# Daily Records
> A music blog serving up a (not so) daily record recommendation, by Pulin Kothari
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [Welcome to Daily Records and Other Auditory Musings](https://www.auditorymusings.net/about.md) - Daily Records is a music blog serving up a (not so) daily record recommendation. My hope is to introduce you to a lot of new music as well as re-introduce you to some older, great classics that you may not have listened to in awhile. I’m not a musician but I love listening to music and sharing new…
- [Community Guidelines for Commenting](https://www.auditorymusings.net/community-guidelines-for-commenting.md) - One of the best things about sharing work online is being able to engage with the community that forms around it. That's you! The comments section on this site is a space for you to chat with other members, share knowledge and experiences, and share what content you enjoyed the most. To help keep t…
- [Cookie Policy](https://www.auditorymusings.net/cookie-policy.md) - COOKIE POLICY Last updated August 16, 2022 This Cookie Policy explains how Auditory Musings ("Company", "we", "us", and "our") uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our websites at http://www.auditorymusings.net, ("Websites"). It explains what these technologies are…
- [NAMRATA KOTHARI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP](https://www.auditorymusings.net/namrata.md) - My wife, Namrata, died on April 20, 2025. This scholarship was created in loving memory of her. Namrata devoted countless hours to the Memorial High School (Houston, Texas, USA) tennis team during the years our sons were on the team. She was Varsity Team Mom at the time of her passing and this scho…
- [Privacy Notice](https://www.auditorymusings.net/privacy-notice.md) - PRIVACY NOTICE Last updated August 16, 2022 This privacy notice for Auditory Musings ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"), describes how and why we might collect, store, use, and/or share ("process") your information when you use our services ("Services"), such as when you: * Visit our website at http…
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## Posts
- [297. ROOTS AND WINGS by Amani Burnham](https://www.auditorymusings.net/roots-and-wings-by-amani-burnham.md) - The blues is back baby. Or is it the blues are back? Whichever it is, it's back. This just released 2026 debut record comes to us from Ethiopian-born, Connecticut-raised Amani Burnham. Once you listen to this album you'll find it hard to believe that he's only 21 years old. It feels like he's had t…
- [296. DEDICATION by Mirah](https://www.auditorymusings.net/dedication-by-mirah.md) - This 2026 record is the seventh by American indie artist Mirah whose musical career has spanned more than a quarter century though this is the first time I had heard of her. This album took many years to make having been thrown off course by the pandemic, the death of a parent, the birth of a child…
- [295. PERMANENT WAVES by Rush](https://www.auditorymusings.net/permanent-waves-by-rush.md) - I've been listening to a lot of Rush over the past few weeks. When I say a lot I basically mean I've been going back and forth between Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures (two of my three favorite Rush records, the third being Signals). You see I'm one of those "mainstream" Rush fans. I love the so…
- [294. RUDE by Spiritual Cramp](https://www.auditorymusings.net/rude-by-spiritual-cramp.md) - So when my friend Allen texted me and another mutual friend a couple weeks ago to see if we were interested in seeing the band Spiritual Cramp at a small venue here in Houston, my first thought was, "Who?" I proceeded to look them up online, pull up a recent setlist and then started playing this 20…
- [293. SINGIN' TO AN EMPTY CHAIR by Ratboys](https://www.auditorymusings.net/singin-to-an-empty-chair-by-ratboys.md) - Before I begin I want to give a shout out to my music industry friend, Keith Jopling, who just released a book (which I took delivery of as I'm writing this) all about how the record album has endured over the years and seems to be making a comeback. Check the book (aptly titled Body of Work) out h…
- [292. ELVIS IS BACK! by Elvis Presley](https://www.auditorymusings.net/elvis-is-back-by-elvis-presley.md) - When I previously covered Elvis Presley it was with a compilation record. However, this 1960 album is a record in the truest sense of the word, at least as much as it can be when you're talking about Elvis - he never actually wrote any of the songs he performed. Actually, he's listed as a co-writer…
- [291. BIG DISGRACE by Haute and Freddy](https://www.auditorymusings.net/big-disgrace-by-haute-and-freddy.md) - So this record hasn't actually come out yet - it's due to be released mid-March 2026 but I just wanted to quickly throw this out there based on the tracks that have been pre-released. Haute and Freddy are a synth-pop / avant-garde duo composed of singer Michelle Buzz (who is actually from the Houst…
- [290. LITTLE MRS. by Pennywhistle](https://www.auditorymusings.net/little-mrs-by-pennywhistle.md) - So I guarantee that whoever happens to be reading this has never heard of this circa 1989 / 1990 record or the band that put it out. That is because this music only ever existed on a limited number of cassette tapes that were released back then and this band, comprised of singer Andrew Curry and in…
- [289. IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT by Booker T. & the MG's](https://www.auditorymusings.net/in-the-christmas-spirit-by-booker-t-the-mgs.md) - Some of you may have heard that Steve Cropper, the great guitarist for Memphis soul studio / backing band Booker T. & the MG's, recently died. So what better time to feature this 1966 instrumental record of standard Christmas tunes than on Christmas Day 2025. Although I didn't specifically mention…
- [288. SEVEN SEASONS by Kitt Wakeley](https://www.auditorymusings.net/seven-seasons-by-kitt-wakeley.md) - I don't foresee many of you checking this record out for a couple of reasons. First, it's classical music and contemporary classical at that. Even I don't really listen to much contemporary classical - I stick to the tried and true composers of centuries past. Also, the overriding theme of this alb…
- [287. GETTING KILLED by Geese](https://www.auditorymusings.net/getting-killed-by-geese.md) - When I first wrote about Geese back in 2021 they were an up and coming, scrappy indie band with an interesting debut record. Now, with this 2025 album, they are on the verge of indie rock stardom. If you've had even one ear on the indie music heartbeat this year you know what I'm talking about. In…
- [286. I BELIEVE IN YOU, MY HONEYDEW by Josh Ritter](https://www.auditorymusings.net/i-believe-in-you-my-honeydew-by-josh-ritter.md) - I've covered Josh Ritter several times already so you may wonder why I'm, yet again, spilling ink about him. Well he consistently puts out really good records to the point that he, along with Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee, are hands down my favorite contemporary Americana singer-songwriters of t…
- [285. BOYS THESE DAYS by Sports Team](https://www.auditorymusings.net/boys-these-days-by-sports-team.md) - So about a month ago I speculated that this record may have been my most played of 2025. Well, as I'm writing this Apple Music just unleashed their "Replay" feature for subscribers (think "Spotify Wrapped" but for Apple Music). Turns out that Hurray for the Riff Raff album came in second, a mere 3…
- [284. GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT by Heartworms](https://www.auditorymusings.net/glutton-for-punishment-by-heartworms.md) - Although I covered Jojo Orme in her guise as Heartworms before, this current 2025 record is actually her full length debut. This record clocks in at only about 37 minutes but Orme makes every second count. As I mentioned previously she really reminds me of a less noisy and more techno version of Ni…
- [283. THE PAST IS STILL ALIVE by Hurray for the Riff Raff](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-past-is-still-alive-by-hurray-for-the-riff-raff.md) - When my friend Tom first sent this 2024 record my way back in April of that year, I gave it a listen or two but then quickly forgot about it. It just didn't stick for whatever reason. Maybe it was because the name of the band didn't match with what I was hearing or maybe it was some other reason, I…
- [282. SNOCAPS (self-titled)](https://www.auditorymusings.net/snocaps-self-titled.md) - So let me start out by saying that the family issue I alluded to earlier is that my wife died a little over 6 months ago. Without getting into all the details let me just say that her death has turned our life upside down in more ways than one can even begin to imagine. I wasn't sure that getting b…
- [A QUICK BUT SOMBER NOTE](https://www.auditorymusings.net/a-quick-but-somber-note.md) - Hi you may have noticed that there hasn't been a new Daily Records since towards the end of 2024. The reason for this is I've been struggling to come to terms with a family tragedy that has consumed almost all of 2025. While I've been listening to music all year long, both old and new (but especial…
- [281. MY FAVORITE RECORDS OF 2024](https://www.auditorymusings.net/my-favorite-records-of-2024.md) - Coming up with my top five records of the year was not a difficult task this year as I already had somewhat of an idea that such and such album would land there pretty much as soon as I heard it. But deciding what was my #1 favorite record of the year was a much harder thing to do. Do I pick a band…
- [280. SONGS OF A LOST WORLD by The Cure](https://www.auditorymusings.net/songs-of-a-lost-world-by-the-cure.md) - This 2024 record came 16 years after the band's last and, boy, was it worth the wait. Perhaps their best since at least 2000's Bloodflowers or even 1989's Disintegration, this album finds the band (and particularly sole song writer and lead singer Robert Smith) in the throes of dark and moody melod…
- [279. BORN TO RUN by Bruce Springsteen](https://www.auditorymusings.net/born-to-run-by-bruce-springsteen.md) - I was about a month shy of turning 5 years old when this 1975 record by Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band came out. From that iconic record sleeve with the Boss and the Big Man (late saxophonist Clarence Clemons) to the songs that epitomized 1970s rock (not yet "classic" but well on the way)…
- [278. DREAMTIME by The Cult](https://www.auditorymusings.net/dreamtime-by-the-cult.md) - This 1984 debut record by The Cult (after they changed their name from Death Cult) addressed lead singer Ian Astbury's interest with Native American cultures and themes that would continue throughout most of the The Cult's career. Guitarist Billy Duffy hadn't quite found his signature guitar sound…
- [277. COMPLETE AND UNBELIEVABLE:  THE OTIS REDDING DICTIONARY OF SOUL by Otis Redding](https://www.auditorymusings.net/complete-and-unbelievable-the-otis-redding-dictionary-of-soul-by-otis-redding.md) - It's been awhile since I've covered a great soul record. A couple months ago I went down a Stax Records rabbit hole after having watched the great documentary series Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A. Seeing what an influence Otis Redding had on Stax and vice versa, I knew I had to write about one of his alb…
- [276. BEACH DAY by Another Sky](https://www.auditorymusings.net/beach-day-by-another-sky.md) - Hat tip to my friend Keith (aka The Song Sommelier) for turning me onto this 2024 record a week or so ago. Between this album and the latest from Hinds I haven't been listening to much else these days.* Beach Day has captivated me like no other record has in recent memory. For me, it's the type of…
- [275. THE JOSHUA TREE by U2](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-joshua-tree-by-u2.md) - Time for a classic album dissection. Ok, not really - there's no way I could live up to the standards of the Sound Opinions guys but since it's been awhile since I covered what is my favorite U2 record I wanted to go ahead and feature my second favorite - The Joshua Tree. Aside from the fact that t…
- [274. VIVA HINDS by Hinds](https://www.auditorymusings.net/viva-hinds-by-hinds.md) - I thought I had covered this indie rock band out of Madrid, Spain previously, but searching through my blog didn't turn up any hits. So I thought I'd go ahead and feature their recently released 2024 record. The band has actually been around for a while, originally starting as a duo, then foursome…
- [273. ILLUMINATOR by GIFT](https://www.auditorymusings.net/illuminator-by-gift.md) - Shoegazers of the world unite (H/T to The Smiths) as 2024 has brought us a great new record from Brooklyn-based band GIFT. It seems we just can't get enough of the synthy-reverby-fuzzy sound and I'm here for it all. With influences ranging from Madonna's Ray of Light album to Oasis (previously cove…
- [272. FOREVER by Charly Bliss](https://www.auditorymusings.net/forever-by-charly-bliss.md) - Previously covered back in 2020 American indie pop / power pop band Charly Bliss are back with an all new record for 2024. Between their previous and current albums, lead singer Eva Hendricks moved to Australia, her bandmate brother had kids and the band embraced an almost full throated pop directi…
- [271. GHOST MOVES by Ghost Party](https://www.auditorymusings.net/ghost-moves-by-ghost-party.md) - I was excited to learn about this band because they hail from Houston, Texas - my hometown and where I still currently live. They just came out with their debut record in June 2024. Variably described as psychedelic, cosmic country and even countrygaze (think shoegaze, but country) the album is an…
- [270. CHARM by Clairo](https://www.auditorymusings.net/charm-by-clairo.md) - This 2024 record by previously covered American singer-songwriter Clairo continues her style of mostly subdued and hushed vocals, but this time over a 70's infused backing band giving the songs a soft rock quality that is a change from her previous albums. You wouldn't be faulted for playing this e…
- [269. NO NAME by Jack White](https://www.auditorymusings.net/no-name-by-jack-white.md) - Jack White, ever the Raconteur, is full of surprises - the latest of which is the surprise 2024 release of a vinyl only record, given away for free at his Third Man Record locations, lacking a formal album title (No Name is printed on the vinyl label) and lacking track names. But he didn't stop the…
- [268. BIG SWIMMER by King Hannah](https://www.auditorymusings.net/big-swimmer-by-king-hannah.md) - This recently released 2024 record by Liverpool duo King Hannah has been my latest obsession. What do you get when you mash up Portishead, Mazzy Star (previously covered here and here), 90's grunge guitar and even some Doors (previously covered here)? Since you're reading this you must already know…
- [267. JOHN LENNON/PLASTIC ONO BAND by John Lennon](https://www.auditorymusings.net/john-lennon-plastic-ono-band-by-john-lennon.md) - It's hard to believe that I was only around a couple months old when John Lennon's 1970 solo debut record came out. Considered by most as his best record, it represented quite a departure from his Beatles output, even his late Beatles material which tended to be more off the beaten path. If anyone…
- [266. COME DANCING WITH THE KINKS:  THE BEST OF 1977-1986 by The Kinks](https://www.auditorymusings.net/come-dancing-with-the-kinks-the-best-of-1977-1986-by-the-kinks.md) - I've made it a rule not to cover compilations, best of's, greatest hits, etc. as I'd rather introduce you to records released as discrete snapshots of a band or musician at a particular point in time. However, I'm making an exception to that rule today. But, as you can imagine, since this is a coll…
- [265. OFF THE WALL by Michael Jackson](https://www.auditorymusings.net/off-the-wall-by-michael-jackson.md) - Michael Jackson's fifth solo record, 1979's Off The Wall, has always been my favorite Jackson album. Off The Wall signaled a turning point for Jackson, essentially leaving behind his Motown roots and fully embracing the late 70's and early 80's disco craze. A lot of the credit for not only the musi…
- [264. ELECTRIC LADYLAND by The Jimi Hendrix Experience](https://www.auditorymusings.net/electric-ladyland-by-the-jimi-hendrix-experience.md) - It's taken me until now to feature a record by Jimi Hendrix, one of my favorite guitarists, probably because he only released three true studio albums and they're all great - how does one choose? Well, I finally bit the bullet and decided on 1968's Electric Ladyland, Jimi's last record. This double…
- [263. TIGERS BLOOD by Waxahatchee](https://www.auditorymusings.net/tigers-blood-by-waxahatchee.md) - I've been following Waxahatchee (aka Katie Crutchfield) ever since her 2015 record Ivy Tripp and covered her recent output here and here. With each subsequent album she impresses me more and more. Her previous record, Saint Cloud, was released during the pandemic and caught everyone, including Crut…
- [262. SONGS ABOUT JANE by Maroon 5](https://www.auditorymusings.net/songs-about-jane-by-maroon-5.md) - I don't listen to Los Angeles-origin band Maroon 5 anymore. Well, I don't really listen to anything of theirs beyond this record, their 2002 debut. They started heading in a different direction after this album that didn't really inspire me to continue to follow them. But Songs About Jane is defini…
- [261. CRACKED REAR VIEW by Hootie and the Blowfish](https://www.auditorymusings.net/cracked-rear-view-by-hootie-and-the-blowfish.md) - A funny thing happened on the way to Austin this past weekend. My younger son and I were driving to the University of Texas for a campus visit. We have a rule when driving - whoever is behind the wheel gets to pick the music. So, since my son was driving, he put on a country music playlist from App…
- [260. UNDERACHIEVERS PLEASE TRY HARDER by Camera Obscura](https://www.auditorymusings.net/underachievers-please-try-harder-by-camera-obscura.md) - I've been meaning to write about this Scottish indie pop band's 2003 record but just hadn't gotten around to it. However, I recently learned that they will be releasing a new album this coming May, so I thought now is as good a time as any to finally recommend you give this 20 year old disc a spin.…
- [259. MADRA by NewDad](https://www.auditorymusings.net/madra-by-newdad.md) - "Next great guitar band" - that line from a recent review of this Irish band's 2024 full length debut is what caught my eye, as did the mention of shoegaze. Those of you who have kept up with my posts know that those two things - guitars and shoegaze - will immediately get my attention, more so whe…
- [258. THE BLUES SESSIONS by Mick Jagger and the Red Devils](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-blues-sessions-by-mick-jagger-and-the-red-devils.md) - I only learned about this 1992 blues 'record' last week when listening to episode #271 of the Next Track podcast. You're probably wondering why the quotation marks - turns out that the tracks recorded at this marathon 13 hour session were never officially released on any album (save for one on a Ja…
- [257. MY FAVORITE RECORDS OF 2023](https://www.auditorymusings.net/my-favorite-records-of-2023.md) - Just like I did in 2021 and then again in 2022, I present you with my favorite records from 2023. However, in a change from the past, I'm presenting these in ranked order starting with my absolute favorite and also limiting myself to just six albums - which was actually quite difficult to do. If yo…
- [256. AHORA by Melenas](https://www.auditorymusings.net/ahora-by-melenas.md) - Does one need to dust off their Spanish to English dictionary to enjoy this 2023 record from Pamplona, Spain's Melenas? While it couldn't hurt, I don't think it's really necessary. Heck, I took 6 years of Spanish through junior high and high school but all I really remember is that the album name m…
- [255. ABACAB by Genesis](https://www.auditorymusings.net/abacab-by-genesis.md) - This 1981 record was really my first introduction to Genesis which, by this time, was three albums in with the core trio of Phil Collins (previously covered here), Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford - Peter Gabriel was long gone at this point. So, I never really got into the more prog rock oriented, Pe…
- [254. SUCKER by IAN SWEET](https://www.auditorymusings.net/sucker-by-ian-sweet.md) - So I'm covering this just released 2023 record after just one day of listening because there's something about it that has captivated me. IAN SWEET (yes, what's up with these stylized band names?) is what Jillian Medford (essentially the only member of this 'band') goes by. So, yeah, it's kind of c…
- [253. SOLITUDE STANDING by Suzanne Vega](https://www.auditorymusings.net/solitude-standing-by-suzanne-vega.md) - 1987 brought us American singer songwriter Suzanne Vega's second (and most popular) record, owing to the inclusion of the upbeat sounding but downright depressing track, 'Luka,' which deals with the topic of child abuse. However, the song that made more of an impression on me when the album first c…
- [252. BRAVE AND CRAZY by Melissa Etheridge](https://www.auditorymusings.net/brave-and-crazy-by-melissa-etheridge.md) - I recently listened to a podcast interview with Melissa Etheridge and was reminded how much I used to listen to her first two records in college, especially Brave and Crazy, her second album, released in 1989. Having the perfect combination of rootsy, American(a) rock and ballads, to say that I had…
- [251. SO TONIGHT THAT I MIGHT SEE by Mazzy Star](https://www.auditorymusings.net/so-tonight-that-i-might-see-by-mazzy-star.md) - I previously covered Mazzy Star's third album here and now it's time to circle back and highlight this 1993 record, their sophomore effort. It's this album that people will most likely be familiar with as it contains their most famous song, 'Fade Into You.' But, there's so much more to this record…
- [250. STRANGE DISCIPLE by Nation of Language](https://www.auditorymusings.net/strange-disciple-by-nation-of-language.md) - Everything I said about this American band's debut record back in 2020 still holds true for their recently released third outing. If you long for the days of 80's synth pop you need to be following this band. This trio has a knack for combining the synth beats of years past with a modern sound that…
- [249. SOMETIMES I SIT AND THINK, AND SOMETIMES I JUST SIT by Courtney Barnett](https://www.auditorymusings.net/sometimes-i-sit-and-think-and-sometimes-i-just-sit-by-courtney-barnett.md) - Courtney Barnett is an Australian singer and guitarist known for her witty, deadpan lyrics, playing left-handed and singing with her native accent. When I first heard of her and heard her, I was immediately captured by her quirky (yet tuneful) guitar playing and, again, her smart lyrics and how she…
- [248. THE WINDOW by Ratboys](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-window-by-ratboys.md) - Following in a long line (okay, probably not so long) of questionable band names (see also Mediocre), this 2023 record by the Chicago-based indie rockers is worth your time, and multiple listens. Mixing up the aforementioned indie rock with touches of folk, country, grunge and even good old classic…
- [247. GREEN by R.E.M.](https://www.auditorymusings.net/green-by-r-e-m.md) - Having just dropped off my older son to college, I've been thinking a lot about the bands and records that meant a lot to me during my freshman year at university. And, of course, one of the first albums to come to mind was 1988's Green. I can still picture that orange CD booklet inserted in the je…
- [246. LET THERE BE MUSIC by Bonny Doon](https://www.auditorymusings.net/let-there-be-music-by-bonny-doon.md) - I recently came across this Detroit, Michigan band when it was mentioned in one of the 'Buried Treasures' episodes of the great Sound Opinions podcast. Turns out I had actually heard them before and didn't realize it - they served as the backing band on Waxahatchee's most excellent record from 2020…
- [245. LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS by Derek and the Dominos](https://www.auditorymusings.net/layla-and-other-assorted-love-songs-by-derek-and-the-dominos.md) - This 1970 record by Eric Clapton, Duane Allman (of the Allman Brothers Band) and others, together comprising Derek and the Dominos, is another that had a profound effect on me during my formative years, especially two tracks - 'Bell Bottom Blues' and 'Layla' (more the former rather than the latter)…
- [244. PRESTIGE by Girl Ray](https://www.auditorymusings.net/prestige-by-girl-ray.md) - This just released 2023 record by UK trio Girl Ray is the feel good album to get you ready for the weekend. If you don't have plans to hit the disco tonight (I know, I'm aging myself), don't worry - just whip out the old mirrorball, hang it from a light and put this album (especially my recommended…
- [243. YOU GOT MY MIND MESSED UP by James Carr](https://www.auditorymusings.net/you-got-my-mind-messed-up-by-james-carr.md) - So a couple of nights ago we were watching the final episode of the TV show Hijack. During the final scene and while the end credits were rolling I was introduced to one of the finest soul singers of our time. James? No. Aretha? No. Otis? No. It was James Carr, someone I had never heard of before a…
- [242. TEXAS FLOOD by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble](https://www.auditorymusings.net/texas-flood-by-stevie-ray-vaughan-and-double-trouble.md) - I previously covered Stevie Ray Vaughan when I discussed a record he made with his brother Jimmie here as well as the live album he recorded with Albert King here. However, up to this point I neglected to pay homage to SRV and his band Double Trouble. That ends today. This seminal 1983 debut album…
- [241. RECKLESS by Bryan Adams](https://www.auditorymusings.net/reckless-by-bryan-adams.md) - It's hard to believe that this landmark record by Canadian rocker Bryan Adams was released way back in 1984. Every time I hear 'Heaven' I get brought back to junior high and think about that crush I wanted to slow dance with ('Heaven' actually came out a year earlier as part of a movie soundtrack b…
- [240. PART 3 by KC and the Sunshine Band](https://www.auditorymusings.net/part-3-by-kc-and-the-sunshine-band.md) - For any child of the 70's and early 80's that iconic logo with the buzz saw-looking sun meant only one thing - time to put on your boogie shoes so that you can shake your booty to 'I'm Your Boogie Man.' You see where I'm going with this, right? There was a time back then when the only band that cou…
- [239. THE BLUE MOODS OF SPAIN by Spain](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-blue-moods-of-spain-by-spain.md) - This 1995 record is by a band called Spain that hails from, well, not Spain but Los Angeles, California. Band leader Josh Haden's name may ring a bell, as he is the son of jazz great Charlie Haden and the brother of the three sisters who make up the band The Haden Triplets (to be covered in a futur…
- [238. FLOWING RIVERS by Andy Gibb](https://www.auditorymusings.net/flowing-rivers-by-andy-gibb.md) - Continuing my trip down nostalgia lane I present this 1977 debut record by one of the Brothers Gibb - Andy. You may recognize that last name as belonging to his three other siblings - The Bee Gees. Andy was never part of his older brothers' band but had a successful, albeit brief, career on his own…
- [237. A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD by Coldplay](https://www.auditorymusings.net/a-rush-of-blood-to-the-head-by-coldplay.md) - I hadn't realized until recently that I haven't discussed a Coldplay record here. Thinking about why I came to the conclusion that I just don't listen to them much anymore - at least not much after their Viva La Vida album. I guess they went in one direction and I in another. Deciding on which of t…
- [236. SPORTS by Huey Lewis and the News](https://www.auditorymusings.net/sports-by-huey-lewis-and-the-news.md) - This 1983 record reached second in sales at the end of 1984, only beat out by Michael Jackson's Thriller. So that should give you an idea of just how big this album was, spawning hit single after hit single. In fact that was Huey Lewis's plan all along - according to him this was the only way to st…
- [235. BIG PICTURE by Fenne Lily](https://www.auditorymusings.net/big-picture-by-fenne-lily.md) - Sometimes you just need or want to mellow out and put on some music that's soothing for the soul. That's what this recently released 2023 record by Brit Fenne Lily is all about. Lily's vocals and arrangements have an airy feel to them with some nice guitar picking thrown in, especially in a couple…
- [234. SPECTRAL LINES by Josh Ritter](https://www.auditorymusings.net/spectral-lines-by-josh-ritter.md) - One of my favorite contemporary singer songwriters (previously covered here and here) is out with a new record for 2023, though I hesitate to call it a record - it's more of a meditation. The pandemic changed him (as, I'm sure, it did all of us) as did the death of his mom from ovarian cancer. This…
- [233. ENEMA OF THE STATE by blink-182](https://www.auditorymusings.net/enema-of-the-state-by-blink-182.md) - In honor of pop / skate-punk band blink-182 reuniting their classic lineup for the first time since 2014 at Coachella this past weekend (and this upcoming weekend, thanks Frank Ocean...) I thought I'd revisit this classic 1999 record. It's with this album that co-vocalists Tom DeLonge (guitar) and…
- [232. A COMFORTING NOTION - EP by Heartworms](https://www.auditorymusings.net/a-comforting-notion-ep-by-heartworms.md) - So I'm going to recommend you stop what you're doing (including reading this post!) and queue up this just released 2023 EP by UK musician Jojo Orme, who plays under the moniker Heartworms. This is one of those 'stumble upon' posts - that is I just stumbled upon this record this morning and am so i…
- [231. RAMONES (self-titled)](https://www.auditorymusings.net/ramones-self-titled.md) - I've been meaning to feature this 1976 debut record by the punk rock pioneers but just hadn't gotten around to it. However, with the recent death of music executive Seymour Stein (who signed The Ramones among many other seminal acts to his Sire Records label) I figured now is as good a time as any.…
- [230. THE TOWN THAT CURSED YOUR NAME by The Reds, Pinks and Purples](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-town-that-cursed-your-name-by.md) - The Reds, Pinks and Purples is basically a vessel through which San Francisco singer-songwriter Glenn Donaldson gets his music out these days. He's been part of several past and present bands, continuously evolving his music and his art. This 2023 record is a short spin, clocking in at around 33 mi…
- [229. FROM NOTHING TO A LITTLE BIT MORE by The Lathums](https://www.auditorymusings.net/from-nothing-to-a-little-bit-more-by-the-lathums.md) - This 2023 sophomore release from Manchester, UK band The Lathums epitomizes what one would consider indie rock with some jingle jangle guitars thrown in for good measure. I haven't yet had a chance to listen to their debut record, though after listening to this one on and off over the past couple o…
- [228. CUTS AND BRUISES by Inhaler](https://www.auditorymusings.net/cuts-and-bruises-by-inhaler.md) - This foursome out of Dublin are just out with this 2023 record, their sophomore effort. Their trajectory has been exponential even with just two albums under their belts. Maybe this has to do with heartthrob lead singer / rhythm guitarist Elijah Hewson's lineage (his dad is Paul Hewson, aka Bono) o…
- [227. DON'T SAY NO by Billy Squier](https://www.auditorymusings.net/dont-say-no-by-billy-squier.md) - Rocker Billy Squier had the good fortune of releasing his 2nd record in 1981, a few months prior to MTV debuting on the airwaves. His radio-friendly, guitar-oriented tracks along with accompanying videos getting heavy airplay on MTV turned out to be a combination made in heaven. This album generate…
- [226. BEING FUNNY IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE by The 1975](https://www.auditorymusings.net/being-funny-in-a-foreign-language-by-the-1975.md) - Believe it or not, the only song I had heard by this British band prior to listening to this 2022 record was off their 2013 debut. Somehow the band never clicked with me and, so, I ended up skipping their subsequent output - up until now. After seeing this album on so many 2022 best of lists, I fig…
- [225. LIFES RICH PAGEANT by R.E.M.](https://www.auditorymusings.net/lifes-rich-pageant-by-r-e-m.md) - Released in 1986, this fourth record by alternative rock band R.E.M (previously covered here) served as somewhat of a transition from their strictly college rock leanings to something more accessible by a wider audience. Lead singer Michael Stipe continues with his cryptic lyrics, but this time the…
- [224. GULP! by Sports Team](https://www.auditorymusings.net/gulp-by-sports-team.md) - This 2022 sophomore effort from the UK's indie rock darlings Sports Team does more for me than their debut. I think there's more maturity and control in their writing and playing and, overall, less chaos than the first record. Additionally, the one thing that's guaranteed to pique my interest when…
- [223. My Favorite Records of 2022](https://www.auditorymusings.net/my-favorite-records-of-2022.md) - Just a quick note before we get to the records - I've gone all in on Mastodon for my social media presence and have put my Twitter account on pause for the foreseeable future. So, if you'd like to follow me hit me up at https://mstdn.social/@auditorymusings Now, on to my favorites of 2022. As usual…
- [222. THE LOST ALBUM by The Smithereens](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-lost-album-by-the-smithereens.md) - This 2022 record of pretty much all new material from The Smithereens (previously covered here) comes to us by way of 1993. Wait, what? Well, it turns out that when the band was in between record companies back then, they had decided to make an album on their own. So, that's what they did. Recorded…
- [221. RUMOURS by Fleetwood Mac](https://www.auditorymusings.net/rumours-by-fleetwood-mac.md) - It seems almost cliche to cover this 1977 breakout record by mixed British / American band Fleetwood Mac (previously covered here), but on the heels of keyboardist / singer / songwriter Christine McVie's death I felt like I needed to. Granted there's not much I can say about this album that hasn't…
- [220. BOSTON (self-titled)](https://www.auditorymusings.net/boston-self-titled.md) - The best fade-in of the classic rock era? That's kind of what I think of the opening track from Boston's 1976 debut. If you're familiar with this song the second you hear the subdued guitar picking sliding in from your car radio's speakers you are guaranteed to get a smile on your face and your adr…
- [219. PRETTY HATE MACHINE by Nine Inch Nails](https://www.auditorymusings.net/pretty-hate-machine-by-nine-inch-nails.md) - When this industrial rock with synth pop inflections (or is it the other way around?) record came out in 1989 I was a freshman in college. I remember when my friend got the CD (that's Compact Disc for the young 'uns) I was immediately struck by the cover art - what is that? Some sacrificial animal'…
- [218. THE HONEYDRIPPERS, VOL. 1 (self-titled)](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-honeydrippers-vol-1-self-titled.md) - This 1984 EP of covers was a side project for Led Zeppelin (previously covered here) frontman Robert Plant as a sort of tribute to 1950s rhythm and blues tunes. Though he started the Honeydrippers band in 1981, this album was recorded in 1984 with a different lineup, including his former Zep bandma…
- [217. COUNTRY LIFE by Roxy Music](https://www.auditorymusings.net/country-life-by-roxy-music.md) - 1974 brought us Roxy Music's fourth record, one of their finest. (The music, the music, I'm talking about the music.) Up to and including Country Life, this British art rock / glam rock band, lead by the ever debonair Bryan Ferry, were known for their album openers - and this one does not disappoin…
- [216. STAY PROUD OF ME by NoSo](https://www.auditorymusings.net/stay-proud-of-me-by-noso.md) - This 2022 debut record by Abby Hwong deals with themes of gender identity and coming of age. Their moniker, NoSo, refers to the relentless question of which Korea they are originally from (North or South). Much of the album is guitar-oriented with an air of dream pop that reminds me a lot of Claud…
- [215. SIAMESE DREAM by Smashing Pumpkins](https://www.auditorymusings.net/siamese-dream-by-smashing-pumpkins.md) - For a short time during late 1992 and early 1993, Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan (previously discussed here) and producer Butch Vig (who had a hand in Nirvana's Nevermind) created a wall of sound in the form of this 1993 record rivaling that of renowned producer Phil Spector's work in the 1960's. I…
- [214. BUSTED STUFF by Dave Matthews Band](https://www.auditorymusings.net/busted-stuff-by-dave-matthews-band.md) - I never was a huge fan of jam bands. The Grateful Dead? Never listened to any of their records from beginning to end and have never been to a show. Phish? Meh. But, there was a time in the mid to late 90's and early aughts that I used to listen to DMB all the time, particularly their debut album an…
- [213. SOUVENIRS by Pale Blue Eyes](https://www.auditorymusings.net/souvenirs-by-pale-blue-eyes.md) - When the name of your band is the same as an excellent song by The Velvet Underground, you've already got big shoes to fill. And fill they do with this just released 2022 debut from the English trio. If you're a fan of bands like Joy Division, New Order, OMD and...well, you get the gist, you're in…
- [212. 22 MAKE by Oh Wonder](https://www.auditorymusings.net/22-make-by-oh-wonder.md) - I previously covered the debut record by this English indie pop duo here. Since that debut, they've released four additional albums, this being the latest. The significance of this record is that it serves as a follow-up to 22 Break (released in late 2021), which is their self-professed break-up al…
- [211. WELCOME INTERSTATE MANAGERS by Fountains of Wayne](https://www.auditorymusings.net/welcome-interstate-managers-by-fountains-of-wayne.md) - Ever since Adam Schlesinger, co-founding member and co-songwriter for Fountains of Wayne, succumbed to COVID-19 early on in the pandemic I've been wanting to feature this 2003 record. This album was the third out of what ended up being a total of five put out by FofW, so it essentially represents t…
- [210. HOT FUSS by The Killers](https://www.auditorymusings.net/hot-fuss-by-the-killers.md) - This 2004 debut album by the Las Vegas natives catapulted them to superstardom on the heels of multiple hit singles and positive critical reviews. The combination of alternative rock vibes mixed with synth heavy grooves gave the record a sound unlike anything else at the time. Couple that with lead…
- [209. GREEN ALBUM by Weezer](https://www.auditorymusings.net/green-album-by-weezer.md) - Let me preface this by saying that I don't listen to much Weezer anymore. In fact, the only record of theirs I can stand to listen to is this 2001 self-titled one. (Side note - quite a few of their albums are self-titled and go by the color of the record sleeve, so keep that in mind when going thro…
- [208. HEARTBEAT CITY by The Cars](https://www.auditorymusings.net/heartbeat-city-by-the-cars.md) - Having been on a bit of a new wave binge lately, I thought I'd feature The Cars again. About six years after releasing a near perfect debut record, Heartbeat City landed in 1984 and was pretty much the same thing - almost perfect. I was in 8th grade when the album came out and remember just how fas…
- [207. FACE VALUE by Phil Collins](https://www.auditorymusings.net/face-value-by-phil-collins.md) - Uttering the name 'Phil Collins' can bring many things to mind - cringe, that drum break, The Alamo, Genesis, No Jacket Required, movie soundtracks, Motown, etc. It's undeniable that Collins was everywhere during a period of time, especially the 80's. Today, Collins is either reviled or revered - I…
- [206. AM by Arctic Monkeys](https://www.auditorymusings.net/am-by-arctic-monkeys.md) - With all the buzz the last few days of a new Arctic Monkeys record due out in a couple of months, I thought it would be a good idea to cover their best selling album which probably also happens to be their most accessible to the casual fan. Hardcore followers of the band will undoubtedly think it s…
- [205. YOUNG BLOOD by Marcus King](https://www.auditorymusings.net/young-blood-by-marcus-king.md) - Don't talk to South Carolina native and blues rock shredder Marcus King about sophomore slumps cuz he ain't got one. Though technically not his second record (he released three and an EP as The Marcus King Band), this 2022 album is his second outing as a solo artist. Growing up under the tutelage o…
- [204. FLOWERS by Echo And The Bunnymen](https://www.auditorymusings.net/flowers-by-echo-and-the-bunnymen.md) - When one thinks of Echo & the Bunnymen, this 2001 record doesn't immediately come to mind. In fact, it probably doesn't even register on your radar. This is because it was released way past what is considered EATBM's heyday in the early to mid 1980's. It came out after lead singer Ian McCulloch (Ma…
- [203. QUADROPHENIA by The Who](https://www.auditorymusings.net/quadrophenia-by-the-who.md) - I promised back in issue 175 that I would cover my favorite album by The Who, so here it is - Quadrophenia. The Who, previously discussed here, is my most beloved band. Unfortunately, I started following them right after they played in Houston, Texas on their 1982 tour. So, I missed that show. I ma…
- [202. NEVERMIND by Nirvana](https://www.auditorymusings.net/nevermind-by-nirvana.md) - There are several significant historical events that are burned into the psyche of Gen X'ers like myself in that we remember exactly where we were or what we were doing when news of said event broke. For example, the space shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986 and 9/11 in 2001 to name just a couple.…
- [201. FLORIST (self-titled)](https://www.auditorymusings.net/florist-self-titled.md) - This indie folk band out of Brooklyn, New York are just out with this 2022 record. Though self-titled albums are traditionally reserved for debuts, that's not the case here - this is their fourth. I was only introduced to the band via this latest outing, so have yet to go through their discography.…
- [200. SERMON ON THE ROCKS by Josh Ritter](https://www.auditorymusings.net/sermon-on-the-rocks-by-josh-ritter.md) - I continue to follow Josh Ritter closely as he is one of my favorite artist discoveries of the past 10 years or so. Previously covered here, everything I said back then still holds true today. An absolute stellar singer, songwriter, performer, social activist, etc., I could listen to his music all…
- [199. SURRENDER by Maggie Rogers](https://www.auditorymusings.net/surrender-by-maggie-rogers.md) - Here is the long-awaited 2022 follow-up to indie/pop/alt musician Maggie Rogers' first record (previously covered here). She reportedly wrote upwards of 100 songs during the interval between debut and sophomore albums (which, of course, encompassed the pandemic), so hearing what she ended up cullin…
- [198. DARKLANDS by The Jesus and Mary Chain](https://www.auditorymusings.net/darklands-by-the-jesus-and-mary-chain.md) - This 1987 record is the sophomore effort by The Jesus and Mary Chain. Whereas their debut album was considered a landmark in the noise pop genre that eventually lead the way to shoegaze, this album toned down the fuzz and distortion and ramped up the melody which, in my opinion, they perfected on A…
- [197. THE SWING by INXS](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-swing-by-inxs.md) - This 1984 record by the Australian band (previously covered here), their fourth, marked a turning point from the post punk and new wave roots from which they stemmed to more of a pop and funk outfit. The Swing served as the launching point for international stardom that would finally arrive two alb…
- [196. DIVA by Annie Lennox](https://www.auditorymusings.net/diva-by-annie-lennox.md) - This 1992 record, Lennox's debut as a solo artist, is, by far, her best album. Up to this point, Lennox was considered one-half of the British synth-pop duo Eurythmics. However, with her already established extraordinary vocal abilities, all she had left to prove was whether she could serve as a pr…
- [195. ENTERING HEAVEN ALIVE by Jack White](https://www.auditorymusings.net/entering-heaven-alive-by-jack-white.md) - This 2022 record, fresh out today, is a welcome respite from White's previous album (released just 3 months ago and covered here), where he played the mad scientist and we his guinea pigs. As promised back then, Entering Heaven Alive (ascension in the religious sense) gives us the mellow, acoustic,…
- [194. ACT I:  ORIGINS by Young The Giant](https://www.auditorymusings.net/act-i-origins-by-young-the-giant.md) - This indie/alternative band from SoCal (previously covered here) are back in 2022 with the first of a series of 4 EPs, this one called Origins. The idea is that all four of the EPs, once released, will encompass a full record titled American Bollywood. The goals here are lofty. As lead singer Samee…
- [193. DISINTEGRATION by The Cure](https://www.auditorymusings.net/disintegration-by-the-cure.md) - I've set myself up for failure by picking this 1989 record by The Cure (previously covered here) to feature today. Why? Well, how does one choose just 3 to 5 songs off this absolute masterpiece to get the unenlightened started? Conversely, how will the diehard fans ever agree with my track selectio…
- [192. EXODUS by Bob Marley and The Wailers](https://www.auditorymusings.net/exodus-by-bob-marley-and-the-wailers.md) - This 1977 reggae record came about as a result of unfortunate circumstances - an unsuccessful assassination attempt at Marley's house/compound in Jamaica prompted him to 'exile' to London - Exodus was the album that came out of his time in England. Divided into 2 sides (as physical albums tend to b…
- [191. EXCESS by Automatic](https://www.auditorymusings.net/excess-by-automatic.md) - The Los Angeles-based synth/bass/drums trio (previously covered here) is back in 2022 with their second record. If you had a chance to listen to their debut and liked what you heard, then you're in store for more goodness here. The bass and synth heavy tunes continue, though I'm hearing more Judy's…
- [190. HOME, BEFORE AND AFTER by Regina Spektor](https://www.auditorymusings.net/home-before-and-after-by-regina-spektor.md) - Previously covered here, Regina Spektor is back with this just released 2022 record. Ever since I first heard her, I've been enamored and mesmerized by her voice - I can't not listen to what she has to sing. She's not your straightforward singer songwriter; there's something about her singing and p…
- [189. A NEW WORLD RECORD by Electric Light Orchestra](https://www.auditorymusings.net/a-new-world-record-by-electric-light-orchestra.md) - This 1976 record is considered one of the top two ELO albums in their discography (the other being 1977's Out Of The Blue). Most lists ranking ELO's records land Out Of The Blue in the top spot and it's hard to argue with this - that is the record that contains 'Mr. Blue Sky' - definitely their mos…
- [188. VERSIONS OF MODERN PERFORMANCE by Horsegirl](https://www.auditorymusings.net/versions-of-modern-performance-by-horsegirl.md) - This trio from Chicago recently released this 2022 indie rock record. A fuzzy mix of gentle vocals and distortion-filled guitar sounds actually makes for a pleasing listen. It's a breath of fresh air in these sometimes overproduced days. Give 'Dirtbag Transformation (Still Dirty),' 'Billy' and 'Ant…
- [187. HOUNDS OF LOVE by Kate Bush](https://www.auditorymusings.net/hounds-of-love-by-kate-bush.md) - Might as well get on the Kate Bush bandwagon, right? This 1985 record by the British musician is her most popular as well as probably her most accessible as she does tend to have more art rock/prog rock leanings. My introduction to Bush was back in college, in the early 90's, in the form of her 198…
- [186. TEETH MARKS by S.G. Goodman](https://www.auditorymusings.net/teeth-marks-by-s-g-goodman.md) - This just released 2022 record by Kentucky's S.G. Goodman is her sophomore effort. It's a little bit country, a little bit alternative and a whole lot of warble - Goodman is known for the shakiness perfectly placed in her songs in the same way that Sarah McLachlan's voice breaks at, what seems, the…
- [185. DOUBLE FANTASY by John Lennon & Yoko Ono](https://www.auditorymusings.net/double-fantasy-by-john-lennon-yoko-ono.md) - Sometimes it's funny the way life works - or, in this case, death. This 1980 album, recorded with his wife and after a 5 year break from music to focus on raising his son Sean, was generally panned by critics. However, Lennon was shot and killed about 3 weeks after the record was released. This cau…
- [184. FEELINGS by Bloods](https://www.auditorymusings.net/feelings-by-bloods.md) - This 2018 record by unfortunately named Australian pop punk band Bloods (I couldn't find out how/why they ended up with this name) is about 30 minutes of pop punk (and/or self-described riot grrrl) heaven. They have a new album coming out in September of 2022 so now's as good a time as any to check…
- [183. I DO NOT WANT WHAT I HAVEN’T GOT by Sinead O’Connor](https://www.auditorymusings.net/i-do-not-want-what-i-havent-got-by-sinead-oconnor.md) - Powerful. That's the only way to describe this 1990 record. The effect it had on me when it was released in the middle of my college years cannot be overstated. In fact, it is one of my all time favorite albums. I covered O'Connor's controversial position in the music industry previously [https://w…
- [182. THE LAST THING LEFT by Say Sue Me](https://www.auditorymusings.net/the-last-thing-left-by-say-sue-me.md) - I only just heard about this South Korean band last week when reading something about the anticipation of their upcoming 2022 record, now officially released. Well, we've not quite reached mid-year but I have a feeling this may end up on my year end list of favorite 2022 albums. My antennae were ra…

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