If It's Too Loud...

Maybe it's because we've been fairly low on cover songs lately, or maybe it's my fondness for The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion , but I've been really digging this cover from Chris Robinson and Howlin Rain. I would have assumed this might be a little too jammy for my taste, but Mott the Hoople's "Sucker" works surprisingly well in this format. The original straddled the line between glam and psychedelia leaning a little more towards glam, and Chris Robinson and Howlin Rain's version leans a little more towards psychedelic while keeping the original vibe intact. Plus, who doesn't love a killer electric guitar solo dripping with the smell of marijuana? This is just great stoner rock that you're going to love whether or not you want to. You can listen to Chris Robinson and Howlin Rain's take on "Sucker" below. The song is currently available as a single via Bandcamp with a B-side of "Death May Be Your Santa Claus."...

Photo courtesy Madeline Kenney If you haven't discovered the music of Madeline Kenney yet, now is a perfect time to jump on board. Her latest single, "Sucker," is both breezy and contemplative, which might be perfect for the summer of 2020. It's this light, gorgeous song that never gets cheery. Musically, it's not quite folk, and it's not quite indie rock. It leans towards pop but never really commits to that, either. Instead you get a sound that is truly unique to Madeline Kenney, while still feeling comforting and familiar. Plus, it features vocals from Lambchop's Kurt Wagner, which is always a plus. Madeline Kenney says of the song and video: "When I lived in Durham, I found myself sitting in the sun on the porch with a musical hero of mine, who was worried about losing their healthcare and not being able to afford to tour. It blew my mind and broke my heart that such a genius had to struggle with uncertainty in trying to make their art....