INTERPOL - Turn On the Bright Lights (2002)

 

Referencing my last post on the Morrissey concert: one cool detail while waiting for the set was the big-screen projection. Among a mix of '80s clips and '60s italian movies scenes, an NTERPOL track popped up; pretty much the only modern outlier on the playlist.

It reminded me how much I liked their sound, so I went through my digital collection to spin a bunch of their tracks again.

They toured Italy recently, but I missed the Bologna date. Since their new album drops in late August 2026, I decided to post something from their back catalog in the meantime.

HEAR: Turn on The Bright Lights (2002)

MORRISSEY - Live at Lake Sound Park (Cernobbio) 19_07_2026

 

I stopped following Morrissey in the late '80s, after his time with The Smiths and his debut solo album, Viva Hate in 1988.

Recently, having the opportunity to see him live not far from home, I dusted off and re-listened to my old vinyl records—The Queen Is Dead, Strangeways, Here We Come, and Viva Hate—and checked out some of his more recent work online. Fully prepared, I attended one of the two Italian events on his tour ( Cernobbio on July 19th).

I must say, it was a truly beautiful evening, made even better by the splendid setting of Villa Erba overlooking Lake Como and the perfect weather.

I had expected a nostalgic concert filled only with old Smiths songs, but that wasn’t the case. Despite his age (which shows), Morrissey’s voice remains as captivating and engaging as ever. The setlist alternated between classics from The Smiths era and tracks from his latest solo albums. His backing band was excellent, delivering a crystal-clear sound that complemented his vocals perfectly. On stage, Morrissey was affable and empathetic with the audience, which was diverse and multinational, though not particularly large.

I'm really glad I was there.

HERE: Encore of the concert

CABARET VOLTAIRE - But What Time is it Really ? (2026)

 

The biggest surprise of 2026 so far is the return of Cabaret Voltaire. With the death of Richard  Kirk I didn't think I would ever hear Cabaret Voltaire again.

I was wrong!!! The live performances of their 2025 UK tour were followed in 2026 by new releases and a new 2026 tour  (unfortunately,  Italy is not on the list).

There are LPs and CDs (with different setlists), Bandcamp digital releases and also a lot of youtube videos of the live tour performances.

For those who (like me) cannot attend a concert of this tour, here is a list of links that can be used as  an alternative.

BANDCAMP = cabaretvoltaire.bandcamp.com

YOUTUBE = Cabaret Voltaire live at Élysée Montmartre Paris 2026

YOUTUBE = Cabaret Voltaire Live at AB - Ancienne Belgique

REGRESSIVE LEFT - On the wrong side of history (2022)

 I took note of this name while listening to some Spotify playlist.

Something about their sound caught my attention; perhaps some hints of familiar music (Talking Heads, Devo etc.). But it doesn't matter, it's enough to deepen their knowledge.

This is their first EP (2022) after some single in 2020 and 2021.

ENJOY: On the wrong side of history

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS - Rare and Deadly (2026)

 

Just released beginning of April. It's a new release of mostly previously unheard songs recorded between 2015 - 2025. Technically it's not their new album of the band from New York but it works like an album.

The wall-sound of A Place to Bury Strangers cannot leave indifferent who, in the '80s, loved Jesus and Mary Chain and that sound.

On the Bandcamp page of the group, the album is very well summarized "This collection of B-sides, abandoned experiments, and forgotten fragments reveals the band at their most unfiltered-caught between breaktrough ideas and beautiful mistakes "

HEAR: Rare and Deadly

NEUTRALS - New Town Dream (2024)

 

Neutrals are an American band from the San Francisco Bay Area. Theirs is a nostalgic post-punk or, depending on how you interpret it, can also be considered an interestind result of the new indie scene. This "New Town Dream" is their third release after the debut "Kebab Disco" in 2019 and the EP "Bus Stop Night" in 2022. The songs are short (less than 3 minutes), catchy and easy. Wheter you consider it  a "revival" or an "innovative sound" i like it and I consider this a good release.

HERE:New Town Dream

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

THE THE - Ensoulment (2024)

 

This is really a wonderful gift. THE THE (Alias Matt Johnson) is back with a wonderful work. The release is November 2024 but I listen to this only at the beginning of 2025 and I cannot avoid to listen to this again and again. I was really impressed when I looked to the youtube video of the THE THE performance on  KEXP TV (The link below). You can listen to an album extract (superb sound) and an interesting interview.

At the moment my best listening of the first part of the year:

HERE Youtube link: The The on KEXP

THE CURE - Songs from a LIve Troxy London MMXXIV

 

The Cure are back with a new album  after a lot of years "Songs from a Lost World". I have to say that I was a little bit disappointed after a first listening to the new work (probably my expectation was too high).

I have to change my thinking after listening to the live version "Songs from a Live Troxy London MMXXIV". This version I think is surely better.

I saw The Cure live several time and their performance is really something special.

You can find on Youtube  the total Troxy London Live show (3:00 Hours !!!). I think is a good New Year starting taking a look to this:

  ENJOY: Full Live Show

STEVE JANSEN & RICHARD BARBIERI - Stories across Borders (1991)

 

Today a refined and ethereal atmosphere in this post.

A perfect soundtrack for a wintery and foggy Sunday. 

Of course this music is not suitable for frenetic Christmas shopping but it is perfect for observing with detachment what is happening around us.

ENJOY: Stories across Borders

BODEGA - Brand on the Run (2024)

 

Bodega is surely my favourite band of the last 5 years. All new release of this  NY  band  confirm their quality despite the turn over of members ( Ben Hozie and Nikki Belfiglio are the milestones of the band).

"Band On the run " is indicated as deluxe edition of their "Our brand could be Yr life" with some songs not included in the April 2024 release. They made the same with last year release "ATM" followed by a deluxe edition leater in the year with new  versions.

Also Live they are a great band  and on youtube there are several video that you can see.

Here a copy of the 2CD I had from the web (not my rip).

Enjoy : Brand On the Run