Slow week, only 62 submissions (I guess everyone is at Taylor Swift’s movie)
Life of a Showgirl, album by Taylor Swift. Of course! Actually, I wasn’t completely convinced until I saw the film and then went home and really listened. The album is occasionally brilliant, both lyrically and musically. Since the style runs through the album, the songs seem somewhat the same, but it doesn’t matter. That being said, there are some standout earworms that I can’t stop humming, especially “The Fate of Ophilia”. I love “Elizabeth Taylor”, “The Life of a Showgirl”, and “Actually Romantic”. “Father Figure” does little for me. That all being said, since it is Taylor Swift, the messages are as important as the music, which is why the movie is a great way to listen to the album. Stream everywhere, including your local cinema.
Ain’t So Blind, single by Candace Ivory. Down and dirty blues, fronted by a powerful blues voice and strung out with a screaming electric guitar and harmonica. Ivory hits you between the eyes and makes you shake and shimmy and hit play again. Stream on Spotify and other major platforms.
One Hour Mama: the blues of Victoria Spivey , album by Maria Muldaur. Muldaur has come a long way from the oasis at midnight, and this blues album proves it. A salute to one of the most influential blues artists, pioneering blues singer, songwriter, and record label founder Victoria Spivey, the album looks back and forward at the same time. With 42 albums, 6 Grammy nominations, and multiple Blues Music Award nominations, Muldaur is still rocking the blues with earworms after 60 years of music. Stream on all major platforms.
Quiero Sonar single by Sergio Maya. The heart of Mexican music, this swirly paean to Mexico hit all the notes that you expect in a Mexican concert – beat-making guitarrón. Dancing violins, soaring choruses, and heart on your sleeve love, in this case, for his country. No wonder it took a top prize in Mexico Sings” national competition. Stream on Spotify and most platforms. Spanish.
Ahi Pa’ La Otra single by Carmen María González. Another Mexico Sings (México Canta) winner, she brings soaring vocals, toe-tapping click beat, and Mexican guitar together in an anthem-like song that fills you with emotions, whether or not you understand the Spanish. Stream on Spotify and major platforms.
Marylebone, single by Al Nicol. Americana-psych-folk, dreamy, hypnotic, and yet fun. Nicol’s far away voice and forward guitar blend to create an environment, an illusion, and a universe that sucks you in and makes you happy, if a bit spaced as you ba-ba -ta-ba-ba along with him. Stream on major platforms.
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