Past, Present and THE FUTURE. – Lord Willy's. Established.

Man holding umbrella with headphones on. Music.

 

First up is an old album I hadn't listened to in about 20 years. It's by Bronski Beat and is called The Age of Consent. 

The break-out single and the band's debut, Smalltown Boy, is still as brilliant today as it was in 1984. I was prompted to listen to the album again after reading that Steve Bronski, the band's founder and principal writer had recently died. 

I used to play this album at least 3 times a week driving home from my first job as a graphic designer in Manchester, England. I remember trying to hit the incredible falsetto notes delivered by Jimmy Somerville. Needless to say, I got nowhere near, thank god I was in the car alone.

Electronic in its genre, the album has some surprisingly "jazzy tones" on a revisit. Highly advised.

 

Next up is an incredibly eclectic group that we first heard on NPR's Tiny Desk performances (Youtube). The singer is called Aroog Aftab.

She is a Brooklyn-based Pakistani vocalist, music composer, and producer. She has no constraints of musical styles, working in jazz, minimalism, neo-Sufi, and other idioms. She has been nominated for the Best New Artist and Best Global Music Performance at the upcoming 64th Annual Grammy Awards. 

The album we seem to be playing just about every morning at breakfast is called Vulture Prince. It's a wonderful way to start the day.

 

So we've been back in time, and around the globe. And so to the present.

Wet Leg. Offbeat name, offbeat band. Consisting of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, close friends who both hail from the Isle of Wight, an island off the south coast of England. A great new indie sound that feels vulnerable and confident at the same time. It's youthful, catchy, slightly uncomfortable pop. Which is usually the sign of something good.

They have shot to fame on just one single, Chaise Lounge and the album is not even out yet, so you'll have to get your fill with the three tracks currently available. Album is coming in April. Stay dry.

 

Bronski Beat. Aroog Aftab. Wet Leg.

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