HOT HALF DOZEN 12.21.21

My 6 picks from132 submissions this week

132 songs and albums submitted

 Georgia on My Mind, single by Las Cafeteras.  Everybody loves Las Caf and here is another reason why -an homage to the late Ray Charles  featuring  QVLN, Sergio Mendoza in a re-imagined song with a Cumbia swing and Trap . Stream/ at Spotify, download at https://bit.ly/3egxery

De Musica Ligera, single  b y Flor de Toloache. Wow, can these Grammy-winning girls move and move you. Single from  an album comprised of several versions of rock songs in mariachi-style. They perform this  iconic song in  a tribute version to the legendary Argentinian band, Soda Stereo Toloache style and it rocks!. Stream on  Bandcamp and all major platforms.

Zoom Out , single by Sonia Stein. With  quirky lyrics that  chronicle an internal struggle to  get perspective when overwhelmed, “Zoom Out” moves with a fun upbeat rhythm that keeps you engaged while you think it over.  Clever, fun, intelligent.  She is a genius. Stream on Spotify, iTunes, Sound Cloud, Apple Music. video on YouTube.

What Did I Do, single by HAYD. A sweet, melancholy breakup ballad by a an underappreciated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Gets under your skin and makes you hum the tune and whisper the lines.  Stream/download on all major platforms.

La Diabla, single by El Dusty & Zeus .  Fast-moving, clever rap that makes you snap your fingers while you relisten to catch all the references.  So good, so smart,  and so much fun.  Stream/download on Spotify, deezer, Tidal, Apple Music.

Why Women Need Wine (at Christmas- holiday  version), single by Anya Hinkle. An eye-rolling, tongue-in-cheek sendup of patriarchy in a funny, addictive toe-tapping tune.  Laugh, understand, and maybe dance.  Stream/download on Spotify, Apple Music. https://anyahinkle.com/home

BONUS. Anna Hawkins, 1st place winner, Vocal Performance, Unsigned only music coemption. https://www.unsignedonly.com/winners