Monday, July 1: Released in 1999, 69 Love Songs has arguably become the definitive statement from The Magnetic Fields, led by singer-songwriter Stephin Merritt. Listen for selections from the new reissue of that recording as well as music from Merritt’s biological father, Scott Fagan and his “lost” album, South Atlantic Blues.
Tuesday, July 2: Omnidirectional is the first album in a decade from The Schramms, featuring former Yo La Tengo guitarist David Schramm. We’ll hear music from that recording as well as selections from the EP Ride With You by South Carolina’s The High Divers. The record was produced by former Drivin N Cryin and current Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden.
Wednesday, July 3: Listen for selections from Icaro Nouveau the latest release by J Hacha De Zola as well as music from On Tap by The Rad Trads.
Thursday, July 4: We celebrate Independence Day with selections from Jackson Browne, Yes, Drive-By Truckers and X.
Friday, July 5: It’s out New Month, New Music feature with songs from Slowness, Rob Laufer, Chris Stamey and more.
Saturday, July 6: Long known for his power pop songs with acts such as the dB’s, Chris Stamey took a bold turn with his latest effort, New Songs For The 20th Century, which finds the North Carolinian revisiting the idiom of The Great American Songbook via a series of original compositions inspired by writers such as Cole Porter and others. We’ll hear music from that release as well as selections from Stamey’s 2009 collaboration with lifelong friend Peter Holsapple, Here and Now.
Monday, July 8: Released in 1999, The Soft Bulletin catapulted Oklahoma’s Flaming Lips from cult status to almost-mainstream status. Informed by classic progressive rock albums of the 1970s as well as by the loss of vocalist Wayne Coyne’s father (and other personal tragedies), the album may be the group’s most beloved release. Listen for selections from it as well as music from The Claypool Lennon Delirium.
Tuesday, July 9: On July 9, 1995 the Grateful Dead played its last show with Jerry Garcia as frontman. Weeks later, the guitarist and vocalist was found dead of a heart attack. We’ll look back on some of his greatest moments as a solo artist, collaborator and as leader of the Grateful Dead.
Wednesday, July 10: We celebrate the birthday of gospel, R&B and soul legend Mavis Staples with music from throughout her career.
