Category: Notes

Lists of songs from each show

Deep Dive #135 Show Notes

October 4, 2026September 30, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)
The Beat (2021 Remaster)	Elvis Costello	1978	Willis	Post-Punk / New Wave / Power Pop
Groove To Go	Liquid Liquid	2026 (1983)	Gregg	Post Punk /Dance Punk /Dub
Love Again	Baxter	1998	Willis	Electronica / Trip-Hop
Here Is Silence	Li Garattoni	1982	Gregg	Ambient /Synth Pop /Electro Jazz
Livin’ In The Light	Caron Wheeler	1990	Willis	Neo-Soul, UK Soul
They Ain’t You	Erykah Badu (ft. Thundercat)	2026	Gregg	Psych Soul /Jazz Funk
Ride Like the Wind (2019 Remaster)	Christopher Cross	1979	Willis	Yacht Rock / Disco
Margarita	Marc Jordan	1980	Gregg	Yacht Rock /Jazz Pop /Night Music
Western	The Church	2026	Willis	Psychedelic Rock / Dream Pop
Bigger The Punch I’m Feeling	China Crisis	1985	Gregg	Sophisti PopPost Punk /Jazz Funk
Lucky (Edit)	Two Door Cinema Club	2022	Willis	Indie Rock / Indie Pop
No Flowers Please	Naked Eyes	1984	Gregg	New Wave /Synth Pop

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Deep Dive #134 Show Notes

September 27, 2026September 23, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)
Uptown	The Albert Square	2026	Willis	Indie Rock / Punk Rock
Luna	Smashing Pumpkins	1993	Gregg	Grunge /Space Rock
Angel (Single Mix)	Kirsty MacColl	1993	Willis	Alt. Pop/ Folk-Hop
Marianne	Fontaines DC	2026	Gregg	Indie /Post Punk
What We Wanna	Magic City Hippies	2024	Willis	Indie Funk, Psychedelic Pop
Power Flower	Stevie Wonder	1979	Gregg	Psych Soul /Ambient Pop
An Occasional Dream	David Bowie	1969	Willis	Psychedelic Rock
Heartbreak Beat	Psychedelic Furs	1987	Gregg	Post Punk /New Wave
Say Hello, Wave Goodbye (7″ Single Version	Soft Cell	1982	Willis	Synth Pop
Empire Ants	Gorillaz (ft. Little Dragon)	2010	Gregg	Synth Pop /Electro /Psych
The Dawn (Alex Di Ciò Remix – Radio Edit)	Jody Watley	2026	Willis	Dance, Soul, Funk
Hangin’ On A String	Loose Ends	1985	Gregg	Electro /R&B / 808

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Deep Dive #133 Show Notes

September 20, 2026September 16, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)	Willis Notes	Gregg Notes
Poe Poe	Xiu Xiu	2002	Willis	Experimental Rock, Avant Garde	Founder Jamie Stewart started in the 00’s making music in San Jose, frequenting Streetlight Records and meeting other music-minded partners, blending dark, vulnerable lyrics with a mix of acoustic/synth, and sometimes harsh industrial sounds. 19 full length EP’s later now based in Berlin, they have re-interpreted/covered Bauhaus, Nina Simone, and music of Twin Peaks and done collabs with the likes of Mitski, Drab Majesty, Chelsea Wolfe, Puscifer. This is from one of their earliest albums – it’s a cacophonic blend of synth drums and minimalist post-punk instrumentation that swap in and out, and snippets of prose. The vocals feel like goth pain and tension, but the lyrics are more like social commentary: “Take your parents credit cards, buy a bunch of crap that you don’t need”. I plan to play a later release from them in the future to contrast this..	My good friend Mike was a big cheerleader for Xiu Xiu. I was 50/50, until he took me to a show – it didn’t take long for me to ‘get it’. I never claimed them as my own, but hearing this reminds me how important they actually were. Not sure why i’ve not considered them for HFD, but I now will. This is a heady song. Very experimental and psychedelic. The lack of guitars in the early parts makes the impact of the guitar solo (2:44) that much heavier. So much dissonance.
Statues	San Francesca	2012	Gregg	ExperimentalPsych /Trip Hop	This is an epic song that starts from brooding that leads into despair, while being held up/supported by the steady drum rhythm and faint oscillating car horns. By the time that beautiful melodic guitar solo chimes in, the mood builds into a more bittersweet optimism. I like this minimalist approach to raw emotion. Not loud, not busy, not too many things. Masterful timing, structure, and sincerity. Great production that carries this song to full Sorry I missed them while they were around, but this is a great song.	This band was the best of the Bay local scene during SALT’s heyday in 2011-12. My partner Billy was working here, while I was in NJ, and he was developing the local scene in a way that the South Bay never saw before. We were working directly w/ every indie band, and putting them on the air on Sat & Sun nights, as well as doing Free Shows at San Pedro Sq (as part of our Daydream Nation series – monthly showcases). He came to me about this band, specifically saying “this is your new favorite group”. He was right. I fell in love, and in that time frame I did everything in my power to feature them on SALT. Unfortunately, as talented as they were, it was not to be. The lead singer had lots of mental issues and the rest of the band was tired & losing hope. Drugs played a part too. So when they released this album, the band was already broken. The album rotted away, with barely any notice. So I’m happy to bring them to the DD.I compare them to The Notwist (whom, as you know, I adore) and Radiohead. You’ll know why I chose this song pretty quickly. It has Gregg all over it.
Autumn Sweater	Yo La Tengo	1997	Willis	Indie Rock	Not quite “sweater-weather” yet, but I’m waiting for it with this song. There’s a balance of nervousness and comfort all at once with this band. One that I knew of, but didn’t follow, so for me this is making up for lost listening. I like the combo of this clean rhythm and constant pipe organ chords building tension – with occasional reliefs from the bongoes and heavy bassline. You almost forgive the so-so vocal quality.	I had “Stockholm Syndrome” lined up for this week (same album), until i saw this choice! Haha. A seminal album in my journey. I discovered them in college, as they were based in Hoboken, and were another “legends of the underground” band. Once you knew of them, you were a fan. But most people didn’t know them. They were a critic’s band. They were a music head’s band. There was a great headline in The Onion once, that read “37 Record Store clerks feared dead in Yo La Tengo concert disaster”. This was their best album IMO. This song had a groovy trip hop kinda vibe, so ofc it was one of my favorites.
Days	Television	1978	Gregg	Post Punk /LoFi Indie	I could easily have misinterpreted this as 90’s indie jangle pop with that melody. I remember music reviewers referencing Tom Verlaine and the name Television popping up here and there, but I had no other exposure. I think this song is a good demonstration of clean, melodic guitar work, subtle harmonies (balancing his pretty high and nasal voice), and jazz-style drumming that I can see why they were such an influence, if not “hit” songs.	I remember being at a Yo La Tengo show in 94, and they did a cover of this song. Before beginning, they explained seeing Television as teens, and affirmed their desire to play music for a living. Embarrassingly, that was the first time I’d ever heard a Television song. I was 19. I ran to CD World the following day, and bought this album. I listened over and over. It doesn’t take much to realize how so many bands were inspired by TV, but listening to this song, at this stage of my life, it sounds as important as just about any Beatles song. It makes me wistful and somber at the same time.
Hesitate (Reimagined)	Meltt, Bayonne & New Constellations	2026	Willis	Indie Pop	A remake of an earlier released song which adds a bunch of atmospheric effects (echo, reverb, spacey synths) plus female vocal accompaniment of Harlee Case from New Constellations. Slightly soulful groove, airy breathy vocals, subtle harmonies, jazzy synth. It’s hard not to make comparisons,so I feel like this combo is technically better than the formula of Cannons. I hope there is enough room in this space for both bands to thrive. The spacey arpeggios towards the end really got me.
Time Will Come	The Soundcarriers	2009	Gregg	Psychedelia/Vintage Soul	Cue the TWA airline commercials – this puts me right there at cruising altitude, tray table down and an “airline stewardess” (as they used to call them) passing you a hot towel using tongs from a tray. But they cooled off quickly.Good headphone production on the buildup. Bassline, multiple pianos, two vocals, reverse snares, jazzy drums. Speaking of airline flights, during moments of turbulence. I always find that fun, but many tend to freak out.	Seems to be plucked right out of a European 60’s movie soundtrack – and almost sounds mislabeled as a 2009 song. Years ago I went into a deep dive with this group, and found that most of their songs feature the same hazy, jazz influenced, cinematic sounds. I fell into a trance. This is endearing, retro pop. RIYL Stereolab & Broadcast.
Cruel	Tori Amos	1998	Willis	Alternative Pop/Rock	Talking about vocalists whose voice changes over time – she had a unique voice and often used the high register to wail and people loved her passion. I’ll never forget her now iconic live performances writhing and howling between the piano and keyboard. Her latest album is decent and about what I would expect at age 63, aligns with the clips I’ve seen her recent tour show her vocal power and vibrant expression significantly less , with high vocals picked up by her backup singers. As a longtime fan, this makes me more aware of the difference between appreciating “the artist” vs. “their work”, which are two different things that can change over time. I never put much time into this, one of her darkest albums (literally the photo is a dark photocopy of herself), From the Choirgirl Hotel. It also was an expansion from just the girl+piano to full band arrangements and recorded/self produced in her own studio. This shows her songwriting and her unique vocal style/passion while exploring more than just rolling piano arpeggios.
Stuck	Alison’s Halo	2026	Gregg	Shoegaze /Dreampop	Vocals in the lower range have a warm rounded comfortable feel like Dolores O’Riordan. I like the syncopated beat and guitar solo. This is a great find that I can get in to. Although not a strict requirement for me, I really appreciate when a band sounds like their name. It makes adoption so much easier.	An OG 90’s underground (and unusually, an american) Shoegaze duo. First single in 26+ years, and my oh my it’s good. This song turns out to be a cover of a song by a band that opened a few reunion shows they played. It sparkles and glides like it’s the late 90’s all over again. Cover of Panchiko song.
Time After Time	The Beloved	1990	Willis	Synth Pop	We played them before, but I have been wanting to play this song for awhile now. Expanding our song list gives me the room to add this. It feels like this could be ten years earlier, and maybe even a Depeche Mode B-side. The chorus is so repetitive, yet I don’t tire of it. It feels so sad and melancholic because it is in the key of b flat minor. In my mind, that is the saddest, least fun note to play on the guitar.
The Great Commandment	Camouflage	1988	Gregg	Synthwave /Synth Pop	A total classic. I taped it from the radio and didn’t know who they were for years. I love how the synth programming is the forefront – the first thing you hear all by itself, because it is that good: Clean, elastic, precise, a dynamic hook that is dark and futuristic (even to this day). It then just disappears into the mix, but the elastic sounds are always there. The bridge makes this song epic and serious – more than just copying Depeche Mode. Never mind the lyrics seem lost in translation: “The world and their embarrassing pavement”, the alliteration is magnificent.	This song seems to belong in a set with the prior (The Beloved). Both of these bands have been together on many of my playlists, so it seems appropriate to pair them up. I remember thinking this was Depeche the first time I heard it on WLIR in Long Island. Took me several years to figure out more about Camouflage – but once I did, this song became irreplaceable. Still sounds fresh!
Say What You Want (All Day Every Day)	Texas [feat. Wu-Tang Clan & RFD (Prince Rakeem)	2023	Willis	Alt Rock + Hip Hop Remix	When we played Texas recently, I wanted to share 2 other songs from them that make me feel I have missed out on following them and because I mistook them as “country”. This remix is sweet
The Spiderbite Song	The Flaming Lips	1999	Gregg	Pscyedelic /Indie	I never thought about the vocal resemblance to Neil Young before, but this song reveals that to an extent. High and vulnerable. This would be a good indie movie soundtrack song. Trippy and awkward all at once.	From one of the 90’s most adventurous, exploratory albums (The Soft Bulletin). There’s something so fragile about Wayne Coyne’s vocals – like you wonder if he’s gonna be able to get through the song before cracking. But that’s the charm; the music is super druggy and psychedelic – but the voice is innocent and relatable. It keeps the song from feeling too far out there, while also remaining very obtuse. I love how the TFL’s attempt to write pop songs and then flip them on their head to sound like an LSD trip. I could’ve chosen ANY song from this album, and it would’ve fit just the same. But this one hits just right.

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Deep Dive #132 Show Notes

September 13, 2026September 9, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)	Willis Notes	Gregg Notes
French Disko	Stereolab	1993	Willis	Indie Rock, Avant-garde, Synth-pop	Despite the fact that this is considered one of their most recognizable singles, I didn’t know it, and at first assumed it was a Radiohead cover. Though further listening cleared that up. From the driving drum beat to the repetitive tinny rhythmic guitar chords and electronic/spacey flourishes, the anxiety (to borrow one of your descriptors) is quite palpable here.	Alright, I can see you aren’t f’ing around this week! I immediately perked up seeing this selection. This was the 2nd song I heard by them, and the primary reason I’ve been a die-hard fan since. The solo at 1:20 was the prototype for my guitar playing, because it was simple enough for me to pull off, but also gorgeously emotive. The voice, the organs, the chugging beat, the 60’s girl group melody – it all adds up to a cacophony of vintage psychedelia. Doesn’t get better than this.
Ahead	Wire	1987	Gregg	Post Punk /Avant Pop/Art Punk	At first I hear early new wave in the synths and drum machine – like right at that Joy Division/New Order transition. I never would have guessed they were anything “punk”. This band’s name barely scrapes the deep crevices of my memory, such that I don’t know if I am remembering the chorus “I Remember” or it is simply psychologically planting itself because it is so catchy and natural. Listening to some of their most played songs, they do sound more instrumentally punk/rock in structure/vibe than this one, but I agree more lyrically sophisticated, vocally pleasant and more eclectic than rebellious and loud “punk”, that I could get into.	This song shares a similar ‘train-like’ momentum. It starts subtle, as if to warn you to jump on the platform before the train departs, never to stop again. Wire were always 2 steps ahead, never staying the same. In the Punk world, they were Gods, but they were only punk in attitude. The music was accessible but also weird. The vocals were clean and pleasant, but also dark. They always did just enough to avoid the mainstream. Their legacy is sealed, mostly because they never sold out. They were a true “indie” band, before it was a thing. This remains their most “radio friendly” song, but ofc it retains their raw melodic energy. The hook sticks with you, too. I find myself singing “I remember, I remember” for days after listening.
Everybody Told Me	The Linda Lindas	2026	Willis	Pop-Punk, Indie Rock	Being Asian-American, I occasionally follow this specific pop- culture. In the 90’s “Giant Robot” was a very popular magazine that grew into a retail store. This punk band started as pre-teens (the drummer was 7), kickstarted from this culture in 2018. Touring north America this month. @the Greek 9/17 The dreamy quality of this track (vocals and keyboard accompaniment) and “lazy” drums(for a punk band) and catchy minor key chorus gives it a really strong post-punk vibe. This track stands out either like a golden gem (for HFD listeners) or a sore thumb (for hardcore indie punk listeners) from the rest of this album, which has several driving LA-punk guitar power chords and hard hitting drums.	I’ve long read about them, but never properly listened til now. This song is excellent. Idk if their other stuff sounds like this, but if it’s anywhere close, I’ve made a giant mistake dismissing them for so long. There are 10-15 popular indie pop artists making music similar to this, but (based on this song only) I think this is better! Hooky, melodic at every turn, and a well-written structure for a modern pop song. Damn.
Talking In Your Sleep	The Romantics	1983	Gregg	Alt Pop /New Wave	110% agree this song has always been a standout not just among their other music, but somehow above other pop songs of the same era that I always accepted as fact without listening why so I am glad you picked this before I did. The different phases and parts of this song are so obviously pop structured, but epic. The way the bassline has an additional synthetic slap and does a dance with the guitars. The pre-chorus with the hard hitting synth drums “You TELLLLLme thatyouWANTMEE” The robotic vocal overlays in the chorus are kinda chilling.	When I think of well-written pop songs, this is one of the first that comes to mind. There’s always been that ‘something’ here, a formula maybe, that plays on my heartstrings. The echo in the verses, the tension-building bridge, and then this massive chorus. In that chorus, a strummed 12 string guitar starts chiming in the background and it lifts the song to the stratosphere! That guitar (for me) is the hook! It creates a dreamy, sparkling atmosphere for the big hook of “I hear secrets that you keep…”. It also sounded dynamite on the radio. The production was so crisp and metallic, you could almost hear things in 3D when it played on the airwaves.
Games	Molly Burch	2021	Willis	Indie Pop	A random algorithm play for me which stood out immediately, and wasn’t sure why at first. Multiple listens reveal that her voice switches between breathy Kate Bush to the belting chime of early Madonna in the chorus when she sings “I’m lost” and “I’m caught”. As i learn more and more little bits here and there of the physics of singing, it sometimes helps me to understand a little of why I like a particular song like this. I need to dive a little more. She is compared to Angel Olsen or Cat Power, but don’t know them either.	Another first listen for me. The name is familiar, but there are many molly’s making music. First thing I thought was “Oh Kate Bush, man”. Then i thought, “the chorus sounds like St Vincent meets Madonna!”. Then I look at your notes, and burst out laughing LOL. I didn’t think I was gonna enjoy this as much as I am. I restarted it 3x. I wish it was 1min longer, even just riding out the ending with a lightweight jam.
Something Sparkly (Little Smoky Mix)	Tadpoles	2026	Gregg	Neo Psych /Space Rock	I get a total pysch vibe from the Beatles-esque sitar riffs and the Beta Band like vocals. I would have guessed them as UK origin because of this. The effects on the vocals really puts them up floating on some fluffy cloud (or slowly orbiting satellite) The whole song feels like it fits right at the end of a long festival set where they are just vibing and improvising off each other, keeping it going and everyone’s along for the ride. I bet you could loop this and would do well as background for work or a long flight where you don’t actually want to consciously think or take a nap.	These guys came from the NY area, and almost felt like some mythical druggy band that lives underground, only to emerge for some 2am set in a boarded up old church in Alphabet City for 45 people. They existed among us, but only select few truly SAW them.They lived in Hoboken in the mid 90’s, where I worked at the Go-Go Bar DJ’ing, so I eagerly awaited my opportunity to see them perform somehwere. I never saw them, but always drew inspiration from the air of mystery that surrounded them. All that said, I only knew a few songs from them, and loved their hazy psychedelic leanings. But their CD’s were hard to come by, so my knowledge remained limited. Last year, they released this single, and I must’ve missed it. FastFwd to 2 wks ago, and this “remixed” version shows up. I got so excited, thinking this was their first new music in decades, but then found out it was a remixed/re-released, one-off single from ‘25. It’s so damn good. I hear so many influences in here, and I think you will too (Mercury Rev, Pink Floyd, and Spaceman 3 being a few)
Moskow Diskow (Remastered)	Telex	1979	Willis	Synth-pop, Electro, New Wave	While on my “cruise ship vinyl binge” in the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, I had about 10 minutes left before the last call to board, so literally ran to a hipster record/coffee shop called “Rooms” who curated their vinyl and had a legit listening station with SL-1200 and stools to sit upon. I felt compelled to buy just for the experience and hastily got this,, and so glad I did. They’re like a less serious, Belgian version of Kraftwerk.	Was very eager to hear what this band sounded like! It’s so Kraftwerky, obviously, but I also hear a ton of Jean-Luc Ponty and Cerrone. Very simple and minimalistic, which is something I admire about early technotronic music. It allows me to appreciate the oscillators and synths and drum machine! There is a cool little ‘hand clap’ snare towards the end that humanizes the whole track.
For the Season II	Clinic	2013	Gregg	Psych Pop /Post Punk	The beginning has an interesting tinge of R&B and jazz (coming from the synth hi-hat/snare, hammond organ and sax fills). I picture my late friend Chris B. playing that sax fill with his eyes clamped shut and cheeks puffing out. This fits his cool/weird style to the T. I’d compare this to Flaming Lips with the pace and vocal placement (alone in a big empty space) Forgot that you played these guys before. After checking out some of their other work – very interesting, different, and weird. I like it! I can see the Radiohead comparisons in a song like “Come Into Our Room”	This is a strangely beautiful one. I hope not too challenging for some. The vibe is Radiohead-esque, as is Clinic in general, but they’ve been happening/creating simultaneously for decades and sometimes seem to borrow from one another w/o any1 noticing. I’ve had this theory that in another timeline of my life, Clinic are as wildly popular as Radiohead, and roles are reversed. It pains me that this is one of Indie music’s best kept secrets. They are weird, sure. But they are masterful musicians and creators. When I hear this song, it takes me to a very specific daydreamy headspace. The part where the song subtly shifts melody – he sings “*but ohhh, I know you. Ohh, I have been you*.” Those few measures take my breath away. The whole song seems to exist separately from reality. It makes me sad, happy, and reflective.
You Don’t Love Me Yet	Bongwater	1990	Willis	Alternative Rock, Experimental	Although I’m not familiar with ANY of their other work or even the original artist Roky Erickson, when this tribute album came out “Where the Pyramid Meets the Eye”, I was impressed by the lineup of artists (REM,Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream,John Wesley Harding, ZZ Top” yet the music meant nothing to me, except for this awkwardly sincere song. I often played this at the end of my own “under cover” show in college. It is so grey and gloomy. Although basic acoustic guitar chords, the effects are compelling. the vocal layers create a sense of very empty space. The slide guitar is like a single-soul standing alone on a tiny patch of land in a motionless subterranean sea. Love how the ending picks up tempo and it kinda brings you back in to reality	What a wraparound to this one! I’m familiar with the original (I’m a fan of Roky and the 13th Floor Elevators, his OG band), and in fact – I remember this CD being out! I never purchased it, somehow, but I’d heard a few of the other songs by artists that I liked on the comp. Since I didn’t know this band’s name – I guess I avoided listening. So much about this I love. She almost sounds like it’s HER song, cus she sings with such comfort and conviction. At times, I almost hear a little Sinead (dare I say). The ending is captivating and epic.
Luka	Suzanne Vega	1987	Gregg	Avante Pop?	This song came out alongside Madonna, MJ, U2, George Micheal, Los Lobos… top 40 was saturated with different styles (what a time to have a radio!) so there was something refreshing and grounding from its clean, folk-rock simplicity, with the point of view being a repressed, doe-eyed emo character sorta sharing/not sharing. (“don’t ask me anymore”). I was instantly enamored. I bought this album Solitude Standing on tape, but at 17, the rest of the soft/pensive works were above me, so I’d just rewind it over and over for Luka – however the very last song, Tom’s Diner was like a nice secret bonus you had to go past a long quiet space.	This one might seem frivolous. I don’t ever remember a time when I didn’t love this song to the bone. When it was released, I was 11. At the time there was a national news story about a little girl who was beaten to death by her parents. Lisa Steinberg maybe? Anyway, I remember thinking this song was about her, so it made me emotional when I’d hear it (as a kid). Eventually, in later years, I became infatuated with the breezy, chimy quality of the music behind her. It could almost be REM or 10,000 maniacs playing. Funny enough, the last 30 sec or so are my favorite part, even though it’s instrumental w/ this Cure-like guitar solo ringing over the somber finality. Such an impactful piece of pop music. We’d never hear a song like this on the Top 40 in 2026.

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September 13, 2026September 14, 2026 willis No Comments

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Deep Dive #131 Show Notes

September 6, 2026September 2, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)	Willis Notes	Gregg Notes
Sincerely Yours	Sweet Sensation	1988	Willis	Latin, Freestyle	I 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 Cry	Judy Torres	1988	Gregg	Freestyle	The 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, Somewhere	Jungle	2026	Willis	Neo-Soul, Indie Electronic, Disco-Funk	I’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, Baby	Roy Ayers	1972	Gregg	Psych Soul /Jazz Funk /NYC Streets	This 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 Beat	1984	Willis	Synth-Pop, DIsco, New Wave	I 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 Heart	Tears For Fears	1989	Gregg	SophistiPop /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 Bridge	Red Hot Chili Peppers	1991	Willis	Alternative Rock	Although 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 One	Folk Implosion	1995	Gregg	Indie /Trip Hop	Oh 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-fking 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) California	Soul Kid #1	2006	Willis	Indie Funk, Pop, Soul	Alicia 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 Out	Bee Gees	1979	Gregg	GrooveFunk /Neo Soul	I 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?”

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

Spotify

Amazon Music

Youtube Music

Notes

Deep Dive #130 Show Notes

August 30, 2026August 26, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)	Willis Notes	Gregg Notes
Love Would Be	The Jenny Thing	1994	Willis	Indie Rock/Pop	In 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).
Halo	Deep Blue Something	1995	Gregg	Jangle 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]	Texas	2015,2023	Willis	Alt Rock, Trip Hop, Spoken Word	I 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 Unusual	Belly	1994	Gregg	Power Pop /Post Punk	I’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 Night	Benny Mardones	1980	Willis	Adult Contemporary	So 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 Shines	The Push Stars	1999	Gregg	Power Pop /Sunshine Pop Alt Pop	I 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 Clarkson	2023	Willis	Jazzy / Latin / Tropical Pop	With 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 Day	Thompson Twins	1985	Gregg	New Wave /Glam pop	Your 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 Love	Daft Punk	2001	Willis	Electronic / Dance	Knowing 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)	Freeez	1983	Gregg	Electro /Electro Pop /Pre Daft Punk	I 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:

Spotify

Amazon Music

Youtube Music

Notes

Deep Dive #129 Show Notes

August 23, 2026August 19, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)	Willis Notes	Gregg Notes
Lonesome Tonight	Bow Wow Wow	1983	Willis	New Wave, Pop Rock	Although 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 Frontier	Adam & The Ants	1980	Gregg	Tribal /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 Rope	The Growlers	2016	Willis	Indie Rock	Streaming 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 By	Sean Nicholas Savage	2011	Gregg	Retro Pop /Indie /City Pop	Confident 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 Moon	Shivaree	2000	Willis	Alt-Pop/Rock, Americana	I 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 Ze	The High Llamas	1999	Gregg	Baroque /60’s Sndtrk /Orchestral pop	Another 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 Together	Vulfpeck [ feat. Antwaun Stanley]	2017	Willis	Contemporary Funk / R&B Soul, Minimalist	A 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 Together	Timmy Thomas	1972	Gregg	Minimalist /Soul /Dub	Very 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. 2	Blue Man Group	2003	Willis	Alt / Electronic Rock	Inspired 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.
Zeus	Midnight Magic	2026	Gregg	Electronic /Kraut /Neo Disco	I 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:

Spotify

Amazon Music

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Notes

Deep Dive #128 Show Notes

August 16, 2026August 14, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)	Willis Notes	Gregg Notes
That’s Entertainment (Remastered)	The Jam	1980	Willis	Post-Punk	I 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.
Sodajerk	Buffalo Tom	1993	Gregg	Post Grunge Power PopIndie	Totally 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 Weep	Beth Orton	1999	Willis	Folktronica, Trip-Hop	Realizing 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.mp3	Blood Orange	2026	Gregg	Drum & 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.
Collide	Joe Goddard & Findia	2026	Willis	Electronic, Indietronica	Joe 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 Life	Sheila E.	1984	Gregg	Electro /Funk /Latin Soul	This 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 Affair	2017	Willis	Dance / Electronic, House	Names 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 Music	Soho (feat. Pal Joey)	1990	Gregg	Breakbeat /Jazz House /Footwork	Haha “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, Summertime	Nocera	1986	Willis	Freestyle	Thinking 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 Track	Breakfast Club	1987	Gregg	New Wave /Pop /Dance	I 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:

Spotify

Amazon Music

Youtube Music

Notes

Deep Dive #127 Show Notes

August 9, 2026August 7, 2026 willis No Comments

Song	Artist	Year	Pick	Genre(s)	Willis Notes	Gregg Notes
Spiritual High (State of Independence), Pt. 2 (feat. Chrissie Hynde)	Moodswings	1992	Willis	Downtempo, 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.
swim	Night tapes	2026	Gregg	Dreampop /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	1979	Willis	Rock	My 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 Heaven	Gigolo Aunts	1994	Gregg	Power Pop /Jangle PopPostGrunge	This 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	Willis	Dream Pop, Indie Electronic	I 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 Silence	South	2001	Gregg	Indie /Post Britpop	I 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	Willis	Indie 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 Things	The Kinks	1981	Gregg	Power Pop /Pre Britpop	In 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	Willis	Funk Jazz + Alt Hip-Hop	Jazz 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.
Akousmatikous	Salami Rose Joe Louis (Ft. Soccer96)	2023	Gregg	Exprmntl /Electro Jazz Psych /Art Pop	A 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:

Spotify

Amazon Music

Youtube Music

Notes