Today is one of those days that seems like it should be a significantly sad day for me. It’s the anniversary of my Father’s death, 19 years ago. While the style of music that I tend to lean towards is vastly different than what my Dad listened to, I credit him for fostering my love of music, and my penchant for black clothing. Dad was a huge Johnny Cash fan. He also loved the Hank Williams Sr. and Gene Pitney. What he lacked in stature, he made up for in style. Barely 5’7″ tall, you would have never known since he regularly dressed in nearly all black, including a black cowboy hat, black boots, and always smoking his whiskey-flavored tobacco in a pipe. Regularly belting out his favorite country western tracks, he wore his badass, nonconformist attitude like most people wear their mediocrity. Growing up, one of our favorite activities was listening to music on the stereo 8-track player, he, showing me constellations in the sky. While many of the artists he listened to may not seem to be similar to my beloved post-punk, in so many ways, there is a strong thread. These musicians wrote about world weariness, the tragedy of life, and, of heartbreak. One of my favorite Hank Williams Sr. songs talks about a man who is so sad that he wants to die, but, every way he tries to end his life, he is thwarted by an ironic circumstance that you couldn’t even make up. And, that is how it comes full circle, friends. The realization that great songs are just that, no matter what style they are delivered in. Tonight’s playlist is short tonight, but, like my Pop, boasting audacious attitude. Tracks featured this evening include post-punk, shoegaze and indie-pop artists – both modern and classic. Plus, a few tracks that my Pop would have loved. I miss you, Dad.
The first artist I am featuring tonight is a lesser known post-punk/goth band from the 80’s by the name of Party Day. Forming in Yorkshire, they released two full length albums and a number of singles, but, never quite reached the success they deserved. Swooping and soaring, their live performance was said to be quite memorable. They have been vaunted by music enthusiasts such as Mick Mercer for many years. Rumor has it that a compilation of their complete catalog is being compiled by Optic Nerve Records, although, no release date has been set.
Next up is one of my favorite new(er) releases on 4AD, a British artist who goes by the name SOHN. His style of music is probably best described as indie electronic. He uses elements of folk, and R&B in his arrangements, and the music is held together with gorgeous synth washes and soulful lyrics. He released his first album in 2014, and his sophomore release earlier this year. He is currently rounding out some North American dates and will be doing a full European tour later this fall. Tonight I am featuring two tracks from his 2017 release “Rennen.”
A Thousand Hours is an Alaskan-based band that has released, not one, but, two albums this year. The fires are burning brightly for this slowcore, post-punk influenced project. Main composer, Red Collier, works with Demi Haynes to create ethereal and dreamy darkwave. Tonight I am featuring two tracks from their latest release, “Sleep.”
Magic Mountain is a modern post-punk/synthwave revival band that I introduced to the Strawberry Tongue playlist back in early 2016 and Lady Audio interview for Strawberry Spotlight, too. Their tracks combine dark synths, brooding vocals and luscious layers. They released their debut album last year and recently released a new single. I am featuring one of their older tracks – and hands down – one of my favorite tracks ever – plus, their new single tonight.
Hyena Motorcade is a LA-based band that specializes in “a heady blend of post-punk, new wave, and blues-kissed alt-pop.” With angular, yet melodic guitars, and indie-pop rhythms, their sound is bright and brooding, reminiscent of 80’s new wave art-rockers Psychedelic Furs. The four-piece indie rockers formed in Orange County, California in the summer of 2009 and have developed a local following. Members include vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Ric Kaley, guitarist Mark Allen, bass player Art Agunod, and drummer Alberto Campo. I am featuring two of their tracks this evening, one of which was produced by Psychedelic Furs/Satellite Paradiso guitarist John Ashton.
The Raft is a lo-fi, indie-pop project of Phil Wilson. His new four-track EP, “Coming Up For Air,” has a smooth indie pop aesthetic. With bright and brilliant guitars laying a base for simmering, sad lyrics, that seem to relay tales of lost love. Based in the UK, The Raft has released a number of releases on Bandcamp and tonight I am featuring a track from his latest release.
Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Sr. were both favorites of my Dad. I have fond memories of their music and often find myself listening to their music when I am feeling nostalgic. Added to the playlist tonight are a couple of my favorite tracks from these legendary performers.
Friday Night Faves airs every Friday evening at 7pm EDT/EST, and randomly re-generates at 7am & 7pm EDT/EST on Saturday and Sunday following. After that, you will hear these artists as part of our regular rotation on Strawberry Tongue Radio.
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