Some artists, come up, do something right, and then briskly disappear without a trace. Others can just keep on going, making all the right moves, constantly in the limelight, remaining completely in the shadows, or, being somewhere in between, no matter how good they might be.
Guitarist Robin Trower has become a rock legend, with a decades-long career that spans his time with Procol Harum, and a distinguished solo career, with his exquisite guitar-playing not only standing out but also inspiring many other rock artists.
Maybe he could have made a bigger career, but with some of his work, like his seminal album ‘Bridge of Sighs’ he did enough to deserve that legend tag. Yet, he is not still around, but can come up with great music like his recent ‘Burn’ single with singer Saris Schorr. Some old fires are still able to burn brightly.
Bryce Drew - That Dress
The LA-based singer has got one of those voices that can carry any melody that they are given, but make the songs even better when it is one of their own, like this one here. A complete artist in every respect.
halfnoise - Love & Affection
Zac Farro doubles with Paramore and halfnoise here, and here he takes on the role of the frontman, songwriter, and producer and comes up with a great slice of blue-eyed (electro) soul.
Tish Melton - The Chase
This is only Tish Melton’s second single, but it was good enough to draw the attention of Brandi Carlisle, who produced this one, yet Melton’s song with its very poppy melody is good enough to stand on its own.
Foxtide - What Good Is It
Whatever the definition of garage rock stands for these days, this Southern California quartet can fit the bill, but the fans of power pop and some nice harmonies will go for this one for sure too.
Joanne Shaw Taylor - Wild Love
PR people tend to exaggerate, but calling Taylor a guitar prodigy is not one of them, and you don’t end up on the album of somebody like Dion for no reason. Here Taylor shows why on both accounts.
Valley - christmas lights
Maybe Valley is not as big as Coldplay whose song they cover here, but 75 million streams of their albums might indicate that they are on their way with this subdued version of this festive ditty.
Emma Zander - Not a Fairytale
Some will say that Zander is walking in Lana Del Ray’s steps here, but, then, what is wrong with that in any case? After all, both Zander and her song stand on their own merits and quite well at that too.
Grandaddy - Cabin in My Mind
Not much to say about alternative stalwarts like Grandaddy and it is always a joy when Jason Lytle comes up with something new or revives something old, no matter what. Another good one.
Thomas Nicholas Band - Same Kids
Those who have seen at least one ‘American Pie’ movie will be familiar with Thomas Nicholas, who decided to try his hand at music, and as in the movies he acted in, he goes a bit nostalgic here, but in the right way.
Bridget Kearney - Don’t Think About the Polar Bear
Kearney is the bassist and founding member of Lake Street Dive, and on this solo outing, she shows that she has some excellent, soulful melodies (and interesting lyrics) in her cannon.
Cash & Carter - Americana (Letting Her Go)
No, it is not Johnny and June, but a UK duo who still have the soul of Americana music down to a pat it seems, and they show that the genre is not solely limited to the U.S. heartland.
Asha Jeffries - Keep My Shit Together
There’s something quite Australian in Jefferies’ sound but something so connected to the best of bedroom pop (this time around with excellent production) from any place on this planet.
ZORA - FASTLANE
ZORA might be just 23 years old, but she seems to have grasped all the key elements of modern soul and hip hop and not only writes and sings but also produces herself. This one is proof.
Itasca - Imitation of War
Kayla Cohen is Itasca, resurfacing after four years, but showing that she put those four years to good use with more refined songwriting, singing, and playing. Good to have her back.
Asia Chow - Days Unchanged
Chow is a newcomer to the music scene and the very crowded singer-songwriter genre, but she seems to have all the qualities to shine there, from her songwriting, and guitar playing to her excellent voice.
The Hanging Stars - Let Me Dream Of You
It was Gram Parsons who was credited for coming up with cosmic country, but several artists carry that torch to this day, and The Hanging Stars is surely one of them. No surprise they ended up at Jack White’s Third Man Records in Nashville for the 2023 Americana Music Association Festival.
The Telescopes - (In The) Hidden Fields
One of the pole bearers of modern psych rock has recently decided to revive their career, and judging by some of their recent output, including this single it was an excellent decision on the band’s part.
Sea Dramas - Long Goodbye
This one is taken from the forthcoming album by this Bay Area band, and it seems it is part of a concept, but it is a song that can stand on its own, with the band playing with several genres here.
Dina Summer - Hide & Seek
Dina Summer is a collaborative band project between Kalipo and DJ couple Local Suicide, and they seem to have the essence of good electro-pop right where it should be with the eighties sound brought to modern times with ease.
Willi Carlisle - When The Pills Wear Off
Carlisle is coming up with a new album in January 2024, and it seems that his storytelling capabilities are in full force there, as this slice from the album amply shows.
Willi Carlisle - When The Pills Wear Off