It’s been a bit since I’ve written anything. Really no excuse. Mea culpa, y’all.
So what’s everyone been up to? Had a good summer? Mine’s been fun. Beaches. Mountains. Airplanes. A few cheeseboards. A couple of shows. Quality time with friends. Three photos that capture the madness below. Can’t believe summer is over already. My favorite season quietly making its way out the door…
Grace Potter at The Windjammer, Isle of Palms, SC May 2022The End of America (TEOA), Mile of Music, Appleton, WI August 2022Stole a Talbott hat
Of course, there have also been playlists, which I’ve definitely been slacking on posting here. I pushed August out last week and it’s probably my favorite of the year – featuring my favorite new-to-me band from Mile of Music, The End of America; “Clumsy,” the new single from Quiet Hounds that I’ve been chomping at the bit to be released; the latest catchy-as-hell track from The Brevet, “Feels Like”; plus new Will Hoge, new Butch Walker, new Mo Lowda and the Humble, and sooo many more. Give it a follow if you’re so inclined.
And if you missed anything because I didn’t post it, you can find them at the links below.
March has been a whirlwind. Life feels like it’s normalizing (everyone knock on wood), work has been super busy, and I’m getting back out into the world. The weather’s been wild – 80 degrees one day, barely above freezing and windy the next.
So, it only feels appropriate that the March Mix is also a little wild and topsy-turvy. Plenty of new music, lots of old friends. Lots of ups and downs. But I kinda love it. Hope you do, too.
I love all the songs on this, but here’s a few notes on some of the tracks worth maybe knowing about:
“Electrify My Love” / Mondo Cozmo – I owe Chris Gonzalez forever for introducing me to MC. This guy’s energy is EVERYTHING. This song is a little chaotic and there’s something about it that I love. Can’t wait to see him again this week (opening for The Airborne Toxic Event – what a lineup!).
“Kids” / Deaf Havana – This British band has been popping up on my mixes since 2014. They’re back with some serious anthemic rock with “Kids” … and I can’t stop listening to it!
“If You Look Hard Enough” (Unplugged) / Fort Frances – Yes, I put the plugged version on February’s Mix. This song fills my heart with hope.
“Dumb Classic Love” / Margolnick – My fave Charlotte musician FINALLY released an album he’s been working on for a few years, and it does not disappoint. This is my current favorite, but y’all should just go listen to the whole thing.
“all hell broke loose” / The Gardner and the Tree – These Swedes popped onto Spotify one and the lead singer’s voice immediately got my attention. Reminds me of Mikel from Airborne Toxic.
“A Little Bit of Love” / Weezer – If this song doesn’t put you in a good mood, nothing will.
“Back Porch” / The Heavy Hours – This band has its little hooks in my heart. If you haven’t listened to their album Gardens yet, do yourself a favor and give it a spin.
“Surrender to Me” / FireCityFunk – Man, hate on social media all you want, but the story of this song is WHY social media exists. Kid (who is a musician) found a song his dad wrote and recorded in the 70s. Played it on TikTok for his followers. And they put it out on Spotify … (His Dad was a member of Boston back in the day). Watch Jimmy Kimmel interview them. It’s so awesome.
“Wild” / Spoon – I have never been a big Spoon fan, but this song is catchy as hell.
“Whose God Is This” / Will Hoge – Instant WGDH (Will God Damn Hoge) classic.
Happy listening! Also, if you’re an Apple Music person, no worries – find the March 2022 Mix here.
Enter the Summer Mix to help cure a bit of the blues I’m having about the thought of no concerts, festivals, or even pool time this summer.
Honestly, the Mix is a little bit of happy and a little bit of mellow … and it took forever to come together, but I’m sorta loving it. Where else are you gonna hear Jason Isbell and Harry Styles on the same playlist?
I do have a few “must hears” on this Mix…I usually try to keep quiet about my favorites, but I can’t help myself this time. Don’t skip out on what I think will be the song of the summer by Hoko, the new single from my Foxfire Run fellas, and a major new Brit Pop crush in Sea Girls.
Sorry, I’ve been MIA for a while. No excuses, really. Just haven’t felt like writing. I promise I’ll be better.
For now, though, I’m going to cut to the chase. I’m here to deliver the Spring Mix.
Not gonna lie, folks, I’m REALLY loving this one. It’s long…close to 50 songs! There’s something on this one for everyone… And that run of the first 15 songs? It’s my favorite thing I’ve done in awhile.
And because I’m COMPLETELY on top of things – don’t let the Mix fool you – you should see the Spotify playlist below. The Apple playlist refuses to embed, but you can get to it with that link…
Happy almost spring…Hope you find something new to love!
Hey, gang. Happy New Year. Look at me…January 5 and already making my first post of the year!
In all seriousness, I had hoped to do this post on New Year’s Day, but I got sidelined by a pretty wicked cold/virus thing. Bummer of a way to start the New Year, but I figure it’s gotta be like rain on your wedding day, right…if you start the week out sick, your year can only go uphill, right? After a week being down, I’m feeling mostly like a human…
…and I finished the Winter Mix! This one came together pretty easily…although there were probably about 15 songs that I dropped from it to keep it a reasonable length. Lots of good music has come out in the past few months… New music from Mighty Oaks, Future Thieves, Fort Frances, Mondo Cozmo, Emerson Hart…so many. Bodes well for 2020, methinks.
READ THE LINER NOTES: Warning: I had a LOT to say about these songs, so the notes are a little much. You’ll get all up inside my brain…
As always, if you dig something you hear, please support the artist and buy some of their music, merch, or a ticket to a show. And of course, if you have thoughts that you just can’t keep in about any of the music, I always love to hear people’s reactions. Comment below or shoot me a message on the socials – @jrzygyrl just about everywhere.
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