HOT HALF DOZEN 8.29.23

Over 130 submissions this week. I love the country song nd metal mix. Plus the Mexican stars

138 songs, albums and videos submitted for review

Desires of the World: Envy, single/video by Militia Vox. The Metal Goddess has done it again. An over the top, can’t stop watching video that puts to work her devilish imagination, terrific visual chops, and most of all, her amazing voice and songwriting skills to happily celebrate the worst in all of us.  Classic metal by Vox  with the Reap the Light band is so much fun. Video on YouTube.  Stream on most major platforms

DLUX, album by DannyLux. No wonder he is Mexico’s heartthrob. This is a big album – 17 songs – and all sweet and sophisticated. You can kick back and listen, or learn the lyrics and follow along. Either way this album will charm you. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.

Livin’ in a Country Song, single/video by Five Roses. Talk about havin’ a good time, the Canadian duo of  Jade Godin and Zach Ouimet  pull off an authentic, joyful country  song with no broken down trucks, broken down men, or broken down hearts. An upbeat ode to country-living and a pleasure to listen to and to watch.    Off their Jukebox Vibrations Deluxe Edition EP. Stream on most major platforms.

Diamantes y Dragones, EP by FANKO A hot young band out of Guadalajara blends traditional Mexican music with modern forms like rock and blues and jazz in  sometimes tongue-in-cheek totally fun songs. They are onto something. Check them out on Spotify. Spanish.

Stock Market, single by Binx. A harder-edge, deeper down song that we usually expect from the LA -based South African pop star. Great hooks, great hum along material, but this is a serious song with sophisticated arrangements and production and a concept that makes you think hard. Stream on all major platforms.

Lisboa, album by Sofia  Campos. Sweet, powerful, musically pure heaven. Lisboa is the latest release from this singer/ songwriter from Argentina, now living between Mexico City and Los Angeles. Her music is a combination of her Argentinian roots, her love for Brazil, and Méxican music, where she had been living for the past 5 years before moving to LA. When you listen to her crystal clear voice blended with the perfectly modulated music and feel the emotion that seeps gently into your ears, you will know why she was nominated for a Latin Grammy last year.  Stream on all major platforms. Spanish, English, Portuguese.

BONUS

Move, single./video by Ida Menzel

Patrick O’Heffernan