150 songs, albums, videos sent to me for review
Turn Around, video by Elsten Torres. another song from his 2024 album release “Real Artificial” through InnerCat records. A very intriguing video and a very gentle earworm of a song. Melodic with a great hook and tight orchestration. Video on YouTube.
Pura Madre, single by Nancy Sanchez and La Morra de La Vihuela. Just plain Mexican Fun. The kind of song that makes you feel good all day. These two women play, and smile, and sing, and capture the essence where Mexican music is going. Stream on Spotify and major platforms. Spanish.
Too Little, Too Late, single by Maggie Szabo. Maggie knows how to write and deliver the perfect pop song. Her lyrics carry urgency, her beat keeps you moving, the orchestration is lush, her hooks are plentiful, the changes keep your interest, and of course, her voice is pitched just right. Stream On all major platforms.
Bitch Make the Coffee/ Down for the Ride, a pair of songs by Abbie Thomas. In about a week Abbie Thomas will release her eagerly awaited album Down for the Ride and I wanted to give you a heads up. She does blues rock like it deserves to be done – and sometimes even more. “Down for the Ride” is not out yet, so I won’t spoiler it, but you will love it. “Bitch Make the Coffee” is, as you might guess, a woman throwing disrespect back into the faces of those who need to learn a lot about manners and women. Both songs are driven’ blues rock and worthy of many replays. “Bitch” is on Spotify now and the album comes out Sept. 27.
Fugazi, single by Clubz and Isla de Caras. The internationally recognized duo is a pioneer in Mexican alternative music and “ Fugazi ” shows why. A collaboration with Argentine psychedelic pop group Isla de Caras, it is dreamy, rhythmic, surprising. Float along with this release from CLUBZ’s upcoming album. Stream on Spotify and major platforms. Spanish.
Aqui Te Cuido (Here, I take Care of You), single by Reyna Tropical. The band is led by the guitarist, songwriter, singer, producer Fabiola Reyna, who is also the founder of She Shreds Media. This song is from the recent album Malegria. The title is a portmanteau of the Spanish “mal” for bad, and älegeria” for happy. It is a musical exploration of tropical music with the influences of the diaspora from the tropics, encased in a mesmerizing dreamscape with heartbeat drum, clap beats, drums, an angelic chorus and her own breathy voice. An amazing piece of music and simply beautiful. Stream the whole album, Malegria on Spotify.
Bonus. Telling Stories by Moira Smiley. An acquired taste, but easily acquired because her music is simply heavenly
Banner: Fabiola Reyna of Reyna Tropical
Patrick O’Heffernan