Hot Half Dozen 12.10.24
83 songs submitted this week for review
Dragoda de Emociones, single by Elsa y Elmar. The Columbian singer-songwriter Elsa Carvajal ( aka Elsa y Elmar) never ceases to surprise. This standout song from her new album Palacio. The beat is light but moving, showing off her lovely voice that millions love so much. If you understand the Spanish, you know it is a song of scary, confusing, obsessive love; if not, it is a hum-along earworm. Stream on all platforms. Spanish.
New Dawn, single from Gabby Moreno. From her new album Dusk, Gaby brings in a twangy guitar , echo, and her glorious voice in a song that grabs you musically and emotionally. You can swing and sway happily to this one. In fact to the whole album. Stream on all major platforms.
Tren al Sur, single by Santaferia. This is a breakout single from their new album Pateado Cumbias, but the whole EP will keep you moving with is vibrant cumbia style, often referred to as “cumbia casera”. The “Train South” incorporates their trademark melodic cumbia with a crisp bongo an a perfect edgy cumbia vocals by Juliana Gattas . Stream on all major platforms. Spanish).
Cliff Notes of a Love Story, single by Binx. Binx keeps experimenting, pushing boundaries and getting better. This 4 min 20 sec song is pop, but more. I love the concept of Cliff Notes for a love story. She plays with her voice in both rapid lyrics and choruses laid over an electronic tapestry. A lot of fun, Stream on Spotify and other platforms.
Harbor (LIVE at The Little Green Show) single by Irene Diaz. Classic Irene Diaz, modulating her voice like a lover’s caress, this song was recorded live at TADAA Coffee Shop in Frogtown, CA in June of 2024 with the help of green energy. It has her trademark flawless piano and hypnotic voice that just surrounds and envelopes you. No wonder NPR called her a ”soft, quiet storm”. Stream on Spotify and major platforms.
Abigail, EP by Soccer Mommy. Sophie Allison (aka Soccer Mommy) has always been on the cutting edge of indie rock and this story-telling melody with its quiet instrumental tapestry carries her voice and yet creates its own unique and nostalgic, reflective environment. Stream on major platforms.
BONUS. Live at Carnegie Hall, album by Natalia LA Fourcade. A 20-song monster of stunning, gorgeous music. Spanish.
Patrick O’Heffernan
