New music releases for the stuck-in-the-past Boomer
Boomers have finally turned into their parents, even though they may be your parents. An old friend my age once said: this new music today is pure crap. It's not even close to what Pink Floyd ever was… Oh lord. These are symptoms of GROF or (Getting Real Old Fast). Listening to new music releases will cure that. Let me try to explain
Boomers are lucky and a spoiled bunch. We had the privilege of screwing up our children's future and had everything easier growing up
Boomers had the luck of enjoying several decades of great music. And we all think that our music is the best, and that’s understandable. But there is something amazing happening with music today. A real explosion of creativity and a type of musical discovery that resembles in many ways the 60s and 70s music explosion.
I'm sure some of you have already discovered it too. But if it didn't turn you on, it's time to give it another try, or you risk missing out on all the fun, and if you can’t get it, ask yourself why you can’t get it because you should.
Yes, and nothing touches the sacred holy cow music of the 70's Boomers keep it in their hearts. The theme of a generation is that we have a special love connection. They were the soundtracks of our adventures and discoveries. The anthems of our youth
But life moves on, and songs get old just like we do. Some never do, Sir. And we can't live in the past forever as our memories get stale. Life and music are a forward movement. We know today's music belongs to today's generation, life, and dreams the same way our music was for us boomers.
And some might say, how can I get into this new music because I'm not in tune with what young people think today? But that is precisely the point. You better get in touch with what young people see. You saw it before. You just forgot, but you can do it again: catch a ride with younglings
We can still enjoy it and support it. Music has no owner other than the hearts they reach; it can heal us and keep us young. If you let it
Boomers keep getting lucky, and here comes Spotify. Simply the best thing that ever happened to music lovers everywhere. Some professional musician friends of mine have a different opinion, and I respect that. It sucks for musicians but for us listeners...Wow, I now have all the great albums I didn't have the money to buy back then. Priceless!
Spotify does an excellent job of getting to know what you like and connecting you with music you otherwise would never have found. Back in the day, we were at the mercy of music producers. And the winner took it all, leaving great stuff forever in obscurity
Here are a few of my favorite new music releases. I hope you open your heart and ears and fall in love. Please pump up the volume…
#1. Future Islands
Future Islands. My son turned me on to this band. We’re driving in Italy and France and listening to them during the trip. I always associate that amazing European trip with their music. I later saw them on the Fox in Oakland, CA. Future Islands is a band whose brilliance has always been hiding in plain sight. One viral moment might have catapulted them to worldwide recognition, but they were just doing what they always did — pouring their heart and soul into every moment and channeling art's great power to spread love and hope. It was, quite simply, who they were. Yet success is a fickle beast. Burnout, self-doubt, wrestling with expectations; Future Islands have been through them all. (source: Spotify / Future islands)
#2. Khruangbin
Khruangbin is composed of Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald "DJ" Johnson on drums. The globetrotting Texan trio's sound is rooted in classic soul & RnB and informed by psychedelia, dub, and music from around the world — all captured in widescreen and performed with impeccable style.
Whereas their 2015 debut album 'The Universe Smiles Upon You' was influenced by 60s and 70s Thai cassettes and compilations of southeast Asian pop, rock, and funk, 2018's 'Con Todo El Mundo' hops east over India to take inspiration in similarly under-discovered funk and soul sounds of the Middle-East, particularly from Iran. (source: Spotify / artist / Khruangbin)
#3. Deserta
Deserta trippy and haunting guitar riffs with the thickest reverb from hell or heaven, depending on where your mind is, will leap out of your speakers and smell like gasoline. This will wake you up just in time to enjoy the catchy grooves and guitar chords that go on forever but never bore you but want more of it. When you think Deserta can't go any further, there is always a new louder note letting you know there is no end to their expansive music.
#4. Tiwayo
Tiwayo is a soul singer and guitarist based in Paris who produces a singular mix of Deep Soul, 60's R&R, and Jamaican grooves after spending time in the "deep south" of the United States searching for his sound. On stage, the energy is intense, and the raw sound of Tiwayo's voice and guitar carried by his soulful band leaves no audience indifferent. (source: Spotify / artist / Tiwayo)
#5 Slowgold
Slowgold is a Swedish trio offering dreamy folk-pop for weary souls, with a hint of psychedelic rock added for good measure. Frontwoman Amanda Werne has an unforgettable voice and a charismatic stage presence: calm and quiet, yet strong and very much to the fore. True to its name, Slowgold offers moments of slow living in the middle of the hectic modern world. It’s music for people who dream of getting lost in something calming for a while. Source: (Spotify/artist/Slowgold)
#6 Jadu Heart
Jadu Heart is an enigmatic alternative-pop duo from London and Huddersfield: a purposefully best-kept-secret who, even behind their masks, have acquired the sort of hardcore global following (40 million+ streams, 500-capacity sold-out shows) that make them one of the most unique, intriguing new bands coming out of the UK. Source: Paradigm Talent Agency
#7 Parra for Cuva
The moment that Nicolas Janco aka Parra for Cuva starts playing his melody-laden electronic tracks, it is as if a murmur went through the crowd: Eyes closed, people fall into movements in rhythm with his indistinguishable melodies. Interrupted by the occasional sounds of cheering and clapping, everything seamlessly blends into a tapestry of sound and people. One hopes for this wonderful musical experience never to come to an end. Source: (Spotify/artist/Parra for Cuva)
Photo by Matthias Groeneveld
Comments