MUSICQUEST NEW & NEW-TO-ME ARTISTS & BANDS
PLUS RETRO SPOTLIGHTS ◦ PAGE TWO
On this page we continue to present an eclectic mixture of music that is new or new-to-me. I have placed album covers or artist/band pictures as markers with recommended favorites just below or beside them, grouping artists and bands into Spotify Playlists. I've also showcased musicians we may have stopped thinking about or whom you may have never known. Concerning the latter, my goal is to revive interest in some of the "lost" musical gems from several years back. We will investigate bands and artists from all around our extraordinarily musical world.
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One of the best bands at this time is Umphrey's McGee. This American "Jam" Band occasionally reminds me of Incubus in terms of style but mostly so because they require one's full attention since their music is deep and because they write songs that utilize a variety of interesting genres. I've made an extensive playlist below and have included links to their official web page. I've also included a few videos that are very cool. If you love Rock that is vibrant, innovative, and musically involved, then you've located the right band!
Band's Official Website ◦ Facebook ◦ YouTube Channel
MusicQuest Umphrey's McGee Showcase on Spotify
MUSICQUEST JASON BIELER & THE BARON VON BIELSKI ORCHESTRA MIX WITH SAIGON KICK ◦ 36 SONGS ◦ TWO HOURS & NINETEEN MINUTES
I came across Jason Bieler for the first time ever while visiting the New Prog Releases Website. His new album, Jason Bieler & The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra - Songs for the Apocalypse, which was released on January 22, 2021, is outstanding Prog-Based Rock 'n' Roll at every level. It has been awhile since I have listened to a new-to-me artist and instantly liked his or her entire album due to its musical creativity and prowess. I am amazed at how awesome Bieler's music is. For more information, please investigate these two reviews: The Prog Report and Dangerdog Music. I also went rhrough Bieler's body of work, discovering that he was a founding member of Saigon Kick with a significant amount of solo work as well. Rather than go on and on about how good this man's music is, I recommend that you check out the MusicQuest Jason Bieler Mix. You will be glad you did!
Artist's Website ◦ Wikipedia Article ◦ Spotify Home ◦ YouTube Channel ◦ Facebook ◦ Artist's Bandcamp Page
MUSICQUEST ALTERNATIVE HIP-HOP, ROCK, FUNK, & BREAKBEAT MIX ◦ FROM THROWBACK TO NOW ◦ 50 SONGS ◦ THREE HOURS & FOURTEEN MINUTES
Citizen King, among many others, established this special kind of Hip-Hop, Breakbeat, House, and Hybrid Rock Blend in the late 1990s. Other bands such as Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth wrote hugely popular songs that also incorporated similar kinds of vibes, albeit in a much more melodic and much less Grunge vein. Family Force Five was another band that emerged in the early 2000s that successfully built upon and added to this relatively new, hybrid genre. Even Beck generated on his "Guero" album songs that effectively utilized this style. I've incorporated in this playlist songs from the late 90s into the 2000s with artists and bands that are also popular right now in 2021. Many of these songs are sonically and lyrically intense whereas others are more melodic but just as engaging. Smash Mouth, in particular, writes especially interesting and sardonic lyrics.
ABOUT MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #8 ◦ FROM TECHNO TO COOLIO ◦ 33 SONGS ◦ TWO HOURS & FOURTEEN MINUTES
This exploratory mix, beginning top left, starts off with some outstanding Techno-House that will likely remind you, at least at first, of the best of Orbital. Norwegian producer and musician Lindstrøm, also known as Hans-Peter Lindstrøm, takes us on a wonderful, uplifting journey. Next, we hear "Aphrodesia" from Faint Waves and Phat Phil Cooper. This Down Tempo song is perfectly written and executed. It is one of my favorites. From there, we enjoy three gorgeous songs from Dan Mason - subtle, chill, with ambient-like vibes -- deeply satisfying. I had not heard of Temple of Switches until listening to their November 2020 release "Wings of Mind," and I am especially fond of the song "Pondering" and think you will also really enjoy its highly creative arrangement. Next, and speaking of creativity, I recommend to you "Thin Air" by Sanguine Hum -- a very cool Prog Rock song. In that vein, another well thought out and musically interesting Progressive Rock offering, "Sulin Rise," comes from The Far Meadow. Next, we check out two excellent and relatively new songs (October 2020) from New Yorker Kaman Tyler. I really like Kamen's Americana kind of Folk Rock! Next, I commend to you four songs from Toronto-based Andy Shuaf. He, too, is an excellent song composer and storyteller. His work is highly creative and interesting. After that, please enjoy a brief but beautiful piano version of "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan. An interesting, 60's throwback song follows called "Your Believer (Say Goodbye)" by Beatchild & The Slakadeliqs and then a really cool R&B song, "Something about Her," by just Beatchild. Next, B-Side picks up the pace with "Dope Rider - Second Hand Audio," followed by two instrumentals by Atom Smith that will groove-up your emotions. Heading into the end of this eclectic explorer's mix, Blair French provides us with two songs that are definitely winners. I especially like "La Playa de Terciopelo," which means "Velvet Beach." That song employs an African-like vibe that is infectious. We conclude with three songs from Bliss Inc that are Techno-House oriented and exceedingly good.
Legacy Spotlight: Michael Cretu's Enigma took much of the musical world by storm in 1991 with the album MCMXC a.D.
I love this man's music as do millions of fans. If you have not listened to Enigma in a while or have little knowledge of this pioneering musician, then do yourself a favor and reconnect.
Something Very Cool & Creative: I recently came across Dj "S" on YouTube. He has made two especially satisfying mixes, above and below, blending legacy Funk, Disco, and Soul tracks. His admirable skills are obvious in these two videos, of course, but so are his outstanding musical sensibilities. If you like Disco, Funk, Soul, and associated vibes, then you will more than likely become an instant Dj "S" fan. His Website & YouTube Channel
Three Outstanding Artists You Need to Hear: Bodywash, formed by Chris Steward & Rosie Long Decter from Montreal, Québec, released "Comforter" on August 30, 2019, and it is a gentle, infectious set of atmospheric, Pop-Trance songs that I immediately enjoyed. I cannot say enough supportive things about their music because it is so emotionally satisfying, especially on headphones. The Flat Five from Chicago have done something I have never heard before: they have saluted the sounds of The Fifth Dimension, Burt Bacharach, Sérgio Mendes, and Brian Wilson but in their own, distinctive manner that is just excellent, original, and fun! The Flat Five are so musically refreshing and talented that an optimistic, sincere smile will appear on your face once you have given them a listen! Mid-Air Thief, who hails from South Korea, has created one of the best Electronica or "Folktronica," Chill albums of the last several years called "Crumbling," which was released August 7, 2018. Similarly to Bodywash, headphones will serve you best as you explore Mid-Air Thief's tracks. Highlights from All Three Artists/Bands - MusicQuest Mini Explorer Mix #1 ◦ 22 Songs ◦ One Hour & Twenty-One Minutes
ABOUT MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #7 ◦ ECLECTIC TRIPPIN' ◦ 35 SONGS ◦ TWO HOURS & THIRTY-FIVE MINUTES
This mix is highly eclectic with several beautiful pieces. Richard in Your Mind begins the playlist with "Love Grows," which is a work that I suspect George Harrison would have appreciated. From there, we move into trippy, Classical-like pieces from Susumu Yokota followed by two creative, Downtempo songs from Maliblue and then a couple of more songs from BEA1991 that are described as Bedroom Pop and/or Yacht Rock. Her songs are definitely smooth and enjoyable. Pkch follows in a similar vein as do the three songs from Jay Som. Ivy's "Undertow," in keeping with the previous artists, also establishes an intriguing, gentle vibe. From there, we move into more of an Americana, Mellow-Rock mindset with Fountains of Wayne followed by Wayne Everette. Next, we head back toward Electronica, House, and Chillwave in varying degrees. I think you will like some of the concluding songs, as the creativity and musical sensibilities are pleasing. For example, Jordan De La Sierra's "Soft Spin" will likely touch your heart. It reminds me of Steve Kindler's Paradise Lost album -- so alluring and unassuming! We conclude with The Seams, an Indie band from Toronto that generates inventive melodies and hooks.
ABOUT MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #17 ◦ ESCALATING INTENSITY ◦ 50 SONGS ◦ FOUR HOURS & THREE MINUTES
This exploratory mix begins with three hard-rockin' tracks from Jason Bieler and the Baron Von Bielski Orchestra's 2021 album, "Songs for the Apocalypse." These offerings showcase Rock Music at its creative best because all three songs are melodically pleasing, hard-driving, and musically adventurous at the exact same time. You will want to turn up the volume! See the above Jason Bieler Showcase (at the top of this page) for more of his excellent work. Next, we hear "I'm Getting Closer" by Matt Kramer; it's grungy, intense, and absolutely necessary. Following Kramer, we explore Brandon Hart's "Labyrinth" from his 2021 album "Exodus." This is one on my favorite Brandon Hart songs, and I highly recommend it to you, as Hart is a seriously talented guitarist and composer. Next up, we hear "Red Herring" by The Elephant in the Room, released in 2021. This wonderfully intense, moody song will likely remind you of Plini and Arch Echo and is the creation of Jake Haws from Minneapolis, Minnesota. We go back to 2012 for the next song, "Colosseum," by Scene X Dream. It's a stripped down track that is a gut-punch. Enjoy! We return once again to 2021 with two tracks from Moray Pringle that are cool, sexy, and intense. Pringle is a Scottish-born guitarist and songwriter who is definitely all that. Next, we hear what I think is one of the most creative, interesting, and just cool Rock songs ever produced, and that is Liquid Tension Experiment's cover of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," which gets better and better as it moves through its 13:16 play time. We follow "Rhapsody in Blue" with an LTE original, "Liquid Evolution," that is also outstanding. Both songs are from the 2021 "LTE3 (Deluxe Edition)" album. Next, we hear three songs from Owane: "Gym Membership (feat. Sean Ashe)," "Waves," and my favorite, "Falling in Love." You can find the first track on Owane's "Greatest Hits" EP that was released in 2015 and the other two on his 2021 "YOLO EP VOL 1." Owane is a talented Norwegian guitarist and composer. One more thought: you might think at first that Owane's "Waves" is going to be a Synthwave track that should not be on this mix, but stay with it, as it quickly showcases its beautiful, lush arrangement. "Falling in Love," however, does, indeed, chillax us down a few degrees, but it's well worth it -- romantic, hopeful, and little mysterious! We need that melodic break because of what's next.
Following Owane, we change gears with Sinoptik, a Ukrainian Rock band that impresses me in a mighty way. Three of their songs in this mix were released in 2021 and one in 2018. If you like creative, intense, stinging, and interesting Power Rock, then you just found a great new band. "Neophyte Visionary," by Rosetta, follows, and it, much like Sinoptik, has a musical ax to grind that is wonderful. You will find that song on their 2017 "Utopioid" album. Distant Dream provides the next three songs that arguably lean more in the direction of Post-Rock than toward Hard Rock. Either way, they are musically pleasing and can be located on Distant Dream's 2020 album, "Point of View." "Million Miles Away" is next. This 2021 release by Mission Jupiter from Belarus reminds me of the vibe one experiences when listening to Snake River Conspiracy: cascading angst led by a dystopion, female voice that is seductive, commanding, yet sincere. Check it out as well as "The Dawn" and "I Have to Know." ASHES dVIDE is next with "The Stone." The latter is from the "Keep Telling Myself It's Alright" album that was released in 2008. The song is outstanding, reminding me of the best of the Foo Fighters. Skraeckoedlan's "Tentakler & Betar" follows from their 2019 "Eorpe" album.. This Swedish band writes gritty and grinding Hard Rock songs, and this specific track is excellent as are "Cactus" and "El Monstro." Justin Biler's "other" musical project, "Owl Stretching," is next, and you will immediately detect his distinctive presence since the songs are so strong! I've included four tracks from "The Collection" from 2013 and three from his 2018 "Where Dreams Go to Die" release. I encourage you to visit Justin Bieler's Bandcamp website where you can locate a lot more of his exceptional music.
Next up, we enjoy "Hyperbole," a collaborative release between David Maxim Micic and Zerostrings from the latter's 2021 release of the same name. It is exceptional. "Broken Again (2007)," by Another Animal, follows, returning us once again to moody, pensive, and necessary Hard Rock, reminding me of Alice in Chains and Puddle of Mudd. Ramping-up the intensity still more, we here "Right Before Death" from ASG's 2008 "Win Us Over" album. We follow that intensity with "Suffering (2008)" by pg.lost, which makes me think of a warrior's heroic strength and sense of loss. That song could easily serve as the soundtrack for an epic war movie where soldiers fight and sacrifice their lives for each other. We begin a new journey with Connor Kaminski's "Noon Dreamer" from his 2020 "Escapism" album -- Progressive Rock that is outstanding. His next offering, "Somnium (2018)," which is a collaboration with Zoe Stirzaker, begins in a gentle manner and then quickly reveals its plan of attack as does "The Haven (2020)." Headphones are a must for these adventurous songs. Next, we enjoy two tracks from Jacob Gardiner, "1993" and "Lark Lane," and both are from his 2020 "Escapades" album. Similar to the previous artist, Gardiner is a Progressive Rock guitarist with his own infectious style but one that often emphasizes romantic, jazzy elements. These songs are beautiful and sophisticated. We close-out this mix with five extraordinary songs from Devin Townsend. The first three are from his 1997 album "Oceans," and they are incredibly engaging and significant, as are the last two songs on this mix: Townsend's "Nobody's Here" and "Deep Peace" from his 2001 album "Terria."
ABOUT MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #5 ◦ THE ECLECTIC ROUNDABOUT ◦ 47 SONGS ◦ THREE HOURS & SEVENTEEN MINUTES
In keeping with the purpose of Explorer Mixes, this one is extremely eclectic, and I think especially interesting; it is one of my favorites and took a good while to assemble. We begin with Evan Schaeffer’s comical “Bozo,” which is a kind of Funk-EDM song that will make you laugh and smile. We continue these inspirational vibes with Charlie Beale, Grid Division, and Robert Johnson. From there, Fam Samperi and others take us into a more Latin Groove, and then we move through some outstanding Soulful jams, including one with an Electro-Swing feel. It’s all good! Next, we shift gears into ten songs from Nashville-based The Lees of Memory. They remind me of Oasis, The Foo Fighters, The Doves, and Revolver-Era Beatles all mixed together. They have their own pleasing, infectious sound that I have come to love. I wish there were more bands moving in a similar direction. You might even detect a Partridge Family vibe in "The Summer Sun" that is just so cool! After that, we hear from Father John Misty whose “Hangout at the Gallows” will quite possibly make you think of John Lennon’s work from the 1970s. I really like that song and think you will, too. Right after that, we enjoy Cut Worm’s “Unnatural Disasters,” which is a kind of Alternative Americana Country track with a touch of Bob Dylan mixed in. Next, we hear from the UK’s Chris Catalyst who generates memorable Brit-Pop/Rock. He actually reminds me of Owsley from the United States in terms of some of his optimistic sensibilities. I’ve really come to enjoy and respect Catalyst’s work and highly recommend him to you. Next, I think you will like “Seems Like You’ve Made Up Your Mind” by Sunbeam Sound Machine. That dreamy, atmospheric pop song hits the musical spot. After that we introduce a Ukrainian Hard Rock band called Motanka whose song “Air” is outstanding, and I hope a sign of great things to come. Next, we move back toward R&B Funk and House with several excellent tracks that will groove you. “Focal Point” by Bozak, for instance, will likely become one of your new favorites if you love EDM-House. I'm not sure how to describe the concluding song, “There Was a Door” by Crying, other than to say it reminds me of a powerful, triumphal, close-out-the-concert kind of jam-fest because of sincere, exhausted happiness. It's another exceptional song that has become a favorite.
I had not come across JD Simo's incredibly good music until listening to his new, self-titled release that came out August 21, 2020. His artistry makes me think of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Snake River Conspiracy, James Brown, and Jimi Hendrix all rolled together into a freight train of original sonic power. I really have not heard anything in this genre this outstanding since way back-in-the-day. I highly recommend you check out the direct Spotify links just above and to the right. You will be glad you did! Official Website ◦ Bandcamp Page ◦ Wikipedia Bio
JOHN DEMARKIS
Regrettably, I had never heard of John Demarkis until July 2020. I was looking on the New Prog Releases Website and saw his latest album, “Finding the Akashic Record,” which he released on July 4th. I was taken aback because his music is incredibly good. Why? He writes songs that are entirely his own, of course, but they will make you think of the best of Yes, Steely Dan, the Beatles, and still others, and he sings exceedingly well, generating beautiful harmonies. Unfortunately, his music is not accessible for streaming, not that I could find, anyway. He’s keeping it Old School by making his music available for investigation and then purchase on his Bandcamp webpage, which I certainly respect and appreciate. I’ve listed below several of my favorite tracks from four of his albums. I enthusiastically encourage you to investigate one of the best Album Oriented, Prog Rock artists currently active. In less than 24 hours of listening to his discography, John Demarkis became one of my favorite artists!
Favorite, Recommended Tracks ◦ Bandcamp Website
Finding the Akashic Record: Learning As We Go; Music of the Sun; One More Dream; Atmos ... Dawn; Earth Dance; Right Now; With You; These Moments
All That Matters; Song for Chris Squire - To Fish (Part 2 - Rest in Peace); The Akashic Record
Wacky World: Celebrate; Better Be Ready; Lucky Day; Nice to Know; Singing Beach ◦ The Light: All My Life; War Angel
Imagine That: So Far; All That Matters; Rhyme & Reason; What's Inside; Remember What I Said
ABOUT MUSICQUEST SUPER FUNK & EDM MIX ◦ EDM-FUNKTION ◦ 30 SONGS ◦ TWO HOURS & FIFTEEN MINUTES
I think you will enjoy the House-Techno-Funk Remixes of Donna Summer and Diana Ross as well as Seal’s “Killer” Remix by William Orbit, which is now an EDM Classic, and be sure to check out Nile Roger’s excellent songs along with the others. This is great music for emotionally ramping up your spirit for a hands-on project, even if the latter is just cleaning your home from top to bottom or working on your laptop. If, however, you are about to scratch-build kitchen cabinets, ride your bicycle across your favorite continent, stop the spread of fascism, or swim across the English Channel, then this playlist will prepare you!
ABOUT MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #4 ◦ SYNTH-POP, SOULFUL, & JAZZY ◦ 40 SONGS ◦ TWO HOURS & THIRTY-EIGHT MINUTES
During the COVID-19 Crisis, George Clanton & Nick Hexum, in an album titled only by their sir names and released in July 2020, hit a Synth-Pop home run. Their songs are excellent because they reek of infectious hooks and melodies with interesting, creative arrangements. I highly recommend their music, as it is all that! You will also find in this mix several Soul and/or Soul-like jams that are groovy and immensely enjoyable. I concluded the playlist with a refreshingly atypical album by a band called The Sound Goat Project. It’s unusual because the music is a really creative blend of Prog Rock and Jazz-like grooves – very cool!
MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #20: COMPASS ROSE ECLECTIC ◦ 100 SONGS ◦ SEVEN HOURS & FIFTY-NINE MINUTES
As the title of this mix indicates, we are going on a wide-ranging musical tour, both in terms of genres and points of origin. We begin with "La Jeune Fille en Feu (Bande originale du film)" by Para One and Arthur Simonini. I do not know how to describe this cinematic song other than to say it's both beautiful and haunting at the same time. Next, we explore five songs from legacy Japanese recording artist and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto. The first three are, in the main, modern piano pieces that are pensive, optimistic, and kind; the next two are works from the realms of Jazzy R&B. The last one, "ETUDE," reminds me of some of the vibes from Steely Dan's "Aja" (1977) album as well as Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" from 1982. Moreover, there is present a brief, stylistic connection to Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes' "Mad about Me (1977)" song from the original Star Wars movie -- sometimes just called the Cantina Band Song. Check it out for yourself and see what you think. Toska, from Brighten, UK is next; this Hard Rock three-piece band gets the job done. We've included three songs from their 2016 "Ode to the Author" release and one track, "A Tall Order," from their 2018 "Fire by the Silos" album. Next up, we enjoy a twenty-one minute and thirteen second track, "Muramasa (2020)," by Nashville's Sergeant Thunderhoof. This melodic, Psych Metal song relentlessly grinds its way through the vicissitudes of life. I really like it! Ningen Isu follws with "Toshishun (2021)." I've placed the video of the song below, and it's excellent; the Japanese lyrics are translated at the bottom of the video, conveying a powerful message. Check it out for a unique trip into Japanese Heavy Power Metal. It's just so cool! The final song before we shift gears, "Designated Skin," by Dario and the Clear, is from their 2021 album "Optic Nerve." This band is led by New York guitarist and vocalist Dario Sarceno. Their work is outstanding!
We now delve into a little bit of Electronica, focusing initially on Oliver's "Light Year Away (2014)," which is an excellent release that is full of Funky Dub Step energy. PYLOT's "Return (2020)" follows; it, too, ramps up the Industrial Electronica Vibe but without the Dub Step. It actually reminds me of some of Lee Ritenour's early 80s releases. Three songs follow from the band "Breeze," which is the brainchild of Toronto-based producer and artist Josh Karady. One critic termed his music "Electro-Psych." I'm not sure what that means, but I do recommend him to you because his work is musically interesting. Next, we hear two songs from the realms of 60's Throw-Back Pop: "Out of My League (2015)" and "Wrote This Just for You (2015)" from Los Angeles native Mike Randle. R&B Styled POP is next with Palaye Royale's "No Love in LA (2021)." The City of Angels continues to get a bad rap with regard to true love! Nevertheless, this is a very catchy song with 5,196,845 plays on Spotify as of this posting. Magic City Hippies continue this R&B Pop trend with "Diamond (2021)" and "Queen (2021)." These are simply excellent tracks! Vinyl Theater's "Feel It All (2018)" continues our tour through popular releases. We alter our musical focus with a beautiful song, "When It Rains (2018)," from Felbm, a Dutch musician, producer, and composer. PNAU provides our next song, "Cold Heart (2021)," which is an Elton John Mash-Up that focuses heavily on "Rocket Man," and it is really good. If you have not listened to "Good Morning to the Light (2012)" by Elton John vs PNAU, then be sure to check that out, as it's highly creative with several Mash-Up creations that are musically memorable and important. Speaking of Australia's PNAU, I included the 2021 Tommy Trumpet Remix of "Changes," which is also very good, keeping in mind that the original version of that song has 203,824,131 plays on just Spotify!
Up next, we enjoy "Keep Moving (2021)" by Jungle, a hugely successful UK POP duo that operates, at least in part, in the vein of PNAU and Empire of the Sun. Speaking of duos, the next two tracks are from LA's Magdalena Bay: "Secrets (2021)" and the 2020 "Story (Gus Kero Kero Bonito Remix)". Both songs are examples of perfect Synthwave-ish Pop! Sferro's "Blitz (2015)" follows; it's a tad more Techno with just a hint of Industrial. We've included two more tracks from this American producer and musician: "People Pleaser (2021)" and "Cherry Crush (2021)." Next up, MUNA, an American electronic Pop band composed of members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, provides "Motivation (2019)." It's catchy and fits our current groove. Speaking of perfection, here's a fantastic Pop song from 2021: ELIO's "hurts to hate somebody (with Chase Atlantic & No Rome)." That release has had almost 3,000,000 plays on Spotify. Originally from Wales, ELIO, also known as Charlotte Grace Victoria, moved during childhood to Canada and is a self-taught composer and musician. We head in another direction with two beautiful songs, "Flowers (2021)" and "Midnight at the Station (2021)," from Cots, a Canadian guitarist, composer, and singer who has created songs in the Bossa Nova style arguably reminiscent of Antonio Carlos Jobim's 1964 "The Girl from Ipanema," which means they are excellent.
For something unique, mellow, and sublime, we present two tracks, "Reliable Feelings" and "Photographic Memory," from Adeline Hotel's 2021 album "Good Timing." These songs are played entirely on acoustic guitar and are ethereal and will likely speak to your inner-subjective self, and they serve as a segue into several songs from the Prog and Alternative Rock genre. "Wilderness (2021)" follows from Nine Skies and Steve Hackett. It's perfectly designed and executed Prog. Lucid Lynx's "Open Earth's 2021" is next, and it, too, is an interesting Prog Rock offering that utilizes well the sitar in combination with appealing harmonies. Heading into Alternative, Indie Pop, we get into Tunnel's 2021 release titled "People." It's cheeky, radio-friendly, and very catchy! The Bash Dog's "Wild Style (2021)" complements well the previous song because it is also musically interesting and enjoyable. The California Sound continues with "Periwinkle (2020)" from These Days - give it a listen! Out of the Blink-182 lineup changes, there emerged in 2005 a new band, Angels & Airways, led by Tom DeLonge. Please enjoy two superb songs, "Breathe" and "Secret Crowds," from their 2007 release, "I-Empire."
We move back into the Electronica realm with an appealing track, "Marine - Woo Version" and Cleo - Felicia Atkinson Remix (2018)," from Alexis Georgopoulos. The latter is a talented American artist and producer from New York City. One of my favorite songs on this mix follows: El Ten Eleven's and Kishi Bashi's "Every Day Is Sunday (2021)." After that masterpiece, we listen to Kishi Bashi's lighthearted and excellent "Honeybody (2016). Then, we shift gears and head into Damu the Fudgemunk, a Washington DC multi-instrumentalist, producer, label owner, and gifted Hip-Hop, Jazz-Rap artist. We showcase three tracks from his 2021 "Conversation Peace" album. Next, we investigate SWANES, an Electronica Pop band from Ontario, Canada. I really like their catchy hooks and arrangements. Their third song on this mix, "Cozy (2019)," has a cool, throw-back, House-Techno Vibe from the late 90s and early 2000s.
We make a major genre shift with the next artists: Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio. The former is the longstanding keyboardist for New England Rock Band Phish whereas the latter is the co-founder of Phish and their main composer and guitarist. Their two songs on this mix, "Mountains in the Midst" and "Wingsuit," both from their 2021 album "December," are beautiful and infectious, reminding me of Americana-like Folk music at its very best. Next, the Faux Paws take us into fiddlin' Blue Grass terrain with two songs that are ideal. Perhaps you are either unfamiliar with the Blue Grass genre or simply do not like it (and I confess that style of music is not one of my favorites). Even if that is the case, I suspect you will really enjoy "Fourth Decade" and "Guacmaster," both from their 2021 album bearing the name of the band. Sturgill Simpson provides the next two songs, "Juanita," from his 2021 album "The Ballad of Dood & Juanita," and "You Can Have the Crown," from his 2013 album "High Top Mountain." Both songs, in my opinion, are examples of perfectly formulated Country & Western.
"Whatever You Want (2021)" from Snowy Band serves as our segue into other Popular styles of music. That track is pensive and gripping, especially on headphones. Next, Venezuelan musician Carlos Plaza Romero, whose musical moniker is Imágenes Mentales, and who now makes his home in Costa Rica, provides us with a perfect Downtempo-like Pop Song, "Lunna," from his Presagios 2021 album. Next, we check out Joy Orbison's "froth sipping (2021)," which is a 100% throw-back to the era of early Techno & House, and it is excellente! The next two songs, "Interior People" and "Catching Smoke," both from King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's 2021 album "Butterfly 3000," are also my favorites on this mix. This six-piece Australian band generates radio-friendly Pop arrangements, and the aforementioned two songs are supreme examples of Pop music at its absolute best. I can listen to those two tracks everyday because they make me feel just right -- happiness takes control from head to toe! Our next artist, American Serena Isioma, has released a song that is also about as good as it gets within the R&B genre: "Stop Calling the Police on Me" from her 2020 "The Leo Sun Sets" album. Check it out, as it is beautiful. Gabriel Sayer follows with his 2021 singles "Pfizer" and "Youngest Child," and the latter is especially catchy and addictive. In fact, when I listen to it, I hear appealing influences from Prince. I think he would have loved that song; I surely do! Next, we hear "Bed Head - Local Native Remix" from Manchster Orchestra from their 2021 singles release of the same name. It's also perfectly executed Pop. New York-based, Progressive Instrumental Rock Band Tauk provides our next track, "Moon Dub," from their 2021 "Chaos Companion" album. It's smooth, gentle, and interesting, serving also as our transition into our next artist -- Italian Rocker Andrea Perrotta. We are showcasing three songs from his 2021 album: "Puzzle," "Preludio (nel mar riflesso)," and "Velvet 21." All three tracks are outstanding.
New York composer and guitarist Gordon Bennett, also known as GorMusik, provides our next two songs, "The Wandering" and "The Lost," from his 2021 album "Snakes & Angels." These are outstanding Progressive Rock tracks that deserve one's undivided attention. I am now a huge fan of this man's work! Next, we investigate two highly creative, cinematic-like songs, ""Waiting for Gordo" and "Under the Conker Tree," by the UK musician and composer Colin Tench from his Colin Tench Project 2018 album "Minor Masterpiece." Our next featured band is Trip the Witch, a collaboration between Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo and Nashville veteran session musician Tom Bukovac. I've included six songs from their 2021 album that bears the same name as the band. Rarely do I come across music this good and so much of it. If you like beautiful, guitar-based grooves that are perfectly executed, then you are in a for a wonderful journey! We depart the elegant and gentle for the grinding, sonic pounding of "The Only Thing They Fear Is You," by Anup Sastry and Maru Martinez, released as a single in 2020. Turn up the volume and prepare for greatness. In a similar vein, we enjoy four tracks from Andromida; the latter is the one-man Progressive Metal Project of Ramon Gutierrez from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. I've included three songs from his 2021 releases that are excellente! If you need to ramp-up your emotions so that you can quest for greatness, then I'd begin with Andromida. Next, Ukrainian musician, composer, and producer Antony Kalugin returns us to a pensively sublime and incredibly good state of mind with his 2021 "Exceptional Chamel Ballard" from his album Chameleon Shapeshifter. It just does not get any better than this song within this genre!
We move into some really enjoyable jams, beginning with Great Britain's Chris Coco and friends: "Lagrimas De San Lorenzo - Massivan Upcycled Remix (2021)." This is Balearic House at its best. Following Coco, we listen to four songs from San Fransisco's Sandy's. Their music is gentle, soft, and attractive. I highly recommend them to you. We close out this MusicQuest Explorer Mix with five songs from the UK's Eddie Tatton. His 2021 album, "Cannons Under Flowers," is superb in every way. I find his music to be remarkably good -- a breath of fresh air!
I hope you've enjoyed this tour into and through numerous artists and bands from across our extraordinarily musical world, and I hope you have found works of art that you like!
Charles Calvin Best
