I’ve already written a rather extensive guide to my favorite band and frankly the greatest band of all time, Chumbawamba, and I’ve been thinking a lot about music lately so I figured I would write a guide to some of my favorite non-chumbawamba artists, albums, and songs. This is all purely opinion and none of this is intended to be legitimate review or critique, just my thoughts on the artists.
I generally like music that kicks me in the chest, whether that be sonically or emotionally. All the music here has kicked me in the chest in one way or another.
Artists
These are mostly artists that I’ve listened to a large chunk of their discography. Unlike Chumbawamba who’s studio discography I have listened to in its entirety on more than one occasion, I am not as thorough with these artists. However, I still have listened to enough to feel that I can recommend them
Against Me!
The soundtrack of my parent’s divorce and my budding political radicalism in the last years of high school, Against Me!’s music has been a consistent refuge for me. A mix of Punk and Folk and of course Folk Punk, there is no lack of variation in Against Me!’s discography.
“The Ocean,” “Stop!,” and “White People for Peace” are my favorites off of New Wave. “Baby I’m an Anarchist!,” “Walking is still honest,” and “8 full hours of sleep,” are my favorites from their classic Reinventing Axl Rose. I believe Against Me! Is at their absolute best in their album Transgender Dysphoria Blues, with honorable mention to White Crosses. I have too many songs from both albums that I consider my favorites, but “Black Me Out” on Transgender Dysphoria Blues and the title track from White Crosses would be the first songs I’d recommend off either album. Songs like “Cliche Guevara,” “Cavalier Eternal,” and “Joy” and “Miami” deserve recognition as standouts on their respective projects.
Skatune Network/JER
The Messiah of a new era of Ska, Jer is, in my opinion, fast becoming an icon of the genre. Jer is incredibly knowledgeable on the history and development of ska as a genre, and if you go to their TikTok, always has incredible recommendations on new ska, punk, and alternative bands led by BIPOC and Queer people. Beyond Jer the influencer is JER the artist, and of course Skatune Network.
Jer has only released one full album under the name JER, 2022’s Bothered/Unbothered which is my album of the summer. Hard hitting ska, with many other influences twisted in, it is a wonderful cocktail of musical flavors. The political messaging of many of the songs also hits home. “Decolonize Yr Mind” is of course the highlight of this. “Clout Chasers,” one of the other singles on the album, is another absolute bop of a song. It’s impossible to listen to Bothered/Unbothered without wanting to get up and move and maybe burn down a police precinct while skanking.
Skatune Network, the other piece of Jer’s musical production, has been more prolific thus far. Top 40 covers that are put out on their youtube every week, as well as a curated collection in the album Burn the Billboard are a staple of Skatune Network. Their Halloween and Christmas albums are also instant classics in my mind.
Utah Phillips
Utah Phillips is a folk singer who has released a great number of union and worker’s songs that are all classics. As his name suggests, he is from Utah. In fact he went to the High School where High School Musical was filmed before it was called the “High School where High School Musical was filmed.” Many of his recordings feature anecdotes and stories of workers’ and union activism and struggles. Utah Phillips is the epitome of music that inspires action. Perfect for any picket line or organizing meeting, Utah Phillips is a titan of union music.
His version of “The Popular Wobbly” is what introduced me to him and I was hooked in an instant. “All Used Up,” “We Have Fed You All For a Thousand Years,” “There is Power in a Union” are all wonderful songs that outline what is, and what could be for the workers of the world. Utah Phillip’s Wobbly ideology is celebrated throughout his songs and his prolific recording means there is still much for me to pick through and discover by him. As of yet, “The Telling Takes Me Home” is by far my favorite song I’ve discovered by him. In due time there will likely be a “Beginners Guide to Utah Phillips” published on this blog
Akintoye
Akintoye is by far my favorite rapper right now. In the introduction I stated I like music that kicks me in the chest in one way or another, and Akintoye always manages to kick me in the chest in new and interesting ways. I was of course introduced to his music over TikTok where a jingle he wrote stating “I’ll be damned if I listen to words up out the mouth of a man with an unwashed ass” went viral. In the way viruses work, I was infected and have been a fan since.
Whether it's through forceful lyrics like in “Ease Up” and “Off the Lot,” or melancholy melody and lyrics in “Taking on the World Tonight” or “Talk right now,” Akintoye has got music for every mood. His 2021 album “Centerpiece” is my favorite of the two full length albums he has released thus far in his career. I look forward to seeing whatever Akintoye comes out with next.
Deserving of mention:
The Longest Johns, Pat the Bunny, Cœur de Pirate, The Altogether
Albums
Tai Verdes - TV (2021) and Olivia Rodrigo - Sour (2021)
An artist who has only released one full-length Tai Verdes has yet to produce a song I don’t like. His album TV is full of songs that are upbeat, high energy, and often heartwrenching all at the same time. Easy to listen to, and fun to sing along to TV was a fantastic debut album, and I look forward to HDTV, the upcoming second album from the artist. “A-OK” and “Momma told me I’m gonna be” are my favorites from the album.
Another artist who has only released one studio album, but the release is an absolute masterpiece. Most of the songs on the album speak for themselves but I want to take the moment to give “Brutal” and “Good 4 u” their flowers as my favorites on the album.
Stan Rogers - From Coffee House to Concert Hall (1999)
This 20 song, 70 minute album is made of live recordings of Stan Rogers’ performances before his untimely death in 1983. The opening song “Guysborough Train” is beautiful and haunting. “Love Letter” is a heartfelt song of homesickness and the weariness of travel. The nautical folk classic “Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her” gets the Stan Rogers treatment on the album as well. The crown jewel of the album to me is the closing song, Stan’s performance of “Down the Road,” written by Mary McCaslin. The album is full of his rich vocals and gentle guitar, and is overall a wonderful listen.
Apes of the State - This City Isn’t Big Enough (2016)
A bonafide folk punk classic, this album is a major part of my musical awakening. Full of economic and social and romantic angst and strife, the album isn’t always an easy listen, but it certainly delivers a kick to the chest. “Bill Collectors Theme Song” touches on the economic anxieties and alienation of the modern day young adult, something I know far too many people who can relate to. “Plate Glass Apology” and “On to the Next” sing about the messy parts of breakups and moving on. “I Listened” is my favorite Apes of the State song. It’s a song full of yearning and heartache and the frustration of having a crush on someone and figuring out how to express that.
Left at London - Transgender Street Legend Vols 1, 2 & 3 (2018, 2020, 2022)
So, technically not one album, or even three separate albums, but Left at London’s three Transgender Street Legend EPs are collectively and individually outstanding. Off the first volume, “I Don’t Trust U Anymore” and “I Split My Ribs Open” are my personal favorites. Volume 2 brings us “Do You See Us” and “Choke” as standouts on an thoroughly incredible EP. Finally Volume 3, released only a few weeks ago features “I’m Not Laughing Anymore” and “My Old Ways” as highlights.
We Are The Union - Ordinary Life (2021)
If you thought I wasn’t going to include a ska album in my recommended albums, you were wrong. Ordinary Life is a bittersweet and angry and energetic album. “Morbid Obsessions” and “Boys Will Be Girls” are both very gender if you will. “Make It Easy” and “Ordinary Life” along with the two aforementioned songs are my favorites on this bopping Ska album.
Deserving of Mention:
The Proclaimers, Sunshine on Leith; Pink Williams, Country Songs for a Broken Country; Morray, Street Sermons; Lil Nas X, Montero;
Songs
"Lemon Water" - Yani Mo
Yani Mo, a self-described “countryqueersoul” artist, released this gem of a song in May of this year and it was an instant classic for me.
"The City of New Orleans" - Arlo Guthrie
If you’re reading this far into any blog post, you probably know that I love trains. And this song is a love letter to a train, and for that I love it.
“Shirt of Blue” - The Men They Couldn’t Hang
The angst of fistfighting your childhood friend who became a cop when you became an industrial worker? Sign me the FUCK up.
“The Author” - Luz
Introduced to me by the TV show Love Island last year, I instantly fell in love with the song. Luz has yet to release a full length studio album but I eagerly await the day she does.
“ROUND HERE (PART 1)” - Tobe Nwigwe
This song belongs in the hall of fame of songs that kick you in the chest. Just a full King Leonidas in 300 kick to the chest in pure musical form.
“Joli Rouge” - The Dreadnoughts
I’m a sea shanty girl living in a sea shanty world, what can I say? A hell of a drinking son and just a good vibe.
“Come Out Ye Black and Tans” - The Wolfe Tones
Fuck england, enough said.
No comments:
Post a Comment