New Faves 02/26/2022 – Part 1

In trying to emulate their heroes (and steal from the best), musicians- more than writers and visual artists- can have a much easier time stumbling upon something original and setting themselves apart from the pack- at least for three minutes. Of course, if the formula were easy then one could easily replicate, package, and exploit it, yet even in today’s musically challenged landscape one can still find occasional magic (and thank goodness for certain female folk singers who seem to know my soft spots). 

Judee Sill

While 20th century music masters like the Beatles churned out a constant stream of hits, got rich, and made it look easy, many of today’s musical imitators (who probably don’t  know a Byrd from a Beatle) still hope and reach for that one elusive hit- that one new sound- yet often forget to borrow from the first rule of film and literature: make it personal. Here are some of my new favorite musical discoveries of 2022 (most you have probably never heard, and, if you have, well, my compliments to you). Enjoy!

The Cramps

01. The Aislers Set – “Chicago New York” (2000)

02. Arlo Guthrie and Jim Wilson feat. Vanessa Bryan – “Hard Times, Come Again No More” (2020)

03. R.E.M. – “Harborcoat” (1984)

04. The Interrupters – “She Got Arrested” (2016)

05. Felt – “Magellan” (1986)

06. Buddy Holly – “Love Is Strange” (1969)

07. Cracker – “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out with Me” (2009)

08. Michael Farneti – “The River” (1976) 

09. The Cramps – “Green Door” (1981)

10. Thin Lizzy – “Little Girl in Bloom” (1973) 

11. Tia Blake – “Betty and Dupree” (1972)

12. Smog – “Dress Sexy at My Funeral” (2000)

13. Butthole Surfers – “Dracula from Houston” (2001)

14. Kate Wolf – “You’re Not Standing Like You Used To” (1977)

15. The Apples in Stereo – “Ruby” (1999)

16. Judee Sill – “Lopin’ Along Thru the Cosmos” (1971)

17. The Olivia Tremor Control – “Jumping Fences” (2004)

18. Jad Fair and Daniel Johnston – “I Did Acid with Caroline” (1989)

19. Perry Como – “Delaware” (1959)

20. The Cry – “Alone” (1990) 

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...