Pop & Indie – Concert: 12/5 – Flight Attendant @ Toad’s Place
Teddy Swims released a song from the Netflix comedy series “Nobody Wants This” starring Kristen Bell. I didn’t like this song as much as I normally like his work but it was ok. It honestly sounds like it would be in a TV show so I guess it makes sense that it was written for one. While I may not have liked this song I still recommend Teddy Swims as an artist especially if you’re 40 years old and drunk at Soundside Music Festival.
Haven Madison released her EP “Roses” last week and I liked the song “If You’re Into That.” I have talked about Madison last March when she released her song “Why Do The Pills Work.” This song is about warning a new girl about an ex and honestly the way she describes this guy sounds like this other girl deserves the warning. I love the way her songs are relatable to situations that a lot of people face. I think being a teenager definitely helps her with relatability and makes her a fun artist to follow.
Forest Blakk released an adorable love song titled “ The Good Part.” I’ve loved all his releases over my time as a genre manager and this song is no exception. The song is really cute as he sings about his love being the good part of his life. If you like romance music or Forest Blakk’s other songs you’ll like this one.
Oldies – Concert: 12/19 – Almost Queen @ Toyota Oakdale
Oct. 18, 1993 (downtempo/ethereal)
When I found out that my favorite Cocteau Twins record, “4 Calendar Cafe,” came out 32 years ago, I was so excited to start researching the history of this album and now I don’t know if it’s a good thing that this album specifically is my favorite. After nearly a decade of creating music, the band switched labels to produce their seventh album at Fontana Records. This album also followed one of the hardest transitional periods for the band, when lead singer Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie, who played guitar, bass and keyboards, ended their romantic relationship that lasted a majority of their music careers. This stress ended Guthrie in rehab for drugs and alcohol and Fraser in psychotherapy. Unlike their previous albums, this one doesn’t have the same amount of fuzz or warp and instead the band allows a clearer definition of the lyrics and instruments. This added incredibly to the emotionality of what Fraser was singing about, and why songs like “Know Who You Are At Every Age,” connect the audience to a past memory or even another world. Talking about healing, grief, and pain in such an angelic way, it makes room for an overcoming for the better. Listening to this album on full blast with headphones will heal your soul and feed your mind. Each song in this album has its own purpose and poetic lyrics that together string sides of grief, and not just loss of a person, but also time, and yourself. The lyrics to “Evangeline” illustrate the feeling of getting older, “There is no going back / I can’t stop feeling now / I am not the same, I’m growing up again,” and this happens “At Every Age.” If you are already familiar with Cocteau Twins, I can’t recommend going through their eight studio albums and one collaboration with Harold Budd because they only have nine full length albums and I love a couple of songs on each album minimum, this album? All of them, but my favorites are “Know Who You Are At Every Age,” “Evangeline,” “Squeeze-Wax” and “Theft, And Wandering Around Lost.”
Oct. 19, 1979 (ska funk/punk)
Released 46 years ago, The Specials made their self-titled debut album, produced by Elvis Costello, a cultural and political statement. A band not unknown to me, The Specials emerged from 2-Tone Productions, which is the label founded by The Special’s keyboardist, Jerry Dammers. In Britain at an urgent time of racism, joblessness and political unrest that affected Jamaican immigrants in the UK the most and created racial violence. The Specials were fighting for unity by performing as a racially integrated band, and also musically integrated Jamaican Ska and Brit Rock while singing about lyrics that demanded change. Songs like “Too Hot,” have lyrics that talk about unchecked power and being racially targeted, “No man can tell them what to do, pound for pound, They say they’re ruder than you, They are boss, and no back talk, choose your burial site, take insurance make up your will, come out and tell them, fight them.” What is the best genre to get the youth dancing to words of inequality and unrest? Well I found it. This album features two covers of classic Jamaican songs, including “A Message to You, Rudy” (originally by Dandy Livingstone) and “Monkey Man,” which introduced reggae to the UK youth in a fresh, edgy way that everyone enjoys and can dance to. The 2-Tone movement and sound influenced later acts like Madness, The Selector, No Doubt and even early Blur. I recommend “A Message to You Rudy,” “Blank Expression,” “It’s Up to You” and “Dawning of A New Era.”
Oct. 19, 1970 (folk rock)
Off of the landmark album After the Gold Rush, my favorite Canadian folk artist, Neil Young released “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” as a single with a B-Side as a Crazy Horse version of “Birds.” This happened apparently by accident, instead of Neil Young’s piano version that was on the original album. The original is sweet and authentic on its own, a Young classic found in all his favorites of mine like “Harvest Moon” and “Heart of Gold.” However, I am also (guiltily) as obsessed with the version of this song by Saint Etienne, with an upbeat bass and keyboard lick that completely changes the tone and ultimately the meaning and emotion. So the song can either be portrayed in a melancholic view that it was love that has left them this hurt, or one that I saw as freedom. ONLY love can break your heart and if it isn’t love, then you can bounce right back.
Hip-Hop/R&B – Concert: 11/28 – Chris Webby @ Toad’s Place
This past week was such a serve for hip-hop releases, like, my playlists have been eating. One of the biggest standouts came from bbno$, who dropped a self-titled album with 21 tracks and three fire features. The album totally captures his goofy, confident energy, but with new beats that feel fresh and unexpected. It’s classic bbno$, clever, catchy, and just weird enough in the best way. The album includes the song “it boy” which went viral on TikTok earlier this year for its catchy chorus and fun dance vibe. However my favorite from the album is “bag TF up.” This song truly shows off all over confidence and a fun dance vibe, yet with a slow deeper meaning. It’s obvious he’s experimenting more while still keeping that cheeky charm we all love. Overall, this album feels like bbno$ reminding everyone that he’s not just here for a viral moment, he’s here to stay and keep having fun while he’s at it.
After the release of his single “SMILE BODY PRETTY FACE,” which has become a favorite of mine, I have been very excited for the release of Ty Dolla $ign’s album, titled, “TYCOON.” This album includes 15 tracks, 10 of which include features. The feature list is heavily stacked, including Juicy J, Quavo, A$AP Rocky, Tommy Revenge, Kodak Black, YG, Tory Lanez, Young Thug, Lil Baby, 2 Chainz, Tyga, Lil Wayne, Rich The Kid, Destroy Lonely, Travis Scott, Leon Thomas and Chlöe. Crazy insane long list, with some of hiphop’s best artists. Although I fell in love with “SMILE BODY PRETTY FACE,” my other favorite from the album is definitely “WHAT I WANT.” This song gives a great dance vibe, with the perfect touch by Lil Wayne. This is a fully packed album, which has truly lived up to the hype.
New Jersey native rapper and songwriter MoRuf released a new single titled “PT Cruiser,” featuring the one and only SZA. Although MoRuf is a smaller artist, with around 232,000 monthly Spotify listeners, his shared North Jersey roots with SZA make this collaboration feel especially genuine. MoRuf has been quietly carving out his sound for years, blending poetic lyricism with smooth, soulful beats that give his music a timeless feel. His debut album, “Garden State of Mind Ready to Live,” dropped back in 2011, setting the tone for his introspective style and storytelling approach. After taking an eight year hiatus between 2016 and 2024 to focus on fatherhood, MoRuf has reemerged with a sense of maturity and creative clarity that shines through in this new release. “PT Cruiser” captures that balance beautifully, offering a nostalgic, laidback sound that feels like a summer drive through Jersey with the windows down. The track’s mellow production pairs perfectly with MoRuf’s calm delivery, while SZA’s verse adds that emotional warmth and depth only she can bring. Together, they create a track that feels intimate yet universal one that’s less about flash and more about feeling.
Another album I’ve been so excited for finally dropped this past week, Gucci Mane’s new project, “Episodes.” After teasing fans with singles like “Voices,” “Psycho,” “I Need You,” “Only Time,” and “Back Cooking,” the hype for this release was already sky high. The album includes 23 tracks, with three standout features that keep the energy flowing from start to finish. There are so many fire songs, but my favorite has to be “Still So Icy.” It gives that classic Gucci confidence, bold, smooth, and effortlessly cool. I can totally picture myself driving with the windows down, volume maxed out, just vibing to it. Gucci Mane proves once again that two decades into his career, he’s still setting the tone for what trap greatness sounds like.
Country/Folk – Concert: 11/20 – Dave Hause @ Space Ballroom
After listening to “Seeing You” by hey, nothing, I did some research into who they are. As an indie-folk duo from Atlanta, the pair have been releasing music since 2021, but really gained some traction following their 2024 EP “Maine.” This newest single was honestly really awesome, and I have a feeling it will be in my SSIBB for a few weeks. The bridge is probably my favorite part of this song, as it is with most songs, because they absolutely nail it. I plan to dive into more of their music this week to discover more of their stuff, but if it’s anything like this, they may have found a new fan.
One of country music’s best bands, Flatland Cavalry, released “Gone” this weekend, a song which echoes their sound. I was actually supposed to go see the band last year, but sadly never received press credentials. That was a huge bummer for me, because in preparation for the concert, I listened to a lot of their music. Their sound is very unique, but one that I like A LOT. Their lead singer, Cleto Cordero, has in my opinion, one of country’s most distinctive voices. The band has been around since 2016, when their song “A Life Where We Work Out” featuring Cordero’s wife Kaitlin Butts, made it big. The gut-wrenching tune is not only one of their best, but one of the best in the genre over the last decade. The band would again find the limelight after contributing to the soundtrack of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” alongside other artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Charles Wesley Goodwin and Sierra Ferrell. They may not always get the recognition they deserve considering how phenomenal their music is, but true fans know their talent. Their newest release is no different. It has a sort of upbeat, Bob Dylan vibe to it, with Cordero even sounding a bit like the legendary musician at times. It’s classic Cavalry, and a great lead into hopefully another album soon.
Those that know me know I love Morgan Wallen. I am not a typical Wallen fan, but instead a diehard one. His music is so much more to me than “Last Night” and “I’m The Problem,” as I have a true appreciation for his work, unlike most of his “fans.” Those that know my fandom of Morgan Wallen may also know that I was very critical of his latest album. I would argue it is his worst to date, as I’m only really a huge fan of eight of the 37 tracks. His song with Tate McRae was one of my favorites, of course, and “Dark Til Daylight” is in my opinion the best song on the album. Still, it pales in comparison to his other projects, mainly “Dangerous: The Double Album,” my personal favorite. His newest release, “Graveyard Whistling” ties into the theme of “I’m The Problem” with a detailed sketch of a crow, instead of Wallen himself. The song is actually a cover, which I’m sure most of his “fans” are unfamiliar with. Wallen puts his own twist on the Nothing But Thieves song, but does so in a way that I am not a huge fan of. This song shows a Wallen that we haven’t really seen before, that being him trying to flex his vocals. Even as one of his biggest fans, I am well aware that Wallen’s vocals aren’t incredible. They work for the style of music he sings, but I would never call him one of country’s best voices. This song has him singing in a way that does not fit his vocal style. If you’re curious as to what I mean, and know of Wallen, skip to 0:54 on the song as evidence. It’s a bummer that part really annoys me, as I actually think the rest of the song is really solid. I have a feeling it will grow on me as time goes on, but for now, I’m not the biggest fan. I think the song itself is really cool, just not the right kind of cover for Wallen’s voice.
Rock/Alternative – Concert: 12/13 – Wind Walkers @ Toyota Oakdale
“I Don’t Mind” by Dogpark is a single that is really showcases the band’s 1990s and 2000s indie rock influences with fuzzy vocals and bright fun guitar riffs. The song is driven the drums with pretty straightforward groves throughout that really lay the foundation for that classic sound. This is my second time talking about Dogpark on the WQAQ weekly and this song is definitely much more of a brighter sound than their other recent single “September” which was a bit more emotional. Both of these two singles really showcases Dogpark’s energetic fresh take on indie rock.
“God Save The Gun” is a strong improvement on Militarie Gun’s sound that really polishes their punk and hardcore style and blends their heavier sound with more melodic and pop elements than some of their previous stuff. The album tackles some very emotional themes of personal struggle like addiction and mental health with some very vulnerable and personal lyrics from frontman Ian Shelton. If you enjoy pop-punk this is a very well done modern take on the genre that is full of catchy hooks and emotional lyrics that it is definitely worth checking out.
They Are Gutting a Body of Water (or TAGABOW) is a shoegaze band from Philadelphia, and their latest Album “LOTTO” is a great combination of shoegaze with noise rock and some electronics that creates a really unique heavy sound full of distortion and reverb. The band started as a solo project of Douglas Dulgarian before it became a full band with bassist Emily Lofing, guitarist PJ Carroll and drummer Ben Opatut. This album is their most mature and polished sound yet. TAGABOW have always been known for a very experimental approach to shoegaze and some have said that this album loses some of that experimental edge but I feel like it is full of really intense and emotional tracks that still have a unique sound to them.
“Everyone’s Talking!” is All Time Low’s 10th studio album, and it is a little bit of a new sound for the band. The album moves away from their more traditional pop-punk sound that many people may be familiar with from songs like their 2007 hit “Dear Maria, Count Me In” with the band instead opting for a more playful sound that leans more into pop than punk. The album cover is very colorful and bright which is a good representation of what to expect from the album as it is full of upbeat, catchy and uplifting songs. While it might not be their classic 2000s sound, the album is still a lot of fun and definitely worth a listen.
Global – Concert: 11/21 – NEK @ Shubert Theatre
If you like witchy, emotionally charged, masterpiece albums, boy do I have the release for you!! From their dazzling debut “Prelude to Ecstasy,” London visionaries The Last Dinner Party return with “From the Pyre.” This sweeping, cinematic album burns brighter and darker than before. Produced by Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire, Florence + The Machine), this record trades the opulence of their first era for something earthier, rawer, and more emotionally charged. Across 10 bold tracks, “From the Pyre” explores transformation, grief, and rebirth through mythic and modern lenses. The band pairs baroque pop with jagged guitars and theatrical vocals— creating a sound that feels both ancient and electric. Lyrically, they conjure ghosts, saints, cowboys, and apocalypses in a fever dream of heartbreak and defiance. My personal favorite is titled “Agnus Dei,” directly translating to “lamb of god” in Latin.
When the world thought the King of Reggaetón had finally retired, Daddy Yankee once again lights it up with “El Toque.” Mixing a sleek production style with spiritual undertones, the track blends his trademark Latin rhythm with a new edge. The beat is pure reggaetón pulse meets global pop, while the lyrics dive into rebirth, energy, and divine connection. Recorded partly in Puerto Rico and filmed in South Korea, the single’s visuals expand Daddy Yankee’s global reach, pairing faith-driven imagery with sharp choreography and cinematic flair. It’s a reminder that even after decades in the game, he’s still reinventing what Latin music can sound and feel like.
The Black Label’s rookie girl group, MEOVV is once again making an outstanding impact with their latest single “BURNING UP.” The group made their debut in September of 2024 and instantly amassed a following, with fans saying they have the potential to be the next big thing. While they’ve had few releases compared to other groups within their first year, they haven’t released a single skippable song yet. From their self-titled debut to this new release, every song comes with an addictive sound, dance, and trend. It comes as no surprise that “BURNING UP” will for sure be trending for weeks to come. Between the pumping bass, hypnotic hook, and hyper dance break, this song is impossible to sit still through. Perfect for a late-night drive or club dance floor, I hope to hear this song in the western mainstream, as it sounds like something akin to the K-pop Demon Hunters’ song “How it’s Done.” Once again, MEOVV sets our expectations high and manages to exceed themselves every time.
