The women largely take center stage this month. I’d started to question why my lists had been more male-dominated than before. Thought it might be me. Hey, it still might be me. I don’t know.
But there’s no denying, at least to my ears, that female performers released the most compelling music this month. See if you agree:
Wow. Here’s a Special Bonus taste of Hermanos Gutierrez. Why have I not heard of them before?:
The first of two happy break-up songs this month:
Our second happy break-up song. Have you noticed that it’s the women who are happy to be rid of their partners? I have:
Philly Soul via East LA. If you don’t like this, move to Russia:
For the first, and probably, the last time, I’ll use an adjective that I will likely never use again on any ‘best-of’ list–“Sondheimesque”. Weyes Blood needs to score a Broadway musical:
I like the Fine song, but then I like Lana Del Rey, who she has obviously listened to. Prefer Lana, who has an edge, kind of a weirdness, that this one doesn’t quite manage. Speaking of soundalikes, the Ruthie Foster song reminds me of Carole King, but bluesier and more energetic. Great stuff. The Sinseers: Love that low-rider soul.
I enjoyed the Hermanos Gutierrez songs, particularly the first one. I’d call it mainly atmospheric background music, like the Rose City Band. But I like and respect good background music. I like the jazziness of Josh Johnson.
Was happy to see the black and white start of the Perennial video because of the three jaded young French people dancing the Madison from the Godard movie “Bande a part.” I used a longer clip from the same scene for a Song of the Day but wasn’t sure anybody really wanted to see it.
I thought the Joy Oladokun song was very pleasant and liked it more than some other songs I’ve heard by her. I don’t get a Sondheim vibe from the Weyes Blood but I do think she’s a very good songwriter and don’t think a Broadway show is a far-fetched idea. I like the Babehoven song.