HOT HALF DOZEN 5.16.23

B usy week -214 submissions.The video and song by Dessy DiLauro is a great statement and shows off a n angelic voice that I did not know she had. And Lana del Reys new song with Jon Batiste is a kick.

214 songs, albums and videos submitted this week for review

23, single by Mary’s Island. The fast-rising band from Guadalajara Mexico has released another addictive song, 23, which flows with their signature tropical/rock/pop happy sound. Built around the very impressive talents of Alvaro Medeles, Israel Angulo and Kevin Real and the honey voice of Fernandra Prara,  23 will get you moving and whistling and humming. As I said in my review of their song Bloom last year, it will make you happy.  Stream on Spotify and Bandcamp. Spanish.

Candy Necklace, single by  Lana del Rey with Jon Batiste. Beautiful, dreamy, nostalgic, makes you remember loves you had, or that she had. Del Rey creates a universe that sweeps you in, holds you close. Simply beautiful. From her new album Did you know there is a tunnel under Ocean Blvd. Stream on Spotify. The YouTube video of the making of the video is fascinating.

Pedrfidia, single by Kika Edgar. This one deserves several listens to catch all the details. At firstPedrfidia pulls you along in a sweet stream of emotion, circling your heart. But then it amps up, with Spanish guitar picking supporting her swaying vocals. A brilliant combination of seductive honey smooth vocals, and classical guitar. Stream on Spotify. Spanish.

All Love Begins with You, single/, video  by Dessy DiLauro.  A solo project by the distaff half of the jazz duo Parlor Social, Dessy DiLauro brings her mystical, heart-filling voice to a song about loving your body. So beautiful. See it on YouTube. Stream it on Spotify. And see her at the Newport Jazz Fest.

Pisces Rising, single by Whitney Tai. Another cosmic triumph by Tai, dreamy, like living poetry that that carries you from star to star and lures you into a trance-like state while it fills you with electric energy . As usual with Tai, the lyrics are as memorable as the music – and both are unforgettable. Every song Tai releases is a step into your soul and out into the universe. This is no exception. Due out this Friday.

In the Bones (En Los Huesos), single/video by Systema Solar Ft. Aterciopelados. Laid back, fun – but more. “What good is it for us to wake up with fear permeating our bones…” they sing – “they” being the musical-visual collective from Santa Marta and the rock band from Bogotá, made up of Andrea Echeverri and Héctor Buitrago. Slow, smooth, almost gentle rap over a hypnotic beat. Stream on all major platforms. Video on YouTube. Spanish.

BONUS

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (covers from the Netflix series), album by Alicia Keys, Kris Bowers, Vitamin String Quartet.

Patrick O’Heffernan