HOT HALF DOZEN 4th of July!

Six songs in English and Spanish for over 100 submitted this week, plus a bonus from singer Meia

120 song and albums and videos summitted

Vampire, single, video by Olivia Rodrigo. This 20-year old genius has released “vampire” ahead of her newest album Guts.  The song begins with a hushed intensity and then her vocals soar, she talks intimately with you and herself then shifts to pulse-pounding drumbeats and frantic piano  notes. This is gut -clutching music that shows her sophistication as a vocalist and lyricist. Wow!. Stream on all major platforms.

Tu Olor, single by Rubio (Francisca Straube,). Rubio is a project of the Chilean multi-instrumentalist Francisca Straube. “Tu Olor” is a preview of her upcoming album Venus & Blue. The song is unusual, but mesmerizing,,, it catches your ear and makes you pay attention. She has combined her production and musical skills with her ability to connect with audiences  – even through recordings. Hit Replay on this one. Stream on Spotify. Spanish

Rock N Roll Heart, single by Lucinda Williams.  “Rock and Roll Heart “is pretty much what you expect from the title and from this Grammy-winning singer with a dozen albums in her catalogue –  but from the viewpoint of her first original music since her stroke. But you can’t help but sing along – the very fact that it is not “out there” but is comfortable and familiar is part of what makes it so good. Sing along with this one   Stream on Spotify, Amazon, All Music. Videos on YouTube.

Rojo Rubí, single, video by Letón Pé.  Smooth, seductive, with a touch of anguish and a touch of joy and more than a touch of authority, Roja Rubi is musically hypnotic, rapid fire and lyrically intriguing… music she calls cosmic meringue The beat keeps you moving, the vocals kind of circle around your head and make you want more.  Stream on all major platforms Video on YouTube. Spanish

Masa, single by Jarina De Marco. A song about the skin on our bodies, this tune is sultry but danceable, fun but  also serious. She uses swirling Caribbean rhythms, dub, washed out reggae to subtly send up the tourist industry in the Caribbean. Spanish. Stream on all major platforms.

Por Ti, single, video by Eljuri. What can I say? One of the best guitar players and most exciting performers in world has done it again. She brings the electricity of her live performances to this video so you can watch and dance as the guitar riffs and the trumpets wail. Spanish, Stream on YouTube at her channel.

Banner: Rubio in concert, photo by Maja

BONUS: I Can’t Stay Away from You by Meïa

Patrick O’Heffernan