April: Refunds in 30 Days or Less
Thanks for tuning in for another round of Search/Play/Repeat! If you've been following this blog, I just want to say thanks and I hope you've found something new. If this is your first time checking it out, the basic gist is I listen to albums I've never heard before and make playlists of songs from those albums for you folks to (hopefully) enjoy. I try to keep a theme to a majority of the playlist. This month's theme came at the suggestion of fellow writer, Dennis. The current climate has been making it very difficult for artists and this was the month where tours started making the jump from "postponed" to "canceled." We thought it might be helpful to give some of those bands the exposure they missed on the road, so most of the bands on this month's playlist are bands that had shows/tours lined up for Spring but had to cancel or postpone. Let's jump in!
Kicking off April's playlist is Slingshot Dakota, who had plans to hit the road with Off With Their Heads. I've been following Slingshot Dakota ever since that "Noah Takes a Picture of Himself Everyday for 6 Years" video, which features Carly Comando's song. I hadn't listened to their last album, Heavy Banding yet, so I dove in. Fun fact: The very first time I ever drove myself and a friend to a show after getting my license, was supposed to be Slingshot Dakota at some pizza parlor back in 2008. I say "supposed to be," because while we did show up, we didn't see the show. I don't recall the flyer having a start time, so we got there around the presumptive time of 7:30 or 8. After about 30 minutes of sitting in the parking lot with no signs or indication of a punk show happening, we left. Somehow, in 12 years, I still haven't seen Slingshot Dakota, and it doesn't look like this year is going to be the year.
Another band I should have seen at the end of March was War on Women when they supported Alkaline Trio and Bad Religion. A tour which had been postponed to Fall up until a few days ago when they decided to outright cancel the tour to avoid fans having trouble getting refunds for a concert 8 months away that they have no clue whether they'll be able to attend or not. I think the only time I've heard War on Women was when they were on other playlists. It was about time to give them a proper listen. Drug Church is another band I haven't spent much time with which were supposed to support Against Me! and Baroness at the end of May, but alas, that tour has been canceled as well in lieu of a postponement.
Then, there're the artists with new albums that they should have been on the road promoting. Milk Teeth put out their self-titled sophomore album late last month, and it's great! A vast improvement over their already solid, Vile Child. Brian Fallon has a new solo-album, Local Honey, out now as well. I hadn't dabbled in his solo-efforts before, but I prefer it to The Gaslight Anthem's last few albums. While we're on the topic of new albums, who else was blown away by Fiona Apple's new album? Fetch the Bolt Cutters is a contender for my album of the year. That's for sure. The Stroke's made a triumphant return after 7 years and a friend of mine, Alex Okami, just put out his debut EP, Under the Same Moon. If you like dark and moody gamboling tunes then check it out.
That's just a few of the albums I listened to in April. If you hear something you like, please consider picking up some music and supporting artists. Many record stores are doing curbside pick-up, or help keep The USPS going by buying from the band directly and having some music shipped to you. Most importantly, stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy! Thanks for checking in.
