HOT HALF DOZEN 3.28.23

Some old, like Stephen Stills and POE, and some new like Ivonne Galaz and Irene Dias, but all worthy of this week’s picks

132 songs, album and videos submitted for review this week

Lost, single by Irene Diaz. Diaz breaks your heart with this song as only her music can do. The queen of love songs sings of the pain that love can bring, talking to you personally, with that signature curl of a soring voice. You will sway and swoon. Beautiful. On all platforms

Hello, album by Poe. Playful, hypnotic, rocking – this vinyl release of her 1985 debut album tells you why she was such a pioneer. She collaborated with rapper J Dilla and produced a classic. So happy it is back, especially for all of you with turntables. No table? Stream on Spotify.

I Got It, single by Debbie Friday with Uñas, Fast moving, heavily accented and produced, this dance tune moves you to both electronic beats and rapid-fire rapping.  Single from the new album, Good Luck. Stream on all major platforms.Spanish and English.

Bad Decisions (Malas Decisiones ), single/video by Kenya OS. If you love the 23-year old Mazatlan native Kenya OS – and many, many people do -this song will fit right into your groove. A pop song with a touch of tropical and a touch of rap,  this will keep you moving on the dance floor or humming at work.  Video on YouTube. Stream on all major platforms.

No Puedo Olvidarte by Ivonne Galaz. A rising star named one of the women changing the face of Mexican music,  this Mexican singer mixes traditional elements, slick production and a voice that can bring emotion to a song  in any language. No Puedo Olvidarte showcases her sincere, loving voice perfectly with plenty of hooks. Spanish. Streaming on all major platforms.  

Stephen Stills Live At Berkeley 1971, unreleased songs on EP , by Stephen Stills. Since I was there, I could not resist. If you are too young to remember Still’s solo tour (or Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) you may still recognize the songs. These  historic, previously unreleased recordings took place over two nights at the Berkeley Community Theater, with David Crosby joining him on vocals and guitar for “You Don’t Have To Cry” and “The Lee Shore.” These are not your father’s songs  – well, sort of. Arrives April 28 on all platforms.  Pre-order the limited edition signed set  at https://stephenstills.lnk.to/LiveAtBe…

BONUS  Cuba Bendita by Elsten Torres out now on all major platforms

Patrick O’Heffernan