Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Beach House "Lemon Glow" Single

Beach House have released a new track titled "Lemon Glow" from their upcoming album due out this Spring. It's hypnotic groove and dark tones blend well with it's pulsating synths and soundtrack like essence. Of coarse the stand out element of the track is the cunning delivery from vocalist Victoria Legrand who never ceases to impress me with her sense of style and ability to paint pictures with her words. Another remarkable effort from one the best bands in the game.

Crystal Canyon S/T LP (crystalcanyon.bandcamp.com)

Portland Maine's Crystal Canyon deliver big on their self titled debut album. Their fuzzed out guitar tones and noise driven melodies blend nicely with Lynda Mandolyn's captivating vocals. "Silverday" has a gliding feel to it that's drenched in catchy hooks and rich melodies and really kicks the album off well. "Adeline" is slower and darker and creates a nice bit of tension between the instruments while "Sleeper" is a mind bending number with all the elements of a true modern day shoegaze classic. Other stand out tracks include the at times orchestral sounding "Only In A Daydream", fuzz fueled "She Shines" which is a real ripper and the hook filled gem fittingly titled "Dim". Overall this is a pretty amazing debut sure to delight fans of shoegaze and dream pop flair and beyond.

Dr. Octagon "Octagon Octagon" Single (Bulk Recordings)

So after blasting the Dr Ocatgon debut "Dr. Octagonecologyst" for over 20 years Dr Octagon is finally back with a brand new album due out in April called "Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation". The super group consisting of Kool Keith as Dr. Octagon along with DJ Qbert and producer Dan The Automator have unveiled the albums first track "Octagon Octagon" which features all the weird lyrics and futuristic scenarios you'd expect and maybe not expect from these guys. Can't wait to take in this entire album which is sure to be one of the most incredible releases of the year.

Loma "Relay Runner" Single (Sub Pop)

Damn I'm a sucker for these types of dangerous sounding rhythms that seem to be created on another planet. "Relay Runner" is the first single off the debut album from Loma. Vocalist Emily Cross delivers an incredible performance that flows perfectly alongside the ever expanding sounds that move throughout the track. The rest of the group is made up of Dan Duszinsky (from Cross Record) and Jonathan Meiburg (from Shearwater). The members met on tour while performing with their other projects and "made a secret pact to start a band together". The trio certainly have a knack for harnessing haunting sounds that dance like shadows underneath a mysterious skyline. Their self titled debut just came out this week courtesy of Sub Pop.

Netherlands "Hope Porn" E.P. (thenetherlands1.bandcamp.com)

If you are not familiar with the monster rock n roll machine that's known as The Netherlands then you have seriously been missing out. From the opening riff of "Fakir Mintas" you will be enlightened to their brand of relentless mayhem. Led by the always prolific Timo Ellis "Hope Porn" is fueled by Ellis's crushing guitar tones and manic vocals along with Ava Farber's spaced out synth bass tones and the punishing drumming of John "Moon Boy" Willis. "The Moon Boy Swing" is based on a heavy groove with dark atmospherics that loom over top and give it a euphoric like vibe. "Negative Likes" features a pounding rhythm that literally never lets up while "A New Hope" is like a lost anthem to a humorous yet introspective sci-fi film. Just when you think it can't get any weirder, any heavier the E.P. ends with the brain scrambling madness of "Rewild" which sounds like a mix between Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Melvins and The Brothers Johnson. Another incredibly intense and powerful release from one of my favorite bands.

Twilight Fields "Our Time Is Now" LP (twilightfields.bandcamp.com)

I'm really impressed with this brand new album from Canadian ambient/dream psych outfit Twilight Fields. Their lush vocals and breathtakingly beautiful soundscapes make for some of the most heartfelt music you will hear anywhere and their musicianship is virtually off the charts as each instrument lays perfectly in the mix. Lead single "When I Saw You" is absolutely stellar as it's bold stance and atmospheric layers give it an epic feel. "Tell You" is another stand out number that creates an other worldly environment as it's shimmering guitars and vibrant nuances wash through your head like a dream. It's uplifting spirit and rolling bass line are sure to draw you in while the dirge driven force of "Waiting" adds a bit of danger to the record. "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" has a bit of a Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips vibe to it that meshes well with other tracks like the cosmic "Galaxies Turn", the delicate "My Mother" and folk based "She Remembers". The album closes with the elegant sounds of "For Those Who Have Loved In Wartime" which serves as the perfect ending to an album that's top notch from beginning to end.

17 Favorite Songs Of 2017 So Far

So 2017 is nearly half over and it's been a phenomenal year for music so far. So many amazing new albums and songs. Here's a rundown on 17 of my favorite songs that have come out so far.

1. The Psychotic Monks "It's Gone"

"It's Gone" the opening piece from The Psychotic Monks latest album "Silence Slowly and Madly Shines" is one of the most menacing songs you will hear all year. It's dark, mysterious, psychedelic vibe draws you in and never lets you go. Absolutely crushing.

2. Mayflower Madame "Drown"

Released just before their first U.S. tour "Drown" is one of Mayflower Madame's darkest and most impressive tracks to date. Look for a new album from this Norwegian psych rock outfit later this year.

3. A Deer A Horse "Backswimmer"

A Deer A Horse have been one of my favorite bands over the last few years and "Backswimmer" the title track from their latest E.P. ushers in a new direction and even more sense of power and determination to the bands sound. The trio will be out on the road touring all summer and fall.

4. Mariana Rivals "Take"

This California/Connecticut based synth pop unit deliver big on their latest single "Take" It's pumping bass line, passionate vocals and layers of shimmering synths are sure to get you singing along in no time.

5. News From Neptune "The Cold Open"

One of the most incredibly intricate and breathtakingly beautiful pieces you will hear anywhere. David Miller aka News From Neptune balances an array of sonic textures throughout this absolutely brilliant track.

6. Waxahatchee "Silver"

I can't get enough of this new track from Katie Crutchfield's Waxahatchee. It's one of the most infectious songs I've heard in a long time as the rich, melodic guitars and Crutchfield's voice are truly delightful.

7. Potential Red "Broken"

Canadian post punk/new wave outfit Potenial Red strike big on this brand new 4 song E.P. Lead off track "Broken" is an energetic piece full of swirling soundscapes and chiming guitars that fans of The Smiths and The Cure are sure to enjoy as it gets things started in grand fashion.

8. Telespace "A Click Away"

Swiss indie/psych unit Telespace quickly create an ethereal world through the cinematic sounds of "A Click Away" as it's calming dose of mind numbing guitars are soon followed by an intriguing left of center style vocal delivery.

9. Boss Hog "Shh Shh Shh"

This no frills groove filled rocker is one of the stand out tracks from the bands brand new album "Brood X".

10. Meatbodies "Creature Feature"

"Creature Feature" has an intensely odd slant to it all that's backed by a swaggering groove that reeks with undeniable appeal. It also includes some of the best guitar manipulation and fuzz driven leads you will hear anywhere that are equally matched by the deranged vocal cadence that sends the track into psychedelic overdrive.

11. Wanweird "Green Jelly"

Another fabulous track from Wanweird. This is the type of track that has just enough bounce to it that it's fun to sing along to but backs it up with a solid dose of 90's inspired rock n roll angst that pulls no punches.

12. The Red Shift "No One Else"

My favoriute track from this Ohio based power pop/punk rock bands debut album. Get into it

13. Guided By Voices "5 Degrees On The Inside"

One o the stand out tracks from the bands latest offering "August By Cake" which happens to be the 100th LP of founding member Robert Pollards career. Here's to 100 more.

14. Thurston Moore "Smoke Of Dreams"

"Smoke Of Dreams" from the new Thurston Moore album "Rock N Roll Consciousness" is a hazy, laid back number that reflects on his times in New York City and the underlying mystic of the past that surrounds it. There's a bit of a cathartic element to the song as if Moore is giving you a tour of his old haunts and allowing a bit of insight into a lost world.

15. Mathew Sweet "Trick"

"Trick" has all the key ingredients that make up an amazing Matthew Sweet song. Catchy hooks, melodic guitars and Sweet's signature vocal delivery.

16. faUSt "Lights Flickr"

From their brand new album "Fresh Air", "Lights Flickr" features the lyrics "Lights Flickr as I blink my eyes to the beat to the beat to the beat" as a frantic saxophone and sea of feedback blast over top of a thunderous beat. What more could you ask for???

17. Beach House "Chariot"

From the bands new "Rarities and B Sides" album, "Chariot" sounds like it could have been part of the soundtrack to a lost David Lynch film. Truly beautiful from beginning to end.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Beach House "Chariot" Single (Sub Pop/Bella Union)

"Chariot" the lead single from the upcoming Beach House "B-Sides and Rarities" album is a passionate number highlighted by Victoria Legrand's soothing vocals. It's got a bit of a David Lynch element going on as it's droning keyboards and lulling atmospherics sound like it could have easily been part of the "Blue Velvet" soundtrack. It's a truly delightful piece sure to impress fans both new and old. The 14 track album is due out on June 30th via Sub Pop and Bella Union.

Boss Hog "Brood X" LP (Bronze Rat Records)

Boss Hog are back with their new album "Brood X". Led by the husband-and-wife team of singer Cristina Martinez and singer/guitarist Jon Spencer, the album is packed with ten ass shaking rock n roll numbers full of swagger and sway in all the right ways. Spencer's fuzz driven guitar attack and Martinez dynamic vocal appeal shine bright alongside Hollis Queens thunderous beats and Jens Jurgensen infectious bass lines. Highlights include the anthem like spirit of "Black Eyes" the laid back groove of "Shh Shh Shh" and the dangerous delivery of "Signal". It's certainly the kind of mind blowing rock n roll you need in your life....LIKE RIGHT NOW!!! The band have lot's of upcoming shows including an appearance at the Do Division Street Festival in Chicago June 6th.

Broken Social Scene "Hug Of Thunder" Single (brokensocialscene.ca)

I've always enjoyed Broken Social Scene's music. My respect for them grew even more when I had the chance to see them in a small studio setting during a live on KEXP performance at CMJ in 2008. "Hug Of Thunder" the title track from their fifth studio album features beautiful lead vocals from Leslie Feist, which pair perfectly with the incredible musicianship and catchy hooks that flow throughout the piece. The Canadian super group was founded by Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew in 1999 and the new album (their first in seven years) also features original members Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw of Metric, Amy Millan and Evan Cranley of Stars, Charles Spearin and Ohad Benchetrit of Do Make Say Think as well as the previously mentioned Leslie Feist. The band will also be playing dates in the U.S., U.K. and Europe throughout the next several months.

Caleido "Irregular" E.P. (caleidoband.bandcamp.com)

Shoegaze/indie pop unit Caleido are making some of the brightest and most impressive sounds you will hear anywhere. Based in Santiago, Chile the band just released this stellar four song E.P. that's full of uplifting melodies, in the pocket rhythms and radiant waves of cinematic sound. Standout number "Click?" comes off like a cross between Air, Pink Floyd and The Flaming Lips as it's wavering riffs and hypnotic presence are sure to put you in a state of musical bliss. It's also full of breathtaking dynamics that keep you guessing at what will come next. I also really enjoy the instrumental track "Médel" as it adds the presence of some incredibly gritty guitars and even more psychedelic production that reminds me of "Magical Mystery Tour" era Beatles. Overall "Irregular" is a top notch release that combines brilliant song writing with an open and inviting attitude.

Chuck Berry "Big Boys" Single (dualtonestore.com)

"Big Boys" the first Chuck Berry single in 40 years from his final album "Chuck" is everything you'd expect from the Godfather, Inventor and "TRUE KING OF ROCK N ROLL". It's trademark riff and swinging beat echos Berry classics like "Johnny B Goode" and "Maybellene" and features guest appearances from Tom Morello and Nathaniel Rateliff. The song is about "a teenager wanting to do all the things that grownups do". "Chuck" will be available June 9th courtesy of Dualtone Records. RIP Chuck Berry and HAIL HAIL ROCK N ROLL!!!

Mogwai "Coolverine" Single (mogwai.co.uk)

I'm really looking forward to the new Mogwai album "Every Country's Sun". The title alone puts a lot of things in perspective and really makes you think. "Coolverine", the albums first single is highlighted by a driving, uplifting rhythm, full of Dominic Aitchison's signature bass tone. There's a cagey, dangerous element to the track that blends well with it's subtle nuances and deep melodic hooks. Mogwai keep reinventing themselves with each and every release and continue to show why they are one of the most forward thinking bands on the planet. "Every Country's Sun" is set for release on September 1st courtesy of Temporary Residence Limited.