Author: willis

Deep Dive #131 Show Notes

Posted on By willis No Comments on Deep Dive #131 Show Notes
SongArtistYearPickGenre(s)Willis NotesGregg Notes
Sincerely YoursSweet Sensation1988WillisLatin, FreestyleI grew up only liking whatever was convenient on the radio, and never made impactful musical choices until my later teen years. which were then subject to heavy self-scrutiny. The high energy soul of freestyle resonated with my taste, but not with my image.  Summers were a break from the stereotypes of my school bubble and gave me freedom to enjoy this whole other world, becoming the catalyst of maturity into a dynamic personality beyond stereotypes, listening with my heart without cultural filtering.
This and “Show Me” by Cover Girls have similar vibe, but these lyrics are much more affecting. Even the opening “Dear, I write you this letter…”  the freestyling towards the end feels like improv and gives it a live, legit feel.		When this came out, I used to secretly borrow my sister’s CD to listen to the best 4 or 5 songs (this being one). I was caught between being self conscious & proud about liking this, I just couldn’t be sure if it was “cool” for a 13yo boy to like this kinda music. “Never let you Go” was my fave, but this was 2nd. I liked the latin flavor of it, and also the fact that it was slightly less BPM than most freestyle/dance hits of the time. Gave it slightly more of an R&B feel. Always felt this could’ve been a Gloria Estefan song, or even Jody Watley. This is PURE Summer of ‘88 vibes for me. 
No Reason To CryJudy Torres1988GreggFreestyleThe beat + fast bassline are a solid groove standout of this era that I always dug and never really broke it down why until now.  The freestyle formula where they sing in a speaking way in a low/mid range hitting lots of minor notes that stretch across the rhythm. It’s like a trigger for really any kind of movement (dancing or driving). The standout here is when she takes off in a high belting voice that soars into the darkness. 
That beat change mid song is SO OMG, you almost can’t notice those ubiquitous vocal samples  “doot doota dit dit..” that were such a popular flourish.		In the next summer between Middle & High School, I really embraced Freestyle. My sister was bringing home Mixtapes from her resident highschool DJ (“DJ Eric Niice”), and I would study them like a student prepping for an exam. Listening where he’d choose to beat mix the next song, how quickly he faded out, how he kept it tracking, etc. The first tape that became the template for my future as a H.S. Dj (and mixtape master) featured this song at the climax. To me, this could’ve been a New Wave song, if it had the right dark, male vocals. It had a gloominess to it, which I still enjoy. It also has one of the thickest, purest, kickerbox thumping beats I’ve ever heard. Every Guido in the NY Metro Area would blast this from their IROC Camaro, while driving 2mph as they cruise around the hot spots looking for girls. I can still feel that beat in my chest, 37 years later.
Someday, SomewhereJungle2026WillisNeo-Soul, Indie Electronic, Disco-FunkI’ve had these guys on my list for months, yet never felt the music was enough to talk about besides a retro approach and chill upbeat vibe.
They just released a new album and are starting a world tour in some big arenas, so thought a good time to share.
This is a short song, but the vibe is clean and clear. I hear their multi-layered harmonies (Male or female we can’t be sure) wafting off the stage of a huge summer festival from a past era. 		Delighted to see (and hear) this. I’ve had the same ‘indifferent’ feeling towards this band, even though I’m very aware of their popularity (and wide appeal). After refusing to even listen, I finally caved and added a song from this album to HFD, because the ONE I chose to sample turned out to be amazing (“Come back to me”). Made me question my whole reason for not giving this band the time of day! Now I’m hearing this, and I’m really questioning myself! This has a classic 70’s disco/funk sound that feels timeless. I love the subtle thump/clap, disco-house rhythm, as well as the unison vocals that create a dreamy atmosphere like many classic 70’s soul music.
We Live In Brooklyn, BabyRoy Ayers1972GreggPsych Soul /Jazz Funk /NYC StreetsThis is a song for big yellow can headphones with a long coiled retractable cord connected to a “HiFi” while sitting on an orange beanbag. 
The two note pattern creates such a tense, anticipatory feeling.  Less is so much more in this case.
Muted strings making the rhythm… now I feel like watching the movie “Shaft”.
My first trip to NYC as a teen in the winter (to watch the ball drop), and it was everything the movies captured (The Warriors is one of my fave movies). 
The term “getting mugged in NY” was such a meme of that era. 		If you want to hear what the streets of NYC looked like in my childhood, you’ll find it in this song. There was a grit and hardness to the NY streets prior to the 90’s (Rudy Giuliani actually did some good things back then). It’s hard to imagine how different it was, but even as such, I was beyond fascinated with the seediness of it all. My parents were so concerned I’d move to Manhattan after I turned 18, cus they left the city for the NJ suburbs to keep us OFF the streets lol. Now – as an adult – hearing this specific song reminds me of what it felt like to drive or walk around. Sure it was intimidating for some, but for those of us who grew up around it, it was pure bliss! Music, Art, Fashion, Controlled Chaos, Energy vs Poverty, Gangs, Homeless, and Uncontrolled Chaos. The tension was palpable, but so was the excitement. Also, what a friggin’ song. 
Smalltown Boy (Remaster)Bronski Beat1984WillisSynth-Pop, DIsco,  New WaveI had this on vinyl and recorded to tape, which is my distinct summer memory as a soundtrack for driving on warm summer nights.  Very naive in my teens, I only somewhat got the sentiment of the lyrics, but the dark theme contrasted with the sonic style. The completely falsetto singing over the driving bassline is a standout and the synths still sound great today.  
Do you feel like the tempo shifts slower to faster right before the drum machine kicks in?		Another Uncle Jimmy song. I have several memories to share about this song. My Uncle played the 12” import for my father in our Music Den (I still remember the moment vividly) – and Dad became obsessed. Always one of his all time favorites. So this song was a big part of my growing up. I had so many confused feelings about the lyrics and the meaning, because I still didn’t understand what it meant to be “gay”. Dad tried explaining, but the concept was so foreign to my reality. However I could hear he was clearly so sad, and it made me feel the same. Once I came to understand the lyrics, it made me appreciate the song even more. The video was groundbreaking, showing a runaway gay teen boy making eyes with a man in a bathing suit at the YMCA, and delving into a topic that had never been so overtly displayed on MTV. Has to be considered one of the greatest Synth Pop songs of all time.
Advice For The Young At HeartTears For Fears1989GreggSophistiPop /Jazz This is a great dive.
I don’t know this song, and have enjoyed listening from your perspective. It’s more subtle than their catchy songs which have captivated even the newest generations.  
Not owning “Songs from the Big Chair” until now (thanks to you), I never heard the true jazz sound they seem to have always had.  When this album came out, I was disappointed it lacked the new wave sound.
How different we grew up, to this same music but from different perspectives, yet still ended up in the same place here. That is crazy power if you think about it.		To say this is one of the most meaningful songs of my life would be an understatement. Whats funny? It was relatable to me, even as a 16 yo, but at that time it wasn’t even supposed to have meaning. Now, as a middle aged man, this song takes hold of my soul with its melancholy wisdom. I had no clue it would feel this way to grow up. But the wisdom in the lyrics prepared me for what I feel now. I took mental notes.Back then the lyric “Soon we will be older” made sense to me, and made me relate in a subtle but impactful way.The cool jazz meets new wave juxtaposition created a unique aura that intrigued me. But then it explodes into the most perfect falsetto chorus that brings so many feelings. “When I think of you & all the love that’s due, I make a promise, i make a stand. Cus to these Big brown eyes it comes as no surprise, we got the whole wide world in our hands”
Under the BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers1991WillisAlternative RockAlthough not released during the summer, the sentiments and emotion captured in this song can fit any seasonal context because there are many interesting aspects of this song. When this came out, I couldn’t stop listening, and both happy/not happy for their success since then.
Despite being overplayed, I want to listen NOT as alt-rock nostalgia, but rather break it down a bit into why I think it’s a masterpiece.		I never know what to feel about this song anymore. There was a time when I liked it just fine, then got so tired of it, then rediscovered and appreciated it again, then never wanted to hear it again, etc. It’s a vicious cycle lol. I’ll never deny the song’s greatness, and in fact, maybe exploring it in depth will spark another wave of “positive” feelings. To me, it was always about the grandiose ending. It was at that crescendo where Frusciante shines the brightest: “Under the bridge downtown, is where i drew some blood”. I’d always wait through the early parts of the song until that part hit. It was so perfectly done. I still ‘wait’ for it, whenever I’m forced to hear it (this one seems to pop up outside of my control more than almost any other 90’s Alt song).Oh, btw, the only reason the RHCP are listenable for me is John Frusciante. 
Natural OneFolk Implosion1995GreggIndie /Trip HopOh yeah I remember this one hitting our modern rock station Live 105 hard. I mostly ignored the bulk of the song though, because the little guitar hook plus “I’m the one natural one…” was oddly all I needed to hear. Then it would be followed up with Alice in Chains or Pearl Jam.   That was the vibe and you couldn’t hide from it except to switch stations.  
It’s much better isolated from all that other noise.  I still think it sounds like NIN, but the song never gets out of hand and stays  groovy.  That intro into the beat and bassline is pretty epic. Good headphone production. Spinning rattle in the left, jazzy piano chords up on top, 
 I can picture it in a movie for sure, tho I have not even heard of this movie. So of course now I have a sidequest.		From the most mind-f**king movie of my teens, “Kids”. Everyone in the NYC area watched that movie, and we all were forced into a reality check (if you’ve never seen, i’ll explain). The soundtrack, on the other hand, was one of the most inspirational pieces of art of my formative years. Knowing it was Lou Barlow (of Dino Jr & Sebadoh) made me inclined to like it – but hearing him embrace more hip hop/trip hop styles was a force for me. I wanted to make music that sounded this compelling. It had just enough pop and hooks to be played on the radio (it was a fairly big hit on Modern Rock radio), but was also mighty bizarre upon inspection. The one line that always hits me (in the chorus refrain) is “There’s no telling what we’ll do when we’re free”. For some reason it resonates every time i’ve listened. Do yourself a favor and listen to the Kids soundtrack some day. It’s brilliant and challenging at the same time. You’ll hear the beginnings of Mynuskris in the several Folk Implosion songs. 
(More Bounce In) CaliforniaSoul Kid #12006WillisIndie Funk, Pop, SoulAlicia surprised me with this one a few weeks ago and the infectious groove immediately got my attention. Her yoga instructor used to play it as a fun change from the usual chants and mantras.
I thought it too cheesy for the show, so studied other tracks from this album for consideration – but actually, I completely missed the true context of these lyrics and think it’s an interesting share as more than meets the eye. I don’t think I’m the only one, as it has been used as an LA anthem in movies/TV shows like the O.C. and Laguna Beach.
The beachy vibe seemingly glorifies the CA vibe yet the message is more of a diss because as a Canadian trying to make it in LA, he felt totally out of place.
The reference to girls being on a “Vivid DVD” is niche of the era.		This is my first ever listen. I thought it was a mistake, when it started, like maybe I clicked on a TV show that had a quirky theme song. This certainly has a beachy, summer quality to it. I also notice the time-stamped production sound of the 00’s; lots of punch to the beat, angular guitars, samples, simple/repetetive bass chords, etc. I don’t usually have a soft spot for this sound, but listening with open ears allowed me to enjoy the joyfulness of it all. I like the chorus more and more, as I keep listening. 
Love You Inside OutBee Gees1979GreggGrooveFunk /Neo SoulI look forward to reading the lyrics as we listen to this taking your analysis into perspective.
The only two things I add are on the “sonic” surface:
1. it is a good crossover song for someone who loves the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (also in my collection of great films). 
2. The falsetto harmonies really put on stage without the heavy handed disco.  I’m really glad the Bee Gees evolved to this sound from their earlier Beatles-like rock sound. (which was fine but wouldn’t have had as much impact)
There is no better time for me to feature this song, than on our Labor Day “End of Summer” show. Every BBQ playlist should include this song. There isn’t enough space on this document to contain my thoughts about it. This is the prime example of “Happy vs Melancholy” or Bittersweet. The melody and the music convey bliss and happiness. But the lyrics are incredibly heavy and sad. And the way Barry Gibb delivers the lines is divine and SO convincing! Not sure if the melody or the lyrics are better. I can point out so many lines, but this one summates the song best:“Treat me like a vision in the night – someone there to stand behind you when your world aint working right. I aint no vision, I’m a man who loves you – Inside and Out. Backwards and forwards with my heart hanging out. I know no other way, what am I gonna do if we lose that fire?”

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Notes

Deep Dive #130 Show Notes

Posted on By willis No Comments on Deep Dive #130 Show Notes
SongArtistYearPickGenre(s)Willis NotesGregg Notes
Love Would BeThe Jenny Thing1994WillisIndie Rock/PopIn 1993, my GF Sharon was friends with the lead singer of this Berkeley-based college band, and supporting them became a pillar of our relationship for years.  Dozens of shows from radio station to dorm hall, dive bars and small venues.  They built a strong bay area following and had a short run on Star Search before breaking up for their guitarist/co-writer to attend law school, which was coincidental with my own relationship ending. This, combined with learning the religious undertones of their music, I shelved their albums because listening became weird. Time gives fresh ears, and I  just noticed they re-grouped in 2021 with a more electronic sound, so maybe we’ll hear that on a future show.This is really nice. It’s interesting how I can identify the time-frame just by the production and songwriting techniques. It immediately brought 2 bands to mind (one of which you might see below), but it still separates itself with very unique lead vocals. There’s a soulfulness to this; I believe what he’s singing to me, even without any context. I’m sure it was fun seeing this band develop in the local scene from the front row. Relatable for me, from the other side of it (seeing fans follow us around and us becoming friendly with them). 
HaloDeep Blue Something1995GreggJangle Pop /Power Pop /Pop Alt

Breakfast at Tiffanys is another of my guilty pleasures, but I never followed the band beyond that. Yesterday, I must have listened to their catalog for 3 hrs straight and was pleasantly surprised by their versatility from intimate acoustic driven to bigger stadium sound and effects, varying vocal styles, and clean drumming.		This band was a true 1-hit wonder (“Breakfast at Tiffanys”), and it’s not necessarily fair that they were judged so harshly on that 1 song, albeit a novelty-ish tune. The same album was filled with adventurous pop songs with more than a little edge. I felt there were at least 3 other Top10 worthy songs, inc this one. There are lots of Cure-esque moments with the guitars here, but the hook is SO strong. It’s just weird enough while still being pop. The songs/melodies of DBS were reminiscent of bands like Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms, yet they had a small fraction of the success. 
Start a Family [Feat. Alan Rickman]Texas2015,2023WillisAlt Rock, Trip Hop, Spoken WordI had their 1989 debut CD Southside on repeat through many a midterm-study session for their moody, bluesy ,alt-country sound but had no idea who they were.  Assuming they were a “country” band from Texas, I archived them in my mind in guilty fashion..  Looking them up now, I am surprised to learn they are an alt rock band from Scotland that have produced lots of eclectic music I would have loved. So now I feel EXTRA guilty for NOT following them. 
Although the original release of this song did not have Alan R., it was recorded at that time, but not released until 2023 with his spoken word, which is nothing short of outstanding, especially when he almost sings.		I remember this band for 1 song only back in 97 (Say What You Want), and I thought it was their only modest hit. I guess not! This was surprising to say the least. I didn’t think I’d like this (on paper), but the spoken word part works beautifully with the large chorus (which is a terrific hook). I also love the thick, groovy hip-hop drums. I am digging this a lot. 
It’s Not UnusualBelly1994GreggPower Pop /Post PunkI’m glad Belly gave us a modern version to do the Tom Jones dance to.  
I myself had to read up on TJ to understand why he has been knighted. Though (forever an optimist) I’m changing my perspective on what it means to be a Vegas act. 		It took THIS version of this song for me to fall in love with it. I thought Tom Jones was a Vegas act that old women adored, but couldn’t take him seriously until Belly opened the door for me. This makes me wanna jump for joy, while simultaneously making me want to reflect. It’s truly a genius pop song, and Belly makes it slightly more angsty and vulnerable. Perfect for any party playlist, by every measure: Cool factor, familiarity, irony, Danceability, etc. *Featured on the With Honors Sdtrk – which was loaded with amazing songs & covers.
Into The NightBenny Mardones1980WillisAdult ContemporarySo many choices in this genre. Whenever this song came on the radio, I could neither ignore it, nor identify the artist.  Even to this day I had to look it up by the lyric search. Remade, re-released, and remixed, it is a genuine one-hit wonder, which actually hit twice within the same decade.
That  “16 yrs old” line never actually registered as creepy with me.  Actually as the story goes, that line came from more of a protective context, yet in this song it gets somewhat misappropriated (except with me, apparently).
His compressed cries exude such pain and sincerity.		From the first time I heard this in 1980, I was obsessed with it. Every time it came on the radio, my family would call for me: “GREGG! YOUR SONG IS ON!” lol. Aside from the obvious perfection of melody and emotion and hooks, the ending vocals where Benny shouts and cries out to his lost love while his voice was swathed in reverb and delay just proffers chills up n down my spine. I couldn’t believe how impassioned he was, and it made me wanna cry for him. Even when he sings “But I want you to knowwwww…”, I felt like the most important words on the planet were about to be sung. As I grew older and this song’s legend grew along with me, I do find it peculiar that he was professing his love to a very underage girl whom he can’t “have”. So that makes my sheer enjoyment a little muted & uncomfortable lol. He also didn’t even look “youngish”, which amplified the weirdness for some reason. That said, it’s a Soft Rock masterpiece!
Everything ShinesThe Push Stars1999GreggPower Pop /Sunshine Pop Alt PopI don’t recognize this band or even the song, probably because the movie was a love/hate reaction from me (hilarious and entertaining yet crosses the lines of raunchy to make you uncomfortable).
Outside of the movie though, it is such an upbeat fun song, that I never would have picked out the bittersweet without your filter. 
Feels a little bit like an indie-ska version of the Rembrandts.		As you can prob tell, I’m trying to feature some of what I consider “feel good” or “happy” songs. Summery vibes are strong right now, and for some reason this song makes me feel so much joy. First heard it in There’s Something About Mary, which my father & I watched frequently together (a favorite for both of us). This song screams sunshine; L.A. or Miami beaches, people walking and smiling, red sports cars cruising slowly, bikini clad women and toned men playing volleyball. It sets a vibe. Oh, and the accordion! But as you know, with all “happy” music, there needs to be a tinge of melancholy, and this song has it in spades. This is like a young man, broke and lost, but now finding a GF and choosing to look at the brighter days ahead instead of the predicament he’s in. Bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter. 
That’s right [feat. Sheila E.]Kelly Clarkson2023WillisJazzy / Latin / Tropical PopWith 3 number ones and a dozen top tens, it feels wrong to bring mainstream pop to HFD, but I have been having a moment with this artist since seeing the LV show. Her versatility, emotion and precision were incredible 24 years ago, and since then, her journey has and continues to evolve as much as her vocal power. Gospel at the core, but eclectic in the heart. She has leveraged her pop success to have the freedom to create whatever the hell she wants.  So I’m guilty/not guilty on this pick. Hmm. I never heard this song, and was taken aback upon hearing the first few secs. After the first verse, I was typing “I like this!” and then deleted when the chorus came along, cus I didn’t like the shift lol. But then it came back around again, especially when the horns came in towards the middle. If it wasn’t so ‘modern’ sounding, using similar production and beat styles to just about 80% of all pop music, I would love this. I think her voice is the star here (no big surprise), and the jazziness is also helping turn this for me. I AM glad you got to slip a KC song in here, though, as I know you had a great time at the show in Vegas – and it will be fun to hear you talk about that experience and the power of her voice.
King For A DayThompson Twins1985GreggNew Wave /Glam popYour story is an interesting visual. I never in a million years would have associated this song with playing ball, OR even as something to “come back to” – what a music video that would make!
Everytime I hear this song,  it’s the production that I hear more than the words. The way the lyrics sway back and forth is so calming. The layers, harmonies and backing vocals are so evenly levelled (as many of their songs) that they take on an unpicturable poly-vocal being. 
It’s an interesting effect on me for most new-wave music, compared to an acoustic performance that song lyrics fall second to the interesting synths and production.		So many big smiles for me today. I can recall sitting in my bedroom at 10 yo, playing this 45 (front & back) over and over. Then I’d pause to run outside and play a quick round of whiffle ball, only to return to this melody once again. I was taken by them, and it was this song that spoke to me in unexplainable ways. Years later, I still would listen when I was down, just to help bring me back up & help me realize “things will improve”. This song’s lyric was therapy to a young boy w/ limited access, but a whole lot of records to provide encouragement. Several lyrics really hit home, but the best is “I’ve heard it said, or maybe read, only money makes the world go ‘round. But all the gold won’t heal your soul, if your world should tumble to the ground”. 
Digital LoveDaft Punk2001WillisElectronic / DanceKnowing you’re not exactly a fan of them, I take this opportunity to dance a little jig to this upbeat ditty along with Juliette Lewis in the GAP commercial. That scene is a moment that has stuck in my brain, so well better than any roll of tape on my wall. (I collect adhesive tape)
The dynamic energy changes in this song are both surprising and predictable at once. 		Funny you mention my neutral position on DP, because I was trying to reassess that earlier this week lol. I really want to love them – I do! But I always fall back to “Yes, they are very good and produce very catchy, radio-worthy songs that are palatable for billions, but they aren’t special, and that’s okay!”. However i still respect and enjoy their music. HFD plays nearly 25 titles from them, so that speaks to.. Something. Including this song, ofc. In fact, on this particular album, this was one of my favorites (and prob the reason why it’s the only album I own on vinyl by them). Btw I love how this song ends. Never took notice before today. 
I.O.U. (12” Mix)Freeez1983GreggElectro /Electro Pop /Pre Daft PunkI heard this (or maybe a remix?) for the first time on HFD while driving, and just wrote down “A.E.I.O.U.” on my notepad. I liked the alliteration or whatever you would call this word play.  When I read the note later, I was confused “Why did I write that?” 
LIke you say, I assumed it was a more recent track than early 80’s. I would also call this Freestyle.  The vocals at the end tho, she hits a high one! 		I remember people in my neighborhood breakdancing to this song. Ofc, me being more interested in the music than the breakdancing, I focused solely on how crisp and thick the beat sounded! Years later, I revisited and realized it was every bit as influential and essential as any other synth pop song of the 80’s. Even now, if you didn’t know any better, someone could mistake this for being a post 2000 release. Back to nostalgia – In the summers, my family would go to Wildwood NJ for a week (Jersey Shore) and each night we’d go to the Boardwalk, which was a fascinating spectacle. Music blaring from every direction, Kids laughing and screaming, Roller Coasters, Bumper cars, funnel cakes, and full-blown sensory overload. But the best was hearing the many T-Shirt printing/Souvenir places blasting the best club and pop music of the day. You’d hear certain memorable songs at the precise moment before they became well known. They were breaking all the underground club tracks to unsuspecting families as they went about their vacations. This 12” version was the exact one I remembered – with the extended synth breakdown causing subtle electro tension. It was bliss!  

Follow these links to listen to these songs (without us talking) on the following platforms:

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Notes

Deep Dive #129 Show Notes

Posted on By willis No Comments on Deep Dive #129 Show Notes
SongArtistYearPickGenre(s)Willis NotesGregg Notes
Lonesome TonightBow Wow Wow1983WillisNew Wave, Pop RockAlthough not a BWW fan, I felt a deep dive would be fun.
Little did I know that Annabella Lwin was only 15 when they released “I Want Candy”, and discovered singing in a dry cleaners at 13. I had heard about Boy George’s start in this band, but didn’t know he went by “Lieutenant Lush”. Neither did I know their drummer David Barbarossa was stolen from Adam and the Ants and studied Burundi tribal drumming which was core to Bow Wow Wow’s sound.
For the backstory alone, It’s too bad they only released 2 full albums, neither of which are well presented on streaming platforms. She got fired after this album and tour, the band broke up, regrouped, and then split in two different groups named BWW.
This song has punk energy with the dynamic guitar work, rocking “whoa whoa”, even the silly plucked chords “boop boop boop boop” are something I can play, but concisely convey anxiety.		I’m so glad you picked them. Admittedly, I almost shunned this band & unfairly considered them a blatant rip off of Adam & The Ants, and further to the point in yr notes, even went so far to steal members and the ‘tribal’ look (thx to Malcolm McClaren). Several songs are great, don’t get me wrong, I just had an odd ‘thing’ about them. But listening now, I can see I clearly missed some deeper cut gems! I can say i LOVE this, and will now pull out the record for listening this weekend lol. 
Kings of the Wild FrontierAdam & The Ants1980GreggTribal /Post Punk/New Wave Like BWW, I could never find a proper approach to Adam or the Ants, and chose avoidance. Maybe his timbre was too punk-rebel for me, but that energy oddly integrates with the cowboys and indians vibe.
The drumming energy stands out, and like BWW works well in a mix of other music.  		It only makes sense to fully immerse ourselves in these 2 bands, back to back. This is considerably more ‘tribal’ than BWW, but the template for both bands is the same. I’m often amazed at how adventurous Adam Ant was at this point in time. Music didn’t sound like this! It was almost alien, if not for the old cowboys & indians movies that featured Native Americans singing in this style. But to make it melodic is stunning. And then the climax is insane; When Adam sings “Down below those dandy clothes you’re just a shade too white. SHADE TOO WHITE!”, it makes me want to jump onto the battlefield with him. It’s so passionate and sincere. It’s easy to see how Trent Reznor took inspiration from Adam Ant.
Dope on a RopeThe Growlers2016WillisIndie RockStreaming algorithms are doing their job here.
They call their style  “Beach Goth” blending surf, pop, rock, and beat and even hosted a festival for about 8 years. Vocals in the realm of Tom Petty, which are not usually my cup of tea, but their guitar work generally stand out.
This song in particular has a vocal layering and effects that hit like Paul Banks. Guitar melodies are reminiscent of Johnny Marr. 
A theremin and synth that sneak in during the chorus as a nice electronic surprise.		So cool to see the Growlers make the Deep Dive! I have a loose affiliation with them, due to my friend / label partner Buck – who managed them and got them signed. So I guess technically they were part of our label, in a small way lol. They had several good-to-great albums, but I kinda lost track around 2015. I remember this album, but I wasn’t familiar with this track. It’s got a great, driving groove – and the melody is very poppy (surprisingly). Reminds me of early-mid Strokes, but also a more mainstream Spoon. I’m totally feeling this at this precise moment, late Friday night. Their earlier stuff is much more like psych 60’s garage rock, which was cool but less polished. 
Days Go BySean Nicholas Savage2011GreggRetro Pop /Indie /City PopConfident warm vocals turned slightly imperfect is so indie.  Simple rhythmic acoustic guitar and tom tom accents on the drum beat. 
This production resembles either a stretched tape (like Nocera from last show) but this has to be intentional. Also feels like a bootleg recording of a live show on a bandshell stage. It is endearingly classic and nostalgic, if not maddening to a technophile like me.  		A breezy, summer morning song. Feels like it was written and recorded in 1968. I wish I could remember when or where I found this, but for some reason it has remained in my orbit via playlists for 15 years. I can never put my finger on who he sounds like, but he also sounds like so many and like nobody (at the same time). My musical synesthesia takes me to old memories, but in a photo album form; Pages turning with non-descript, sepia toned pictures that might not even be my own family. But someone’s family, and it gives me a warm feeling and a hint of melancholy. 
Goodnight MoonShivaree2000WillisAlt-Pop/Rock, AmericanaI found this song on an old Capitol records sampler called “Bear Essentials” which has a lot of forgotten music.  This is the best track on it. Featured in Dawson’s Creek, Kill Bill Vol 2, and Silver Linings Playbook.
Vocalist Ambrosia Parsley sings like Gwen Stefani’s older sister mixed with Nina Persson from The Cardigans. As a No Doubt fan, I found myself listening to all 3 of their albums on repeat without fatigue. 
The mood is mysterious, slightly psychedelic Americana from the instrumentation such as this theremin and tremolo guitar.		Interesting! New to me, for sure. I agree 100% about the psych-americana tag! It’s mildly poppy and straightforward, but with just the right touch of weird & mysterious. It feels like a theme song to a tv show. I wasn’t sure where it would go – but the casual flow actually suits the song. It keeps enough of the Nancy Sinatra vibe, and staves off the obvious Gwen Stefani similarity. 
Bach ZeThe High Llamas1999GreggBaroque /60’s Sndtrk /Orchestral popAnother band I thought I found on my own while previewing this show and immediately began exploring for the next show…. only to realize it is already here on your list.
Intentionally weird, with minor keys and dissonant melodies – but often warm production and occasional electronic glitches, sometimes hazy auto-tune. 
Arguably the most distinct + unique thing I’ve ever brought to the Deep Dive. I started a love affair with this band in 2001, and my love has only blossomed with time. Imagine the Beach Boys, Steely Dan and Burt Bacharach writing period-piece soundtracks with Stereolab producing. It’s truly incredible how brilliantly written these songs are, with boundless changes and melody shifts and hooks weaving in and out. All with a soft orchestration that sounds like every European 60’s film. The lyrics are written about moments in time in small villages, many decades ago – and are never about love. I also find it fascinating that Sean O’Hagan never uses the word “I”, which automatically brings you somewhere different, and makes you feel a part of these fictional places. This isn’t near their most adventurous pieces, but it’s most appropriate for our show. 
Birds of a Feather, We Rock TogetherVulfpeck [ feat. Antwaun Stanley]2017WillisContemporary Funk / R&B Soul, MinimalistA collective rooted with several U. of Michigan alums, based in LA making a fun,modern/sophisticated blend of funk-soul.
They once raised $20k in Spotify royalties by releasing an album called Sleepify of silent tracks for fans to stream on repeat all night. This funded a 6-city tour with free admission.
Alicia heard the funky “Back Pocket” and we were both intrigued by the cold German-sounding name with overt soul and positive energy. 
This song is way more downtempo than most of their work, but shows their dynamic expertise and sweet vocals that are top notch IMHO for a baritone.
A strong consideration to watch live: Oct 16,17 @ The Greek Theatre		Jeez dude – how has this not been in my sights for so long? The production is genius, esp in good headphones. The drums cloak like a horse’s hooves, which sounds almost hypnotic. The vocals kinda compete with the snare (hooves), but the mix separates them beautifully. There is a slight “Taxi” feel to the hammond (or whatever keyboard they’re using) and the wah wah’d guitars. Infectious. Gets better as it goes. Minimalist, but not lacking for energy, and the instruments fill a lot of space. 
Why Can’t We Live TogetherTimmy Thomas1972GreggMinimalist /Soul /DubVery good match vocally to previous song.I had never heard of Timmy Thomas before.
This latin drum loop predates the Roland 808… Casio-tone is exactly what I thought of also, except neither of those produced realistic sounding percussion like this.  So live makes sense. 
The organ notes are masterfully played – with attack and abrupt cutoff that feel like either tense anxiety, or unbridled groove… choose your own adventure.
Has there ever been a song like this, before or after? It seems ludicrous that a simple drum loop (which sounds like a preset on a casio keyboard, but is actually played acoustically/live) with a loosely played pipe organ and some random groovy bass would provide more than enough for a soulful voice to sing over. Knowing the fatigue I get listening to modern pop music, it boggles my mind that a song like this could become a nationwide smash hit in 1972. Could you imagine this next to Drake, Sabrina Carpenter or Katy Perry nowadays? Lol. It’s a work of minimalist art. And so f’n badass. 
Shadows, Pt. 2Blue Man Group2003WillisAlt / Electronic RockInspired by Vegas show. It is so visual, physical and clown-like. It’s a lot to absorb live and the music must share the stage, yet their percussion and musicality is on another level. So I think just listening is an experience in itself.
Features vocals by Tracy Bonham and turntablism by Rob Swift of X-Ecutioners.  I wish it were developed as a song even further, but it’s a cool vibe regardless.		This all came back around so nicely! Piggybacking with the prior song, it feels like the Wizard of Oz when it went from B&W to Color! I’m very familiar with BMG, but I don’t think I’ve heard this one. In fact, I’ve probably only heard 10% of their catalog. But seeing them live was one of the cooler things I’ve experienced on (off)Broadway. The musicianship is so high level, it’s almost sinful that their “schtick” overshadows their skill. 
ZeusMidnight Magic2026GreggElectronic /Kraut /Neo DiscoI immediately love this.
I absolutely hear LCD and Juan Maclean, with roots from The Human League but really it’s that female vocals in the Disco style.
The bassline is trancey, yet the spacey disco groove is so uplifting.  It would be cool to dance to them live.		When this song first played on the air, I had to check & see if it was The Juan Maclean. It could also sound like LCD Soundsystem and Kraftwerk (and Moroder). But it’s luscious just the same. It’s repetitive in a way that lulls you into a zone. Almost like when you’re on a moving surface, and not thinking how when you step off, you might need to keep running or else you’ll fall over. But you’re too ‘in the zone’ to think about anything else. This borders on relentless, but in the best way possible (for me). The oscillating synth sounds are so soothing to my ears. 

Follow these links to listen to these songs (without us talking) on the following platforms:

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Deep Dive #128 Show Notes

Posted on By willis No Comments on Deep Dive #128 Show Notes
SongArtistYearPickGenre(s)Willis NotesGregg Notes
That’s Entertainment (Remastered)The Jam1980WillisPost-PunkI heard the Morrissey cover first, and like his take on it (compliments his voice), but this original feels more raw and I especially like how the guitar and bass carry the rhythm and the drum takes a back seat.  The production is seemingly minimalist, almost cheap –  yet still with and subtle refinements of stereo separation and just kinda missing the low end that we hear so much of these days.
The cooing “ahh-ahh’s” really temper the melancholic grey lyrics and add a touch of heart and soul.		In the words of Tears for Fears in their classic song Sowing the Seeds of Love, “Kick out the Style, bring back the Jam!”. I always liked Style Council, but I don’t think Paul Weller ever came close to the heights he reached with The Jam. This band was pure Post Punk bliss, and basically helped draw the road map for all alternative music of the 80’s & 90’s. They were bratty, they were smart, and they had something to say. However, unlike most “punks”, they had a penchant for melody and structure, which separated them from the Pistols and others. 
SodajerkBuffalo Tom1993GreggPost Grunge Power PopIndieTotally recognized this song from one of Katrina’s old mix cd’s (with the Pogues, The Smiths, XTC, REM, Radiohead, Violent Femmes, Dido). 
Catchy, powerful (hitting those drums and guitars hard!), I like their vocals though never read them – so this will be interesting and informative to read along.		Decided to stay in that same era for a band that I’ve tried to include for so many months now. Another “regional” band that was pretty big in the Northeast for 6 or so years, but had minimal radio support. This song was their only “hit”, thanks to inclusion in My So Called Life tv show & soundtrack. This song is poppy and catchy, while still authentically “alternative” (All while wearing the love for The Replacements’ proudly on their sleeves). Every song on this album was good, but this song captures innocent love between shy indie kids so perfectly: “Watch an eyeball, take a freefall, with the mention of a name. In its socket, like a rocket, it rises just the same.”
Stars All Seem to WeepBeth Orton1999WillisFolktronica, Trip-HopRealizing we have not featured any of her solo work on DD, I chose this song , and I think I might have heard it on HFD the very next day. – so it was fate. 
Her new album just released, and reveals a lower, raspier voice that she will be touring North America with this fall.  I had to double take, and then longed for her higher notes now gone. 

Side note: Although not exactly the same vocally, we saw Kelly Clarkson’s show in Vegas this past weekend. Although ten years younger than Beth Orton, at her vocal range and power at 44 is better than ever. 		I nearly got choked up when I saw this choice. Not only do i adore Beth and her early records – but this might very well be my favorite song of hers. Stellar choice brother. As i’ve stated in the past, she bounces between subtle, heartsick folk ballads and experimental electronic/trip hop soundscapes with relative ease. Hearing this simple, thick beat is euphoric to me. It’s almost clearing a path with brut strength for the delicate vocals that follow it. Then the simple tremolo’d strings and dubby samples provide a base along with the very distant acoustic picking, to keep this song very bare-bones, while also being trippy as hell. Her voice tears me apartt in this one.  “I think about you in the moonlit night, and the stars all seem to weep”. Oh my goodness. I wish I wrote that line.
Essex_Honey.mp3Blood Orange2026GreggDrum & BassPsych Soul /Atmospheric

Although I didn’t recognize the sample, I remember a different line from that same verse. I can totally get how a certain line triggers a solid connection.
I like how the use of DnB beats in an almost ambient way to contrast the ballad/downtempo soul feel of this song.  Hard to classify!
Performing 3 nights in a row at the Warfield Sept. 9,10,11		When I first heard this, I almost lost my mind. It starts so spacey and hypnotic, and then comes this juggernaut of a Jungle beat, followed by a 4 on the floor thump that could shake concrete foundations. But nothing prepared me for the sample of IceT’s “Colors”, which was my first favorite hip hop song! “I am a nightmare walking” then becomes the refrain that follows the song everywhere it goes, and it goes A LOT of places. The vocals are so earnest and delicate, and mostly left for the song’s quieter moments, but overall this is one of the most adventurous songs I’ve heard in years. It’s damn near impossible to classify Blood Orange, but I’d certainly say he’s amongst the most interesting artists in the world today. This song proves it. 
CollideJoe Goddard & Findia2026WillisElectronic, IndietronicaJoe Goddard consistently pulls a groovy vibe that resonates with me. This new release, although not credited, is a collaboration with TEED, which always intrigues. 
Findia’s vocal style sounds like London Grammar or Kaleida.  He’s worked with or remixed them both. What a player!
It’s a real harp!		I listened to this briefly when it came out, but never added it. I must’ve failed to give it enough time, because it’s very suitable for HFD. I’ll always love Goddard (and anything the Hot Chip guys do separately). I can see he’s opening up his horizons a bit, straying into some new sonic territories. The vox are urgent and restrained at the same time. Kept waiting for the beat to kick into another gear, but it didn’t happen until ¾ into the track, but only for a measure or 2. Very spacey choice! This will be fun to follow. 
The Glamorous LifeSheila E.1984GreggElectro /Funk /Latin SoulThis song has been one of my all time favorite guilty pleasures (because I couldn’t classify it into anything in my collection except top 40) for the cowbell rhythm combined with that catchy syncopated melody with sax.  And the music video playing one-handed, kicking the cymbal, she was all that!
I never knew it was written by Prince, but it makes sense, and as I’m listening to his recording now – it’s a great recording,  However, hers took it to another level. 
She is selling all of her outfits and drum kits on reverb.com		Not sure when it happened, but I became obsessed w/ this song over the years. It was always good, but listening with new ears you’ll find one of the best rhythm tracks you’ll ever hear. Prince didn’t always save his best songs for himself, he knew when to find the appropriate vehicles for his songs that could only make them better. He does so here, giving Sheila a song that only she could deliver with her percussive, rhythmic sensibilities. The vocals are precise & sung with conviction, but she never flips into “lead singer” mode, resisting the urge for “soul”, and treating the melody as if an ensemble might sing it. The song needed just that, as the instrumentation is very busy and drum-centric. An essential 80’s banger.
Running (feat. Sísý Ey)Hercules And Love Affair2017WillisDance / Electronic, HouseNames are either 1 of 3 types: Someone’s name (boring), The (somethings), and then all the rest that force you to think.
Sisy Ey are three sisters from Iceland who sing House music. Hercules And Love Affair are a  Belgium-based DJ/producer group led by American Andy Butler.
An algorithm suggestion that caught my attention immediately with a tribal energy right out of the gate and energetic touch of soul R&B.
DABEST boxes checked, with such a simple song.		So interesting you chose H&LA this wk, as they dropped a new song that I featured on New Mx Disc this past Thurs. That song, much like this one gives more than just danceability. I appreciate how they write lyrics that tell a story, esp for LGBTQ community. I’ll say, I’m not too familiar with this song, so I’m stoked you introduced it to us here. Love the wet electronic sounds all over it. This is gonna sound amazing in rotation! The chorus is phenomenal. “I’m running, im running.. My feet wont touch the ground”. 
Hot MusicSoho (feat. Pal Joey)1990GreggBreakbeat /Jazz House /FootworkHaha “Footwork”  is so right for this song.  Never heard it before, but I can see this track bringing the house down.
Without knowing that, it feels very avant garde and jazz-inspired. It could also be a very good intro to any other song since it’s vocally minimal.
Seemingly not the same group that made “Hippichick”. 		Released in ‘90, this song went on to become a central force in my HS/College years. Any time this song came on at a party or club, the place would explode! A circle broke out, where people would enter and go OFF for about :20 seconds before ceding way to another eager dancer. People would lose their minds, and it only made me love the song more. Unsure if it was regional to NYC/NJ, but I know it was also big in Chicago. An anthem for sure. These days, I know it’s considered an early house classic and has gained extra exposure thx to the internet, but at that time it was like the greatest DJ weapon in the crates (including for myself)! I still blast it every single time it comes along on HFD. 
Summertime, SummertimeNocera1986WillisFreestyleThinking back to my teens working the ice cream sundae booth at Great America in the summer of 87.  It was a job melting pot for kids’ from all over the area, including the tougher parts of San Jose and Milpitas. Working 8 hour shifts in groups of 4-8 of us in a 15×15 space, you get to know people. This opened up my narrow west-side demographic bubble, hearing about house parties and gang fights, driving to freestyle music.. It was a transformative summer, with the perfect soundtrack.
Bass is fairly mid-range vs. low in this track,I prefer that as it is exactly how my car used to sound from the 6×9” Kenwood speakers in a 69 VW Beetle. It was all about the vocals and hi-hats!
Notice the “tape stretch” in the second measure as the song starts up. Whether intentional in production or a mistake during digitizing, it is a true indicator (or reminder) of the analog tape era.		This song reminds me so much of my older sister Vicki. She was my gateway into Freestyle music, and I’m grateful that she would introduce me to so many cool club songs that I might’ve otherwise missed or avoided. At first, this wasn’t a fave of mine, cus I couldn’t understand her voice lol. It sounded like a child or something. But eventually I fell for the beat, and then the song itself. Even listening now in good headphones it sounds bombastic. It also sounds like the summer of 1987 for me, just before Middle School started. There was a certain sonic quality to pop music that I still love to this day. 
Right On TrackBreakfast Club1987GreggNew Wave /Pop /DanceI had no idea (or forgot) about Madonna’s roots in this band!   
Great choice because I always liked this song when I heard it on the radio or saw the music video, and never really thought about why.  
It makes perfect sense though listening now that it was the electronics, the groove, and also his mildly soulful vocal style fits the dance beat perfectly – this song probably paved the way for later boy bands to sing danceable pop.
We spoke about Madonna recently, and I brought up how she played percussion in this band before being signed to a label, which still shocks me. She’s not on this, their only hit record, but this is another example of that ‘sonic quality’ i referenced with Nocera. It’s clearly electronic based, but extremely musical and played by musicians. All the synth sounds, the funk bass-groove, and percussive elements – it just sounded so damn large on the radio. Which was another reason I was drawn to radio; the processing that made the music sound like it was being played off a mountain top, broadcasted out to the whole world. I also couldn’t determine, as a kid, if this was New Wave, Pop, Dance, or R&B. It was basically all of those things, and I love it. 

Follow these links to listen to these songs (without us talking) on the following platforms:

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Notes

Deep Dive #127 Show Notes

Posted on By willis No Comments on Deep Dive #127 Show Notes
SongArtistYearPickGenre(s)Willis NotesGregg Notes
Spiritual High (State of Independence), Pt. 2 (feat. Chrissie Hynde)Moodswings 1992 WillisDowntempo, Electronic, Ambient House I prefer this cover over the original or Donna Summer’s.
I was so struck by this song in the end credits of a movie, but couldn’t remember anything about the actual movie. The credits meandering past while “The state of independence shall be…” alliterates to the rhythm. I could just listen to that over and over again. It takes the song to another level, if only for that moment.		Oh my sweet Chrissie Hynde. That woman’s voice cuts right through my vital organs. She sounds insanely perfect here. This is my first ever listen – I’m almost sick over the fact that it has taken me 30+ years to hear this song. Needed to start it over to appreciate the beginning. It came in hot, and I was unprepared for what was about to happen. Very cinematic, so it makes sense over movie credits. The mid tempo electro groove of that era is unmistakeable and ALWAYS sounds good/never sounds dated. 
swimNight tapes 2026GreggDreampop /Trip Hop /
Breakbeat		This song really makes your head turn. Started like the Sundays goes trip-hop, and then morphed into Cigarettes After Sex, and finished with Shirley Manson from Garbage.  
All three vibes, it was like a mini-show within a show!		This band continues to charm me with its unique collages of sound. Firstly – they feature the perfect breakbeat/trip hop style drums that almost feel sampled from 90’s hip hop tracks. There is something so rustic and muted about their beats, and i’m infatuated with that aspect of every song. Add in a very distinct, demanding, mystical voice that can shapeshift several times within a single song. This song is like 3 in 1. At 4.5 mins it slows down and morphs into another “body” for a gritty, PJ Harvey meets Hooverphonic ending. This is brilliant work.
Travellin’ The Jeremy Spencer Band 1979WillisRockMy 22 yr old niece, Violet, had this on her party playlist. When her dad Eric and I heard this, we weren’t familiar with it, yet were drawn to the sound that felt classic, yet possibly contemporary retro.  Eric compared it to Fleetwood Mac, and it made sense after we Shazam’d it. 
The slide guitar works so well here, and I really like the backing female vocals (Jeanne Hendricks). We were impressed with her knowledge of this band.		This is so crazy. I’d NEVER heard this song or artist, but I knew he was in Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac (which was a straight blues band until PG left in 71). Then the first verse hits and I’m digging the soft rock, so cal vibes.. And then the chorus hits and I’m like “WHAT??”. The chorus and pretty much all the female parts are sampled/covered in Tourist’s song “Valentine”, which we play on HFD all the time. I had NO CLUE they stole that part from the chorus of this song. WILD lol. It’s a perfect hook, and this is a beautiful, breezy song. 
Where I Find My HeavenGigolo Aunts1994GreggPower Pop /Jangle PopPostGrungeThis is great – Another name I recall from college radio in the 90’s, but couldn’t name any song.  I hear the Posies and yes Teenage Fanclub, maybe even more popular band sounds like REM or Gin Blossoms. And now understand the Big Star lineage. Though the way they softly harmonize is unique and pleasing.
I had an odd and funny moment when I first listened to this song on the playlist this week.		This is truly one of the most unheralded, best kept secrets of the 90’s. At that time, it was easy to be obscure – but there were also more bands having “regional” success. Bands who were massively popular in a certain area (in this case, Boston scene), with a cult-like following. Gigolo Aunts had the fortune of having this song featured on the Dumb & Dumber Sdtrk, so it elevated them slightly for a minute. MTV played the video. But they were indie & ‘authentic’, and I was obsessed. It mirrors Teenage Fanclub’s harmony vocal style, and was sprouted on the tree as Dwight Twilley, Replacements, Big Star, The Posies, etc. This is pure power pop.
Next Life Mint Julep 2026 WillisDream Pop, Indie ElectronicI check in on this husband/wife duo from Portland every now and then, and found this recent release. 
Keith is a graduate from Berklee College of Music has released over 20 albums since 2004 under the monikers Helios, Goldmund, and Mint Julep. 
Nothing too groundbreaking, but a clean, cohesive production combining elements of DABE and few indie guitar licks. His degree in percussion seems to exude in their music.		Once again, I was hooked by the :05 sec mark. So happy you found this, cus I wanna add it immediately. I should check in on them more often, clearly. This is HFD to the bone. Frankly, this is what Cigarettes After Sex should be doing, to evolve their sound beyond the predictable. It’s super subtle and shimmery, but the guitars give it a bold brush of paint. 
Paint The SilenceSouth2001GreggIndie /Post BritpopI wouldn’t have guessed there were only 3 people in this band with the subtle addition of synths.  But it all comes together very cohesively with very polished production. Kinda like a lower-key version of the Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony. 
I like their groovy bass and drum rhythms.  They must have had good energy live.		This band’s first album came out when I was just finding my legs in radio, so I was absorbing an obscene amount of live music in NYC on the record labels’ lists. I got to see South 3x in a short period, so i was ultra familiar with their record. I felt like they were going to be as big as Coldplay or The Killers, but an overall better band. There was just something so palatable about them, while they also explored a more experimental approach to these catchy ass songs. They sampled strings, they programmed beats and played live drums over them, they layered vocals, looped guitars.. All as a 3 piece. It was inspiring for the musician in me. You’ll hear the organized chaos in this, their most “known” song. Epic and well written. Also featured on the tv show The O.C., which exposed them to more people, but the project never took off the way I expected. 
Fire Eternal (feat. Kazu Makino) Lord Huron 2025 WillisIndie Folk, Indie Rock Alicia liked a song by this band – and I remembered the name from a song on my future shows list.  This song is neither of those choices – because I kept digging to find an even better collab with Kazu from Blonde Redhead.
This song has the fewest plays on this album, perhaps because it’s not their usual sound their fans expect, but it’s great for this show!
Their folk flavor is cleverly hidden behind a snappy syncopated rhythm and multiple atmospheric effects on the vocals and instruments. Kazu adds so much vibe here. 		I’m not a Lord Huron guy, but there are a few songs I really enjoy. I would classify this as one of those. It’s very hypnotic in its spaghetti western-meets-bedroom pop way. Kazu absolutely makes this even better. She’s so distinct in her style and tone, which offsets his more husky tenor. He sounds very similar in this song to Jim James (of My Morning Jacket). It’s almost confusing to my ears! But I really like this a lot. Its a bizarro version of Lee Hazlewood & Nancy Sinatra, and I’m all for it.  
Better ThingsThe Kinks1981GreggPower Pop /Pre BritpopIn my teens, I bought The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society because it was featured on the “Desert Island Disc” list of the Tower Records monthly magazine, and I wanted to be cool.  After genuinely listening in earnest, I just couldn’t get into it and I couldn’t understand why.  I was a teen into alternative instrumentation and angsty vocals. I just wasn’t ready for the subtle introspective pop of that album.
This reminds me of that a little, but with more jangle and energy. It makes me want to go through more of their catalog as it’s so different from their edgier hits (You really got me, Lola, All Day and All of the Night) to see their progression.  Maybe then I will finally be cool.		I wanted to share this ray of sunshine so badly, and this spot presented itself beautifully. I can’t get over how fiercely positive this song feels. When people say “don’t you like any happy music?”, this is what I think of. Bittersweet joy, but relentlessly optimistic. Ray Davies wrote this to his ex wife after their separation. There’s something so reassuring and empathetic about it, which makes it great to listen while driving, windows down, shout-singing along to the chorus with a cry in your voice and a smile on your face. “I know tomorrow you’ll find better things!”
Sober Tones (feat. Indigenous People, Naba Napalm & MC Mell’o’) Marc Cary 2020 WillisFunk Jazz + Alt Hip-HopJazz is so vast, it can be intimidating to approach without some guardrails or small threads to pull on. I appreciate crossover work like this to foster accessibility, without just leaning on pop as only the crossover genre.
A lot of hands in this song, which makes the uninitiated listener wonder which person is contributing what.  
I like the combo of jazz and hip hop (with drum kit) that might sound good live – however I couldn’t find any videos of them performing this. 		This is heavenly magic. Holy crap. First listen, I’m literally standing up and throwing my body around like a laid back exorcism lol. The band is worth my time on its own, riding a groove that I’d be fine with going on for 30 more minutes. The lyrics are intelligent and clever. It’s like the best parts of De La Soul and Gang Starr having a baby with BadBadNotGood and Herbie Hancock. Incredible. 
AkousmatikousSalami Rose Joe Louis (Ft. Soccer96)2023GreggExprmntl /Electro Jazz Psych /Art PopA banana slug alum – 
This song really made me sit up and take notice. Surprise changes in rhythm and energy, multiple times, but it stays rooted in jazz-inspired riffs and her melodic overtones.
It would feel very hipster cool to see her perform live (Nov at the Independent)		This might be the most interesting artist in the world right now, and she’s virtually unknown somehow. Salami Rose Joe Louis is from the Bay area, but remains a total mystery beyond knowing her real name (lindsay olsen). She features a manic, almost bi polar approach to Jazz & Electronic music. When they say “art pop”, this would be an example. Some might think it’s weird for weird’s sake – but this is incredibly musical and smart and always melodious. This starts off soft and straight, but never feels secure. Eventually it barely resembles the beginning parts of the song. However, even when you think it might spin out of control, she will ground you with her voice and sweet melodies. All the while the tilt a whirl bends and twists below your feet. I don’t even know how one would describe this. I guess.. “Art”.

Follow these links to listen to these songs (without us talking) on the following platforms:

SpotifyAmazon MusicYoutube Music
Notes