Paul McCartney - Ram (1971)

 

Information

For his 2nd solo record Paul wrote some of his catchiest and in my opinion, best material. Despite backlash and shotty critics handing out poor ratings, I think this record stands up pretty well, even 50+ years after its release. Each track is carefully constructed and catchy enough to get stuck in your head for weeks. My personal favorites are Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, Ram On, and his most playful tune on the record, Monkberry Moon Delight. 

Ram

Joni Mitchell - Blue (1971)

 

Information

Joni's 4th release and one of my personal favorites. Her voice is iconic on this record. It rises and falls over each track, like waves on the ocean, and I get lost in it with every spin. It's a short trip, but always a pleasant one. It borders on sad bastard music at times, but damn if she doesn't make it sound sexy. Acid, booze, and ass. Needles, guns, and grass. Lots of laughs.

Blue

Future Islands - As Long As You Are (2020)

 

Information

My introduction to Future Islands was the summer of 2010 with their oh so brilliant Tin Man video. I just happened to see it in passing, while kicking it with some friends and Herring's voice was like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale start to the 2010's. I grabbed their record and lived with it for the better half of that year. I kept up with them to the best of my abilities and have been impressed with how consistent they've been. Pumping out banger albums on average every 3 years. 

Presented here is Future Islands 6 studio release and it continues to show every bit of their strengths. Lush pop tunes, swelling ballads, and ass-shaking dance tunes. Nearly 11 years after I first saw their video I am still feeling their tunes. Grab this, and a friend, and enjoy.

As Long As You Are

Vashti Bunyan - Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind – Singles and Demos 1964 to 1967 (2007)

 

Information

Vashti has a pretty interesting story. She recorded numerous demos and singles, and a debut record in 1970. Sadly, her beautifully haunting voice didn't make that much of an impression on the English folk scene in the 1970's and Vashti willingly faded into obscurity to raise her children and live a pretty normal life. 

Fast-forward nearly 30 years and the world [myself included] discovers Vashti's sweet voice once again. This time it made the impact she was hoping for all those years ago, unbeknownst to her. Here collected are 29 singles and demos recorded during the 1960's, over about 3 years. Stand out track and how I was introduced Train Song really climbed inside me and hasn't left in years. Vashti' popularity has allowed her to record 2 new records since 2005, which will eventually make their way here. Pour a drink and take this for a spin.

Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind – Singles and Demos 1964 to 1967

Tame Impala - The Slow Rush (2020)

 

Information

Tame Impala's forth effort is filled with super lush pop tunes that'll keep you moving all day. This dude has been on top for over a decade and can honestly do no wrong. The Slow Rush is a beautiful reminder of the summer[s] ahead and that everything will be okay. 

The Slow Rush