From the Inbox: 30 Songs The Week (12/7/20)
The countdown is on for the end of 2020.
I, for one, have a calendar I received for Christmas last year that is still in its original packaging. It’s for sale if anyone is interested in the novelty item.
There’s still plenty to look forward to as we approach the end of the year, including my new podcast and my upcoming list of the year’s top albums. In the meantime, my weekly From the Inbox round-up is here for you to discover some of the best of the best this week, as I take you through 29 of my favourite songs.
As always, you can find Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify to stay up to date on new releases. You can listen to the entire collection with our handy From the Inbox Spotify playlist (it’s also embedded at the bottom of the post).
And lastly, I’ve introduced a monthly newsletter and you can visit our Patreon account if you’d like to show your support!
Don’t forget to listen to the new From the Inbox: The Podcast episode to learn more about some of the week’s featured tracks – out every Tuesday morning!
Jesse Roper – Brightside
What a voice.
Metchosin, British Columbia-based singer-songwriter Jesse Roper wanted to shine some light on the world with his new single “Brightside”. The rustic charm of his voice and the slick R&B guitar riff bring out the best of the song, as he sings from the soul to share some love.
Tessa Violet – Wishful Drinking
Some of you may recognize this one from TikTok after the song went viral on the app. Turns out it wasn’t even one of the main singles from her debut album Bad Ideas which came out last year (funny how time flies). Either way, it’s a catchy indie pop tune and Tessa is a growing sensation for a reason.
San Holo – bb u ok?
Dutch producer San Holo wants to check up on you – bb u ok?
In a fast-paced world, his new single “bb u ok?” is a reminder to communicate and keep connections with friends and family. In San Holo fashion, it comes with mellow guitar melodies that lead to an explosive hook and drop. You’ll surely be feeling better after this one.
Christian Blue – Leave It Unlocked
Oakland hip-hop artist Christian Blue made his debut with “Leave It Unlocked” back in September and has now dropped his first ever music video for it. Mixing together funk, soul, hip-hop, and electro-pop, “Leave It Unlocked” is a hazy, Cali-hop track lead by BLue’s falsetto rap style and retro production as he hangs around a skatepark looking chill af.
Sage Ray – Goodbye Stage
When you know, you know. But that also means if you don’t know, then you know too, you know?
After thinking he wanted to marry his girlfriend of 5 months, Sage Ray realized during a break in the relationship that things weren’t meant to be (surprise, surprise). After returning home to North Carolina from California, Sage had a 10-page letter waiting from his girlfriend. His new single “Goodbye Stage” is the response to her letter. On the bright side, it’s a head-bopping Gen-Z pop tune with a big chorus and crushing production.
Billy Lockett – Wasting Time
Speaking of heartbreak, singer-songwriter Billy Lockett wrote his new single “Wasting Time” fresh from a break up. But at the end of the day, he admits it was the most honest writing he’s done, so maybe it was worth it. The piano pop ballad brings out the emotion of the situation, asLockett channels Chris Martin and Sam Smith for this one.
The Last Morrell – Picking At Stitches
Hopefully during lockdown and quarantine, some of you managed to learn a new skill or picked up a new hobby. Makes things a little more interesting. This is especially true for British singer-songwriter The Last Morrell. Having been curious about animation his whole life, he decided to give it a whirl for the music video for “Picking At Stitches”. It’s a wonderful feat and the perfect narrative for his stunning ballad.
Niels Schack – Air
Paris-based alt-pop artist Niels Schack was inspired by the movie “Blow” for his new music video for “Air”. Some brainstorming and string-pulling was involved, but they managed to make a video that involves them flying in a little shoebox plane with a briefcase. Plus, there’s a feature from 49TV, a French improv comedy duo that steal the show for a minute or two.
It’s funny, clever, and down right a lot of fun.
Beta Radio – Afraid of Love
It’s always a pleasure when music and film combine. Most music videos are a style of film in their own way, but when the artist takes it an extra step into the world of short film, that’s when things get interesting. North Carolina folk duo Beta Radio turned their new single “Afraid of Love” into a striking film about a boy and his father. The song is already heartfelt and emotional, but the visuals certainly beef it up.
SK & The Kings – Thrill
After a friend was stuck in relationship-limbo, SK wrote “Thrill” about communicating her friend’s intentions for the relationship. In neo-jazz, soul-funk style, “Thrill” turns the awkward conversation of “what are we?” into an upbeat and lively dance tune.
Zarif – Click
After putting out music on a major label, Zarif found herself feeling unfilled and unsatisfied with music. She was boxed in as a soul-pop artist, but on her new single “Click”, she’s taking back the reigns on her sound as she dives into alternative and grunge-pop. Written about facing your fears, “Click” is a fitting release as she launches into an indie music career, away from the unwanted compromise of major labels.
The Lickerish Quartet – Snollygoster Goon
Alternative rock trio The Lickerish Quaartet have been playing together for a number of years as members of Jellyfish, and with each being members of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Slash’ Snake Pit, Alice Cooper, Beck, and more. Their second EP Threesome Vol. 2 is out January 8th, and from the release is “Snollygoster Goon”, a fast-paced, alt-rock tune that feels like its been ripped out of 2005 and thrown into this chaotic modern world.
The Strokes – The Adults Are Talking
The Strokes’ latest album The New Abnormal came out earlier this year with mixed reviews. I certainly didn’t find it to be their best work, but it did have its strengths. Included in that is “The Adults Are Talking. Now, the moody post-punk revival track has a compelling music video to add, hitting some weird, dark emotions as humans face off against the perfect robots. Can The Strokes baseball team score a run against the machines?
The Flamingos Pink – Best We Ever Had
Montreal based rock duo The Flamingos Pink are your standard rock band. Tight pants, long hair, and gutty guitar riffs. But with that also comes their explosive ability to turn a room into a wildfire of dancing and energy. Their latest video for “Best We Ever Had”, the opening track from their sophomore album Outtacontroller, captures their live performance and plays up its rock n’ roll fever.
Anna Lunoe – Ice Cream ft. Nakamura Minami
There are so many talented artists signed to Mad Decent. It’s definitely one of my favourite imprints, so every time I get word of a new release, I get very excited. “Ice Cream” from Australian DJ Anna Lunoe is a sugar-coated club banger that’s rooted in trance and Eurohouse for a trippy dance experience.
Anomalie & Chromeo – On My Mind
Some presents came early this year, including the collaboration EP album Bend The Rules from Montreal electronic acts Anomalie and Chromeo. The 3-track effort was a formidable mix of styles and synergy, and “On My Mind” is high-energy nu-disco dance track we didn’t realize we needed.
Black Summer – Blender
At just 17 years old, Black Summer (Rhys Tom) is already getting nods at being the “next Flume”. His new album YeH certainly entertains that idea, including the hit “Blender”. It’s a glitchy, heavily layered EDM track that’s pretty damn good (especially for a high schooler).
Lamalo – Sunrise Reprise
Sydney electronic duo Lamalo have been playing “Sunrise Reprise” at their live shows for a few years now, but finally decidd to share the studio version with the world. Keeping in line with future bass and EDM genres, it’s a bass-slapping hit that turns textures into melody and groovy rhythms.
Kaky – Lundi matin
You may recognize the name, since I’ve featured Kaky before. I stand behind my statement that he is the next Stromae, with his wordy, conscious lyrics and infectious French-pop sound. His new single and video is “Lundi Matin”, as he turns the angst of a Monday morning into a high-energy affair.
La Femme – Disconnexion
French psych-pop group La Femme have created their own world for their upcoming third album with their previous two singles “Paradigme” and “Cool Colorado”. Following suit is “Disconnexion”, a hallucinogenic disco-pop track that features a psycho-clown playing the banjo and unorthodox party animals. La Femme have gathered some vintage music genres, like disco, new wave, and early trance and made it into something futuristic and otherworldly.
SAIAH – 3NIGHTS
Another deserving repeat artist to the round-up is SAIAH. The Arizona-based hip-hop artist has dropped a number of singles this year and his new EP Non-Binary came out this past weekend. From the release, is “3NIGHTS’, a hard-hitting grunge-meets-hip-hop release that is a worthy mention in the new wave of alternative hip-hop in the shape of KennyHoopla and DEAR-GOD to name a few.
Dax – Joker Returns
Canadian rapper Dax really stole the show with this one. His new track “Joker Returns” has crazy Slim Shady vibes as he goes off about the hate and frustration in the world and his life in a wildly candid way. Adding to the off-the-rails delivery is Dax’s performance as Heath Ledger’s Joker in the new music video.
Entertaining is an understatement.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Screaming Indian
Vancouver hip-hop duo Snotty Nose REz Kids have been busy this year, releasing a new EP and a handful of singles. The latest is “Screaming Indian”, a collaboration with producer Skinny Local. The trap-inspired track is all about giving a big middle finger to colonialism and SNRK really turn up for this one.
Lil Wayne – B.B. King Freestyle ft. Drake
When Drake isn’t rapping about being heartbroken or sapping, I find he’s on his game. This new freestyle from Lil Wayne and Drake is in the territory of positive releases as the two share their successes overtop of a DJ Kahled-produced beat sample from the late, great B.B. King.
Robert Glasper – Better Than I Imagined (Kaytranada Remix)
Speaking of Greats, Robert Glasper has shared a new Kaytranada remix of his recent single “Better Than I Imagined”. Turning the vocals of H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello into a atmospheric and wobbly electro-jazz tune.
We The Commas – The RZN
Self-described surf-R&B brother trio We The Commas put out their debut EP SARB recently. Turning the SoCal waves into R&B-tinged surf-pop, the brothers created the perfect soudntrack for a sunny afternoon. With that positivity in hand, We the Commas have shared their new single “The RZN”. As an anthem about racial injustice, the brothers wrote the song 3 days after the murder of George Floyd as a personal exposition as young Black men.
Goodnight Goodbye – Some Kind Of
Indie rock trio Goodnight Goodbye is a family affair. Three brothers, Joe, Sam, and Nat have been making music together since they were kids growing up in Birmingham before relocating to Italy as a family. Their official debut came last November with the EP On Your Knees, and have shared their latest Rose Garden. From the release is the ethereal and ambient track “Some Kind Of”. Its dreamy vocals, and glowing instrumentation make for an easy comparision to Bon Iver-meets-M83.
Beau Turrentine – Pillow House
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Beau Turrentine recently shared his new EP Pillow House, showcasing his brooding indie rock style. The record’s title track is the perfect introduction, with its glowing bedroom-pop guitar effects and Beau’s unique vocal style leading the way.
Sarah Harmer – Little Frogs
I pride myself on my Kermit the Frog impersonation.
While this music video has nothing to do with Kermit, “Little Frogs” features acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer and her puppet pal frog friend (brought to life by award-winning puppeteer Ali J Eisner) as they sing about all the things they’re grateful for. It’s a warmhearted and feel-good song that is a wonderful reminder that its easier to be thankful than we realize.
Laura Jane Grace – The Swimming Pool Song
Short and sweet, but fucking creepy.
Laura Jane Grace, the front woman of Against Me! put out a solo record this weekend, and “The Swimming Pool” is the opening track from Stay Alive. The gritty, acoustic track unleashes a lot of pent up energy and to match the sonic juxtaposition, the music video adds another contrasting element with a slow-burning horror slasher clip.
Owen Meany’s Batting Stance – Krakow
Daniel Walker, the man behind Owen Meany’s Batting Stance, finds his strength through his candid lyrics and upfront performance style. His latest single “Krakow”, off his new album Featherweights, was written while he was staying in a hostel alone on Thanksgiving in Krakow away from his family while on tour. So, he sang about being alone on Thanksgiving in Krakow away from his family while on tour. His scruffy vocals and steady guitar strumming match his storytelling style wonderfully, as listeners are easily transported into his mind and world.
