HOT HALF DOZEN 1.30.24

100 songs, albums, and videos submitted this week

There is Always Home , a single by Gaby Moreno. The warm, comfortable voice of the Guatemalan-born, Latin Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/producer just makes you feel snug and happy. Her unique talent shines like moonbeams on a summer night and makes you want to go home. Stream on all major platforms.

The Love You Bleed, album by Danielle Cole.An even dozen, gut-grabbing, heart-rendering blues songs, by a legendary blues singer/songwriter/bassist, each one a star but in an album like this they combine into a transcendent experience for blues lovers and a joy for everyone.  Stream on all major platforms.

The Roof Is On Fire, an album by Mitch Ryder.Powerful, soulful blues singing from a master, backed by a hot, hot band. The album features 12 songs, some very familiar like Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and the Doors “Soul Kitchen” and some originals. All down and dirty blues at its best. Stream on all major platforms.

Polaroid Lovers , album by Sarah Jarosz.  Eleven songs ranging from the hard rock antics of  “Jealous Moon”  and the country-infused “Runaway Train” to the thoughtful  “Mescal and Lime” and “Good at What I Do”, Polaroid Lovers are little stories with big sound – a contrast to her 202 1 Blue Heron Suite. Much fun, but I listened to the lyrics, as always. Stream on major platforms

Luna, la Follia, single by Giulia Millanta. Romantic Latin rhythm, and flowing Italian lyrics, this one is a home run. Put this on for a dreamy evening or to keep you moving through the day (or night). Perfectly arranged and taking full advantage of her unique voice, put Luna, la Follia on your playlists. Stream on Spotify, and Bandcamp.  Italian. 

Little Wins, single/video by Cuffed Up. A youthful – but sophisticated – rock anthem with some British influence, a little Death Cab for Cutie, and a lot of get-up and dance. The LA-based trio of Ralph Torrefranca, Joe Lipstock, and Christina Apostolopoulos sound like a 10-piece rock band and move like a rocket at lift-off.    Stream on Spotify.