Drive-By Truckers - "The New OK"

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To say 2020 has been very low on highlights is an understatement. One of the few for me was the Drive-By Truckers show way back in February at Somerville Theater. It had been far too long since I had last seen them, particularly after a pair of lost shows due to weather issues. It didn't fit into my schedule, but I crammed it in, and was glad I did. I knew it was going to be my Concert of the Year, and little did I know how right I was.

 Drive-By Truckers have always been road warriors, so they've had some time on their hands as of late, which means we're getting a second album from them this year! The album is due out tomorrow (Friday), and we can listen to the title track right now. While "The New OK" might not be the most upbeat song, compared to the last pair of Drive-By Truckers albums this one is nearly cheery. And it might just be the best quarantine themed song ever.

 You can listen to "The New Ok" below. The New OK, the new surprise album from Drive-By Truckers, will be out October 2. The nine song album also includes a different version of "The Unravelling" and a cover of the Ramones's classic "The KKK Took My Baby Away." You can get your copy via Bandcamp. For more on Drive-By Truckers, check out their website.

On Repeat...

Liam Kazar - "Shoes Too Tight"

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Photo by Alexa Viscius This may be Liam Kazar's debut single, but the Chicago based musician already has an impressive resume, having worked with Jeff Tweedy, Chance the Rapper, Steve Gunn, Daniel Johnston, and others. "Shoes Too Tight" features childhood friend Spencer Tweedy on drums, Lane Beckstrom on bass, and Ohmme on vocals. It's an absurdly fun and groovy little song that is a party waiting to happen. What he gives us here is a timeless song that could truly have been released any time since the 1960's (ok... maybe not the 80's...) There are elements of classic rock, 60's crooners and R&B, indie rock, modern Americana... it's really just packed with everything in a cohesive song that maintains the vibe the entire way through. You can watch the video for "Shoes Too Tight" below. For more on Liam Kazar, check him out on Instagram and Twitter . He's also raising money on his Bandcamp for Constellation and The Hungry Brain. ...
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The Freqs - "Witch"

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Photo via Facebook When you're a rock band from Salem, MA, you have to have at least one song about witchcraft. The Freqs have fulfilled their obligation with a banger of a song. "Witch" is this giant monster of a song, filled with fuzz and strained, screaming vocals. This is the type of song that doesn't usually exist in this century. It's giving me some serious 90's flashbacks, like if Hum got aggressive or Alice in Chains decided to do some damage on the college charts. As great as the vocals are in "Witch," what's really drawing me in is the instrumental break down that takes over about halfway through. This is the kind of song to make the hipsters and the headbangers equally excited. You can listen to "Witch" below. For more on The Freqs, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram . The Freqs · Witch
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Dutch ReBelle - "GOONIEZ"

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How is Dutch ReBelle not a national superstar at this point? The Boston MC just released "GOONIEZ," and I know I'm a bit out of touch with current mainstream hip hop, but this song is absolutely killer. It's a stripped down hip hop song that has this futuristic space age sound to it. Plus, ReBelle's flow is unsurpassed. You can't listen to her and not be completely sucked in. The song has a feel reminiscent of classic Missy Elliott. As much as I love that we can still see Dutch ReBelle in smaller Boston venues, "GOONIEZ" proves she should be playing much larger venues nationwide very, very soon. You can watch the video for "GOONIEZ" below. For more on Dutch ReBelle, check out the artist's website . 
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