As things have gotten busier, I’ve realized I need help maintaining this series and so my friends and fellow writers Andy Scullin, Jonathan Patrizio and Natalie St. Denis have helped with this month’s Hot Singles list. Please enjoy some new local music below, and happy freakin’ new year.
Reviews by TJ Foster, Andy Scullin, Jonathan Patrizio and Natalie St. Denis
Joe Taurone - “Rocking Band”
Coming in at one minute and eleven seconds, Taurone packs one hell of a punch. Avoiding any formalities, he has you dive in head first. His musicianship is on full display, as he played all of the instruments, sang, recorded, and mixed it himself —Taurone is letting everyone know he's the guy. [JP]
Rooftop Park - “Dannemora”
Rooftop Park's latest single is inspired by the famed 2015 prison escape that led authorities on an almost month-long search for two inmates from Upstate New York's Clinton Correctional Facility. The song offers a 'telling tales around the campfire' vibe as the singer-songwriter evokes curiosity and the feelings that surface when straying from the beaten path -- literally. [NS]
E.R.I.E. x The Alec Lewis Group - “Christmas in L.A.”
The long tradition of Christmas songs becoming entrenched into pop culture by way of other artists covering them continues with a local flair. With their own arrangement of The Killers & Dawes' "Christmas in L.A.," E.R.I.E. x The Alec Lewis Group understood the assignment. While the holidays are gone for now, be sure to add this one to your playlists for a welcomed addition in 10-11 months. [JP]
Watch Reggie Run - “Somebody Stole Santa’s Sleigh”
It wouldn’t be a December playlist without a Christmas song or two. Thankfully, father-son duo Watch Reggie Run are here with a local, Ramones-infused tune to add to your festive playlists. And hey, it’s catchy as hell as every good Christmas song is! [TJ]
Briar - “What I Know”
What a lovely song just overflowing with nostalgia. The music video, featuring home video-style clips of a young Briar (presumably), suits it perfectly, just adding to the sentimentality. “What I Know” is reminiscent of something Colbie Caillat would have released in her heyday. Truly lovely stuff, here. [TJ]
Lucas Garrett - “Michigan”
”Michigan” may very well be the best song Lucas has released to date. It’s got some ‘90s esque chord changes, and a really lovely instrumental backdrop provided by Thom Carvey on bass, and Sam Zucchini on drums. Lucas’ vocals are more confident than ever, leading me to believe his upcoming release will surely be one you don’t want to sleep on. [TJ]
YORT - “Release the Files (Redacted Version)”
Coming in like a jazzy panic attack “Release the Flies” quickly levels off into one of the smoothest grooves on either side of the Hudson. YORT have managed to pull off a tune that is ultra-modern while sounding like it could be in the opening credits of a 1960s spy movie. As the song progresses, it deftly weaves in some funky grooves with the only lyrics being a chant of “Release the Flies.” Pure brilliance from this Troy quintet. [AS]
Shannon Tehya & Keegan James - “Sheegan’s Lament”
Shannon Tehya joins Keegan James on the reimagining of his song “Keegan’s Lament.” Adding frequent collaborator Shannon Tehya to the mix, Keegan James has not only changed the vibe of this tune, but also upped the theatrical aspect of it considerably. The playful back and forth between the two adds such a new dimension, that even listening to the songs back-to-back, they sound vastly different. I’m not a teacher, and I don’t usually grade songs, but goddamnit these two get an A+. [AS]
Hayley Stafford - “Cloud Mania”
Hayley Stafford has always impressed, but this song is absolutely stunning. Not only are her vocals crystal-clear and burning with talent, but the haunting composition beautifully fills every space. Staffford’s lyrics are typically as raw and personal as a diary entry, and this one is no exception. Open, vulnerable, and above all, honest. Stafford’s writing alone should place her near the top of local talent, but her voice takes it to another height. I’ve always maintained that if a song can make me cry, then it really moved me. Let's just say that this song moved me more than most. Like, actual tears. I also suggest watching the official music video which was also Directed by Stafford. It is a gorgeous companion to the song. [AS]
simplemachine (Feat. Jes Hudak) - “A Song For Anger”
I swear, people are releasing songs just to try and make me cry. Well played, simplemachine and Jes Hudak. Well played. As soon as the song starts, you know that this song is hitting a heavy topic. Even the guitar in the first few seconds, while fairly gentle, has an “aggressive” pluck thrown in every once in a while. The piano and strings come pouring in with melancholy, but it’s really when Hudak sings that the song begins (no offense to David and John aka simplemachine.) Her sweeping vocals never miss a high or low, and every word has purpose with not a superfluous syllable present. “A Song for Anger” may start quiet and reserved, but it does not remain that way. The musical duo of simplemachine are absolutely not to be slept on. One never knows what they will get with, or who will be singing on, the next simplemachine single. You just know it will be fucking good. [AS]