HOT HALF DOZEN 10.17.23

A lot of diversity in music this week: blues, dream pop, Latin love songs, pop

105 songs, albums and videos submitted this week

Asi de Vida, single by Mara Becarra and Enrique Inglesias. A dream team of Latin singers, this single picked up a 2023 Latin Grammy Nomination.  The song brings love, urgency, pain and excitement with a lush Latin beat led by a clave.  Stream on Spotify. Spanish

A Ciegas, EP by Paula Arenas . Soft, gentle, devastatingly emotional love song carried by a simple guitar and piano. The Columbiana Paula Arenas has created a song that is both classic and up to the second.   From her second studio album, “A Ciegas”, reflects what a musical genius she is. Stream on major platforms. Spanish.

Lost My Mind, single by Chris O’Leary. Down and dirty blues the way it should be ,with a hot, hot harmonica. Grabs your gut and won’t let you go, but you won’t care, you will be grinning and shaking and rocking so much. Stream on major platforms.

The Light, single byDessy Di Lauro. I have known Dessy as half of the duo Parlor Social for years and am so happy to see her bring that gorgeous voice and pointed songwriting out solo. Dessy is a one-of-a-kind artist and this song will capture your heart.  Stream on major platforms.

Live in London, double album by Kingfish. A classic blues talent brings 16 of his live recordings together so you can bliss out on blues. And you will. Stream on major platforms or buy the CDs or albums.

The Rest, EP by Boygenius. This three-women supergroup has a unique style that is, of course, the essence of feminine music – lovely,  emotionally-charged, introspective, gentle, powerful. Each of the three indie rock singer-songwriters – Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus –  is a star in her own right, but the combination of them is indie platinum.  Don’t miss this. Stream on all major platforms.

BONUS.  VOXMANA  by La Marea (Natalia Clavier and Andrei Matorin). A masterpiece of dream pop. Stream it

Patrick O’Heffernan