Remembering Country Joe McDonald
Feel Like I’m Fixing to Die Rag
I wasn’t at Woodstock (we wanted to go, but the roads were already gridlocked for miles around), but when I hear Country Joe’s voice, I immediately get goosebumps. Not least because millions are taking to the streets again in the US. And demonstrators in cities across the world are joining them to show their solidarity and to emphasise their own desire for peace and democracy. The New York Times has dedicated an obituary to Country Joe. He called a spade a spade cleverly and with a scathing boldness few other lyricists have achieved before or since. Great thanks are due. (SGS)
Vanguards Records
Fuerza Regida
Marlboro Rojo
FUerza Regida was originally a Californian cover band with Mexican roots. It was founded by Jesús Ortíz Paz (lead singer), Samuel Jáimez (backing vocalist and guitarist), Khrystian Ramos (rhythm guitarist) and José “Pelón” García (sousaphonist); In 2022, Moisés López (tololoche, a type of cello) joined the line-up. Originally known as a norteño band, they later incorporated various subgenres into their music, including ‘corridos tumbados’, of which they are considered pioneers. They combine the traditional storytelling and instrumentation of the Mexican corrido (guitars, brass instruments) with trap music, hip-hop and lyrics that deal with city life, luxury, drugs and resilience.
Rancho Humilde
Chinese American Bear
Magic Number
Chinese American Bear is an American pop duo from Seattle, Washington, consisting of husband and wife Lingbo Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten. They play psychedelic C-pop music with lyrics in Mandarin and English. Tong, a classically trained pianist, studied economics at Princeton and the University of Chicago, whilst Barsten studied art. He was a member of several New York indie bands. Whilst he was learning Mandarin, he and Tong began writing music together for the first time. Unlike Barsten’s previous experiences with other bands, the music he wrote with Tong was more ‘fun’. Tong, on the other hand, says: ‘Bryce drew me into it. It was never my dream to be in a rock band and go on tour with a rock band. Now it is.’“
Moshi Moshi Records
Brontës
Asking for a Friend
Brontës are an alernativ, female fronted band out of Yorkshire. “Asking for a Friend” is the fourth digital single from Brontës’ upcoming debut album, set for release in April. Their First single, “Cognitive Dissonance,” was released on 22 August, a sunny indie rock hit full of catchy guitar licks and classic pop lyricism. Brontës are Eva on vocals and guitar, Amelia on drums and vocals, Erin on guitar and vocals, Katie on bass and vocals. With a brand new look, attitude, and sound, Brontës have reinvented themselves as a four-piece rock-pop band influenced by generations of classic pop music, such as Sabrina Carpenter, Blondie, and the Ronettes.
Last Night From Glasgow
Squarepusher
K2 Central (from the upcoming album Kammerkonzert)
Thomas Russell Jenkinson, known professionally as Squarepusher, is an English electronic musician, record producer, bassist, multi-instrumentalist and DJ whose career started in the nineties. His music spans several genres including drum and bass, IDM, acid techno, jazz fusion, and electroacoustic music. Tom Jenkinson was born and grew up in Chelmsford, Essex, England. The first school he attended exposed him to organ music. He later became interested in house, music, hardcore acid house and techno. Kammerkonzert, out April 10, follows 2024’s Dostrotime and last year’s archival release Stereotype.
Warp Music