Welcome back to another edition of my favorites discovered on Spotify for the week. We start off with a traditional Country artist in Gethen Jenkins who has his latest song, “Basket Case” off his upcoming album, Western Gold, produced by Grammy Award Winner Vance Powell (Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, Old 97’s, Buddy Guy). For Powell to take a chance on Gethen and record this album with him at Sputnik Sound in Nashville speaks volumes to the talent Gethen Jenkins brings, I look forward to the full album release which is slated for July 26 (via Sony RED/The Orchard).
Beyond the new songs from my longtime favorite established artists Walk the Moon, Two Door Cinema Club, Generationals, Andy Grammer, and The Avett Brothers, here are some emerging artists I’d like to point out:
Injury Reserve is a hip-hop group I got introduced by a friend of a friend Eddie Kim who had written on Facebook how their debut album was one of his favorites from 2019. As I hadn’t heard of them, I added the album to my new albums to listen to the playlist and was intrigued by inventive beats, weird rhyming/singing structure and unusual song composition that kept me coming back wanting more. Listened to the whole album and added a couple of favorites on the below playlist. FOR FANS OF: Wu-Tang Clan, Run The Jewels, Beastie Boys.
A colleague helped product manager the Jontavious Willis debut album which was produced by Keb Mo. It’s a modern classic blues album and keep an eye out on Willis. Not exactly on my radar but after listening to his full album, “Jon’s Boogie” was a fun instrumental.
Current Swell has this timeless 90s rock sound, I haven’t loved any of there music but I haven’t disliked any of it either, it’s just good rock music.
I love Boy & Bear so please listen to their new song, you won’t be disappointed. If you like it, listen to Southern Sun and then The Feeding Line.
LA-based band Half the Animal are something special in the alternative electric rock/pop vibe. Signed to Jon Cohen’s Big Noise imprint, this band just released their Summertime High EP and I enjoyed just about all the tracks, it’s a fun upbeat rock/pop band that is super catchy! FOR FANS OF Walk The Moon, Great Good Fine Ok, Young Rising Sons, Bronze Radio Return, Smallpools. “Too Late” and “Hi Lo” are my two favorites which I’ve put on the playlist.
New Orleans rapper/singer Pell is one of the most underrated hip-hop musicians out there and I highly encourage diving into his catalog of music, most of it is fantastic and great to vibe with. FOR FANS OF: B.o.B., Anderson .Paak, J. Cole, Bruno Mars if he was a rapper. His Gravity album is out now, I can’t wait to dive into Pell’s full project.
Cisco Adler‘s got a new album, Hippieland. It’s a relaxing acoustic album, I love “High Tide Again” and he’s just a great musician if you want relaxing stoner acoustic music.
For something funkier, get into Boulevards. It’s infectious funk pop that is super easy to dance to. I love dancing, I like funk, I like easy to sing along lyrics and Boulevards pretty much covers it. Haven’t dived into his full album, Yadig!, yet but once I do, you may see more songs of his on future playlists.
Lastly, raise your hand if you’ve heard of Pablo Cruise? I haven’t and the song “Good Ship Pablo Cruise” came on my Discover Weekly and I’m so happy I hit play on this song. Relaxing 70’s yacht rock, it’s feel-good music you can’t help but get into and toe-tap along to.
Anyway, there’s my favorite below, please comment on what your favorites are and recommendations are always recommended. Cheers!
