HOT HALF DOZEN 7.11.23

over 100 songs and albums and videos submitted this week. Her are the top six, including three from Mexico

120 songs, albums and videos submitted this week for review    

Eyes Tells us Lies, single, by The Strands. A preview of their newest – but as yet unreleased online – song “Breathtaking”,  this is squarely in the center of The Strands successful formula of smooth jazzy, toe-taping gentle music with hard-hitting lyrics. Almost hypnotic – until you think about the words. Stream on ReverbNation. Check out their other songs on Spotify.    

Taking Shape, album by Kaisa’s Machine. Standup bass – led modern jazz. Five songs, all gems that will make any jazz fan swoon.  The bass adds a quality that stands out, keeping the songs in a unique groove tempered with innovations and clever accents.  Stream on all major platforms.

Mismo Amor, single, video by Julieta Vanegas. A move -your- feet disco-pop anthem about  mixed signals in a relationship and how to dance through them.  Fun, danceable blend of her voice, a powerful bassline,  and clap beats. Stream on all major platforms. Video on YouTube. Spanish.

Beri Cinta Waktu single/video by The Marloes. A trio from Indonesia brings you a dreamy, soulful, smooth and simple adventure in tranquility with chimes, hand drums, strumming guitars. Beautiful. Put on your headphones and your mind in between pillows.  Stream on Spotify. Video on YouTube.

Away from Paris, single by Mary’s Island. Just released, this is a departure from the tropical, light and lively pop that is Mary’s Island’s signature. Fernandra and the band show us in Away from Paris that they can do slow, smooth, emotional  R&B. Fernandra can make a song smile, but here she makes it urgent, heartfelt, mesmerizing.  Stream on Spotify.  

Diamantes, video by Carla Morrison. From the El Rinacimiento album. Structured around a deep bass guitar beat with complex over rhythms scaffolding her magic voice.  Energetic, but tranquil – a great combination that really works. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.

BONUS. Political satirist, comedian and top-notch social justice songwriter Roy Zimmerman has launched a crowdfunding campaign to wrap up his next two albums Road Map and Have Mercy.  https://www.royzimmerman.com/