What We’re Listening To (October 24, 2024)

Bananagun – With The Night

With their sophomore record, Why Is The Colour Of The Sky, ready to hit the airwaves, Bananagun is in bed with John and Yoko Double Fantasy era John Lennon on this Beatle-esque gem of a song.

Matthew Sweet – Sick Of Myself

With news of his recent stroke, there has been a lot of Matthew Sweet music emanating from the offices here at Rock is the new Roll. “Sick Of Myself” is from his 1996 album, 100% Fun. If Matthew Street is not the king of Power Pop, he is certainly on the medal stand.

MJ Lenderman – Joker Lips

With his album Manning Fireworks MJ Lenderman has announced himself as a musical force to be reckoned with. Very much in the Wilco and Jayhawks mold, spend some time with this guy and he just might become one of your favorite artists.

Paul Weller – Supplement 66

Having recorded more than 20 tracks for his latest record, 66, celebrating his 66th birthday, Paul Weller is now out with an E.P. titled Supplement 66 that puts these scraps together. From the opening Latin beats of “That’s What She Said” to the folk duet with Kathryn Williams that closes the record, Paul Weller is the gift that just keeps going.

MC5 – Heavy Lifting

Having not paid any attention to the MC5 in the last two decades, when a new album in Heavy Lifting hit up our ear-waves it probably was time to take notice. Completed in 2023, thankfully Wayne Kramer was able to hear the final mixes before his death in February 2024, and produced by Bob Ezrin. Heavy Lifting is the first proper MC5 since 1971’s High Times.

Tracked live in San Bernadino with Brad Brooks on vocals, Wayne Kramer on guitar and Don Was on bass with additional badassery provided by Skash and Tom Morello, this might be the rock album of the year.