I know, I know. We’re ten days into April and I’m finally posting this. Here’s a brief rundown on some of my favorites from the month of March.
Michi – Dirty Talk
While procrastinating instead of tackling things around the house, I was clicking around watching music videos on YouTube. Instead of folding laundry, I was mentally jotting down ideas on how I can bring back the show Pop-Up Video and make millions of dollars (I’m guessing that’s how it works). During this particular session of avoidance, I noticed an artist I hadn’t heard of and clicked on the thumbnail. I figure I’ll know if I like it or not in a matter of seconds. The video in question was “There’s No Heaven”, by Michi and I fell in love immediately. Checking out the rest of the album was a treat. Parts of Dirty Talk invoke 90’s-era R&B vibes (“So Divine”, “If You Want Me”), while others whisk you away to to a place where you are dipping your toes in some water with a drink in your hand. The leadoff track “Walking Away” and the aforementioned “There’s No Heaven” are undeniably cool and they help elevate the vibes that we are so desperately devoid of.
Neal Francis – Return To Zero
I had the pleasure of checking out Neal Francis a couple weeks ago when he brought his Return To Zero tour to Boston (with the excellent Improvement Movement opening). It was a pleasure getting to hear most of Return To Zero live at that show. I’ve been loving this album since its release earlier this March. Combining elements of many genres, Neal Francis takes you through the paces and does so with ease. The shoulder shaking “Broken Glass” is amplified with the help of Say She She and Michael Shuman of Queens Of The Stone Age fame. Return To Zero is a fun, groove-filled listen from start to finish and certainly worth your time.
Pink Skies – Feels So – EP
It’s only fourteen minutes, but this EP by Pink Skies fills every second of those minutes with an infectious sound that’ll likely get you up and dancing. It might be easy to compare Pink Skies to Tame Impala, because I mean it does sound a lot like Tame Impala. However, I happen to enjoy Tame Impala quite a bit so it made this EP a satisfying listen. The baseline of “Feel It Coming” slinks its way into you and won’t let go, and “Heaven” got me nostalgic for the first time discovering Big Data. This is my first taste of Pink Skies and I’m immediately hooked. I’m looking forward to diving into their discography.
SASAMI – Blood On The Silver Screen
Over the last year or so, I have been checking out some of the work by musician Sasami Ashworth. Their style of music blends all styles of music into this unique post-workout smoothie that tastes pretty good and it also doesn’t hurt your stomach. Blood On The Silver Screen is an excellent jumping off point if you are unfamiliar with the work of SASAMI. The poppier songs off the album have a cerebral edge to them that stand out above your modern charting fare. Tracks such as “Nothing But A Sad Face On” gives off a Lana Del Rey vibe, which I enjoy, and others like “I’ll Be Gone” is a hard-driven banger that gives MUNA (who I also enjoy) a run for their money.
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