RIP Brian Wilson

Absolutely devastated by the news that Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson passed away today.  When i was a kid the first three cassettes i ever bought were a collection of James Bond theme songs, a pop compilation called "Rock '85," and a greatest hits tape by The Beach Boys.  Wilson's music has been a part of my life for as far back as i can remember, and "God Only Knows" might just be the best pop song ever recorded.  Here's a quote from Bob Dylan about Wilson:

He made all his records with four tracks, but you couldn't make his records if you had a hundred tracks today.

Damn right.  I'm going to have to listen to some surf vibrations this evening, but i may as well begin with the aforementioned "God Only Knows."  RIP Brian Wilson.

Editrix

July brings us jerky and frenetic new music from Massachusetts band Editrix with the upcoming "The Big E."  Experimental noise for everyone!  Hooray!  Check out the title track below and pre-order the LP here from Joyful Noise Recordings.

Joseph Allred

Boston guitarist Joseph Allred has been making music for a number of years now, releasing over 20 albums in that time, and somehow, it all feels like it was leading to the upcoming new album "Old Time Fantasias" which drops this Friday.  The album feels huge (even at just 7 tracks), incorporating elements of folk, country, blues, ragtime, pop, ambient soundscapes, and so much more to create a kind of cinematic instrumental Americana, a soundtrack to life.  Check out the wonderful and swaying "Moon Dance" below and order the new LP here from Scissor Tail Records.

Waving Blue

Italian alt-rock band Waving Blue dropped their new "City Sparks / Jackie" single a few days ago, and the download includes a particularly fuzzy version of the A-side.  Dig on the dreamy shoegazey hum of "City Sparks (Slowgaze Version)" below and download the whole thing here from the band.

Daily Jam - Bloody Kisses (A Death in the Family)

I distinctly remember the first time i heard Type O Negative, a friend letting me listen to it on his Walkman on a school bus in 10th grade.  At 15 years old, i had never heard anything like it, and honestly 31 years later, have still not.  Doom and gloom has never sounded slower, heavier, or more beautiful.  Here's a track from band's 1993 album "Bloody Kisses" for what is looking to be an overcast and rainy day here in Central Texas.  Listen to "Bloody Kisses (A Death in the Family)" below, our Daily Jam.

RIP Sly Stone

I saw the terrible news last night that we lost the legendary Sly Stone yesterday.  The man was a visionary and a marvel.  Here's one of my favorite Sly & The Family Stone tracks to celebrate his life and times.  Listen to "I Want to Take You Higher" below.  RIP Sly Stone.

The Sorcerers

Here's some funky and very cool new cosmic jazz from UK band The Sorcerers.  Dig on the far out groove of "Ancestral Machines" below and pre-order the upcoming "Other Worlds and Habitats" LP here from ATA Records.

Daily Jam - Falling from Grace

Much like how some of the best shoegaze out there comes from Japan or Korea, a lot of the best darkwave synth pop comes to us via France.  Here's Minuit Machine side project Hante. with "Falling from Grace" to prove the point.  Listen below, our Daily Jam.

Sophia Stel

It's getting really poppy around here today, so here's a club ready number from Vancouver artist Sophia Stel to close your eyes and dance to.  Listen to "Everyone Falls Asleep in Their Own Time" below and download it here from Pack Records.

Daily Jam - Until Death (Us Do Part)

Feeling like some industrial techno and darkwave this morning while i do a little data entry for work.  Belgium group Front 242 should serve nicely.  Check out "Until Death (Us Do Part)" below, our Daily Jam.