HOT HALF DOZEN 3.21.23

109 songs and albums submitted this week and we have 6 great ones for you in English and Spanish

109 songs and albums and videos submitted this week for review

Morir Soñando , single by Jessica Media. Soft breezes flow through this tropical themed Latin pop song that brings together jazz, soul and Afro Caribbean rhythms and riffs. The title refers to a drink from the Dominican Republic made with orange juice and milk. Listen in the morning while you sip your coffee – or your iced  morir soñando –  it will make your whole day bright. From her forthcoming EP Rosa. Stream on Spotify. Spanish

Harvester, single by Dorthia Cottrel. Something very different than the other selections this week. Cottrell is known as the vocalist with the doom band Windhand.  Harvester echoes that role, but the lyrics dive deeper, down into her relationship with nature, her childhood in a small rural Virginia town. Slow, spooky, at times melancholy, it is still a fascinating piece of music, although an acquired taste. A pre-release from her upcoming album, Death Folk Country. Stream on Spotify and all major platforms.

Out of Control, single/video by Lisa Said. A hypnotic blend of a honeyed voice, accordion, Hammond organ and piano;  you will float through your day listening to the Egyptian-American’s first song released from her upcoming album Missed Connections. Nostalgic, gentle, powerful. With a bit of Middle East tinge. Check out the music on her video on YouTube

Vida Tan Bonita, álbum by Francisca Valenzuela. I don’t know she does it – hit songs, her own company, global tours, Human Rights activist, a judge on The Voice in Chile and now another steller album.  From the happy “SALÚ” to the intense “Último Baile”  to the rocking “Hola Impostora” this album takes on a Latin journey of cutting edge and beautiful music. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.

Este Corozón (in vivo) , single by Dulce Maria, Kalimba, Yahir, and Fanny Lu.  Wow. So inspiring, so exciting. This live recording by 4 of Mexico’s top singers – two women and two men – will make your day whether or not you understand the Spanish.  Put this in your earbuds, close your eyes and wave your arms like you are in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City waving your arms with 80,000 other fans.  Stream on Spotify. Spanish.

Una Mañana, single by Denise Gutiérrez. Sway romantically with Gutiérrez’s glass-smooth voice woven around light tropical percussion, highly produced guitar accents, and organ background all come together to make this a love – and loving – song that you will add to your special night playlist. Gutiérrez is the leader of the Mexican alternative rock band, Hello Seahorse!,  but this is all hers. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.

Patrick O’Heffernan