Seven Thursday morning standouts:
The Mix-Up
- Righteously-Anna Ash (A bass line this strong usually sets the stage for a solid groove. Here, it's strong underpinning of confident lyrics such with quiet self-assurance.)
- Red Onion-Richard "Groove" Holmes (Holmes turns in reliably rhythmic jazz organ performances consistently, but every instrument is essential in giving this groove its funk.)
Memphis To Manchester
- Pin A Rose-Kim Richey (Good lyrics acknowledge that people sometimes pursue the wrong people for them--even when they've been warned.)
- Future 40s (String Of Pearls)-Syd Straw (This track has an appealing energy, and there's a nice vocal--including whistling--blend between Michael Stipe and Straw.)
Pop! The Beat Bubble Burst
- There's A Kind Of Hush-The New Vaudeville Band (I was surprised to hear the original version of this on crstl.fm--or anywhere, for that matter. While this version is enjoyable, I hear why Herman's Hermits had the hit version of it. Vocally and instrumentally, this rendition has more of a novelty lounge feel to it. The vocal phrasings on the Herman's Hermits take are more natural and accessible, and the instrumentation has a more overt pop sensibility.)
- Frosty-Albert Collins (Ringing, upbeat blues guitar; that's no surprise for an artist who pulled off the impressive consistency of the "Truckin' With Albert Collins" album.)
- This Lens-The Morning Line (This February release is one of 2026's stronger power pop tunes. To me, a song is already halfway there with this jangly guitar style. "This Lens" cements my approval of it with honest lyrics about how we sometimes hold onto rose-colored impressions of those we like.)
