Morning Motivational Devotional:

         Eclectic people exist but in dwindling numbers...

Oliver Tree - Love You Madly Hate You Badly

 

The first half of this record is a conversation with a not so distant ex lover, but the second half seems to be a plea for ones sanity and self resilience. Lyrically I think Oliver Tree was finding sure footing for his own voice in this effort. The musical styling seemed to be more involved and thought out, as his vocal melody seemed to play and weave in and out of the instrumental EDM a little more. Definitely a male vocal pop stand out. "Superhero" is a stand out track on this outing, as well as "Joyride". Following his entire existing catalog I'd suggest this as his most complete thought, mostly dealing with what seems like a failed relationship. As an underrated artist on Atlantic/R&S he started his own imprint "Alien Boy" which I guess is now defunct due to his unfortunate demise in a helicopter accident in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. This album did garner lots of attention because of his performances at key festivals and an ep of a Radiohead cover. One of their best singles in my opinion. If you have time you should check that out also.

Be aware this alum is for mature audiences and does reflect mentally ill thoughts and phrases with an emotional background in toxic relationships. It is a great album, though. I hope one day we will get a physical copy, until then you can buy digital and listen the same way.

Draculas - Midnight City:

 

This band and album could be the best thing to come out of texas since the original Power Trip lineup (ignore the new stuff). A dance craze for all of the kids, and lyrics to hook adults, this album is definitely a contender for "album of the year". Easily more melodic than anything else out now, the band showcases a lyrical prowess unseen out in texas. A bit protopunk, a bit garage, a bit new wave come together to birth their greatest effort yet. Three deep (albums or fingers, who knows) and they have their signature sound in my opinion. Dirtnap ought to be glad they came back, because this record is a killer. By track 3 "Head In The Clouds" you won't know which end is up. "Guys Like Me, Girls Like You" to the slower closer "Wheelhouse" is just a blur of sonic synthesizer savory sex silt. This album really does go down easy, no chaser. There's some Riverboat Gamblers, some Rise Against, and some major art growing in Savage Lord Mic, Sam Francisco, and Pink Rick... All of which come together for an out of this world proper banger. Do yourself a favor and buy the digital at dirtnap or pay EU prices from Wildhoney. Maybe you can find it in the wild. Ten years in the making, don't let it pass you by...

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Vinyl

Getatchew Mekuria And His Saxophone- 1972:

 

If you like instrumental jazz or world folk than this is a great find for you. Lots of entries for these categories can be found butthis Ethiopian entrée is always spinning on my record player. Subtle undertones of African cultural melodies throughout, as it is just saxophone backed by rhythm piano. Re-issued in 2021 the sound quality is still there. Very trance like in melody and rhythm, and very soulful. Gofere/antchi hoyè is the longest and best track in my humble opinion. 

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