Black Light White Light "Teenage Dream" Single (blacklightwhitelight.bandcamp.com)
"Teenage Dream" the dynamic new single from Malmö, Sweden's Black Light White Light showcases an array of sounds as their shoegaze meets psych pop meets post punk elixir is a true delight to take in. From the chiming ambient intro to the driving beat and bottomless bass groove the band really showcase some of their best chops and songwriting abilities throughout the track as ethereal vocals and gliding guitars loom over top. It's a tremendous piece that takes you on a colorful rollercoaster of mind bending sounds.
Darryl Blood "The Campus" Original Soundtrack (darrylblood.bandcamp.com)
Former Turkish Delight guitarist Darryl Blood has put together an incredible soundtrack for the J. Horton horror thriller The Campus. Things start out with the acoustic piano based “Opening Theme” which really sets the tone for everything in fine form. “Zombie Attack” is full of pulsating synths that carry a frantic feel. It’s the type of piece that certainly lives up to it’s name and would make John Carpenter proud to hear. The mysterious presence of numbers like “Body Horror” and “Face Off” keep you guessing as to what will come next while “Eye Of Zombies” combines ambient soundscapes with droning synth based melodies. Overall there are twenty one pieces that accompany the film which the Horror Society website describes as “The Exorcist meets Happy Death Day meets House of the Devil meets The Devil’s Advocate”. It’s certainly a winning combination sure to delight fans of late night supernatural slasher flicks.
Dinosaur JR "Hold Unknown" Single
The always incredible Dinosaur JR are back with a brand new single called "Hold Unknown". It's part of the Adult Swim 2018 singles series and it's their first new track since the release of their 2016 album "Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not". It's a quick number full of all the fuzzed out guitar riffage you have come to expect from J Mascis along with his signature vocal sound while bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph show once again why they are one of the most thunderous rhythm sections in rock n roll. The band head to the U.K. for a round of shows starting on March 21st in Bristol.
Gull Boy "Goblin Song / F.I.R." E.P. (gullboy.bandcamp.com)
I'm in love with this new two song E.P. from Boston based group Gull Boy. The band features former Turkish Delight bassist Carl Thien on bass and vocals along with guitarists Andy Choy and Sean Terry and drummer Erik Brakke. "Goblin Song" is an energetic blast of relentless jangle pop mixed with solid doses of art rock and power pop for good measure. "F.I.R. has one of those three chord guitar grooves that reeks of The Who. It's upbeat feel and gritty stance blend well with it's undeniable pop sensibility. An excellent and inspiring pair of songs indeed. Can't wait to see this band live.
L7 "I Came Back to Bitch" Single (Don Giovani Records)
L7 return with an absolutely crushing track called "I Came Back To Bitch". The band have such a distinct style and attitude that can't be duplicated or matched by any other band and that attitude and swagger is felt throughout every second of this song. The group made up of Donita Sparks, Suzi Gardner, Janis Tanaka, and Demetra Plakas never sounded better and you can catch them out on the road again this spring starting on April 11th at Paradise Rock Club in Boston.
Ladytron "The Animals" Single (Ladytron.com)
Synth-Pop foursome Ladytron have just released their first new single in seven years. "Animals" is a dark and dreamy piece that's backed by an infectious beat and lead by Helen Marnie's spectacular voice. The track carries a strong cinematic vibe that's haunting yet melodic at the same time. Look for another new Ladytron single later this Summer with a full album to follow in the fall.
With new cassette releases from Mariana Rivals, Mayflower Madame, La Terminal and Weinf we decided to break out the R2D2 cassette player and celebrate Star Wards Day in style. You can get all 4 of these from our official site at www.custommademusicva.com Make them your oficial soundtrack for the months leading up to the release of "Star Wars : The Last Jedi".
MAYFLOWER MADAME RELEASE STUNNING VIDEO CLIP FOR THEIR LATEST SINGLE "DROWN"
Oslo Norway psych/goth unit Mayflower Madame just finished up a very well received tour of the U.S. putting on captivating performances in New York City, Philly, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boise, Salt Lake City and more. They also just released this video clip for their latest single "Drown" which was directed by the immensely talented Astrid Serck. Look for a new Mayflower Madame full length later this year.
CUSHING "MELT FACES" WITH MIND BENDING "GLACIER GIRL" VIDEO
Speaking of amazing bands with new videos, Portland Maine noise rock trio Cushing have released this mind bending clip for their song "Glacier Girl". Thei latest E.P. "Curse Of Cushing" is available as a limited cassette from CMM and on CD and digital download from www.cushing.bandcamp.com The band play a home town gig at Geno's Rock Club May 19th.
DINOSAUR JR PERFORM AT THE HOUSE OF STROMBO
Dinosaur JR recently did a live session from the home of George Stroumboulopoulos while out touring in support of their latest album "Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not". The short set consisted of "Little Fury Things", "Goin' Down", "Gargoyle" and their cover of Last Rights "Chunks" which featured guest vocals from Fucked Up front man Damian Abraham.
"From the 1-2-3-4 to the 808's and beyond. Radio, television and digital. For over two decades, George Stroumboulopoulos has been playing the best records in the best order. Finding those songs that'll get you through the night. Interviews, intimate sessions and out-of-its-mind full blown house concerts. The Strombo Show and House of Strombo reflects the beautiful and the badass of Canada's diverse cultural landscape. There are no boundaries, with the gamut running from Aretha Franklin to Slayer and everything in between."
A lot of darkness surrounded 2016 and we lost some truly innovative and amazing musicians this year that will be missed forever. Still in all of the darkness, confusion and trying times we had a ton of new music to inspire us throughout the year. I'm so happy I got to experience so much of it. There were so many bands and artists worthy of being on this list so it was hard to break it down to just 60 tracks but I wanted to share a collection of songs that really inspired me this year. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Looking forward to another music filled year in 2017.
1. David Bowie "Lazarus" (davidbowie.com)
There is no particular order to these 60 songs but I still have to put this track first. The loss of David Bowie on January 10th of this year was a devastating blow to us all. His final album "Blackstar" was released just two days before and Bowie had planned the album to be his swan song, and a "parting gift" for his fans before his death. "Lazarus" was the albums second single and it's hard to put into words the feeling I get every time I watch this video.
2. Leonard Cohen "You Want It Darker" (leonardcohen.com)
One of the most amazing songs anyone will ever hear from one of the worlds most incredible poets. RIP Leonard Cohen.
It doesn't get much better than this. Dark, hypnotic psych rock from Oslo, Norway that delves deep inside your soul. Just one of several stand out tracks from their debut album "Observed In A Dream".
4. You People "Deliver Me Home" (youpeople.bandcamp.com)
This song fully captures everything that's good about loud energetic indie rock. From the bands debut album "Dropouts".
5. Clifffs "Volcano" (clifffs.bandcamp.com)
Stripped down in your face punk rock n roll backed by catchy hooks and a blistering guitar attack that's second to none.
6. Kim Gordon "Murdered Out" Single (Matador)
This song floors me every time i hear it. Mysterious, dangerous and down right menacing.
7. Kyle Craft "Eye Of A Hurricane" (kylecraft.bandcamp.com)
Such a stellar cut that features Craft's powerful vocal delivery backed by a pumping piano and an heavy dose of glam rock swag. Think Bowie, classic Elton John and a dash of ragtime flair for good measure.
8. Dinosaur JR "Tiny" (dinosaurjr.com)
There's a fine balance of youthful energy and familiar sounds throughout the track as J Mascis trademark fuzz guitar tone and laid back vocal stance lead the way.
9. Klute "Loser"(klutebanda.bandcamp.com)
An infectious blast of turbo charged rock n roll that echoes the spirits of The Replacements, Dinosaur JR and Husker Du.
A brilliant track that's full of ferocious guitars and mind bending atmospherics that take you into an other worldly environment. Definitely one of my favorite new bands.
13. The Orange Kyte "Inside Out n' Upside Down" (theorangekyte.bandcamp.com)
"Inside Out n' Upside Down" is a brilliant upbeat psych tinged number that's full of 60's swagger and sway. It's bright and fun and full of life and sits well alongside the bands previous singles.
14. The Retinas "Accident" (theretinas.bandcamp.com)
A lo-fi garage rock n roll masterpiece from one of the most prolific bands going today.
15. Lucius "Born Again Teen" (www.ilovelucius.com)
I had this one on blast all year long. Undeniably awesome!!!
Love the crushing beat and layers of experimental sounds NYC's Sister Pact create on this track.
17. Captions "Bearfights" (captions.bandcamp.com)
Soothing indie pop from California off their latest release "Iterations"
18. Loving You "Nothing But Glory" (Grindhouse Edition) (lovingyoumusic.bandcamp.com)
Led by the incredible presence of vocalist Alison Clancy "Nothing But Glory" harnesses a power and spirit that draws you in and takes you on a hypnotic journey throughout a world of mystery and intrigue.
19. The I Don't Cares "Love out Loud" (paulwesterberg.com)
Paul Westerberg and Juliana Hatfield have teamed up to form The I Don't Cares. "Love Out Loud" from the duo's debut album "Wild Stab" is a raunchy, high energy rocker led by a buzzsaw like guitar attack and Westerbergs trademark rasp.
20. This Blinding Light "Mercury" (thisblindinglight.bandcamp.com)
A stunningly beautiful song and video from one of Seattle's best shoegaze/psych outfits.
21. Boss Hog "Wichita Grey" (In The Red Records)
Legend has it that Boss Hog are internationally-known as New York City’s most provocative and original rock’n’roll band and I'd say "Wichita Grey" just might etch this statement in stone.
22.Iggy Pop "Gardenia"(iggypop.com)
A vibrant and charming number from Iggy's latest album "Post Pop Depression". Another song I couldn't get enough of in 2016.
23. Belle-Skinner "And Then You Leave (Go On)" (belle-skinner.bandcamp.com)
An amazing track from one o NYC's best up and coming singer songwriters.
24. Electric Sheep "Headscrew" (electricsheepchicago.bandcamp.com)
An infectious blast of grage rock swagger from one of Chicago's best new bands.
25. Lou Barlow "The Breeze" (www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com)
A comforting piece from one of my all time favorite musicians.
26. Mantere "Maalis" (mantere.bandcamp.com)
Top of the line musicianship and excellent songwriting alongside a hypnotic layer of psychedelic mystery.
An intricate guitar driven number from their latest album "This Is How We Fail".
32. Orations "Oh' the Horror" (orations.bandcamp.com)
I can't get enough of Orations. Their gloom and doom meets college rock style is truly one of a kind . "Oh' the Horror" is the lead single from the bands upcoming album "Wych Elm".
33. Voir Voir "I Wanna" https://voirvoir.bandcamp.com/
An uplifting track from one of the best new indie rock bands going today.
