ve never listened to. Until now. Fully backing Kiwanuka from this point forward, with this big single from the LDN-born singer a true earworm. What a chorus!

Tropical Trash – Your Place In The Chain
(Southern Indiana Drone Footage)

A record I’ve come back to again and again throughout the past year, introduced to me from our resident noise guy Nate. A Hot Snakes-esque straight down the barrel bit of noise-rock. The album is a rager!

Aiming For Enrike – Don’t Hassle The Hoff
(Music For Working Out)

Can’t get enough of this infectious instrumental math-rock duo right now! From their latest album ‘Music For Working Out’, we described Aiming For Enrike as “one of the most creative instrumental outfits in the world today“. Not a bad shout.

Metronomy – A Thing For Me
(Nights Out)

As acknowledged last month, Metronomy completely passed me by at the time they were putting out arse-shakers like this. I’m making up for it these days though and the past four months following the release of new album ‘Metronomy Forever‘ have been heavily soundtracked by their back catalogue. This track from their 2008 LP ‘Nights Out‘ is pure pop brilliance.

Wasted Shirt – Double The Dream
(Fungus II)

Anything new from Ty is a delight, especially if it’s riff-y and shout-y. This ticks both boxes, with the added thumbs up thanks to one of the bods from Lightning Bolt joining him. Hits you like a fucking lightning bolt this one, kid (ey up).

Purple Mountains – Darkness and Cold
(Purple Mountains)

Sunny Saturday mornings have often been soundtracked by this record, having picked it up just after Christmas. Not for the tone, obviously, but the warmth of the instrumentation and the brilliant songwriting from the late David Berman, the perfect pairing for many cups of coffee.

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Reducer
(Viscerals)

New output from the Pigs lot – ‘Reducer‘ is more of a straight on rager than some of the lengthier head-smashers from last album ‘King Of Cowards‘. A head-spinner none the less, it’s a great indicator of what’s to be expected from their forthcoming new album!

Field Music – Coffee Or Wine
(Making a New World)

Another interview from this year and another album that was played again and again during the writing process, ‘Coffee Or Wine‘ kicks the new Field Music album off good and proper – A tale of what it might have been like for young soldiers on the return from the First World War, reintegrating back into society, all wrapped up in that trademark Field Music pomp.

Anna Burch – Not So Bad
(If You’re Dreaming)

From her forthcoming new album ‘If You’re Dreaming‘, the Detroit based singer songwriter builds anticipation stupendously with the heartwarming ‘Not So Bad‘. All the warmth we’ve come to expect from Burch following her wunderbar debut.

Moaning – Ego
(Uneasy Laughter)

Another new album on the way from Sub Pop regulars Moaning, this time around the sound is more synth heavy, making for a very 80’s sounding moody pop number with the most infectious of choruses (even given the context!)

The Homesick – Male Bonding
(The Big Exercise)

A favourite discovery in 2020, The Homesick have been my ‘have you heard about this lot?‘ band since I discovered them via this single at the start of the year. From throat-shredding shouts to that majestic closing stretch, i’ve been hooked ever since.

Thundercat – Black Qualls (feat. Steve Lacy & Steve Arrington)
(It Is What It Is)

It would be hard to follow up phenomenal 2017 LP ‘Drunk‘ but Thundercat seems like the man for the job. New single ‘Black Qualls‘ is a hilariously sincere sounding funk number from a man who treads the line between piss-take and heartfelt like a pro.

Jonathan Richman – Sleepwalk
(Jonathan Richman)

Who said Instagram stories are good for nothin’? Discovered this via the story of a young man with good music taste. Always on for a bit of Richman, this delightful instrumental is that good it doesn’t even need the dulcet tones of the Modern Lovers frontman (save for whatever it is he says towards the end…)

New Order – 1963
(Substance)

“Oh, God, Johnny, don’t point that gun at me.”

One of the things I love about New Order is that, on the quiet, the lyrics are a bit naff. Some of the best New Order songs (with the naffest lyrics) tell a central story all the way through, with ‘1963‘ being a sounds-like-it-should-be-serious-but-isn’t tale. Cracking 80’s dance beat to it as well.

Bombay Bicycle Club – Everything Else Has Gone Wrong
(Everything Else Has Gone Wrong)

Bombay Bicycle Club kind of passed me by when they were first becoming massive, though I always remember listening to their records years later with our resident indie kid (at the time) Ben. Title track from their new record and it’s an instant pop smasher.

Corridor – Goldie
(Junior)

Canadian outfit Corridor took hold of our attention late last year with the release of their latest album ‘Junior’. I recently took in the whole thing on a walk around the local park in the fog and – let me tell you folks – it was a delight. Wunderbar pop sensibilities throughout. Try it out yourself.

Tennis – Need Your Love
(Swimmer)

New one from indie-pop Husband and Wife duo Tennis, firm household favourites. The word that comes to mind when thinking of Tennis is ‘warmth’, from the production to the vocal of Alaina Moore. Love the stop-start beat!

Electronic – Getting Away With It
(Electronic)

Marr and Sumners, with Tennant on backing? Mad… Similar vein to New Order in the sense that Barnie is talking utter shite again, but it’s all wrapped up in this electronic (ey-up) dancefloor smash that’s been played at least once daily since I first heard it a few weeks back.

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