"So, let us not be blind to our differences - but let us also direct attention to our common interests and to the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal." JFK, June 10, 1963.
Peter Doherty of The Libertines, has reunited with his other band, Babyshambles, with whom he is embarking on a UK tour starting next week. Today they released "Dandy Hooligan", the first new Babyshambles song in twelve years.
Speaking to NME, Doherty said, “It’s a well-turned-out, elegantly crafted; reggae-ska-pop song… with a sweet melody to bowl along to with your sharpened walking cane. Word from the ‘shambles camp is that it’s a homage to a legendary National Front basher..."
According to NME, "‘Dandy Hooligan’ is loosely based on the escapades of Babyshambles associate Bob Morris, who has served his time in the anti-nazi ranks for many years. Morris stars in the official music video, filmed by Roger Sargent in Soho..."
I love The Libertines and have always had a soft spot in my heart for Babyshambles, so this is most welcome news.
Kiss."Mistake". This Paul Stanley "country" song was recorded by the rockers in 1975 and released in 2025 as a bonus track. RIP Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley (April 25, 1951 - October 16, 2025).
Lankum."Ghost Town". (cover of The Specials' 1981 classic anti-Thatcher anthem). Haunting. So different from the original.
Aesop Rock. I Heard It's A Mess There Too. His second album this year. Hip hop for people who don't like hip hop? Well it is refreshing to hear clever smart rhymes instead of mere bragging.
Dropkick Murphys. For The People. The digital version of this fine album came out in July, but the recently released vinyl version contains 5 bonus tracks, including the powerful "Sirens". Maybe the best political band out there today. I like the Woody Guthrie connection too. And their version of Ewan MacColl's "School Days Over" with Billy Bragg is just stunning.
Orcutt Shelley Miller.Orcutt Shelley Miller. Being a word guy, I hate instrumentals but for some inexplicable reason, I find Bill Orcutt's guitar instrumentals, full of feedback drone and fuzz, incredibly compelling. He's suddenly all over the place, an unlikely rock star, but fresh and exciting. He's helped here by bassist Ethan Miller and drummer Steve Shelley from Sonic Youth.
Snocaps.Snocaps. Surprise album from new group feat Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee and her twin sister Allison Crutchfield, along with MJ Lenderman and Brad Cook has indie rock, jangle pop, and hints of Americana, all with great harmonies. Check it out. BEST NEW ALBUM.
Bob Dylan.Through The Open Window, The Bootleg Series Vol 18, 1956 - 1963 feat "Boots Of Spanish Leather".. Focus on Bob's early career and his transition from Minnesota teen to NYC folkie "unwashed phenomenon".
Curtis Mayfield.The Makings Of: A Curtis Mayfield Collection. The soundtrack of the Curtis documentary is a nice overview of his amazing career.
Devo.Energy Dome Frequencies: Songs From The DEVO Documentary. Classic.
Faces.Early Steps. Rhino just released this collection of alternate takes for the first Faces album First Step (1970) feat Rod Stewart (voice), Ronnie Wood (guitar), the late Ronnie Lane (bass), the late Ian McLagan (keys), and Kenney Jones (drums), recorded shortly after the band formed from the ashes of The Small Faces (feat Steve Marriott) and The Jeff Beck Group. Now we're waiting for the rumored NEW Faces album and tour feat Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and Kenney Jones to emerge in 2026.
Sweet. "Ballroom Blitz" (1973). On many minds lately as Trump demolished The White House East Wing for a fancy ballroom, just like in Cinderella.
The Who. Who Are You (Super Deluxe). This 1978 classic was the last album The Who did with psycho drummer with a heart of gold Keith Moon. The Super Deluxe version contains lots of extras including some live rehearsals and concerts showing the band trying to plot a path forward from tragedy.
The Beatles.Anthology 4. [Apple]. November 21, 2025.
Neil Young.Tonight’s the Night (50th Anniversary). [Reprise] November 28, 2025.
Juliana Hatfield.Lightning Might Strike. [American Laudromat]. December 12, 2025.
Lana Del Rey.Stove. (Previously rumored titles: Classic, The Right Person Will Stay, and Lasso) [Interscope]. Her country album?That's what they say... January 2026?
Dry Cleaning.Secret Love.[4AD]. January 9, 2026.
Zach Bryan.With Heaven on Top. [Warner]. January 9, 2026.
Here's Geese doing two songs ("100 Horses" & "Cobra") from their cool new album Getting Killed, as well as a cool cover of The New Radicals "You Get What You Give" for BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.
