- PREMIERE: Eloah Jones – “Under the Bridge” - November 18, 2021
- PREMIERE: Highbeams – “Campfires” - November 10, 2021
- Tali Azerad Shines on New Album - November 5, 2021
June didn’t have the sheer bulk of some of the previous months, but there were a handful of albums that are truly great. Any or all of the top 5 this month could end up on my final end-of-year list.
5. Desaparecidos – Payola
Conor Oberst brings back Desaparecidos after more than a dozen years to throw out this awesome album full of rallying cries and middle fingers. Brash, punk-driven, and holding nothing back lyrically – Payola is a slap in the face that we all should gladly accept. Welcome back.
4. Good Old War – Broken Into Better Shape
The boys of Good Old War continue to deliver pop-centric folk tunes with charm and authenticity. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about their music, which they always seem to deftly infuse with a bright, fresh quality.
3. Matt Pond PA – The State Of Gold
Matt Pond is an established and excellent songwriter, and remains criminally off the grid & under the radar. Matt Pond PA has been creating beautiful music for over 15 years, and the newest effort The State Of Gold merely enhances the already impressive body of work. After an admitted serious bout of writer’s block, this album springs out of the speakers with a renewed freshness. “Ranking” this as number three this month is merely a formality. In reality it’s more like 1a, 1b, and 1c. The State Of Gold is one of the best albums of 2015.
2. Third Eye Blind – Dopamine
Speaking of artists that have been around since the 90’s…Third Eye Blind return with renewed energy on Dopamine. If I get started on the individual tracks on the album, I may ramble on for pages of fanboy praise, so I’ll suffice it to say the band has created another gem – mixing shimmering alt/pop with soaring rock anthems and that “can’t put your finger on it” addicting lyricism.
1. Tyler Lyle – The Native Genius Of Desert Plants
If the name Tyler Lyle is new to you, I suggest you quickly introduce yourself to his music. With The Native Genius Of Desert Plants, he cements himself as a true songwriting star. For those in need of a reference point, think Ben Harper folk stylings mixed with a Matt Nathanson-like ability to create a lasting hook. The album is impressive, unique, consistent, intelligent, and just about any other superlative I could throw out there. Go get this album, put it on and give it your full attention from start to finish. Chances are you’ll have discovered one of your new favorite artists.
Other June Recommendations
Born Cages – I’m Glad I’m Not Me
Parade of Lights – Feeling Electric
Matt Skiba and the Sekrets – KUTS
Florence & The Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
Looking Ahead To July
Years & Years – Communion
MS MR – How Does It Feel
Tame Impala – Currents
Albert Hammond Jr. – Momentary Masters
The Maccabees – Marks To Prove It
