Thelen Creative "Ruby Tuesday"

There are just some songs that transcend generations; it's certainly the case when it comes to classic Jazz, Folk music, and dance reels from earlier times. More and more, I see younger generations re-discovering the Rock n' Roll songs of their grandparents' generation and re-imagining it in unique and fresh ways. That is the case with Thelen Creative's release of the classic Rolling Stones hit "Ruby Tuesday," which drops Feb 22, 2022. 

Probably the most striking thing about this version of a 1960's hit is the embracing of an indie sound that most of us will remember from the 1990's. There is something of a charming and authentic "garage" sound to version (a welcome development in an age of over-auto-tuned vocals and programmed backing instruments). The vocals are genuine, with lovely strain at times, and the instrumentation is, well, grungy. It makes me nolstagic for two periods of our American last-century. 

Thelen Creative's SoundCloud page can be found here. 

CerVon Campbell "DND"

I was first exposed to CerVon Campbell's music a while ago when I heard "Cedar Falls," and became so taken by the uniqueness of the instrumentation underneath a really lovely vocal riff. It was like hearing pop-RnB with this beautiful indie-rock edge. 

As cool as that track was, though, I have to say that Mr. Campbell has outdone himself in loveliness with this current track: "DND," which, much to my chagrin is NOT about Dungeons and Dragon (shucks). Rather, it's a heartfelt expression of loneliness and finding hope with one of the sweetest acoustic guitar accompaniments ever. It's an intimate sound, which is bolstered by the album art of two hand-drawn fellows sitting on logs around a campfire.

CerVon's voice is clear and very apt in this song - I feel as though he's really grown as a vocalist. I hope he continues in this vein; it's fantastically authentic, and God knows we need more of that in our modern music. 

Find a link to "DND" on all platforms by clicking here. 

Uniqueness ''Omnipotent Resolution''

I think back to my time in college, reading about how deeply artists like Varese, The Italian Futurists, Crumb, and others longed for a world where art could be liberated from the constraints of both society and available technology. Setting aside their prophetic vision for a second, we could take the time to imagine what such an artistic culture would look like: limitless acceptance of individual vision, access to the technology to make art, and a way to disseminate our creations to the masses. This is, in fact, the universe we inhabit currently. And the fruits of such an idea is set below: 

Uniqueness's newest short-film/single is hard to pigeonhole outside of that, admittedly plain, description. The first two minutes of the video is exposition leading into our lovely siren inviting us to "come closer" (if I can be shallow for a second, given the way she looks, I can't imagine she experiences that much resistance). It's at that point that the beat starts, and she's sweetly crooning and dancing on the beach. Everything is very ethereal at this point, both musically and visually. 

The last third of the video features some pad-oriented soundscapes while we get to see the beautiful couple walk around the beach community with interlaced shots - they look very much in love, which is rather heart-warming. 

Overall, "Omnipotent Resolution" left me intrigued, I found the music enjoyable (very ambient chill-out vibe, which is always a good thing in my book), the visuals alluring, and the concept piqued my curiosity. I feel like there is a lot more to this artist that is going to be revealed to us in time. It will be interesting to see when that time comes. To learn more about Uniqueness, visit the website here. 

December Fades "Waiting"

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of the new single (titled "Waiting") out by Kevin Rogers, better known by his artist name: "December Fades." On the surface, the song is an awfully pretty ballad full of heartfelt longing, perhaps the object of the song's affection is slightly idealized, but I say "hey, isn't that what passionate love is supposed to feel like?" It makes me think of a modern troubadour piece; like if Bernart de'Ventadorn were alive today, I imagine he'd be a fan of December Fades. 

Probably the coolest thing about this tune (outside of the soaring vocals) is the lovely piano that alternates between high-frequency pulses and pretty arpeggios. The arrangement is ethereal, I  really enjoy the open space making room for the synth pads and pulsating bass parts that accompany heartfelt lyrics. Some might call it a "soundtrack" song, which is something I'd agree with - along the vein of "Exit Music to a Film" - which is always a plus in my book. 

The song drops on Feb 11, 2022 (just in time for Valentine's Day and all of your special Spotify mixes fellas). In the meantime, check out his BandCamp, and keep updated with all things December Fades here. 

The McKenzie FIX "Don't Feed on Me"

Here's something interesting I've come across - a new track by UK-based act "The McKenzie FIX" - we'll get to that in a second. First, though, I thought I'd remark on one of my passions as a songwriter/composer, that is, a mild obsession with period sounds (be it Ancient music, Romantic, or 1950's pop). I've always wanted to achieve a realistic sound but found it just out of my reach. 

This is why I'm somewhat jealous of "The McKenzie FIX" - here is an accurate arrangement of a more archaic sound from the aforementioned 1950's pop genre with a very robotic (yet stylish) voice singing melancholy lyrics about existence. This creates for quite the cognitive dissonance on the part of the listener and to that, I say, is the foundation of poetry. 

INADRM "Down, Down, Down"

Some of you may remember Phoenix, AZ-based INADRM from several blogs ago. Now, they're out with a new track for the new year titled "Down, Down, Down" - a slow and lo-fi number that bridges the sizable gap between electronic pop and Avant-Garde sound design to a remarkable pleasing effect. 

"Down, Down, Down" starts off with a Stockhausen/Varese-esque menagerie of sounds before settling into a really sweet groove which accompanies female speech. The guitar/bass and synth is very pretty and pleasing - plus the time FX make for a very psychedelic experience. 

I think what I like most about INADRM is that it is experimental without sacrificing aesthetics. It's like the more esoteric nature is a seasoning to an otherwise tasty meal. At least that is how I hear it. 

Hinkfuss "In the Middle"

I think most readers understand that what makes this blog work is the search for the original. Sometimes it's comical, sometimes eclectic, often unrefined (in the best possible way), but always new and virtually always passionate. In that lineup, we have Hinkfuss, a gifted singer/songwriter who fits squarely in that dream pop/shoegaze genre (if you're a fan of early/middle Cure, His Name is Alive, etc, you should feel right at home here). 

"In the Middle is replete with shimmering thick chords and throbbing bass parts accompanying pulsating drums - Hinkfuss's voice is somewhat chant-like while conveying a sense of melancholy sensitivity and the composition itself is meditative. Overall, it's a beautiful sound, not to mention the music video which splashes colors on the screen giving the atmosphere a retro look. It's a sweet sound for sweet visuals.