MUSICQUEST NEW & NEW-TO-ME ARTISTS & BANDS
PLUS RETRO SPOTLIGHTS ◦ PAGE FOUR

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.

MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #22: HARMONIOUS ENJOYMENT INSPIRES HOPE ◦ 62 SONGS ◦ FOUR HOURS & THREE MINUTES

Recently, a CultureSonar post came across my Facebook feed on my phone, showcasing an article titled "50 Years of Todd Rundgren: A Trubute" with a special focus on the "Something/Anything?" double album that was originally released in February of 1972. I was eleven years old that year and clearly remember that Mark, my older brother, had purchased the "Something/Anything?" album when it first came out, introducing me to the music of Todd Rundgren. I played it constantly, buying my own copy (and years later the CD set). I love that landmark release to this day, especially "The Night the Carousel Burned Down," "Wolfman Jack," "Hello It's Me," and "Breathless." I say that because at the end of the article, there was a reference to Astral Drive, an artist about whom I had no knowledge. I immediately investigated Phil Thornalley, who is Astral Drive, and was pleasantly shocked at how much he captured the Rundgren-esque sound and feel from the early 1970s but in his own perfect, distinctive style. Occasionally, when searching for music, one does come across "Pay Dirt," as is sometimes said here in Texas, and Astral Drive is all that and more. I highly recommend you spend time with the Astral Drive tracks (from the 2021 album of the same name) on this playlist. Speaking of which, I decided to explore other artists who were associated with Phil Thornalley via the "Fans Also Like" area on Spotify. Again, I was happily startled to locate several artists whom my ears had never heard and whom I immediately liked so much that I repeatedly listened to their songs. This Explorer Mix is the result of that search and investigation. I also added a few other favorites that, in my opinion, fit well with this harmonious, beautiful, Power Pop and Alternative Rock-n-Roll mix.

 

Following Astral Drive, we enjoy "Interior People" and "Catching Smoke," both from Australia's King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's 2021 "Butterfly 3000" album. You will be hard pressed to find better crafted songs than those! Next, we hear four tracks from Kasim Sulton, a veteran musician who was a member of Todd Rundgren's Utopia project (among many other good things) during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The included songs, "Unsung," "Blame Somebody Else," and "Sweetest Fascination," are from his "Kasim 2021" album, and they are extraordinarily impressive. I've also included his very cool cover of Rundgren's "The Night the Carousel Burned Down" that is part of the aforementioned 50 year tribute to Todd Rundgren's "Something/Anything?" double album.

 

The next band is Silvertwin from the United Kingdom -- and what a refreshing, gorgeous, and inviting sound they have created! I've included "Ploy," "Driving Me Wild," "Doubted," and "Promises" from their 2021 self-titled debut album. This London-based, Retro Pop quintet has hit a home run with their initial album. I suspect many of us are excited to see what they do next. This band was one of the big surprises from the "Fans Also Like" area associated with Phil Thornalley's Astral Drive Spotify page. Next, we hear from the new duo called Honey. Composed of Swedes Miranda Öhman and Magda Skyllbäck, who now operate out of London, they generate Abba-like grooves with beautiful vocals that utilize R&B, Power Pop arrangements. We've included "Summer Fling" and "When Harry Met Sally," both released in 2021. In a similar vein, our next band, Super db, also based out of London, creates Power Pop that is optimistic, fun, and beautiful with a strong R&B vibe. We've included "Wait for Me" and "Open Line to Me" from their 2021 "Ecoute Ca" album and "I Wanna Score" from their 2016 "Death by Disco" album.

 

I am likely not alone in having never heard of the next band, The Aerovons, who recorded an album at the famous Abbey Road studios in London in 1969. Their story is truly interesting to say the least. Click HERE and HERE for a brief overview. With that said, the truth of the matter is that their music was, and still is, excellent. Please listen to "Stopped," "Me and My Bomb," "The Way Things Went Tonight," and "A Little More." What would have happened if this incredibly Beatle-esque, talented band from St. Louis, Missouri had remained intact? We cannot know, of course, but we can appreciate their music right now. I think you will agree that this is a major find! Next, Father John Misty treats us to his 2021 "Funny Girl" release, and this ballad is as beautiful as it is romantically Big Band Retro. We've also included "Hang Out at the Gallows" from his 2018 "God's Favorite Customer" album. Both tracks are excellent, and the second one will likely make you think of John Lennon and George Harrison, both in terms of composition and execution. Sondre Lerche's (2022) "Cut" is next; it's cool, cheeky, and perhaps a bit cinematic. We next hear three songs, "Frank Bacon," "So Long Tomorrow," and "Something Tender," from Liam Kazar's 2021 debut album "Due North." This artist from Chicago is musically interesting and original, and he fits loosely within the Alternative Rock genre. He reminds me a little bit of a combined David Bowie and John Lennon but, of course, in his own distinctive manner. I really like his music and recommend him to you. "Soft Machine" by Palace Winter follows from their 2016 "Waiting for the World to Turn" album. This song is an example of a modern piece but with the vibe of the Retro Psychedelic.

 

Shifting gears into fun, light-hearted Funkiness, we first hear "Scary Poppins" and then "Larry Pockets" from Scary Goldings' 2016 self-titled album, and that sets the stage for the next two tracks from Vulfpeck: 2017's "Hero Town (feat. Michael Bland)" and 2013's "The Speedwalker." All of these Jam Band songs are good for the psyche, as is the next Soulful one: Alë Jay's (2019) "Face Turns Blue," which is infectious and flawless! We pick up the pace with another outstanding track, "Midnight Summer," (2018) from L.A.B., New Zealand's internationally popular Reggae and Funk band. Next, the Manchester Orchestra's "Bed Head - Local Natives Version" (2021) ramps up the pace still more. It is  another flawlessly executed song from the realms of Power Pop.

 

We now shift our focus with "Desert Ash" from Daniel Crommie's 2021's "Inner World" album. Following that appealing, contemplative piece, we head into one of my favorite songs from any era and from any genre: Richard in Your Mind's "Love Grows" from their 2014 album "Ponderosa." This song is as good as George Harrison's "Within You Without You" and "Love You To." Seriously, give it a listen and be emotionally rebooted. The Lees of Memory provide the next three songs: "Free & Easy," "The Summer Sun," and "Rain, Rain," all of which are expertly written and worthy of praise. Eli Mardock follows with his 7:20 "Theologians Tell Me" from his 2013 release "Everything Happens for the First Time," and it, too, is superb! The next offering is a joint-venture between El Ten Eleven and Kishi Bashi: "Everyday Is Sunday," which they released in 2021. That song is refreshingly original and, in my opinion, a Power Pop masterpiece. Gabriel Sayer and Bambina provide the next track, "Yougest Child," from their 2021 single that is yet another example of Perfect Power Pop. NYC's McStine & Minnemann's "Running in Place" and "Tired" follow from their 2021 album that is simply titled "II." In keeping with the other songs in this playlist, these are also excellent and captivating.

 

"No Diablo" is next from the 2014 "Similar Skin" album by Umphrey's McGee; it's Pop perfect and infectious. The Dowling Poole's "Hope" follows from their 2020 album "See You, See Me" album. This song is cool and creative with great lyrics. The next two songs are from a new band or configuration of artists called The Red Locusts. They are an American supergroup consisting of Rick Springfield, Matt Bissonette, Greg Bissonette, Duncan Sweets, and Beau Weevil. After a Google search, I read that they released their self-titled album in 2021 as a tribute to the Beatles and the Power Pop of the 1980s and 1990s. I think "Glow Worm" and "Vanity Skies" substantiate that claim -- exceedingly good tracks! The next two songs, "What's with Your Heavy Heart?" and "Star-Crossed," are from Nick Frater's 2021 album "Earworms." These are also excellent examples of outstanding Power Pop. We conclude with "Ending Credits" from Vacation Manor's 2021 self-titled album, and it's melodically and lyrically superb. I hope you've discovered several favorites!   Charles Calvin Best

 

MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #18 ◦ FORTY-FIVE REASONS TO SMILE ◦ 45 SONGS ◦ THREE HOURS & TWENTY-FOUR MINUTES

In this mix, we delve into lots of Electronica-based music along with Indie Pop/Soul and a few other closely related sub-genres, and in so doing, we find that there are, indeed, at least forty-five reasons to smile. We begin with Odd Mob's "Lithium" track from their "Diffusion" album that was released in 2017. This song has a distinctive House-Techno vibe and is excellent -- definitely turn up the volume. "Electrify," by Oliver and Scott Mellis, follows from the former's "Full Circle" (2017) release. It is also Electronica done right. FM-84's "Breath - 2011 Demo" is next, and it establishes a mysterious sense of wonderment prior to heading into one of the best, new artists that I know of, and that is Max Pope. His "Hologram," "Man On The Wire," "You'll Never Die," and "Foot Of The Hill" are extraordinarily good because they are musically creative and interesting. Max Pope definitely writes original music; I anticipate wonderful things to come from this young UK composer and musician -- what a breath of fresh air! Following Max Pope, we hear from Mashup, Hip-Hop, and Experimental artist Amerigo Gazaway. I really like this man's work. He reminds me of The Wise Guys but with a stronger emphasis on classical themes. He's very cool!

 

Next up, Chromeo's "Clorox Wipe - Glen Check Remix" (2020) injects Funkadelic and Soulful humor into the playlist, which is followed by "Checklist," a 2019 collaboration between Chromeo and Max. Both songs are outstanding. "Stolichnaya" (2021), by Atom Smith (with several others), is a catchy "vodka" song with an Electro-Swing, Eastern European vibe. It's tongue-n-cheek; I suspect you'll start singing it. Next, we silly-down a little with Swim Mountains' "Without Sun" (2020), which is a Funky Pop song that one might loosely associate with the late 1970's American sitcom Three's Company in terms of style and vibe. Then, we enjoy cool Latin Grooves with "Stockport Carnival" by Mr. Scruff followed by "Sonór Tropicàl" by Mankoora; both tracks are on the 2021 album "Vinyl Junkie Thangs." Italian producer Davide Lovato, aka Lova, provides the next song, "Echoes of Memories - Original Mix" (2021). This is a Down-Tempo, melodic, groovy track that is perfect. In similar manner, we next hear "Seconds from You" (2020) by Moon King & Vespre -- another superb song. One of my favorites on this mix is next: Trevor Something's "Crush" (2021) from his "Love Me and Leave Me" album. This song is deeply romantic, beautiful, and sincere. It makes me want to hang out with my lady and BFF, Kimberly Ann. Another excellent track follows: "Left Handed Books" (2018) by Steve Cobby & Danielle Moore. This song is mellow, romantically pleasing, and inviting, reminding me of the House songs that were trending back in the late 90s. "Ain't That The Way" (2021) and "Ice Dreaming" (2019) by Holy Hive provide our next offerings and are, perhaps, difficult to classify. Both songs are definitely mellow and wonderful, making me think of Chill Alternative Rock and/or Nu Soul.

 

The Phenomenal Handclap Band is next with "Travelers Prayer - EU Version" and "Do What You Like," both from their "PHB" 2020 album. These inviting songs are probably best described as Psychedelic Alternative Rock. The first one, "Travelers Prayer," makes me think of the 1964-1968 TV show The Man from U.N.C.L.E. because of its spy versus spy vibe from the Cold War Era. The second song, "Do What You Like," reminds me a bit of Prince in that I could imagine him happily singing along with it. The next two songs are from Nicolas Godin's 2020 "Concrete and Glass" album. The first track, "What Makes Me Think about You," has become another favorite because it's gorgeous and a perfect, Post-Disco and/or Alternative Rock offering reminiscent of Empire of the Sun or early Pnau. "Turn Left Turn Right" continues in a similar manner but is more relaxed and romantically ambient. Both are superb. "Youth" (2014), by Best Wishes, is our next song and is a clever Dream Pop exploration of one's youthful days, especially concerning relational connections. It's beautiful. Next, Hotel Pools provides us with two very good Vaporwave songs: "Vacation" (2021) and "Phase" (2018). Both are dreamy, imaginative, and soothing yet neither are particularly ambient.

 

I need to say a few things about the next artist, Louis Cole, as his three songs on this playlist, "Things," "More Love Less Hate," and "Tunnels in the Air," all from his 2018 album "Time," are Beatles-level good. "Things," which on Spotify alone has already had 1,804,241 plays, is entirely beautiful and uplifting in an inner-subjective manner, both in terms of the arrangement and the lyrics. "More Love Less Hate" is brief, coming in at just 1:00 minute, but it also invokes a powerful sense of reflection and honesty. "Tunnels in the Air" (created in collaboration with Thundercat) continues this level of musical communication -- impressive and appreciated! Next, we hear Jono Ma's (in collaboration with several others) "Neon Lights (in Homage)" that he released in 2020 on Bandcamp as a tribute to Kraftwerk's Florian Schneider who had passed away in April of that same year. This song is Classical Electronica at its best in that it effortlessly carries us along its keyboard-driven, coherent pathway, channeling Kratwerk's legacy all the while -- superb! Next, we hear some outstanding Nu Disco & Soul from NTEIBINT. All three of his song's are in collaboration with several others (so please see their names on the Spotify playlist). We begin with "Love Is Everywhere - Satin Jackets Remix." This song is ideal -- smooth yet driving! "The Owner" and "Never Without You" follow, maintaining the positive, cause-you-to-you-smile goal of this playlist.

 

Faultless Dance-Pop follows with Dua Lipa's "Hullicinate - Tensnake Remix" (2020). In my opinion, this song is an example of what "Dance" music should aspire to be: enjoyable, melodic, and immensely likable (because it's less formulaic). "Dynamite - Retro Mix" (2020) by BTS continues this dance-able trend, providing more reasons to smile. Then, we shift gears, hearing another Mashup masterpiece, "The Madhatter," from Amerigo Gazaway. From there, we head back into Electronica-Pop-EDM with POOLCLVB's "Space" (2019). That song reminds me of Mischa Daniel's "Round & Round - Electro Radio Edit" hit from 2007. We keep up the pleasurable, dancing pace with Duke Dumont's "Ocean Drive - Purple Machine Disco Remix" (2020). Chill-Out, Electronic Pop follows with SACRE's "The Call," which was released in 2018. It is also first-rate. Then, we enjoy "Lose Yourself to the Groove" (2018) by The APX & Dave Lee, an Electronica, House & Funk project by Detroit singer and songwriter Erika Dawn Rhodes and her husband and musician/producer Dee Rhodes. It's another hit! RunSQ's "Stay Home and Chill" (2020) is next up, and it creates a relaxing, Chillwave vibe! Second to last, we turn up the House-Techno energy with Atella & Martin's "Mechanical Sparrow - Atella Club Mix" (2016). This is EDM at its best -- simply perfect! We conclude with Froder's "Closer to Life" (2016), which is another flawless EDM song. There, we've just experienced at least forty-five reasons to smile; now we can happily go forth, sharing our good vibes with others!

 

P    L    A    Y    E    R

P  A  B  L  O  C  R  U  I  S  E

A M B R O S I A

W R I G H T

B   R   I   C   K

L   E   V   E   L  4   2

O   R   L   E   A   N   S

 FOGELBERG

D E B A R G E

LOGGINS

10cc

MUSICQUEST DEEPER LOOK BACK MIX #1 ◦ RETURN TO THE MUSICAL COMPASS ◦ 62 SONGS ◦ FOUR HOURS & FORTY-SEVEN MINUTES

I've showcased sixty-two songs from twelve highly respected bands and artists from the 1970s and 1980s, beginning with Ambrosia's "Biggest Part of Me" (1980) and "How Much I Feel" (1978). These two songs were Radio-Delivered, R&B gems. If you have not heard them in a good while, then prepare to be reminded of that wonderful late 70s and early 80s vibe that was romantic, melodic, and sincere all at the same time. Next, we hear three songs from the band Player, and I admit that I had not thought about this band in a long time. Listen to them and become happily entangled once again in their late 70s harmonies and grooves! Following Player, we hear two hits from Pablo Cruise: "Love Will Find a Way" (1978) and "Whatcha Gonna Do?" (1977). Both songs keep up the late 70s Disco-enhanced R&B vibe of smooth music that is perfectly executed. Next, we hear "Dance with Me" (1973) and "Still the One" (1976) by Orleans. The first song will make you think of the best of Seals & Crofts because it is so gorgeous, and the second one is an example of that "Soft Rock" sound that flooded the Top 40 radio airwaves in the early to mid-70s. Next, Gary Wright's 1975 "Love Is Alive" takes us on yet another musical journey of originality and creativity. I do not know how to "classify" this song because it does not fit easily into a specific genre, and neither does his next offering,"Really Want to Know You," released in 1980. Both are examples of a musician's ability to write songs that are unique, absorbing, and popular.

 

We continue this retrospective tour with eight songs from Level 42. Many of us are, of course, familiar with "Lessons in Love" from 1987 and with 1985's "Something about You," as both releases were exceedingly catchy R&B songs and big hits, but Level 42 also generated a significant volume of work over a long period of time. I've placed several of their songs here that I think you will enjoy, including a couple of really cool remixes. Many of us were (and still are) fans of Brick's 1976 release "Dazz." It was a major hit and quickly became a perennial, dance club favorite. Brick, however, and much like Level 42, generated a significant discography, so I've placed five of their best songs here for your consideration. Next, we hear eight extraordinarily good tracks from DeBarge. I suspect that Chico DeBarge and his band are under-appreciated, especially now that we are a full thirty-plus years away from the 80s, but back in that decade, DeBarge composed numerous Pop/R&B songs that were distinctive and superb!

 

Kenny Loggins was already musically successful and famous when he released "Vox Humana" in 1985, but he became even more so because the latter was one of the best albums of the entire decade, and for me has remained a frequently visited work of musical art. I revered that album in much the same way I did Elton John's "Yellow Brick Road" as well as other albums by Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, and the Beatles. I've included six songs from Kenny Loggins that showcase his musical prowess. Just get your musical mind into "At Last" and "Loraine," and you will quickly remember how fantastic Kenny Loggins can be. Dan Fogelberg was yet another exceptional recording artist from this era, so I have included seven of his pieces that are, like so many songs within this mix, perfect examples of music at its absolute, original best. Fogelberg in particular utilized orchestral arrangements that took Pop music to new heights -- think "Nether Lands" and "Heart Hotels." I really do miss those Golden Era Radio Days!

 

Thomas Dolby is next, and he had his own style of music that most of us heard for the first time when he released "She Blinded Me with Science" in 1982. That extremely successful song, however, was actually somewhat atypical of his overall musical form, but it did serve as a gateway into Dolby's musical thinking. I've included eleven of his songs from several releases. Check him out, as he was innovative, musically ambitious, and interesting. We conclude with five songs from England's 10cc. Some of you may already know of and appreciate their famous release "I'm Not in Love" from 1975. Other songs, however, may sound unfamiliar but are, nevertheless, worthy of your headphones. Crank up the volume for "Life Is a Minestrone" and be prepared to laugh while repeatedly singing the chorus. Most of these artists/bands are still performing in 2023!

MUSICQUEST FEMALE VOICES MIX

52 SONGS ◦ THREE HOURS & FORTY-EIGHT MINUTES

 

Has it been awhile since you've thought about Joni Mitchell, Dot Allison, Fiona Apple, or Emiliana Torrini? I love many of their songs and think they have led the way with their pensive lyrics and intriguing arrangements. Joni Mitchell, of course, needs no introduction, so I will simply list the songs I have included in the mix: Coyote, Hejira, Song for Sharon, Court & Spark, Help Me, People's Parties, The Same Situation, Car on a Hill, Just Like This Train, Troubled Child, Big Yellow Taxi, & Talk to Me.

 

I first encountered Dot Allison with One Dove's "Morning Dove White" CD in the 1990s and then with her following solo releases. I think that several of her songs are hypnotically powerful and extraordinarily good. I suspect you will agree if you get out your headphones and investigate.

 

Fiona Apple hit the late 90s like a subtle yet  increasingly arousing, musical force. I encourage
you to listen to her songs in this mix. She's a
highly talented songwriter who has made an
important contribution to Rock music!

 

Roland Orzabal, of Tears for Fears fame, produced Emiliana Torrini's "Love in the Time of Science" album, and it's fantastic and highly original! Just wait until you hear "Fingertips" that becomes "Telepathy." It will possibly be the best seven minutes and forty-three seconds of music you've heard in a good while!

MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #15 ◦ POSTCARD FROM THE BACK COUNTRY ◦ 95 SONGS ◦ SEVEN HOURS & FORTY SEVEN MINUTES

We begin this mix with a 10-song, throw-back tribute to Arling & Cameron, a Dutch electronic duo who specialize in a creative blend of French Pop, Spy Movie Soundtracks, Lounge, and Cheeky, Japanese Pop. I first came across these atypical musicians in the late 1990s and now recommend them to you. They are melodic, original, interesting, and great fun! Next, we change gears, moving into Post-Rock or Space Rock with four perfectly executed songs from Sleeping Pandora's latest 2021 release, "Ride the Horizon." Then, we hear Kungens Män's "Senvägen," which is an appealing and hypnotic, Drone-Trance song but with a Psychedelic Vibe. From there we move into Trance-House and Dance with "Stuttgart" from Fat Boy Slim Presents Bem Brasil -- a truly cool track. "Chesh" is next -- a song by The Black Dog from their 1995 "Spanners" release. This is an excellent Electronica offering. Remaining in this genre, we hear from B12 with their 1993 Electronica release, "Hall of Mirrors," which has an attractive (old school), House-Techno feel. Isaac Galvez provides the next five songs that fit loosely in the Dance-Electronica genre. I find these tracks to be especially appealing.

 

Changing gears once again, we hear two compositions from Joost Van Dongen from the Neatherlands. He is a professional game developer and classical cellist. I think you will find these two offerings to be atypically refreshing even if a bit unusual. Enchant, a Neo-Prog Rock band from San Francisco, provides the next three selections that are powerful, edgy, biting, and deeply satisfying. "Under Fire" and "Monday" remind me of Incubus in top form, so turn up your volume and enjoy. We follow Enchant's intensity with Nad Sylvan's beautiful "The Hawk," "To an Isle in the Water," and "To a Child Dancing on the Wind," all three from his 2021 release "Spiritus Mundi." I value many of Sylvan's songs from other albums and encourage you to investigate his work. For instance, I am especially fond of "When the Music Dies," "What Have You Done," and "Long Slow Crash Landing." Moreover, his "Unifaun" project is absolutely worth checking out as it contains several pieces that envelop the listener with intense, sublime beauty. Next, we enjoy three songs from The Dowling Poole, a London-based Power Pop duo who write intelligent, musically creative songs. Give them a try, as I suspect they will get your attention. Riff Kitten follows with seven very good tracks that are from the realms of Electronica, some of which utilize an Electro-Swing arrangement. Riff Kitten is a talented American musician and composer.

 

Groovy Prog Rock is the term one could utilize to describe our next artist, Time Traveller -- the creation of multi-instrumentalist Juhani Nisula from Finland. It does not get much better than his "Sunday Morning Walk" and "Follow the Light" from his Chapters V & VI album. Another Prog Rock band from Finland that is worth investigating is Astral Bazaar. I think you will enjoy their creative, Psychedelic and Atmospheric-Tinged arrangements -- very good music. Blue States' "Friendly Fires" is next, followed by Ozric Tentacles' "Humboldt Currant" (Radio Edit). These are excellent Electronica songs. Karmamoi is an Italian Neo-Prog Rock band that I recommend, especially if you are unfamiliar with them. Their two representative songs on this mix, "Take Me Home" and "Martes," are melodically moody, interesting, and elegant. Next, we hear five songs from Chris Catalyt's new album, "Kaleidoscopes," released April 2, 2021. I have showcased some of Catalyst's work from earlier releases on another Explorer Mix and find him to be one of the best songwriters at this time in the Britpop genre. He writes interesting, relevant lyrics set to catchy, very British grooves that lots of us really enjoy. In a somewhat similar vein, we next hear "We Luv U" from Grand Theft Auto, a British Rock band that definitely gets it right with this song.

 

Reaching backwards into the late 1970s, we showcase two songs from Todd Rundgren's Utopia: "Back on the Street" and "The Martyr." These tracks may bring back lots of memories for some of us and inspire, I hope, new listeners to investigate in greater depth Todd Rundgren and his varying musical projects that often have led the way in terms of musical originality. Following Utopia, we hear "Message to My Girl" from Split Enz. This 1983 release is excellent and reminds me of the Duran Duran vibe that was so prevalent during the 1980s. Next, we move back into the here and now with four 2021 songs from Tyler Kamen of New York City. This multi-talented composer and musician can write extraordinarily creative songs. Just check out "Mrs. Trinket's Bird Sanctuary," and you will see what I mean!

 

I accidentally -- and fortunately -- came across Victor Go, a Ukrainian composer and musician. I have included several of his songs because I am so impressed with his compositional skills. If you like beautiful arrangements and joyful melodies, then Victor Go is a must. You just need to check him out with headphones and then relish the journey. Following Victor Go, we hear something rather unique: "Down Hill" from Daal, featuring SuperKILO. It's a Hip-Hop-ish, Funky Rap tune that is excellent. Next, we hear a Jazzy Pop song called "Disappear" from Alanna Leyes and Atom Smith -- give it a try. Then, we delve into a bit of Prog-Pop from United Kingdom band CirKus; their "Late Heavy Bombardment" has an intriguing, James Bond kind of feel.

 

Approaching the end, we switch our radio dial back to Rock, beginning with Vienna Circle's "Secrets of the Rising Sun." It's arguably a throw-back to 70s Rock Jams and is worthy of admiration. We complete this MusicQuest Explorer Mix with several songs from Ola Englund, a successful Swedish composer, seriously talented guitarist, record producer, and businessman. He mixes up (at the very least) the genres of Groove Metal, Thrash Metal, and Metalcore. He makes me think of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai but in a form where the two are blended in a complimentary manner. Of course, Englund has his own distinctive sound and powerful take on guitar-based, Instrumental Metal. Enjoy!

 

MUSICQUEST EXPLORER MIX #14 ◦ ALL OVER THE SONIC MAP ◦ 55 SONGS ◦ FOUR HOURS & FIFTY-TWO MINUTES

We begin with three songs from Kyle Edward Connolly's debut solo album, "On Arrival," released February 26, 2021 on Hand Drawn Dracula Records out of Toronto. On Bandcamp his music is tagged as Alt-Country and Indie, and those terms do capture his feel, but I would add that his music has an Americana, laid back vibe with perhaps a touch of Spoon added. I really like this man's creative, interesting music and highly recommend him to you. Next, we hear "Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)" from The Beautiful South, which is a cool, Jazzy-Pop song. "Leviathan," by The Catch, is a mellow, Prog Rock song that will likely grow on you. It invokes a Spy versus Spy, deep cover vibe from the Cold War. "Time Storm," by The Blow Monkeys, is a throw-back to the era of cool, lush, sexy musical arrangements one might associate with a James Bond soundtrack. This song is very likable as are the other musical inclusions from this legacy, Britpop band. The song "Listen to the Music," by Quiet Force, presents a type of Mellow Jazz that is perfectly executed.

 

Next, we shift gears rather abruptly to Heyoka's Mirror. "The Light Within" begins in a subtle manner but just beyond the one minute mark launches a thematic storm of intense beauty. I love it, as I do the "The Celebration of Light" that follows. "Asylum" is next, and it's grungy and ticked-off until about the halfway point; then, the Jazz Fusion-like guitar takes over, taking us on a redemptive, melodic tour, delivering us once again back into the storm. It's Prog Rock in top form, and cover-the-ear headphones are definitely recommended. Remaining in this venue for awhile, Plini's "Papelillo" is next, and in my opinion is one of his best songs ever -- majestic, sassy, complicated, enveloping the listener with Jeff Beck-like coolness, confidence, and power. Temple Garden's "Redshift" is a superb song and a sign of great things to come from this new, Austin-based band. Since making this Explorer Mix, Temple Garden has released (April 2021) the full album, also called Redshift. It's excellent; click HERE to investigate. Next, we enjoy "Space" from The Bedlam Furnaces, which reminds me of both the Electric Light Orchestra and the Alan Parsons Project -- melodic and enjoyable. Pymilco provides us with the next three songs. They are as beautiful as they are intriguing. This seven piece band from Oslo, Norway has the ability to write really creative, atypical songs that I have come to appreciate. I am not even sure how to classify this band's style other than to say they are fantastic.

 

For the remainder of the mix, we venture into and through several exceedingly good songs from the realms of Nu Disco, House, R&B-Styled Funk, and 70s/80s Pop, concluding with a special, fifteen-song tribute to Lemon Jelly, a British legacy duo that "temporarily" called it quits in 2008 and at this time is still listed online as "in hiatus." They, too, are worth your examination. I really enjoy their music with its recurring patterns and extended playtimes. Here's the listing of artists that follow Pymilco: Dzihan & Kamien; Crazy P; Kraak & Smaak & Izo FitzRay; Ben Browning; Common Saints; Kainalu; The Phenomenal Handicap Band; Toby Earnest & Turbotito; Har Mar Superstar; Mark Barrott; Kid Loco, and, Lemon Jelly.

JOHN BEAGLEY

I regret to say that I only recently discovered the music of John Beagley. I came across this extraordinarily talented, UK musician on Bandcamp. I've been listening to his music on just about a constant basis since then. How to describe this man's artistry? He definitely has a knack for writing beautiful arrangements that are reminiscent of 1970s and 1980s Pop, but he is also just as capable of creating really inviting Prog-ish Synthwave. His music, as best I can tell, is limited for streaming on Spotify, so I cannot simply assemble a good, representative playlist for you to investigate. Because of that, I recommend that you listen to and then purchase his albums or songs on Bandcamp and also download the Bandcamp App. That's what I did so we could stream  Beagley's beautiful melodies wherever we are, especially when making the one-hour commute to and from work. Please investigate John Beagley. I think you will be really glad you did!

 

Artist's Bandcamp Website

Artist's Facebook Page

John Beagley also partnered with Robin Schell, releasing two digital albums. I am especially fond of the one pictured below left -- Life in Digital's "2951 Seconds of Sound." It's a very good set of songs that are also reminiscent of the late1980s. Moreover, and pictured directly above this text box, is an album called "Iconic Sky" by the band that Beagley works with of the same name. This album was released on February 19, 2021, and it is excellent!

Be Sure to Investigate John Beagley's YouTube Channel. There are several videos there that will get you right into what this outstanding musician is creating.

EL TEN ELEVEN ◦ 46 SONGS

MusicQuest El Ten Eleven Spotlight Mix

Official Website ◦ YouTube Channel

Facebook ◦ Bandcamp

Outstanding Post-Rock Music