Yes, it is still supposed to be summer. Somehow, we try to keep the semblance of normalcy, although this summer of 2021 like the previous one, is far from anything but normal. Someplace, it never really was normal. So it is really hard to say that everybody is on the beach where quite a few people should be.
Quite a few decades back Neil Young was on the beach, but he didn’t seem to be too happy about it. Or, he was trying to regain that happiness there. Yet, somehow, his lyrics still have quite a ring of truth around them:
“The world is turnin'
I hope it don't turn away”
(Neil Young, “On The Beach,” 1973)
One of the things that are supposed to have a semblance of normalcy is the fact that music releases have gone back to that standard cycle where there aren’t many of actual releases this time of the year. Unless, of course, it announced what is coming up in the fall…
Fences & Billy Strings - Globe
Singer-songwriter Christopher Mansfield, aka Fences, had quite a few good releases recently, and this track where he joined by Billy Strings, another kindred soul, and produced by Jonathan Wilson, yet another like-minded artist, is no exception. The duo gives it a bit of an Americana touch, and the title, ‘Globe,’ can take us to quite a few places.
Mac McCaughan - Dawn Bends
Mac McCaughan is a name familiar to everybody who follows such good alternative names as Superchunk, Portastatic, and Yo La Tengo. With ‘Dawn Bends’ he comes up with something that fans of such a sound are certainly familiar (and love). Those feedback guitars in the background add the right touch.
Jackson + Sellers - Devil Is An Angel
Jade Jackson and Aubrie sellers are yet another singer-songwriter collaboration, but unlike the Fences/Strings combination above, here they opt for a more rock/country combination that has everything from good rhythm, guitars, and dual vocals. One of those for that long energetic run, or drive, whatever you may prefer.
Bryan’s Magic Tears - Sad Toys
When shoegaze became so popular back in the late eighties and early nineties, many have predicted that it is only a fad that won’t last long. As in many other cases, they were wrong. Bryan’s Magic Tears and their ‘Sad Toys’ not only prove that point but do that guitar-driving sound proud. No wonder all those Creation Records bands are on their way back.
Pokey LaFarge - Rotterdam
This one is a bit close to home (some 10 kilometers, or so), at least as far as the title is concerned. LaFarge seems to be more and more assured and diversified as time goes by. He says this is more of Rotterdam, The Netherlands as utopia. Not far from the truth. At least for the fact that it is one of the biggest ports in the world, yet you really have to search for a real beach. His upcoming album spells some more great stuff from the guy.
Aoife O’Donovan ft. The Milk Carton Kids - More Than We Know
You can feel the hand of someone like Joe Henry, who co-wrote and produced this excellent Americana ballad. Still, even with the subtle participation of The Milk Carton Kids, it is Grammy-winner Aoife O’Donovan’s show and her sublime vocals here.