Ash, with their latest record, Islands, is quietly proving that they are the masters of the Indie-Pop anthem. The epic sonic scope of this song and the entire record might out them in Foo Fighter territory when it comes to drawing fans to their shows in 2018.
Author: falconi5
Video of the Day: Andrew W.K. – Music Is Worth Living For
The calvary is not only coming, but it is also already here with the return of Andrew W.K. after a lengthy absence.
Rock Chick of the Day: Brandi Carlile – Party of One
Brandi Carlile is the most nominated female artist at the upcoming 61st Grammy Awards with six nominations including Album Of The Year (By The Way, I Forgive You), Record Of The Year (“The Joke”), the song of the year (“The Joke”), Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance. And yes, there is still time to get on the bandwagon.
Five Cool Ones: Five (More) Reasons Rock Is Not Dead.
Snakewater – Girl Like You
Dirty blues from Manchester England. There is a touch of Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Peter Green and Gary Moore in their sound.
Lee Aaron – I’m A Woman
Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Queen Lee Aaron absolutely kills this Koko Taylor classic. “Shake hands with the devil, make him crawl in the sand.” Indeed.
The Bad Somethings – Let It Roll
Just about every 70’s and early 80’s is represented here, and it is awesome. Cheap Trick, Kiss, Bachman Turner Overdive, check, and check. Need more proof? “Let It Roll” is an oscure hit from the obscure 70’s Rock and Glam band Albatross. And oh yeah, lots of cowbell.
RHR (Redfern, Hutchinson, & Ross) – She Painted The Moon
Don’t sleep on these guys simply because they are miss cast often times in the AOR (Alum Oriented Rock) category. They rock with the best of them.
The Rumjacks – Cold London Rain
Enter into this carefully, these guys might become your next favorite party band if you are not careful. Full of Celtic, Folk, and Punk Rock swagger these guys stand pint for pint with The Dropkick Murphy’s.
Live Video of the Day: Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real – After Midnight (Jam In The Van)
Willie’s son Lukas and his band lay down an Americana version of “After Midnight.”
Five Cool Ones: 5 Of The Best Songs of 2018

Courtney Marie Andrews – Took You Up
We could have chosen any number of the songs from May Your Kindness Remains, but this song kept rising to the top. A slow builder that speaks to the virtues of making things work.
The Nude Party – Chevrolet Van
Strange band name, great song. This ode to musicians traveling from city to the next city will remind you of Arlo Guthrie.
Neko Case – Curse of the I-5 Corridor
This epic seven minute plus tune talks to the past and the unsure footing of the future. Duet partner Mark Lanegan takes this one from very good to great.
Ruston Kelly – Mockingbird
One of the Nashville shining stars, “Mockingbird” ebbs and flows and seems to come from a tortured soul. He wrote it in a Dominican hotel detoxing from a bad relationship.
Sonny Smith – Burnin’ Up
One of the best pure pop songs of the year this is another one from Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye studio. Angel Olson adds background vocals.
Song of the Day: Phoebe Bridgers – Christmas
It’s Christmas and no one can fix it. A Christmas song even Grinchs’ can get behind. “Coming back from the country full of good food and lousy beer.” And yes, that is Jackson Browne singing in the background.
Video of the Day: Mandolin Orange – Golden Embers
The latest video from Bluegrass band Mandolin Orange from their soon to be released album, Tides of a Teardrop on Yep Roc records. The song and video chronicles the suffering and healing singer Andrew Marlin and his father endured following the death of Marlin’s mother.
Best Albums of 2018: Foxwarren – Foxwarren
One of the best debut albums of the year, Foxwarren, a band of childhood friends now living in various provinces around Canada, have a loose casual sound that is part Indie Rock and part Psychedelic. There is a smoothness throughout the record that allows Andy Shauf and his bandmates space for the music to breath. “To Be” is a pastoral beauty, and “Everything Apart” is a great driving tune.
Live Video of the Day: Beth Hart – Lift’s You Up
From the highly excellent blue ray/DVD Live at the Royal Albert Hall
