Here's 10 tracks I can't get enough of this week. Let me know what you've been listening to!
1. Detroit Cobras- “Easier to Cry” (Shangri-Las Cover)
A spunky garage-rock cover band from Detroit, Michigan, the Detroit Cobras bring a sultry R&B flair to the Shangri-Las’ 60’s pop original. Vocalist Rachel Nagy embodies a powerful and androgynous rock rasp while still maintaining a delicate balance of sweetness and poise.
2. ESG- “Moody”
Formed in the South Bronx in the late 70’s, ESG emulated black femme excellence in every track. Fusing elements of post-punk, hip-hop and house music, the trio of sisters consistently produced fresh and ahead-of-their-time classics. Despite several of their songs being sampled hundreds of times over in hip-hop, rap and neo-soul, the group existed before effective licesning laws and have seen little to no financial compensation for their genius.
3. Fanny- “Come and Hold Me”
A California Dreamin’ rock band from the 70’s, Fanny was the first all-female group to sign to a major record label. Despite only making music for three years, the group garnered the attention and adoration of the likes of David Bowie, Steve Peacock and Cher. “Come and Hold Me” illuminates both their laid-back beachy influences yet against-the-grain rock’n’roll ethos.
4. Margaritas Podridas- “Pétalos Mordidos”
Forged in the Hermosillo underground scene, Margaritas Podridas are a post-punk and shoegaze-inspired quartet advancing Mexican fusion music. Ambient, reverberated vocals atop billowy and bold guitar lines create the perfect dreamy score for all your late-night drives.
5. ZOMBIE-CHANG- “WE SHOULD KISS”
Meirin Yung, known by her stage name Zombie-Chang, is a Japanese soloist who masterfully employs post-punk, lofi and electronic elements from international varieties. In less of a fusion and more of a glorious union of genres, “WE SHOULD KISS” establishes her prowess in both vocals and creative production.
6. Mohsen Namjoo- “Man Mast”
Iranian singer-songwriter Mohsen Namjoo emulates excellence at the intersection of art and music. Inspired by American blues and rock, yet also drawing from his own rich musical and cultural traditions, “Man Mast” is a breathtakingly beautiful track that evokes both glamour and ease.
7. French Vanilla- “Evolution”
LA-based art punks French Vanilla know how to throw a dance party. Theatrical and punchy, “Evolution” is a captivating tale of a friendship gone wrong-and its ensuing complex emotions.
8. Zakes Bantwini, Kasango- “Osama”
South African singer and producer Zakes Bantwini pairs with award-winning DJ Kasango in this summery, ethereal track. In a steady build of cinematic energy and volume, “Osama” masterfully captures the essence of summertime dancefloors, rooftop hangs and bustling city nights.
9. Essential Logic- “Brute Fury”
After sensational saxophonist Lora Logic departed from X-Ray Spex in 1978, she went on to form a a lesser known yet pioneering post-punk group called Brute Fury. This upbeat and spunky tune carries all of the artistic mastery of X-Ray Spex but brings an avant-garde and innovative perspective to the future of punk.
10. De Luxe- “On & On (Till the End of Us)”
A post-disco musical duo from Los Angeles, De Luxe have delivered a joyful and infectiously danceable pop track- ripe in time for all of your upcoming summer gatherings.
Original artwork by me (Kylee Wiens)
LOVE LOVE LOVE