Music we like: KHOL’s best of 2023

From dance pop to shoegaze, drum ‘n’ bass to classic rock ‘n’ roll, glam rock to disco house and everything in between, music in 2023 kept our bodies pumping, freak flags flying and all our feels intact.  

Though the tastes of the extended KHOL family of DJs, staff and board members are complex and varied, a few albums stood out as favorites among the KHOL crew:  

• Mellow island rock from Unknown Mortal Orchestra on V
• Andre 3000’s unexpected ambient flute work on New Blue Sun
• Róisín Murphy’s polarizing dance pop on Hit Parade 
• Wilco’s first venture into outside production on Cousin
• Living legend rock ‘n’ roll from The Rolling Stones on Hackney Diamonds
• Death by disco house on DRAMA’s Till We Die
• Sofia Kourtesis’ electrifying flavors of Berlin and Peru on Madres

Take a spin through the playlist below to listen to 2023’s standout tracks, and read about your favorite DJs’ best-of picks on the individual links below. Here’s to an inspiring and adventurous 2023, and the excited anticipation of more music discovery on KHOL in 2024.

Spotify Playlist

 

JUMP TO YOUR FAVORITE DJ’S PICKS

KnewJack | Emily Cohen | Tyler Pratt | Hanna Merzbach | Reed Russell | The Western Gem | Garth Gillespie | Kevin P | Ethan | Danielle | Pahl | DJ P | Eli | Big E | OHNASSI | Hunter S | DJ ECHO | Lash | Rachel | Chuck Roast | Mark B | Johnny Peanutbutter | Johnny Boy King | JR | b3playr | Werner | DJ Bloo | Studebacher | Chef Lito | Beatrix

 

KnewJack (Jack Catlin), Music Director | Host of “The Heavy Warmup” (Weekdays 8 – 10 a.m.)

Albums Session Victim – low key, low pressure Youth Lagoon – Heaven Is A Junkyard Cool Calm Pete – LOST (Director’s Cut) Say She She – Silver Unknown Mortal Orchestra – V DJ Shadow – Action Adventure Night Beats – Rajan The Seshen – Nowhere Eli Escobar – The Beach Album Benny Sings – Young Hearts

Singles Little Simz – No Merci Danger Mouse & Jemini – Born Again VHOOR – Olinda KAYTRAMINÉ – 4EVA DRAMA – Tighten Up Poolside – Ride With You Kiefer – August Again Cautious Clay – Fishtown Nick Shoulders – All Bad The Hives – Bogus Operandi

Session Victim – low key, low pressure

When life gets hectic and requires a reassessment of your entire situation, there’s nothing quite like finding solace in the warm embrace of a record that helps you chill out and catch your breath. On “low key, low pressure,” Session Victim’s typically dance floor-focused style takes a markedly unique turn into a more heady, downtempo universe. Bouncy baselines from Berlin, punch-drunk drums and psychedelic synth candy abound on this soothing yet exciting release that exposes new textures with every visit. 

Youth Lagoon – Heaven Is A Junkyard

When the Youth Lagoon show at the Center for the Arts this past summer was announced, I was admittedly unfamiliar with Trevor Powers’ discography but knew his visit to Jackson was a rare treat. Music media giant Pitchfork had just named the new record “Best New Music” and with the opportunity to interview him before the show, I was excited to dive deep into the world of Youth Lagoon. With “Heaven Is A Junkyard” in the headphones while walking around Jackson, I was blown away by how well the album’s songs synced up with the landscape of the Mountain West. The songs have a tangible sense of place due to Powers’ remarkable ability to absorb his surroundings in Boise, Idaho. With economical and poetic wordplay involving family, neighbors, junkies and grim reapers resting on top of an ethereal and propulsive sonic soundscape, “Heaven Is A Junkyard” is a whole vibe, and I am here for it. And I think you will be too

Cool Calm Pete – LOST (Director’s Cut)

Some albums come out of nowhere, make a big splash in your life and then disappear with questions of why unanswered. That’s the case with hip hop misfit Cool Calm Pete’s “LOST,” originally released in 2005 and thankfully reissued with bonus tracks in 2023. With his deep voice and thick New York accent, Korean-born and Queens-raised Peter Chung was an unexpected contributor to the underground hip-hop scene of the 2000s. Cool Calm Pete’s one and only LP’s chilled-out, head-knocking beats coupled with Chung’s snarky everyman approach were instantly attractive to both hip-hop diehards and casual listeners alike. Whether chuckling at the razor-sharp wit, marveling at the deliberate flow or rocking out to the jazzy beats you’ll be hard-pressed to not walk away from “LOST” feeling like you found something well worth your time. Now if he would only come back.

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Emily Cohen, Executive Director

 

Favorite albums:

• Everything But the Girl – Fuse
• Peter Gabriel – i/o
• Silk Road Ensemble – Phoenix Rising
• Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)
• Andrew Bird – Outside Problems

 

Everything But the Girl – Fuse

Pretty psyched that EBTG is back at it with making music. The British duo’s 11th studio album – and first since 1999 – is right in line with their signature moody downtempo beats that I first fell in love with as a teen in the late ’90s. While musically the sound brings waves of nostalgia, lyrically the songs are more about adult angst and modern dread. “Nothing Left To Lose” sets the tone, as Tracey Thorn sings, “I need a thicker skin / This pain keeps getting in.” The groove builds up to the climax, where she pleads, “Kiss me while the world decays / Kiss me while the music plays.”

Silk Road Ensemble – Phoenix Rising 

This four-song EP is a powerful introduction to The Silk Road Ensemble under its new artistic director, Rhiannon Giddens. (The renowned classical group was previously led by cellist Yo-Yo Ma.) The album opens with an ode to Giddens’ Appalachian folk roots with “Oh, Death” and ends with a power remake of Peter Gabriel’s Biko, about Steve Biko, the South African anti-apartheid activist. Silk Road is an inspiring model for cultural collaboration – and an important reminder that this sort of sharing happens even in some unexpected genres (i.e. chamber music). 

Peter Gabriel / i/o

Speaking of Peter Gabriel, the British pop artist finally released i/o, an album he’s purportedly been working on for 28 years. Despite having origins in a very different time, it sounds remarkably fresh – and quintessentially Gabriel with its art pop, world beat sound. The title track is a lullaby-like tune reminding us we are all connected, in that sort of hopeful way we may have felt in the ‘90s.  (There might be a theme here…?) 

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Tyler Pratt, News Director

Albums Sofia Kourtesis – Madres Jessie Ware – That! Feels Good! Carly Rae Jepsen – The Loveliest Time Róisín Murphy – Hit Parade Travis Scott – UTOPIA Barry Can’t Swim – When Will We Land? SG Lewis – AudioLust & HigherLove Jayda G – Guy SBTRKT – The Rat Road James Blake – Playing Robots Into Heaven

Singles Jessie Ware – Freak Me Now (with Róisín Murphy) Chris Lake – More Baby (feat. Aluna) Fred Again.. – adore u (feat. Obongjayar) The Blessed Madonna – Mercy (feat. Jacob Lusk) Barry Can’t Swim – Sunsleeper LP Giobbi – Time Expands NEIL FRANCES – Energy (feat. DRAMA) Diplo – Use Me (feat Sturgill Simpson & Dove Cameron) Róisín Murphy – Fader it’s murph – Food For The Soul

 

Róisín Murphy – Hit Parade 

Murphy’s full-length collaboration with DJ Koze is a pop music fever dream: trippy, absurd and hands-down her best album. For decades she’s been an artist who explores themes of identity in her music, fashion and performances. So it came as a shock to many in her LGBTQ+ fanbase when comments she made online about trans youth were uncovered just before the release of “Hit Parade.” While Murphy issued an apology, fans were left to digest disappointment from her remarks while simultaneously absorbing the record’s sonic masterpieces. Warped vocals combined with unconventional, spacey beats, Murphy tackles concepts of fate and astral influence in her lyrics. “Fader, “CooCool,” “Can’t Replicate” and “The Universe” are just a few standout tracks. I was able to see her perform at Portola Festival in San Francisco shortly after the album dropped. The crowd was loudly queer, decked out in costumes and vibrant colors. Murphy eviscerated a short set of extended-length songs spanning her 30-year career, showcasing her own collection of wacky, loud outfits while playing with gender and filming herself as she sang, seducing her audience. She enchanted the crowd, exuding a boisterous, sexual charisma that was met with adoration, applause and raucous dancing when she ended her show with 2005’s “Ramalama (Bang Bang)” dressed as a circus creature stomping across the stage. “Hit Parade” is a polarizing album with a reflective, mutant soundscape that suggests she may have more soul searching to do. 

Barry Can’t Swim – When Will We Land?

I tend to be verbose in my electronic music reviews, because the genre fills my body with a cacophony of emotions. So for the ease of the reader: “When Will We Land?” is euphoric. Uplifting and powerful while daring you to have a joyful cry in a sea of dance lovers. Joshua Mannie serves up house, spoken word, soaring vocals and deep beats that hit you right in the soul. Prepare to be moved. 

Beyoncé – Renaissance

There’s not much more I can add to the vast collection of praise out there for The Queen’s 2022 brilliant and perfect masterpiece. But she took the world by storm in 2023 with a tour unlike any other. Tickets were a sky-high price, but she poured that money into a concert experience that can’t be replicated. I had the immense privilege of seeing the Renaissance Tour in New Orleans near its conclusion. During the final tour dates, which took place during Virgo season — Bey’s sign — she asked attendees to dress in silver, and fans unwaveringly agreed en masse. In the Crescent City, no one disappointed – it was the fashion event of the year. The entire day of the show, people wore their best looks, jewels and makeup and blasted her songs non-stop. At night, we all trekked across the hot and humid town in non-breathable silver fabric, to fill the Caesar’s Superdome, a Bey Hive full of “Uncle Johnny” signs. We sweated together as she gave us the show of a lifetime – opening with four ballads, and then performing every track off Renaissance (including dance performances from Blue Ivy), and unleashing mind bending visuals, all while sharing her love and respect for Black and queer communities. It was perfection and something I will cherish for the rest of my years. 10, 10, 10 across the board.

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Hanna Merzbach, Reporter/Producer

Albums Sean Angus Watson – Pulled into a Dream vbnd – Daughter of the Sun Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – What If I Daisy Jones & The Six – Aurora Greta Van Fleet – Starcatcher Miley Cyrus – Flowers Handmade Moments – Eye in the Sky Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy

Singles Freedom Fry – Rio Grande Duff Thompson – Sleight of Hand Orville Peck – Roses Are Falling David Byrne – Glass, Concrete & Stone Free Creatures – Stay Cool Kay Young – Woe is Me Fruit Bats – Rushin’ River Valley Leonard Cohen – Everybody Knows Hermanos Gutierrez – Cerca de Ti Old Crow Medicine Show – Take ‘Em Away

Greta Van Fleet – Farewell For Now

In the closing track on their new album, “Starcatcher,” Greta Van Fleet delivers the Zeppelin-like sound they rose to fame on. The band of twenty-somethings balances a slow build with solos from the guitarist and belting from the lead singer. Though this album hasn’t garnered the band quite as much hype as previous releases, this track brings it all home for me.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – What if I

I pretty much love everything Nathaniel does. He’s able to convey so much emotion in each of his releases whether it’s with his band the Night Sweats or his solo releases. 

Daisy Jones & the Six – Regret Me

This song is off the album from the show “Daisy Jones & the Six,” one of my favorites this year. I’ve loved getting to know the backstory (fictional) of the songs from the show. For some reason, this album pumps me up while running. I put this song on during the final stretch when I sprint to the finish.

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Reed Russell, Development Manager

 

Favorite songs:

• Missy Elliott – Bomb Intro / Pass That Dutch
• Feng Suave – Noche Oscura
• Shakey Graves – Roll the Bones
• Charley Crockett – Jamestown Ferry
• LNDN DRGS – Funk It Up
• The Steeldrivers – Blue Side of the Mountain
• Curren$y ft Action Bronson – Scarab 38
• Fred again.., Skrillex & Four Tet – Baby again..
• Sparky Paul – LSD
• Bubbles – Bidibodi Bidibu

 

Charley Crockett – The Man from Waco

I’ve never been to Waco, which sits by the Brazos River in central Texas, but Crockett has painted it in my mind as a place populated by cottonwood trees, long black sedans and small town gossip. His songs evoke heartbreak, nostalgia and old fashioned dreamscapes which come together as legs of his journey from humble roots to the mainstream music scene. It is without a doubt my favorite traveling music because it inspires lonesome reflection to the sounds of blues and country guitar, thumping bass and piercing lap steel.

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The Western Gem (Zoe Curran), Social Media Coordinator | Host of “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” (Thursdays 8-9:30 p.m.)

 

Favorite songs:

• Susanne Vega – Tom’s Diner
• Masarima – Freak Like U (Club Mix)
• Skatebård – Volpi Polari
• Robyn – Ever Again (Soulwax Remix)
• Don Laka – Stages
• Confidence Man – Holiday (Tame Impala Remix)
• Yasauki Shimizu – Umi No Ue Kara
• Office Gossip – Say It
• Jennifer Loveless – Fall in Love
• Crazy P – Heartbreaker

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Garth Gillespie , Board Member

Favorite Albums:

• Grian Chatten – Chaos For The Fly
• Wednesday – Rat Saw God
• Strange Ranger – Pure Music
• Ratboys – The Window
• bar italia – Tracey Denim/The Twits
• Maple Glider – I get into Trouble
• The National – Laugh Track
• Yves Tumor – Hot Between Worlds
• The Lewers – 518A
• Slowdive – everything is alive
• Caroline Polachek – Desire, I want To Turn Into You
• Spiritual Cramp – Spiritual Cramp
• Sigur Rós– ATTA
• Daughter – Stereo Mind Game
• Squirrel Flower – Tomorrow’s Fire
• Heartworms – A Comforting Notion EP
• bdrmm – I Don’t Know
• Geese – 3D Country
• Rose City Band – Garden Party
• Protomartyr – Formal Growth in the Desert

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Kevin P (Kevin Pusey) | Host of “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out” (Sundays 4-7 p.m.)

 

Favorite albums:

• Futurebirds – Ghoulin’ Around
• Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
• Wilco – Cousin
• Lucinda Williams – Stories From A Rock N Roll Heart
• Inhaler – Cuts and Bruises
• Neil Young – Chrome Dreams
• Deer Tick – Emotional Contracts
• Hiss Golden Messenger – Jump For Joy
• Margo Price – Strays
• Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World

 

Futurebirds – Ghoulin’ Around

Futurebirds released this fun, energetic album for only Halloween 2023 and then it vanished. It should be available again next Halloween. To see the band play these songs live is simply amazing.

Foo Fighters – But Here We Are

Foo Fighters released this album after the accidental death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. It’s a collection of heartfelt songs expressing the pain, sadness, anger and sorrow of the band losing their best friend. Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet, makes her debut on “Show Me How.” I predict this album will win the Best Rock Album Grammy Award.

Neil Young – Chrome Dreams

Neil has always paid incredible detail to sound and recording. His 44th album is a reissue of songs he recorded on acetate disc during a very productive time of his life between 1974-1976 … one of my favorite timelines. Hardcore fans are already familiar with these songs, as they were leaked out on bootlegs over the years, but to hear alternative versions and songs from that period is still refreshing.

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Ethan Oxman | Host of “OX Radio” (Mondays 5-7 p.m.)

Albums Rayland Baxter – If I Were A Butterfly ZHU – Ringos Desert ODESZA – The Last Goodbye Golden Features – Sisyphus Green Day – Warning Sofia Kourtesis – Madres Gorillaz – Cracker Island The Airborne Toxic Event – The Airborne Toxic Event Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – B.R.M.C. Muse – Will Of The People

Singles ODESZA – The Last Goodbye Genesis Owusu – Get Inspired Amigo the Devil – Murder at the Bingo Hall Liz Cooper – Motorcycle Stephen Marley – Mind Control Rayland Baxter – If I Were A Butterfly Nick Shoulders – Miss the Mississippi and You Zella Day – Girls Andy Frasco – Dancin’ Around My Grave Paul Cauthen – Cocaine Country Dancing

 

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Danielle Carozza | Host of “The Ebb and Flow” (Mondays 7-9 p.m.)

Albums SZA – SOS DRAMA – Till We Die boygenius – the rest The National – Laugh Track Jungle – Volcano NEIL FRANCES – It’s All a Bit Fuzzy

Singles Fred again.., Obongjayer – adore u Courtney Barnett, Chastity Belt – Different Now DRAMA – Tighten It Up Major Lazer, Major League Djz – Ngibambe (Jayda G Remix) Fred Again…, Skrillex, Four Tet – Baby again… IDLES feat. LCD Soundsystem – Dancer Beck – Thinking About You The National – Weird Goodbyes (feat. Bon Iver) Wilco – Cousin Big Thief – Born For Loving You

Fred again.. – Entire Catalog

If 2022 was the year of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance,” then 2023 was the year of Fred again’s … entire discography. I first heard Fred again.. in the final scene of the film “Triangle of Sadness” and was immediately hooked on the beat of “Marea (we’ve lost dancing).” I was late to the game on this one but I like to think I’m making up for lost time by keeping this artist on repeat for the past year.

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Pahl (Alex Blackwelder) | Co-host of “The Fondue” (Tuesdays 5-7 p.m.)

Albums Soule Monde – The Relix Session: Soule Monde (Live at Relix Studio, June 2, 2021) Danny Gatton – Redneck Jazz Explosion Vol. 1 Flavien Berger – Leviathan BTTRFLY Quintet – Coast Milton Banana Trio – Balancando Com Milton Banana Trio Donna The Buffalo – Positive Friction Widespread Panic – Boone 1999 (Live) Lindsay Lou – Queen of Time Lamp – LaMP Thievery Corporation – Saudade

Singles Air – Sonic Armada Lamp – Out of Curiosity Wil Blades & Billy Martin – Les & Eddie The Orb – Ball of Fire Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66′ – Mais Que Nada Cowboy – Please Be With Me Fruition – Northern Town Dangermuffin – Western Sky Steely Dan – Cousin Dupree Donna The Buffalo – No Place Like The Right Time

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DJ P (Peter Henderson) | Co-host of “The Fondue” (Tuesdays 5-7 p.m.)

Albums Molly Tuttle – Crooked Tree Sierra Ferrell – Long Time Coming Nicholas Payton – DRIP Billy Strings – Me / And / Dad Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds Yussef Dayes – Black Classical Music

Singles Sierra Ferrell – Give It Time Vulfpeck – New Guru Molly Tuttle – Dooley’s Farm Billy Strings – John Deere Tractor Yussef Dayes – Rust (feat. Tom Misch) Matthew Halsall – Mountains, Trees, and Seas Big Richard – Walls of Time Le Youth – I Will Leave a Light On

Nicholas Payton – DRIP  

This was the first album I heard from Nicholas Payton, and I was immediately hooked. This album is more jazz fusion forward and the drums and bass really set the tone for the entire rhythmic hook of the record. Fun listening!

Billy Strings – Me / And / Dad   

Strings goes back to his roots on this album and teams up with his father who he grew up pickin’ with. The tracks on the record are some old school bluegrass tunes and Billy Strings puts his own spin on them with blazing guitar work and soulful singing. This album is a great honor of Strings’ family roots in bluegrass country. 

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Eli Bernstein | Host of “Left Of The Dial” (Tuesdays 9-11 p.m.)

Albums Black Belt Eagle Scout – The Land, the Water, the Sky Jeff Rosenstock – HELLMODE Lonnie Holley – Oh Me Oh My M83 – Fantasy Yves Tumor – Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume (Or, Simply, Hot Between Worlds)

Singles Chemical Brothers – No Reason Fireworks – Megachurch” Home Front – Nation Jean Dawson – youth+ Longstocking – Good Stuff Militarie Gun – Do It Faster Nabihah Iqbal – Sunflower Overmono – Feelings Plain Palehound – The Clutch Tyler, The Creator – Dogtooth

Black Belt Eagle Scout – The Land, the Water, the Sky

Katherine Paul, who performs as Black Belt Eagle Scout, is part of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, whose lands are in coastal Washington State. This impossibly lush, big-hearted album looks back in an ode to her family, ancestors, and the land that raised them, while also gazing forward to what it means to lean on a people’s collective consciousness and the natural world in this era of societal and environmental upheaval. Listen to the churning guitars on opener “My Blood Runs Through This Land” or the keening climax on “Don’t Give Up” and try not to imagine yourself becoming one with the forest.

Key track: “Don’t Give Up”

Lonnie Holley – Oh Me Oh My

“Oh Me Oh My” is a musical victory lap for Lonnie Holley. Born poor and coming of age in the deeply segregated South of the 1950s and ‘60s, Holley forged a career as an outsider artist who became beloved for his sculptures and installations made partly with found materials. He embarked on a music career in the early 2000s, and (of course) proved a genius at that as well. This album fuzes spoken word, chants and orchestral arrangements into a whole that’s as complex, autobiographical and thought-provoking as his visual art. Plus, the guest list is impeccable: Michael Stipe, Moor Mother, Bon Iver and more lend their talents to another inimitable work by an American legend.

Key track: “I Am A Part Of The Wonder”

Yves Tumor – Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume (Or, Simply, Hot Between Worlds)

Usually it takes me a couple of listens to fully appreciate an album, no matter how strong it is. Not so with this one: As soon as I’d gotten through the initial handful of tracks on “Praise A Lord,” way back in March, I knew I’d be writing about it for this year-end list. Yves Tumor got their start composing experimental electronic music, and they still retain the restless inventiveness of an artist who’s constantly exploring new ways to push their sound forward. Still, to put it simply, “Praise A Lord” flat-out rocks. This is a glam record with an avant-garde electronic pedigree, filled with coruscating guitar solos and helmed by a masterful bandleader performance by Tumor.  

Key track: “Heaven Surrounds Us Like A Hood”

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Big E (Robert Emerson) | Host of “Blues With A Feelin’” (Wednesdays 5-7 p.m.)

 

Favorite albums:

• Lil’ Jimmy Reed w/ Ben Levin – Back To Baton Rouge
• Bobby Rush – All My Love
• Steve Howell – Gallery of Echos
• Johnny Rawls – Walking Heart Attack
• John Primer: Live At Rosa’s – Teardrops for Magic Slim
• Douglas Avery – Take My Rider
• The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds
• Lucinda Williams – Stories From A Rock N Roll Heart
• Mitch Woods – Friends Along The Way
• Larry Taylor and The Taylor Family with The Soul Blues Healers – Generations of Blues; West Side Legacy

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OHNASSI (Ford Hebard) | Co-host of “Something Else Radio” (Wednesdays 9-11 p.m.)

Albums VHOOR – Maré Andre 3000 – New Blue Sun King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – PetroDragonic Apocalypse The Glitch Mob – Ctrl Alt Reality Jorja Smith – Falling or Flying

Singles Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair – Set the Roof Anz – Clearly Rushing Omar S, AF13, John FM – I Love Your Girlfriend

Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair – Set the Roof

This track is a certified banger, it incorporates so many styles and vibes into one cohesive tune. This was the track of the summer for so many people.

Anz – Clearly Rushing

Anz has been on a tear over the past couple of years with consistent dance-floor-moving, innovative sounds. This release on Hessle Audio will be heating up dance floors for years to come.

Omar S, AF13, John FM – I Love Your Girlfriend

This song has the soul of an oldie rolled into something new. This song will stay stuck in your head for months, be careful.

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Hunter S (Hunter Singleton) | Co-host of “Something Else Radio” (Wednesdays 9-11 p.m.)

Albums Sheena Dham – Sheena Dham 1.0 Handsome Tiger – First People Overmono – Good Lies Calibre – Shelflife 8 camoufly – kawaii vol. III Nikki Nair & Hudson Mohawke – Set The Roof VHOOR – Viaduto EP OAKK – Moving On EP Les Mamans du Congo & Rrobin- Ya Mizolé DJ Rashad – Double Cup

Singles Tim Wilson – Booty Man BODUR – Gorgeous Bryte – Zongo Boy Alex Unger feat. ​parkbreezy- BITR Nia Archives – Baianá (camoufly Edit) SIGFRIDA – FUNERAL Sade – Smooth Operator (Adame Edit) WOST – CALENTURA VAGINAL (HARD DRUM EDIT) Y U QT – Y’all Ready For Dis Bianca Oblivion & Sam Binga – Sweatboxx Party

 

Calibre – Shelflife 8    

13 tracks of all killer, no filler. Funky, liquid, deep drum and bass, and jungle equally suited for DJs rinsing out gun fingers in the rave or cerebral home hi-fi listeners. Jungle/drum and bass are going through a worldwide revival and making long overdue inroads into the mainstream electronic and dance scenes in the United States. Calibre’s recent release harkens back to true mastery of the genre in long format studio releases by the likes of LTJ Bukem, Goldie, Squarepusher and others. Jungle is Massive.

DJ Rashad – Double Cup (Re-Release)    

10 years later, DJ Rashad’s (RIP) seminal LP is as relevant and powerful as the day it was released. Synthesizing the lineage from Chicago house OGs like Frankie Knuckles to Ghettotech while incorporating 2000s rap samples and hyper speed club stutters from the scenes of Baltimore & Jersey, this is THE gold standard for Chicago Juke/Footwork. 

Handsome Tiger – First People  

Vancouver homie Handsome Tiger blends influences from his Anishinaabe Métis and North African heritage to release an epic album of global bass mixed with Indigenous voices and drums. This is the future of decolonized global beats.

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DJ ECHO (Brandon Whitesell) | Host of “Dimensional Sound Groove” (Thursdays 5-6:30 p.m.)

 

Favorite albums:

• Matthew Dear – Bunny
• Matthew Dear – Backstroke
• The Juan Maclean – Happy House (Matthew Dear v Audion Remix)
• Richie Hawtin – Consumed In Key
• Sofia Kourtesis – Madres
• Nightmares on Wax – CLUB E.A.S.E.
• Fela Kuti – Expensive Sh*t
• The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention
• Beastie Boys – Ill Communication
• De La Soul – Buhloone Mind State

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Lash (Delya Shock) | Host of “Easy Street” (Thursdays 6:30-8 p.m.)

Albums Weval – Remember Israel Nash – Ozarker Jungle – Volcano Unknown Mortal Orchestra – V Danielle Ponder – Some of Us Are Brave Little Dragon – Slugs of Love Spoon – Lucifer On the Sofa Jalen Ngonda – Come Around & Love Me boygenius – The Record Stephen Sanchez – Angel Face

Singles Sunny War – Whole Jessie Ware – Free Yourself Teddy Swims – Lose Control Gorillaz ft. Stevie Nicks – Oil Quantic – Run Olivia Dean – UFO Jimmy Buffett – Incommunicado Stephen Sanchez – Be More Portugal. The Man – Dummy Danielle Ponder – Roll The Credits

 

Israel Nash – Ozarker

Israel Nash flew forwards on an airport escalator while “spinning these wheels” backwards with the album “Ozarker.”  For me these songs are a place of ease, peace, movement, felt personal frustrations, freedom and stretch-your-arms-out release! Or dangle your arms down and dance around … chill and look out the window, kick the horse to run. Part frustration and freedom. It’s drive-across-the-country-and-back music.

Yard Act – The Trench Coat Museum

YARD ACT! Yes … more please! “The Trench Coat Museum.”  Watch the video. I think this will go down as a classic song for them. The creativity and history … ahhhhm can we say museum? Where is my Utopia??? I’m ready for the new release to see what they’ve conjured up this time.

Stephen Sanchez – Angel Face

The first time I heard “Be More” by Stephen Sanchez, I was like “What? What song is this from the ‘60s that somehow I’ve not heard!  Was it in “Grease”… why not? NO! This guy is abSOLutely cranking out an Elvis voice with dark, dark, deep heart shaking smokey love. His album “Angel Face” will make you wish you had that cigarette again and that young, old love. = Top listens are “Be More” and “High.” Damn, does anyone have a whiskey and a cigar?

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Rachel Cohn | Host of “Rolling Heads Named Dave” (Thursdays 9:30-11 p.m.)

Albums Dry Bread – Yamar b/w Words To My Song Noname – Sundial Florry – The Holey Bible Big Thief – Vampire Empire Bob Dylan – Shadow Kingdom Muna – Muna Nobody’s Face, Torky Tork – Y U DO Wilco – Cousin JW Francis – Dream House

Singles JW Francis – Swooning Noname – namesake Florry – Take My Heart The Beatles – Now And Then SAULT – Higher Ty Segall – Eggman Bob Dylan – Queen Jane Approximately Youth Lagoon – Rabbit Beach Fossils – Don’t Fade Away Le Pain – Rachel Veut Danser

 

JW Francis – Swooning 

“Swooning” was my summertime anthem. Biking to the farmers market/People’s Market to this song felt like a movie moment! 

Bob Dylan – Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I go mine) 

One of my favorite spite-driven Dylan songs, I love the accordion and other instruments in this song. Oh and also the lyrics, duh. 

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Chuck Roast (Chuck Hattemer) | Host of “Double Wide” (Fridays 5-7 p.m.)

Albums Arthur Alexander – Anna (Go To Him) Tash Sultana – MTV Unplugged (Live in Melbourne) Tora – A Force Majeure sir Was – Let The Morning Come The Infamous Stringdusters – Toward the Fray strongboi – strongboi 1000 Beasts – Naruda Chuck Sutton – i know what i’m doing* Whitney – Light Upon the Lake Crooked Colours – Vera

Singles Tash Sultana – Pretty Lady RÜDE CAT – Brown Liquor Watchhouse – Wildfire Kaelin Ellis – TRIPPIN’ Youth Lagoon – Mercury Miso Extra – 1013 Whitney – Something Happen Jeshi, Obongjayar – Protein FKJ, Bas – Risk Jessie Murph – Wild Ones (feat. Jelly Roll)

 

Tash Sultana – MTV Unplugged (Live in Melbourne)

For a modern live album, Tash Sultana pulls all the plugs on this release. Literally, she’s a solo act on stage and is recording all the sounds you’re hearing on this album herself. Not to mention the angelic vocals. No wonder her live performances have secured her a Live Roots Act of the Year award from the National Live Music Awards and a Rolling Stone Global Award. Hailing from Australia, Tash Sultana breathes new life into Australian psychedelic rock with this release. Check out the track ‘Pretty Lady’ and send yourself into the galaxy.

strongboi – strongboi

It’s always fun to be a part of an artist’s first self-titled album. Alice Phoebe Lou and Ziv Yamin, the two musicians behind strongboi, bring the chill with dreamy vocals on their freshman release. This album takes me back to the old days of the future beats genre, recalling the early sounds of Kaytranada but with a 2023 indie vocal twist. The pair layers psychedelic beats with moving rhythm — a perfect album for the flow state or a long rainy drive. Check out the tracks “fool around” and “ugi” on this album.

Pat Reedy – That’s All There Is (And There Ain’t No More)

Songs with rich stories are an outlier in much of today’s music. But alas, good old Americana or bluegrass quenches the storytelling thirst, and Pat Reedy does not disappoint. On this album, indulge yourself in the praise and controversy of the Nashville music scene with “Nashville Tennessee at 3AM” (including a shout-out to Sublette County!) or get jiggy with the fiddle on Reedy’s track, “Wedding Ring.” Pat Reedy is an act you want to see live, to get even more of the story from a man who train-hopped across the U.S. with a dream in sight. Best live show in Jackson this summer!

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Mark B (Mark Byall) | Host of “By All Means” (Fridays 7-9 p.m.)

Favorite albums:

• Scott McMicken And The Ever-Expanding – Shabang
• Bobby Harden And The Soulful Saints – Bridge Of Love
• Atmosphere – So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously
• The Ladies Of – Coming Out Of Our Tenderness
• WITCH – Zango
• NAS – Magic 3
• King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – PetroDragonic Apocalypse, or, Dawn Of Eternal Night: An Annihilation Of Planet Earth
• Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions
• The Sextones – Love Can’t Be Borrowed
• Sun Room – Outta Their Minds

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Johnny Peanutbutter (Daniel Huckel) | Host of “Mixed Jam” (Fridays 9-11 p.m.)

Albums Wax Tailor – Fishing For Accidents

Singles The Kiffness – Sometimes I’m Alone Quantic – Heaven Or Hell Krafty Kuts – I Got The Feeling (Fort Knox Five Remix) Dafuniks/Particle Man – Brakes On Tosca – Gute Laune feat. Tweed Giyo – The Space Between Allison Russell – The Returner Parov Stelar/Stelartronic – Breathe Gramatik – Good Love Biga*Ranx/L’Entourloop – Comme Nous

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Johnny Boy King (John King) | Host of “Rock N’ Blues” (Saturdays 12-2 p.m.)

Albums Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives – Altitude Myron Elkins – Factories, Farms & Amphetamines Jesse Dayton & Samantha Fish – Death Wish Blues Trent Summar & The New Row Mob – I Might Get Used To California Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Mindsets Duke Robillard – Six Strings of Steel Ally Venable – Real Gone GA-20 – Live in Loveland Eric Sardinas – Midnight Junction Brian Setzer – The Devil Always Collects

Singles Chris Duarte – Nobody But You Tommy Prine – Mirror and a Kitchen Sink Jesse Dayton & Samantha Fish – Death Wish Blues Myron Elkins – Factories, Farms & Amphetamines Trent Summar & The New Row Mob – I Might Get Used To California Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – If You’re Blue Ally Venable – Real Gone Low Cut Connie – Whips & Chains Blackberry Smoke – Dig A Hole Sarah Petite – I Want You So Bad

 

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JR (Jim Ramo) | Host of “Night School” (Saturdays 2-4 p.m.)

 

Van Morrison – Accentuate The Positive

Great to see some of the classic rockers delivering new material.  Van Morrison’s album is a collection of rock and roll covers and is a lot of fun.

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b3playr (Andrew Clark) | Host of “Cellar Door” (Saturdays 4-7 p.m.)

Albums Andre 3000 – New Blue Sun MGMT – Mother Nature Mayer Hawthorne – For All Time Hiatus Kaiyote – Mood Valiant The Avalanches – We Will Always Love You Jack White – Taking Me Back/Fear of the Dawn [Medley] (Live on SNL) Steely Dan – Can’t Buy A Thrill

Singles The Beatles – Now and Then Mayer Hawthorne – The Pool Alt-J (∆) – The Actor The Rail Runners – Crash Burn Learn Sia – Gimme Love Rolling Stones – Mess It Up (Purple Disco Machine Remix) Sisqo – Thong Song Paul Russell – Little Boo Thang LSD (Labirinth/Sia/Diplo) – Genius Sia – Unstoppable

Andre 3000 – New Blue Sun

A departure for the fashionable half of Outkast, Andre “Three Stacks” Benjamin came to the conclusion that he’s too old for hip hop at 48. That said, this instrumental album is extremely mature and fresh.

Hiatus Kaiyote – Mood Valiant

These guys are so much fun. I can’t wait to hear whatever comes out after this 2021 release.

The Beatles – Now and Then

Left over from the 1996 session that saw new singles (“Real Love” and “Free As A Bird”), this song was left unfinished and unreleased. Using the latest “AI” technology to isolate John Lennon’s vocals, this track sounds polished and new.

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Mike Werner | Host of “The Desert Grind” (Saturdays 7-9 p.m.)

Albums Cleophüzz – Mystic Vulture Love Your Witch – A Journey into the Unknown Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows – Hail to the Underground High Sanity – Half Hippie Deathcult – Helichrysum Fire Down Below – Low Desert Surf Club Dommengang – Wished Eye Stoned Jesus – Father Light Wayfarer – American Gothic Humulus – Flowers of Death

Singles Cleophüzz – Desperado Fire Down Below – Surf Queen Stoned Jesus – Thoughts and Prayers Sheev – Well Whined Love Your Witch – Fire Lady Humulus – Seventh Sun Fire Mystical – Evilmorphosis’ Strider – Dream the Dreamer Tusoc – Icaro Acid Magus – Progeneration

 

Cleophüzz – Mystic Vulture

Cleophüzz was a band from the west of Quebec, Canada. I was introduced to them on their 2018 album “Wizard of Phuzz.” Their latest album “Mystic Vulture” is a complete masterpiece. They have managed to weave together a tapestry of beautiful desert and heavy psych rock. The secret weapon of this album is the use of the cello which smooths out the fuzzy guitar and perfect drumming of the band. Keeping with a Western soundtrack, the lead vocals have a gritty harshness that blends in with the music nicely. The first track, “The End,” could have been a signal that the band had called it quits. Unfortunately, the band broke up soon after the release. This album is stunning and can be appreciated by anyone who loves music.

Fire Down Below – Low Desert Surf Club

It is hard to believe that this band is not from any of the deserts on planet earth. The band Fire Down Below is from Ghent, Belgium, which is quite the opposite environmentally and culturally. But their music sounds like it could be directly out of Southern California and the Mojave Desert. Their new album “Low Desert Surf Club” is a groovy, harmonious improvement over their last two albums. Every song flows into each other seamlessly and will make you want to finish the entire album. It’s super fun and will have you feeling pumped up and positive. 

Love Your Witch – A Journey into the Unknown 

Here is a group that on the outside seems wild but on the inside they are softies full of love. Love Your Witch of Tel Aviv Yafo, Israel is a desert/stoner/thrash/punk band. Their first couple of albums are harsh but showcase good music that will destroy you in a good way. What stands apart from their older albums and their latest,  A Journey into the Unknown, is they prove how talented they are with instruments and their singing. Mor Gal, their lead singer and guitarist, shows that he can sing melodies that are more on the “love song” side of things rather than just screaming into the mic. This album is a standout and game changer in the crowded world of desert/stoner rock.

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DJ Bloo (Evan Ballew) | Host of “Rocket Sauce” (Saturdays 9-11 p.m.)

 

Favorite albums:

• Nation of Language – Strange Disciple
• Slaughter Beach, Dog – Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling
• Slowdive – everything is alive
• Florry – The Holey Bible
• MJ Lenderman – And the Wind (Live and Loose!)
• Slow Pulp – Yard
• King Krule – Space Heavy
• Hotline TNT – Cartwheel
• feeble little horse – Girl with Fish
• Wednesday – Rat Saw God

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Studebacher (Bill Helm) | Substitute DJ

 

Favorite albums:

• Julian Lage – Layers
• Chris Botti – Vol 1
• Samara Joy – Linger Awhile
• Pete Escovito – Lifetime Anthology
• Meshell Ndegeocello – The Omnichord Real Book
• Brad Meldau – Your Mother Should Know
• John Scofield – Uncle John’s Band
• Eliane Elias – Quietude
• Incognito – Into You
• Jason Moran – From the Dancehall to the Battlefield

 

Brad Meldau – Your Mother Should Know

Meldau covered Beatles tunes on this release. The extensive improvisation on songs so familiar to most is a true delight and very accessible.

Julian Lage – Layers

A real “tour de force.” Julian has upped his game with a switch to a new label and collaboration with his most trusted sidemen. The interplay between the players is outstanding.

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Chef Lito (Karl Schmidt) | Substitute DJ

Albums Ironsides – Changing Light Geese – 3D Country Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES Medasin – Always In A Hurry Sofia Kourtesis – Madres Thee Oh Sees – Intercepted Message King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – PetroDragonic Apocalypse Harrison – Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees Yazmin Lacey – Voice Notes

Singles Geese – 3D Country Ironsides – Changing Light Thee Oh Sees – Goon Young Fathers – I Saw Medasin – I Feel Strange Nick Shoulders – Whooped if You Will Ironsides – Web Harrison – Cowboys JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown – God Loves You Kieran Hebden, William Tyler – Darkness, Darkness

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Beatrix Goldstein | Substitute DJ

Albums Easy Star All-Stars – Dub Side of the Moon Ms. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard Wyclef Jean – The Carnival featruing Refugee Allstars Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon Beyoncé – BEYONCÉ [Platinum Edition] Fleetwood Mac – Rumours Taylor Swift – 1989

Singles Kendrick Lamar – King Kunta De La Soul & Snoop Dogg – Pain Tyler Childers – Feathered Indians Jay-Z & Kanye West – No Church In the Wild Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle Zach Bryan feat. The Lumineers – Spotless Lana Del Rey feat. Father John Misty – Let The Light In Chris Stapleton – You Should Probably Leave Zach Bryan – Nine Ball Grateful Dead – Brown Eyed Women

 

Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city

This album is in one word: incredible. Although it’s over 10 years old, Kendrick’s lyrics can be consistently interpreted as poetry. Kendrick has such a unique voice and really delivers his own style of rap to the world.

Easy Star All-Stars – Dub Side of the Moon

“Dark Side of the Moon” is one of my favorite albums, but Easy Star All-Stars’ reggae take on the album brings Pink Floyd’s songs to another level. The reggae versions and the creative names make this album so sick to me.

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