HOT HALF DOZEN  5.9.23

124 songs and albums this week including a Mother’s Day bonus song and a fearless K-Pop number -Spanish, English and Korean. Wow.

124 songs and albums and videos submitted last week for the HHD review

How to Start a Garden, album by Nanna.  Soft, mysterious, haunting – an adventure into fog-shrouded seas with mermaids and sea monsters just inside the mist. Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir releases her first solo album with just her first name on the cover. She has produced a gem – every one of the 11 songs is a diamond, and by no means in the rough. Stream on Spotify. Video on YouTube.

Here and Now, single b y Maggie Szabo. The unstoppable Maggie is back, after placing second in Eurovision, #1 on Spanish Billboard charts, and having a baby, she deliver’s Here and Now. A fast-moving, precisely synchronized pop rocker, Maggie’s songwriting brilliance is on full display while she moves your body. Stream and enjoy on major platforms.

I’m Sorry for always apologizing,single by Skating Polly. Kelli Mayo and her stepsister Peyton Bighorse. and Kelli’s brotherKurtis have produced one of their addictive “ugly rock” songs blending punk, rock, grunge and really good musical talent built around a clever concept and fun lyrics. Stream on major platforms. Video on YouTube.

Three whiskeys and the Truth, single by Little Big Town. The mixed quartet sings about alcohol a lot, and not always in a complementary manner. This one hits your ears and your heart hard, sober or not.  On point lyrics that make you feel the pain, but nevertheless you can’t stop listening. One of the reasons I love country music is songs like this. From gthe album Mr. Sun.Stream on all platforms.

Unforgiven, album by Le SSerafim. If you need an intro to K-Pop – this, is it. 1.38 million pre-sales before it is even released! If you thought K-pop was Korean bubblegum, this tri-lingual album should dissuade you from the first song. These girls are smart, sharp, and together. They know how to write, sing, dance and produce an album full of urgency, clever lyrics, political messages, and beats that grab you and never let you go until all 13 songs have pulled you in and whirled you around.   You will understand why their name is anagram for “I’m Fearless”. Stream on all major platforms. Video of  “ Unforgiven” on YouTube. Korean, Spanish, English.

 Spring Cleaning, single by Maddie & Tae. Tell -a -story country from a woman’s point of view. The band hard rocks behind Maddie &Tae in a song that is classic and innovative at the same time. You can two-step to this one or just kick back and tap your toe while you smile. From the album Through the Madness vol2. Stream  on Spotify.

Éxtasis, single by Alaina Castillo. This is the first track off her upcoming Latin dance album. She manages to combine the ecstasy of dance with the pain and highs of love in a melodramatic dance number that goes far beyond the usual dance hall rhythms. A masterpiece.  Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.

BONUS

Oh Mama!, single by Alfosina. Due out 5/10/23 Mexico’s Mother’s Day. The Guadalajara group of incredibly talented multi-instrumental women will bring you a track to celebrate motherhood in music as it should be. Stream on all platforms. https://www.facebook.com/Alfonsinamusica/. Spanish.

_{(top banner: Alfonsina at Lakeside Music Festival. Photo: Patrick O’Heffernan)}

Patrick O’Heffernan