Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Deidre & The Dark "Boss Lady" Single (www.deidremusic.com)

"Boss Lady," the new single from NYC noir-pop group Deidre & the Dark is an infectious blast of sonic energy that merges early soul, big band and jazz. Deidre's passionate and powerful voice brings to mind classic girl groups of the 50's and 60's while the production style falls somewhere between new electronic producers like Toro y Moi and vintage Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. With an E.P. in the works for late 2016, Deidre & the Dark will be joining French Horn Rebellion on the road for select dates in the Northeast this March.

Fire To The Stars "Made Of Fire" Single (seahorserecordings.com)

Such a brilliant and powerful new single from Australia's Fire To The Stars that comes equipped with this passionately moving video from director Matthew Chuang. The gloomy melancholy sounds created on "Made Of Fire" are second to none as the ambient textures and beautiful vocals draw you in and sit well next to the orchestral instrumentation and flowing melodies that loom over ghost like undertones. It has a soothing spirit that's also haunting all at the same time as it's slow pace generates a dense level of mystery and intrigue. Clearly one of the best tracks I've heard this year.

Iggy Pop "Gardenia" Single (iggypop.com)

Having been such a fan of Iggy for so long and listening to his records over and over for years, his voice on "Gardenia" is like an unexpected visit from an old friend that you welcome with open arms. There is certainly an ode to Iggy's years working with David Bowie throughout this track as he locks into a phenomenal groove that's submerged in all of his trademark swagger. Backed by Joshua Homme and guitarist Dean Fertita of Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders, the musicianship throughout the song is simply incredible as the band lays back, never overplaying and let Iggy do his thing. A fine addition to the legacy of one of the all time greats. From the new album "Post Pop Depression" available now at postpopdepression.shopfirebrand.com.

Jesus On The Moon "Elsewhere" (jesusonthemoon1.bandcamp.com)

This Puyallup, Washington based band craft a captivating mix of post punk and snyth sounds full of catchy hooks and atmospheric dynamics. Opening number "The Black Sheep" channels the spirits of Joy Division and New Order as the pulsating synths reek havoc across your mind. The melodies keep you moving as stand out track "Borderland" adds a touch of Psychedelic Furs like flair as the the banging beats and glistening guitars of "East Hall" make for a shining blast of dance inducing electro pop. The band show a more experimental side during the twisted and hypnotic sounding "Dark Flow" before settling back in on "Seraphic Spheres Tremble in the Autumnal Arcade" which feels like a song from the soundtrack of a lost John Hughes film. Overall an excellent album sure to please early 80's post punk enthusiasts.

Monoko Machine ""The Deerfield" LP (monokomachine.bandcamp.com)

A breathtakingly beautiful record from this Piano, Texas based project. Two ambinet soundscape pieces "Out of Everything that Glows" and "Hold" kick things off in fine form as each track adds just enough of a rugged touch to the layers of well crafted sound experimentation to take the tones over the top. A reverb drenched cover of the Ella Fitzgerald classic "Blue Moon" meshes quite well with the spaced out originals that follow. "Katy Lake" and "Russell Creek View" channel the spirits of Buddy Holly and The Velvet's while the final two cuts "The Deerfield Lights" and "Partners In Crime" lay back into Eno like territory. A soothing and inspiring release from beginning to end.

So Pitted "Feed Me" Single(subpop.com)

"Feed Me" off of Seattle based band So Pitted's new album "Neo" is a no punches pulled rocker full of relentless aggression from start to finish that's sure to deliver a sledgehammer sized blast to your ears.I love the grinding, dirge like riff that drives this song alongside the distorted droning vocal and ferocious blasts of guitar feedback that serve as a fine lesson in musical brutality. It's maniacal, it's menacing and it's down right infectious.

"Diamond Dogs" - We Miss You David Bowie

I am deeply saddened about the passing of David Bowie. He was one of the most innovative musicians and artists of all time and his influence and music will live on in our hearts and minds forever. It's hard to put into words how much his music means to me so I have put together a small collection of some of my favorite artists covering classic Bowie songs. I hope you enjoy them as much as i do. "Look up here, I’m in heaven. I’ve got scars that can’t be seen”.... Rest In Peace David Robert Jones.

Beck "Diamond Dogs"

Beck puts his one of a kind stamp on one of the most infectious and flamboyant tracks of Bowie's career. The pulsating beats, experimental electronics and underlying atmospherics are simply incredible and make it one of the best salutes to the "Thin White Duke" ever made.

Dinosaur JR "Quicksand"

From the "Whatever's Cool With Me" E.P. I always feel like J Mascis unique voice adds a haunting element to this classic tune from "Hunky Dory". The song is said to be heavily influenced by both Buddhism and occultism. It also references the magical society Golden Dawn. I revisit this version regularly and it never fails to charm me.

Nico "Heroes"

Backed with a swinging beat and more driving bass presence Nico's version of this song from Bowie's legendary "Berlin" period is incredibly comforting and fun. "Hero's" is said to be the most covered song of Bowie's catalog after "Rebel Rebel".

Candy Snatchers "Suffragette City"

Virginia punk rock n roll maniacs The Candy Snatchers blazed through one of Bowie's most raw and raunchy songs, led by the in your face attack of vocalist Larry May and the buzzsaw flair of guitarist Matthew Odietus. The B-Side to their "Survival Of The Fittest" 7" single released in 2000.

M Ward "Let's Dance"

A captivating rendition of the title track from Bowie's 1983 smash album. M Ward brings his gruff yet welcoming stoic stance to this timeless song in fine form.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Father Tribe "Mixtape" E.P. (fathertribeband.bandcamp.com)

San Fransisco's Father Tribe offer up a stellar E.P. highlighted by Kaden Vannorsdel's laid back vocal style and bright guitar flair and the in the pocket performance of drummer Jackson Wiley. The swirling sounds of "Hiding" start things off with a calming "free spirited" feel while "Vague" is a bit faster paced and sports a brilliantly executed chorus that's remarkably catchy. "Siloette" is a soothing indie pop number that brings to mind elements of classic 80's bands like After The Fire and The Fixx. "House" closes out the E.P. with it's lulling hypnotic riff and highly colorful tone. "Mixtape" is the perfect soundtrack for a long walk on a humid afternoon just after a relaxing rain storm has begun to clear. Eclectic, hazy and delightfully dream like.

Flamingo "Losing Brain Cells" B/W "Lacerations" Single (flamingofeathers.bandcamp.com)

"Losing Brain Cells" the latest single from the Jacksonville Illinois based Flamingo is a hard hitting blast of psychedelic driven rock n roll packed with primal energy and rich atmospherics. From the grooved out drum beat and bass line to the fuzz fueled guitar leads this song is sure to please. "Lacerations" is a soulful, spacey number that channels the likes of The Beatles and Sly Stone while still carving out an identity all it's own. A pair of top notch songs that leave me wanting more.

Kykeon & Pluto Gang "Persistent Savage" LP (kykeonplutogang.bandcamp.com)

Kykeon & Pluto Gang is the brainchild of Georgia musician Eric Reinhardt. His latest album "Persistent Savage" is an impressive collection of cosmic space rock that gives a nod to classic artists like Bowie, T Rex and Queen. The bouncing piano and acoustic guitar that open "On Your Mothers Eye" set a beautiful foundation for Reinhart's seductive vocal presence. There's an orchestral feel to it all that is epic and inspiring. The slick swagger projected throughout "Judas Goat" makes it one of the stand out tracks of the album as it moves with liquid like flow while the delicate feel of songs like "Astarte" and "Esther" are equally as intriguing. Things get capped off with the synth driven sounds of "Pandora Vine" which features a spectacular pop hook and dance able beat. Soon the track fades out when out of nowhere a recording of a political speech fades in. This is followed by two hidden songs. One being a distorted keyboard collage and the other a bouncy glam pop number which is quite a delightful surprise. Overall an enjoyable album from start to finish fueled by clever song writing, elegance and fervor.

Library of Alexandria "Herbert Schirmer" E.P. (libraryofalexandria1.bandcamp.com)

Inspired by the story of Ashland, Nebraska policeman Herbert Schirmer who on December 3, 1976 claims he was abducted by a UFO. (You can read a full detailed article on it here:http://ufos.about.com/od/aliensalienabduction/p/schirmer.htm) This E.P. is split up into three parts and each contain dialogue from a detailed interview that Schirmer gave about the incident over the otherwise instrumental recordings. Part one features a dark and cagey riff that moves into a faster paced piece then locks into an eerie movement that sounds down right haunting. Part two has a more hopeful tone as Schirmer talks about being taken into the alien's spacecraft. The piece is highly textured and projects a feeling that's positive and pure. Part three has a more epic dynamic to it and features some beautiful guitar work and amazing musicianship overall. I like the use of the interview as it really enhances the music in a major way. Hope to hear more from this promising new unit soon

Sassa "The Red Pen" E.P. (sassanash.bandcamp.com)

From the second I heard the opening line of "The Sorry Little State Of You And Me" I was hooked on Sassa's enigmatic voice. It's a truly inspiring song that draws you in with it's passion and sincerity. "Minutes" may only be fifty five seconds long but it's a powerful piece that features layers of vocals alongside a minimal acoustic guitar while "Blindfold" closes out the E.P. with a hypnotic delivery that adds an element of danger. A brief yet promising release full of intensity and charm that comes highly recommended.

The Magpies S/T LP (themagpies1.bandcamp.com)

There's nothing like a record of full on in your face fuzzed drenched rock n roll and that's exactly what you get on the debut from Normal Illinois The Magpies. Channeling classic garage rock bands like The Stooges,The Pleasure Seekers and The Sonic's, The band blaze through eight hard hitting tracks. From the quick paced opener "Migration" to the laid back swagger of "Bad Tomorrow" this two piece band packs quite a punch. The blues based "Catfish" adds even more guitar insanity to the plate with it's menacing bends and furious tone. Drop in a cover of Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" for good measure and you have one hell of an album. that i hope is the first of many more to come.