Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Nov. 9

The Mother Hips, Alfie Templeman, Eric Jacobsen, Kayhan Kalhor, Sandeep Das, Karen Ouzounian; LIT, Black Label Society, Harvey Sutherland, Young Guv

Clockwise from top left: The Mother Hips, Alfie Templeman, conductor Eric Jacobsen with Kayhan Kalhor, Sandeep Das and Karen Ouzounian; LIT, Black Label Society, Harvey Sutherland and Young Guv.

The jangly guitars of The Mother Hips, disjointed motorik beats from Harvey Sutherland, catchy hooks of Young Guv and shredding guitars of Black Label Society make the cut for this week’s best songs. We round out the list of fantastic songs with a new one from Lit, Alfie Templeman and conductor Eric Jacobsen.



Harvey Sutherland, “Jouissance” — Melbourne, Australia DJ and producer Harvey Sutherland (aka Mike Katz) is changing up the game for electronica. If you think you know what you’re getting, be prepared, because you’re not. Analog escapism to a motorik beat is unexpected. The song is hypnotizing in one moment, yet it feels like your head is in pure turmoil. The video screams ’80s kitsch, yet the song holds up. For two and a half minutes, it’s like being transported to another world.

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Lit, “Yeah Yeah Yeah” — SoCal band Lit used to be a staple on the radio during the late ’90s. No matter the time of the day, I guarantee you heard “My Own Worst Enemy.” It’s hard to believe this band is still around with all the original band members (save for drummer Allen Shellenberger, who died of brain cancer in 2009). With a familiar alt rock sound, Lit continues where it left off: catchy hooks, unforgettable riffs and great harmonies. “Yeah Yeah Yeah” is an easy sing-along with an anthemic over-the-top chorus.



Young Guv, “Lo Lo Lonely” — Ben Cook, the guitarist of Fucked Up and lead singer of No Warning, has been recording power pop gems as Young Guv. The Toronto artist will release Guv III, the first half of his double-album Guv III & IV, in March. Single “Lo Lo Lonely” is filled with catchy hooks and heavy, driving guitars. You can hear the influences of Big Star and Teenage Fanclub in the melodic harmonies. The undeniably pop-friendly vocals make this song a power pop banger that deserves to be on repeat.

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Alfie Templeman, “3D Feelings” — Alfie Templeman is back. And right now there is no one better at creating bubblegum pop than him. The bouncy “3D Feelings” is a pop anthem for ages. The song has sugary-sweet vocals and makes you want to dance along. The chorus is an infectious sing-along. It’s impossible not to envision a concert with everyone singing together and pogoing as one. The song is fun with lighthearted energy. I’m completely enamored with Templeman. Be sure to catch him Dec. 1 at the Rickshaw Stop.



Black Label Society, “End Of Days” — Well, I can’t say I really paid much attention to the song the first go-around, but the awesomely fun video intrigued me. It includes Zakk’s Burger House (bear) taking on J.D.’s Chicken Shack (koala). Suddenly, I was swept into both the song and video. There’s a chase scene followed by a fight scene set to searing guitar riffs. Oh, and there’s a massive guitar solo that shreds. With each successive listen, I picked up on lyrics filled with passion and vocals that soar throughout the song. But, it’s the guitars that really pull you in and carry the tune. If you’re hoping to see Black Label Society this tour, the closest the band gets to the West Coast is Las Vegas.

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The Mother Hips, “I Don’t Want To Drive You Away” — The Bay Area’s The Mother Hips will release their first cover song in their 30 years. New album Glowing Lantern comes out in early December with the aforementioned Anne Murray cover. The band found her cassette tape at a truck stop. The Mother Hips brought the ’60s to life here with swirling Laurel Canyon vibes, jangly guitar pop and warm vocal harmonies. “I Don’t Want To Drive You Away” invokes The Byrds with paisley shirts and flowers in your hair.

The Mother Hips will be playing holiday shows at The Great American Music Hall this December.



Eric Jacobsen, Sandeep Das and Kayhan Kalhor with the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, “Aaj Ki Raat” — Conductor Eric Jacobsen collaborated with Grammy winners Kayhan Kalhor, Sandeep Das, as well as the Greater Bridgeport Symphony. The artists reimagined R. D. Burman’s “Aaj Ki Raat.” If you’re unfamiliar, he’s quite possibly the biggest music director in India, spanning many decades for hundreds of Bollywood films.

“Aaj Ki Raat” is a cinematic masterpiece. From the plucking of the cello strings, to the jagged violin playing, this piece is an emotional rollercoaster. There are ebbs and flows, and an element of distrust in not knowing where the music will go. It’s drama that doesn’t disappoint the audience.

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Rachel’s pick: I actually wasn’t familiar with Burman, so I asked a friend from India. Hearing this take on “Aaj Ki Raat,” I was blown away and wanted to know more. It didn’t matter whether I had watched one or 10 Bollywood films, this piece was gorgeous. Each time I listen, I hear something that I didn’t notice before. Sandeep Das brings life with simple taps on the tabla. The cellists’ strings bring snappiness and the violins seem to scream out into the night. I’m mesmerized by this song.

Follow writer Rachel Goodman at Twitter.com/xneverwherex and Instagram.com/xneverwherex.

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