I have a somewhat eclectic mix of recommendations for you today. They’re all fantastic pieces of music you absolutely need to experience.
Lou Rebecca – “Bonbon (Johnny Jewel Remix)”
I’ve always thought the original version of this song (and really the entire Restless album) was a 1980s-tinged Franglais Glass Candy adventure. So it seems a bit natural that Glass Candy’s Johnny Jewel, the head of Italians Do It Better, would provide a remix for his friends Lou Rebecca and her musical partner Josh Mills. The end result is a darkly seductive interpretation that would feel at home on Glass Candy’s I Always Say Yes 12-inch. Ultimately, I fully support more such experiments between IDIB and Holodeck Records acts. It’s out now.
(A note: This new Lou Rebecca remix is just the latest such offering from the profoundly talented Jewel. Do also check out his unforgettable remixes of Zola Jesus and SSION numbers. Oh, and don’t forget to listen to the In Mirrors track on Vehlinggo Presents that Johnny Jewel produced.)
Paperwhite – “Waiting for You (Feat. Heather Bond)”
One of Vehlinggo’s favorite acts — covered a fair amount over the years — is back after a hiatus. The result is a modern, piano-driven cut showcasing the deft songwriting and production talent of siblings Katie and Ben Marshall. (Hear it now on The CW show Charmed. It’s also streaming everywhere.)
Dan Mason – Forever Nothing
May the vapory hypnogagia of artists like Orlando-based Dan Mason never die. Out now.
Jessy Lanza – “Lick in Heaven”
A gorgeous and catchy modern pop number with 1980s vibes — a blend Lanza pulls off with ease. (For another example, check out The Galleria, her project with Morgan Geist.)
Forhill – Outlines
These three laid-back numbers from Boston-based Forhill recall Washed Out and HOME, but never sound derivative of either. I’m going to have these on repeat; I just know it. Out now via Bandcamp and streaming. (Note: Hat tip to Jake Rudh for the recommendation.)
Sufjan Stevens & Lowell Brams – “The Unlimited”
Sufjan has said that his next album is inspired by the likes of Mica Levi’s Under the Skin and Colin Stetson’s Hereditary scores. I wasn’t sure what to expect out of it, but this single instills in me a sense of immense excitement and joy. He’s really doing it.
Phantoms Vs Fire – Modern Monsters I and II
What on Earth goes on in Thiago Desant’s beautiful mind? If his Phantoms Vs Fire releases are any indication, his is a dark but hopeful perspective. New album, Modern Monsters I and II, is out now in digital and physical forms via Blackjack Illuminist Records.
Ultraboss – This Is Shredwave
A short but good vessel for Austro-Italo artist Ultraboss’ profound talent. Out digitally via Rosso Corsa and on vinyl via Electric Dream Records.
Mitch Murder – “Artifact”
The synthwave pioneer Mitch Murder has gone a bit dark and more dance-oriented for this number — he’s more in the territory of his fellow Swedes Robert Parker and Waveshaper than he sounds like himself. It’s a fascinating experiment to witness.
(Editor’s Note: As established in this post, the One-Liners column is a concise but meaningful way to highlight Vehlinggo-recommended releases. It’s not exactly weekly, but it can be. Entries are almost never one line, but they could be. Check out the post previous to this one.)
