Did You Know You Could Make Me Scream?
"Tell 'Em" from Sleigh Bells' album "Treats" is all climax and sonic maximalism. This maelstrom of sound topped by saccharine-sweet vocals must be heard to be believed.
Weekly Track
Thoughtfully curated weekly deep dives on a single track worthy of your time and attention (and your hifi gear.)
Every Day On Evening News They Feed You Fear For Free
"Walking in the Snow" from Run the Jewels' album "RTJ4" is a crass, bombastic, countercultural hip-hop banger that's equal parts tragedy, protest, and sonic ear candy.
Do You Take Sugar?
"Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard is an uber obnoxious stadium rock anthem with towering guitar riffs and firing squad drums all polished to fine sheen.
The Roughest Place I've Ever Been
"Tin Pan Alley (AKA Roughest Place in Town)" by Steve Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble sets a standard for dynamic range and soundstage in recorded Blues music.
That Real Full Moon Black Magic
Lose Control by Teddy Swims is a raw, aching vocal tour de force blending R&B and funk/soul sensibilities to make something special.
Tell My Mama That I did My Best
"Death Row" by Chris Stapleton is a bleak and bluesy ballad of acceptance with a heartbreaking vocal performance, spare instrumentation, and eerie ambiance.
O, Sinners, Let's Go Down
"Down To The River To Pray" from the motion picture soundtrack of "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" is a deceptively simple trip into hifi-gang-vocal heaven. Let your mids shine.
I Miss The Earth So Much, I Miss My Wife
Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time) by Sir Elton Hercules John is apex psychedelic rock with a hair-raising Dolby Atmos mix to die for.
And Now My Bitter Hands Chafe Beneath The Clouds
Black by Pearl Jam is a cathartic, lush, sweeping epic with a tin can start that bursts into a mellow sonic groove as big as the sky.
Another Dimension
Intergalactic by The Beastie Boys is a frenetic audio cornucopia served up by three MCs and one DJ at the peak of their powers.
What Good is Your Crown?
Queen Mary by Francine Thirteen is a dramatic, bass-heavy cut with fantastic left-right panning effects and a soulful, menacing, female vocal performance.
Have You Any Dreams You'd Like to Sell?
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac, off their 1977 mega-hit album "Rumors," is syrupy-smooth 70s folk pop perfection.