What I’ve Been Listening to: Winter 2019

I’ve been thinking of doing something like this for my blog once in a while when I get around to listening to new stuff that’s coming out. Great for when I need to review a song, but I want to have more content for the post.

In this post, we’ll be talking about new music from The Baron Four, Los Black Dogs, Little Man, and more.

1. Shut Your Mind/You Don’t Love Me – The Baron Four

The Baron Four are a garage/60s beat group founded in 2012 in the UK. They cite early Beatles, The Kinks, and The Beat as their influences. I’ve mentioned them in my top 100 modern songs post and I enjoyed what I heard. So when I heard they are releasing a new single, I was excited.

“Shut Your Mind” takes me to about 1965 or 1966 and makes me feel like a mod again. Very old school, pure 60s, in sound, but very fresh. Absolutely worth the listen!

The B-side “You Don’t Love Me” reminds me a lot of early Beatles songs and I love its raw and natural sound that gives it a garage vibe.

You can buy the single on Bandcamp. It is available as a download or as a 7” single.

2. Fuego – Los Black Dogs

I saw a Facebook friend mention Los Black Dogs and I decided to give their new song, “Fuego” a go. The band are from Chicago and describe themselves as a Mexican rock n roll band “with layers of psychedelic sounds, bluesy licks and heavy riffs, combined with Spanish and English lyrics”.

For those who don’t know Spanish, “Fuego” means “Fire”. You don’t need to speak Spanish to love this song, as music is universal. This song makes me feel like I’m in the 70s. If you like hard rock, you’ll like Los Black Dogs. I look forward to hearing more from them.

You can download this song on Bandcamp.

3. Sometimes Solitude – Little Man

My friend, Chris Perricelli, from Little Man, sent me the new Little Man single “Sometimes Solitude”, which will be released publicly on the 15th of February, describing the release as “kind of an offset to Valentine’s Day”. It’s a real privilege to get to hear his music early so I was happy to see the email that he wanted me to give my opinion.

The song is psychedelic, acoustic, and sombre. Shouting, but whispering. Chris himself called it “Super Zeppeliny in the best way possible”, which is a description I think the song lives up to. Makes me think a bit of songs like “All of My Love” and “Thank You”. Something i can relate to as an introvert who loves listening to Steven Wilson and Joy Division.

You can listen to the song on Spotify:

4. Cyboogie – King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are a super creative and interesting band who make psychedelic music with a bit of electronic mixed in. My friend, William, said it perfectly well, their new song, “Cyboogie” is basically Australian Kraftwerk. Love it!

5. Moderation – Florence and the Machine

Took a look at my Spotify Release Radar and saw this song, released 24 January 2019. Another great song from Florence and the Machine. Catchy and I love her voice. At first listen I can say this is definitely one of my favourites of hers.

Shout out to my good friend and Topaz level Patron, Patrick.