Week of November 7, 2021
Listening selections for the week of November 7, 2021—featuring the latest from The Blinders, Charli XCX, LonelyTwin and more—best enjoyed with Rising Star Coffee Roasters’ Illuminator Blend, for elucidating notes of apricot, almond and chocolate.
Streaming Links:
Highlights include:
The Blinders’ anthemic first outing as a five piece
The continued brilliance of Charli XCX, joined by the equally brilliant Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek
Delicate acoustic warmth from LonelyTwin
A melodious new song from Jenn Wasner’s Flock of Dimes via Adult Swim Singles
Soulful R&B healing from KAINA
Dubby new psychedelic house grooves from L'éclair
Peak wall of sound from my bloody valentine’s Loveless, now 30 years old
Tender dream pop from Coco’s cozy new self-titled album
A new live cosmic jazz gem from the homies in Triorität
Moody, enveloping synth pop from Black Marble’s superb Fast Idol
Dissonant, menacing avant groove from experimental outfit Mandy, Indiana
A Steve Miller cut revisited thanks to Mark Ronson and Jim James’ recent conversation for The Fader Uncovered, featuring Paul McCartney on drums
Rare Earth’s best hit, conjured from the riff of the aforementioned Steve Miller Band cut
Retro psychedelic music refracted through bedroom pop from former members of The Flaming Lips
Sunny dancehall reggae from Joey Quiñones, leader of the modern Chicano soul outfit Thee Sinseers
Alternative R&B from Dijon that defies all categorization other than magical
Sprawling rock balladry from The War On Drugs’ new I Don’t Live Here Anymore
Playful left-field rap from Aminé’s new project TWOPOINTFIVE
Hip hop and jazz inspired soul from Terrace Martin’s first solo output in 5 years
Riveting post-bop from alto saxophonist Jackie McLean’s final album for Blue Note Records
Seductive despairing funk from Sly & The Family Stone’s landmark There’s A Riot Goin’ On, which turned 50 this month
Piping hot, free-spirited piano rock from Chicago’s own Neal Francis
Surely an influence on Francis, a highlight from Elton John’s career best Madman Across The Water, also turning 50 this month
Rolling soulful folk from Leo Nocentelli, founding member and lead guitarist of The Meters
The birth of Pink Floyd’s classic era on Meddle, a third classic album turning 50 this past week
The towering title track of Mac McCaughan’s captivating latest