Hot Half Dozen 6-18-24

206 albums, songs, and videos submitted for review

Hi everyone. I am back from a fabulous vacation in Micronesia, visiting family there. I am now watching the live stream of the Micronesian Art and Music Festival, having been turned on to island music. In the meantime, here are my top picks from the rest of the world. 

This World is Your World, single and video by Steve Keene with Woodie Guthrie. A retake of an old, wonderful song. Keene not only reworked the Woodie Guthrie lyrics for today’s world, but he did it with Woodie collaborating. The result is as inspiring as the original and relevant to today.  Stream on Spotify, and video on YouTube. 

As For the Future, an album by As For the Future. It takes a village to make an album, at least this one. The credits are: Musicians-Brian Kantor, Ryan Keberle, David Lizmi, Roberta Michel, David Nagler, Mauro Refosco | Singers- David Nagler, Lauren Balthrop, Dave Derby, D. James Goodwin, Jason Bemis Lawrence, Max Avery Lichtenstein, Annie Nero, Stephanie Sanders. The result is so pleasing you will play each of the 10 songs on this album in your daily playlist. Smooth enjoyment.  Stream on Bandcamp at https://bit.ly/3KMxbnw  or on Spotify.

VISTO, single, video, by Elsa y Elmar, with Álvaro de Luna. The Latin GRAMMY-nominated Colombian singer-songwriter and producer Elsa y has given us a song whose lyrics bemoan being left unseen, and whose music lights up all of the brain. Much to think about here, much to enjoy. Stream on Spotify, and video on Vevo. Spanish.

Sexappeal, a single by Meia Santiago. The always-fun Meia has done it again. The Barcelona-born, New York-based singer/songwriter brings us a Latin-colored, trumpet-accented mover and groover with a standout bass beat that is just plain fun. Stream on Spotify and major platforms.

Real Artificial, album, by Elston Torres. I reviewed the title song when it came out and noted that it presaged a great album. The album is here and I was right… great is an understatement. Ten songs that will make you happy. Some Spanish, some English, some Beatlesqe, some anthemic. Every song is a gem. This album will make you feel so good it should be prescribed for the blues.  Stream on all major platforms.

El Mejor Equipo, single by Irene del Rosario. Born in Guadalajara, the home of mariachi and a city that loves Banda, it is not surprising that she infuses her music with the violins and guitarron and the tuba and accordion of mariachi and Banda and inspiration from artists like  Lola Beltrán and Vicente Fernandez. El Mejor Equipo is a catchy tune that brings forward the authenticity of central Mexico with the polish of a legendary singer. Listen with your eyes closed and tap your feet. Stream on major platforms. Spanish