Tuesday Tracks: New music discovery – Oct. 18

Rose’s Pawn Shop, courtesy.
This week was a journey into introspection: gratitude, love and beauty. Joan Osborne provides us with the beauty while The Sleeping Souls give us a close look at a relationship ending. The perfect counterpart is the release that Big Joanie provides. Rose’s Pawn Shop is that sigh of relief on the aptly titled “Gratitude.” Add in the psychedelic grooves of Pond and an anthemic catchy gem from Dublin’s Inhaler for this eclectic playlist.
Pond, “Take Me Avalon I’m Young” (Live at the BBC) – Pond, yet another psychedelic legend out of Perth, Australia, just released its new EP, Live At The BBC. The recording is pristine and feels like you’re in the studio with the band. “Take Me Avalon I’m Young” is a slow-burner of a song. Guitars blast and keyboards sparkle. There’s a continuous groove as the song meanders through a beautiful soundscape. Live At The BBC contains songs off Pond’s latest album, 9. Catch the band at the Fillmore in December.
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The Sleeping Souls, “Liar Lover” – The Sleeping Souls are better known as the backing band for English punk singer-songwriter Frank Turner. But based on this song, they should get bigger billing. The acoustic “Liar Lover” pulls you in immediately with gentle guitar strumming, coming alive once the vocals enter. While there’s a sadness in the lyrics, the vocals by Cahir O’Doherty (Turner’s guitar tech) are deeply emotive. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait for their new album, which is slated for fall 2023.
Rose’s Pawn Shop, “Gratitude” – I was immediately drawn into this song, from the bluegrass fiddle opening. It felt like I’d stepped into Appalachian country. Yet, this song also has a ’70s sound long since forgotten. There’s also a bit of an Americana sound and alt-folk mixed in. The punchiness of the song makes you want to get up and dance to Rose’s Pawn Shop. But there’s no denying that the melodies stand. They make your heart soar. Surprisingly, this band is from Los Angeles. Its new album is titled Punch-Drunk Life.
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Joan Osborne, “One Of Us” – Joan Osborne released this video for an acoustic version of “One Of Us” to support her new album, Radio Waves. The 1995 hit could be heard everywhere back then. This version, which still packs a punch with Joan Osborne’s raw vocals. is more expansive and has a more personal feel. The video was shot in nature, among a beautiful canyon.
Big Joanie, “Sainted” – London’s Big Joanie is a Black feminist punk trio. On “Sainted,” these women pack a punch and never let up. The song has got it all: driving guitars, propulsive drumbeat and a post-modern/darkwave sound. It’s dark and moody with haunting vocals made perfect for Halloween or goth night on a crowded dance floor for you to release all that energy. It’s off Big Joanie’s forthcoming album, Back Home, out Nov. 4 on the label of Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) and Eva Prinz.
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Inhaler, “Love Will Get You There” – Upon first hearing Inhaler, I immediately was reminded of Keane and Snow Patrol. Both bands have big, catchy sing-along choruses. Lead singer Elijah Hewson is the son of Ireland’s greatest export, Bono of U2. (not looking at you, Guinness). While their music is not a reincarnation of that massive band, there’s a similarity with that soaring, anthemic chorus. Add in some jangly, infectious hooks and this song is bouncy fun. This is Inhaler’s third time around through Tuesday Tracks.
Rachel’s Pick: This week’s songs take me immediately to the film “The Broken Circle Breakdown,” which happens to blend love, gratitude, relationships falling apart and, most importantly, bluegrass. So I went with Rose’s Pawn Shop as my favorite of the bunch. “Gratitude” brings me to a world filled with hope and thankfulness. Infectious fiddles, the most gorgeous harmonies and that bluegrass/Americana sound—the song has everything. It still blows my head that they’re from L.A.
Follow writer Rachel Goodman at Twitter.com/xneverwherex and Instagram.com/xneverwherex.