Oldies – Concert: 5/15 – David Byrne @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre
March 21, 1976 “Look Out for #1” by The Brothers Johnson (funk/R&B)
After making national recognition by singing “Is It Love That We’re Missing” on Quincy Jones’ album Mellow Madness, the duo released their debut album, “Look Out for #1” on A&M Records, which Jones would produce. George and Louis Johnson brought a unique and lifelong chemistry that would define their album and career. From the opening track, “I’ll Be Good to You,” you can tell this album fits perfectly into the mid-70s funk explosion while being musically polished. This song would go on to make The Brothers Johnson’s entire first album, making everyone look out for their No. 1 song. Although there are commercially-leaning tracks within the album, the very next song, “Thunder Thumbs and Lightnin’ Licks,” is an entire jam instrumental of the brothers, George being the lightning and Louis being the thunder. You can tell this song was entirely for them, and you can hear their seamless creativity bash and brotherly bond throughout the jam session. Songs like “Get the Funk Out Ma Face” lean more into attitude and personality with punchy instrumentation to match the vocal delivery. “Free and Single” captures a more carefree and celebratory independence that contrasts with the romantic tones sprinkled in the other songs. After that is actually a cover of The Beatles’ song “Come Together,” but it’s darker and totally funky and adds countless bass licks and electric grooves to the simpler original. “Dancin’ and Prancin’” gives appreciation to the disco culture and the general feeling in the air, when everyone seems to have their feet tapping and music in their head. Many who experienced this phenomenon said it was a unique experience in mid-70s America, especially after the war ended. The album concludes with a unique twist: “The Devil” is a slow funk warning people about the devil’s temptations to lure them to evil. Both thematically diverse and even musically diverse, this album shows off the wide range of talent that the brothers possessed and would go on to prove correct. The Brothers Johnson would have more hits, like “Stomp!” and the cover of “Strawberry Letter 23”, all because of the help from Quincy Jones to gain fame and then go on to produce and collaborate with them throughout their careers. The brothers split in 1982 when they both did some solo work. Louis would create his own band and be featured on “Thriller”, and George collaborated with other artists as a solo act before they reunited a few years later to do more albums and even a tour. Sadly, Louis Johnson died in 2015 due to internal bleeding, leaving only one brother, George, who is still in the music industry today and is carrying out both their legacies. I recommend “I’ll Be Good to You,” “Get the Funk Out Ma Face,” “Come Together” and “The Devil.”
March 22nd, 1975 “Songbird” by Jesse Colin Young (folk-rock)
After finding success as the frontman of The Youngbloods, Jesse Colin Young continued to carve out his solo identity with his fourth album since the dissolution of his band, “Songbird,” which leans fully into a laid-back California folk-rock. This album was released after Young received a positive reaction opening for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s 1974 summer stadium tour, where he was inspired to create more music with his usual backup band, including keyboardist Scott Lawernce and reed player Jim Rothermel. Though it wouldn’t last long, the immediate opening softness with the title track “Songbird” is built on delicate drum, guitar, and piano, and a light vocal delivery. It would go on to be one of Young’s most famous songs, which is surprising considering it’s a departure from his normal folk, and I would even call it jazzy pop instead. The next song is a steep departure from the upbeat title track. “Before You Came” takes the perspective of a Native American, who is reflecting on the beauty and simplicity of life that was before colonizers came, and how the land was sacred and still needs to be protected from those trying to pillage it. Although Young cannot relate to this story being told, and neither can any of us really, we can use both the metaphor to describe a peace in our lives before a person or event, or see the song as a call to environmental protection and the preservation of Native culture. “Daniel” seems to be the bit of movement and upbeat-ness that his album was desperate for; the piano and trumpets really make the swinging rhythm, while Young warns Daniel from making decisions he will regret. After that, Young takes some inspiration from his own past and rereleases “Josaine” with upgraded music and vocals. It’s a silky and slow track with magical synth playing lightly throughout. “Slick City” on the B-side returns the more upbeat and groovy style and takes it out of the mellowness of “Josaine,” but that won’t last long. “Til You Come Back Home Again” returns the emotional core, but it’s folk-country with a lot of supporting fiddle, and nothing like the silky piano of “Josaine,” centered around longing and distance, and the emptiness you can’t help but make friends with. Again covering his own band’s song, he recreated “Sugar Babe” from the 1967 album “Earth Music,” but with deeper vocals and definitely more polished instrumentals. The whole vibe of the song changes, and Young leaves behind his vocal choice of energetic delivery for a more somber one that brightens over the course of the song, and honestly, it’s my favorite of the album. The last song introduces a “ragtime” jazz rhythm while discussing an increasingly strained economic situation about living in a motorhome that you can’t afford, sharing beds, and having no room for kids. The contrast between the content and the musicality makes it a funny song to hear, and this adds one more genre to this completely diverse show of talent. Again with the sad news, Jesse Collins Young, or his real name, Perry Miller, died of a heart attack in his home last year, although he continued to release albums all the way until 2022 with “Live at Daryl’s House”. I recommend “Songbird,” “Before You Came,” “Til You Come Back Home Again” and “Sugar Babe.”
(Single) March 22nd, 1985 “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears (new wave/synth-pop)
Released as one of the defining singles from “Songs from the Big Chair,” “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” became one of Tears For Fears’ most recognizable and lasting songs because of its introspective themes with a sound that was never heard before. From the magical chimes and angelic layered vocals that introduce us to the song, a clean and steady guitar riff is born. Tears For Fears gets more comfortable with the synth since their debut album, “The Hurting,” which was released two years earlier. The synth isn’t overwhelming like a pop song, but it creates the atmosphere without crowding the simple melody, making it very easy to recognize and stay stuck in your head. Although it may be overlooked, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith explore themes of power, control, and human ambition that are at the heart of so many conflicts and acts of violence. Even with the heavy theming, the song never feels weighed down because of the light and almost carefree delivery of the vocals that contrast. Like most singles I write about, this song is timeless and lives on in various forms, like TV, pop culture, radio, and even on the Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster. And like U2’s single, the dichotomy of lyrics and musicality is rare, unique, and creates an appeal that transcends generations.
Hip-Hop/R&B – Concert: 5/28 – Khalid @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre
Coi Leray and Youngboy Never Broke Again teamed up together to release a single titled “Better Than Yours,” and I am obsessed. This single is hard-hitting and energy-filled from start to finish. From start to finish, the track is packed with energy, hitting hard right from the opening seconds and never slowing down. Leray kicks things off with a confident, attention-grabbing verse that immediately sets the tone, and it only builds from there. NBA YoungBoy comes in strong, matching her intensity while adding his own raw, emotional edge that fans love. The chemistry feels natural, almost like they’ve collaborated before, and it adds to the overall replay value of the track. “Better Than Yours” is bold, high-energy, and confident, the kind of song that instantly made its way onto a few of my playlists. It’s easily one of the standout collaborations of the week, and I’ll definitely be keeping this one in rotation.
In lieu of her album, which is set to release on May 26, Latto released a single titled “Business & Personal (Intro).” I do have to admit, this is my first time listening to a Latto song that isn’t “Seven” by Jungkook. I finished this song impressed. This song discusses many personal moments of her family life, while keeping high energy throughout the song. I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this single and am excited for the album.
If you remember one of my weeklys from 2025, I covered the most recent album from Thirteendegrees° titled “BLACK FRIDAYZ.” That was my first time listening to their music, and I was immediately intrigued. This past week, Thirteendegrees °released a single titled “DWNTWN LUV,” and I can confidently say it gave me that same feeling all over again. This sub-three-minute track keeps a steady, captivating flow from start to finish, never losing momentum or interest. His delivery gives a unique vibe to the song that makes it stand out, blending a chill with just enough edge to keep things exciting. As his second release of 2026, “DWNTWN LUV” shows that Thirteendegrees° is continuing to build on his sound while staying true to what made him stand out in the first place. It’s the kind of track that has snuck onto one of my playlists and will be staying there. If he keeps this consistency up, he’s definitely an artist to keep an eye on this year.
T.I. is back and bolder than ever. On March 20, T.I. released a single titled “Trauma Bond” as well as changing his Spotify cover to say “T.I. IS BACK.” 2026 has been a great year for him, with this being his third solo release of the year. Known for his 2008 hit, “Whatever You Like,” this rapper has always had a way of delivering confident, memorable tracks, and “Trauma Bond” is no exception. The song carries a powerful energy, blending his signature delivery with a more modern sound that still feels true to his roots. It’s bold, assertive, and clearly meant to remind listeners why he’s been such a lasting presence in the rap game. I’m obsessed with his 2026 persona, and I think it’s exactly what the rap game needed right now.
Country/Folk – Concert: 4/22 – Dipsea Flower and West 22nd @ Space Ballroom
Luke Combs released his sixth studio album, titled “The Way I Am,” this Friday, and what an album it is. Combs is one of the most consistent presences in the genre, in my opinion, and this album proves that he can still produce some of his best stuff even deep into his career. The 22-song project is surprisingly pretty easy to digest, thanks in large part to how many singles Combs released prior. Starting with “The Prequel,” and including fan favorites like “Sleepeless in a Hotel Room” and “Be By You,” eight songs were pre-released, giving the album “checkpoints” for those who have listened to the singles. I was definitely a fan of a lot of the singles that were released, especially “Giving Her Away” and “15 Minutes.” As for the new songs, all of them were pretty great. This album is a great mix of slow songs, such as the aforementioned “Giving Her Away” and “15 Minutes,” as well as the closing track “A Man Was Born,” a personal favorite of mine, and upbeat. Some of my new favorites from the album include “Miss You Here,” “Tell Em’ About Tonight,” “Can’t Tell Me I’m Wrong,” and “Seeing Someone.” The first and only collaboration on this album, “Ever Mine” with Alison Krauss of “Whiskey Lullaby” fame, is maybe this record’s shining star. It’s a beautiful song about a soldier writing letters home to his wife, unsure if he will ever make it back. Combs and Krauss’ voices work really well together, and I hope this song gets the love it deserves instead of getting buried behind other, more radio-friendly tracks. Overall, this record really impressed me. I was never expecting it to be bad; I was expecting a lot of what Combs has delivered in the past. However, I left this record feeling as though I just heard some of his best stuff. It really is a record that exemplifies why Combs is such a big name and beloved by everyone in the genre. He’s one of country music’s best, and this album is evidence of why.
It’s the long-awaited, by me at least, deluxe edition of Parker McCollum’s self-titled album; the four-song addition continues a lot of what made “Parker McCollum” so good. Before this weekend’s release, McCollum released “Big Ole Fancy House,” a song he promised and provided for fans on the deluxe. A song I reviewed in the past, I am in love with this song. I thought this in itself would already make the album better, but the addition of three other songs was just the cherry on top. My personal favorite is probably “Montgomery County,” where McCollum recites details and locations of his hometown, and what he misses about his youth. It’s a song that makes you remember your own hometown, especially if you come from a small town like mine. On “The One Before The One,” McCollum takes an interesting approach that I haven’t heard much in song before. I feel as though most songs about a woman, in this case, are about how they weren’t the one. This song, however, is as simple as the name suggests. McCollum sings about how this girl he was with was “the one before the one,” and though his longing might hurt, he’s okay with that. I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to, and a topic I don’t hear much in country music, so this was one that pleasantly surprised me. “Wind My Friend” sees McCollum singing about how being a free spirit can be rewarding, and how a part of him “can’t stand still once I find out how free flying feels.” However, I interpret it that his love was a free spirit, and left him for something better and more her style. McCollum echoes the same line at the end of every verse, that being “I should have never made the wind my friend,” showing that sometimes, you may not have what someone wants. It’s a deluxe edition of self-reflection, whether that be on past relationships or his childhood, and I think all four songs help add to the authenticity of what made “Parker McCollum” so good in mine and many others’ opinions.
“Running On E” is a song I was not expecting from Wyatt Flores. For an artist who is used to flexing his unique voice in a country/folk style, this song is just unlike a lot of his stuff. His voice on this song sounds really similar to Bailey Zimmerman, but in a way I’m not sure I’m a fan of. Over break, I went through Flores’ entire discography, and I love so much of his stuff. I just don’t think this song fits the style of his other stuff, and overall, I’m not much of a fan.
Rock/Alternative – Concert: 8/7 – Franz Ferdinand @ College Street Music Hall
Foo Fighters have released a third single from their upcoming album, and like the last two tracks, “Caught In The Echo” is powerful stadium rock. Out of the three singles released so far, I would definitely say that this track sounds the most like Foo Fighters’ earlier catalog. The song does well to mix the more aggressive and energetic moments with the song while still having room for softer and pensive moments to happen. For a band that has been around for over 30 years, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters are showing that they still have a great understanding of how to craft stadium-ready songs with catchy choruses and energetic riffs. With a tour coming up this summer, so far it seems like this album will be full of tracks that will be great live.
Dropkick Murphys and Haywire 617 released their joint album “New England Forever” on St. Patrick’s Day, also celebrating the end of the tour that they had been on together. The album contains two songs that the two bands worked together on, with “Citizen I.C.E.” and the album’s title track, “NEW ENGLAND FOREVER.” Each band then also has three songs recorded on their own, including covers of each other. The album is a great collaboration between two Boston hardcore bands at different points in their careers. For Dropkick Murphys, this is their first new music in a few years, and the band still has their gritty punk sound with Celtic flair, and for Haywire, this is a great opportunity as a newer face to the Boston hardcore scene, getting the chance to work with icons of Boston rock. For me, this album was a fun return for Dropkick Murphys and a great introduction to Haywire.
“Weight Of The Truth” by Footballhead is the band’s second album, and already it is clear that the band has found its sound. The album is a blend of melodic hardcore, 2000s emo and alt-rock and even some ‘90s grunge as well. Lyrically, the album deals a lot with loss and grief, taking the listener on a journey where, at the end of the album on the track ”Focus,” the lyrics accept what has happened and are ready to move forward. This album was my introduction to Footballhead, and right away, I thought the music sounded right out of the 2000s. The album definitely has a bit of a nostalgic sound to it, but the band does a lot of switching between that 2000s sound and a much more modern hardcore sound, and it works very well for them. This album was a great introduction to Footballhead, and I am very excited to see what this group does in the future.
Pop & Indie – Concert: 5/15 – Andrew Lucier @ Space Ballroom
I hope you’re hungry, because Niall Horan released his new single “Dinner Party.” His album by the same name will be released on June 5. I like the instrumentals a lot, but I don’t really love the lyrics. I found it really repetitive. If the song were longer, I think I would have liked it more, but the length made it repetitive to me. While I didn’t love this song, I am looking forward to the album. The track list looks like it could have some fun songs.
Lizzo is back with her single “Don’t Make Me Love U.” The song is about not wanting to spend your time loving someone if they know they don’t want the same thing. She doesn’t want to fall for someone who already knows they don’t want to love her or be in a serious relationship. I think it’s a pretty good song. I definitely prefer her older, more upbeat pop songs, but I did enjoy this one.
Isabel Pless is an indie artist from Vermont with a solid following on Instagram and TikTok. Her single “Wish You Nothing At All” is a song about the end of a relationship. This song is pretty slow and shows everything that’s happened since her relationship ended. She doesn’t want anything bad for the other person, but she also doesn’t wish them well. The Outro is my favorite part; she talks about everything she would’ve done differently to avoid being in the relationship in the first place. I really liked this song, and I recommend giving it a listen.
Ricky Montgomery’s single “Oh My My” gives musical theater vibes with an electric guitar in the best way possible. I like what I’ve heard from him in the past; this one took me a minute, though. I didn’t love the beginning, but once the chorus hit, I was into it. If you’re a fan of his music, I think you’ll like it. I’m going to add it to a playlist.
