HOT HALF DOZEN 7.27.21

167 submissions this week

Patria Y Vida, (Homeland and Life), single by Yotuel, Gente De Zona, Descemer Bueno. The song that helped ignite what some call the second Cuban revolution.  The title turns the Communist government’s slogan, “Patria o Muerte” ,(homeland or death) on its head and was sung this month by thousands in streets of Cuban towns and Miami calling for change. And, its great music. Released earlier this year. Spanish. Stream on Spotify, YouTube (3 million views) . Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/yotuel2013

Heart Shaped Scars, album by Dot Allison. Her first new album in 12 years is beautiful, poetic, nostalgic, romantic.  Allison’s vocals seem to come from another universe where her childlike voice has not yet broken, but is under the full control of an experienced singer.  Each of the 11 songs is stunningly beautiful. Stream on all major platforms.  English Pre-order on Bandcamp, or at sarecordings.com.

Este Viaje single by Vale.  The singing twin sisters have done it again. Celebrating the adventure of life, and why it is worth chasing your dreams on that adventure. The music carries you happily along while it puts you into their world with hooks and a soaring chorus.  Spanish. Stream on all major platforms.  Video on YouTube.

Hopefully Limitless, single/EP by Ah-Mer-Ah-Su. A stand-out contribution to the burgeoning world of female alt pop,  this EP has the pull of romantic R&B, the energy of pop, and the sophistication of  a top notch team.  Her name is derived from Shinto god and she  has brought forth a divine follow-up to her debut album Star.  English. Stream on Bandcamp, Spotify,  Follow on Patreon and Instagram.

662 (The Album) by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Blues that makes your gut ache and eyes tear up.  This Grammy-nominated, 22 year old has headlined  2 national tours, played with Vampire Weekend, been interviewed  by Elton John and appeared on Austin City Limits with Buddy Guy.  If you love blues, he is the star to follow.  If you don’t, 662 (The Album) will make you a fan. English. Stream or buy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. Follow on all socials.

Exorcism , single/video by  Kat Von D. One of three new singles out from  her forthcoming album Love Made Me Do It, the multi-instrumental, multi-talented queen of darkwave and her band of artists including contortionistBrynn Route, synth players Gregg Foreman  and  Sammi Doll  and Dave Parley of Prayers on drums. Urgent, powerful, not-to-be-denied music backed by theatrical videos.  English. Stream/download on Spotify, Apple Music.  Follow at https://katvond.com/ and her socials.

BONUS

Mas Alto. Compilation album  by My Grito Industries and  Latin Alt Radio 88.5FM

About Patrick O'Heffernan

Patrick O’Heffernan is co-host of the LA-based, nationally syndicated weekly program, Music FridayLive! and is a music reviewer for online magazines Vents, The Hollywood Progressive and MusicJunkie. He has also co-hosted a national political talk show, The Fairness Doctrine, and hosted the “Uplinks” media segment on Saturday All Things Considered on NPR. He holds a PhD in International Relations from MIT, has been awarded an Emmy, four Addy’s, and a Webby-Honors, among other awards. He has published 5 books and ghost-written others. A project he co-launched, the North Asia Nuclear Free Zone, was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. He serves on the Board of Netroots Nation.

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