SHRIEKBACK - Jam Science (1984)

 

 

I bought my copy of this album a few years ago at a record fair (10€) and I have to say I always enjoy listening to it. The album is from 1984 and I define the genre as techno-funky, even though Shreikback are classified as "new wave". The band is still active and released their new album "Monument" in 2025. I have to say I prefer Shriekback from the '80s, even though their style and voice remain unmistakable. Here I'm posting a version of Jam Science, not a rip of mine but taken from the web.

HEAR:Jam Science

Maxwell - Now (2001)

 

Yes, I admit I've been listening to a little softer music than usual lately. New soul is currently my top genre, and it's a chance to rediscover otherwise underrated artists.

This is the case with Maxwell and this album in particular. Now was released in 2001, but a remastered version was released in 2021. This link is the 2021 version captured on Spotify.

With this end-of-year post, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

HERE: Now (2001) 2021 remastered

WIDOWSPEAK - Plum (2020)

 Widowspeak is a duo based in New York (from Takoma) that propose a kind of music with several influences (indie-dream pop- folk-psychedelic-shoegaze).  They start the activity around 2010 and at a first listening immediately they remember me the anglo-canadian duo of Still Corner. If you appreciate one probably you also like the other and viceversa.

Plum is an album from 2020 and probably my favourite of the several works they released.

HERE: Plum

SOUL II SOUL - The Club Mix Hits (1998)

 

Jumping back almost 30 years, this album was a collection of hits from the best acid jazz music of the era. 

It's still a joy to listen to today and doesn't show its age. 

Enjoy! The Club Mix Hits

ERYKAH BADU - Mama's Gun (2000)

 

A friend of mine suggested we go to a concert in Milan next November. Honestly, I wasn't very familiar with Erykah Badu's name, so I did some research online.

That's how I discovered Erykah's LP "Mama's Gun" (it will be the subject of Erykah's tour). It was a nice surprise for me. I'm a fan of acid jazz and trip hop, and here you can find a good interpretation of this musical genre, combined with a truly special voice that makes this work a masterpiece.

So I'm looking forward to attending one of the 2 concerts scheduled in Italy for next November!!!

HERE : Mama's Gun

THE METERS - Rejuvenation (1974)

Here we are again in the '70s with a funky-soul album by THE METERS. I think there's a renewed interest in this genre these days (or is it just my feeling?); anyway, I'll post it if anyone's interested. I found it online some time ago and just listened to this CD a few days ago. The Meters formed in 1966 in New Orleans and were active until 1977, according to Wikipedia.

HERE: Rejuvenation

SPARKS - Milano 8/7/2025 (last minute concert)

 

I hadn't planned on attending the concert until I got a message from a friend saying, “I have an extra ticket for the Sparks concert.”

Since I had no other plans that evening, I happily accepted.

I wasn’t very familiar with the band, even though they’ve been around for quite a while. But in the end, it turned out to be a great night—and a unique chance to see them live.

VIDEO =youtube 8_7_2025

Today, while reading the reviews, I was amazed to discover the ages of the two brothers Russell 77 and Ron 80 years old. It was truly incredible to watch Russell  move and jump around the stage nonstop for an hour and forty minutes, all while delivering vocals with a remarkably enviable voice.

You can find the full concert review on the Rolling Stone website here:

www.rollingstone.it

SMASHING PUMPKINS - Essentials (2025)

 

In the next days there is a concert here in ITaly of Smashing Pumpkins. I am very conflicted if buy the ticket or not.

Yers ago they were in my favourite group list of "new californian sound" As I called. There were years where they disappeared but in the last period they come back with interesting new works.

Here a collection of old and recent songs I downloaded from the web. It is a pleasure to listen to some of the main soundtrack of the '90.

Here:SM essentials

CYMANDE - Renascence (2025)

 

Return of funky is Here!!!

Cymande was an important band from 1971 to 1974. Then, after a  period of silence, Cymande tracks sound appears in   the '90 in a lot of Hip-Hop  sound sampling. (De La Soul)

Cymande reform again in 2010 and this is the last album "Renascence". New components of the band but a good quality sound with also some famous voice appearance (Jazzie B, Celeste).

HEAR :Renascence

HEARTWORMS - Glutton for Punishment (2025)

 

After an EP and few singles, here is the first album of HEARTWORMS.

Jojo Orme is voice and leader of this interesting group from London. A mix of sonorities coming from post-punk, psychedelic and other with different cultural influences, too.

Interesting to follow

HERE: Glutton For Punishment