First-Time Caller: July Music Reccs

Funky

I spent the early summers of my childhood at dance parties held by my parents’ friends trying to discern what adults were really like: they danced until they were glistening, they snuck out to the porch to smoke joints and cigs that they’d invariably hide behind their backs upon my approach, they made sure I had a juice box in hand at all times. And they’d dance with me. As a painfully awkward child, there was no greater gift than being welcomed to the dance floor by people who were just so cool.‍ ‍

The parties were always fun. The music was always funk.

Funk, in my mind, is forever linked to July. Below are two of my favorites.

Youthful Angst

The Gizmos and Dolly Mixture never fail to bring me back to my teen years. Both feature catchy, soft instrumentation in tension with often-heartbreaking lyrics. Traces of their sounds can be found in countless punk discographies: the Gizmos in the Midwest and Dolly Mixture across the pond in the UK and later in riot grrrl scenes in the US and globally.

Post-Punk

Artery’s “Into the Garden” has always impressed me with its ability to use classic ‘80s instrumentation without coming off corny. Admittedly, both of these picks are included for specific sections of the song. For “Into the Garden,” it’s the masterful build up that makes up the first minute and change of the recording. For Family Fodder’s “Savoir Faire,” it’s the portion from 1:00 to about 1:28.

Though these are the parts I want you to listen for, I also want you to join me in the art of sitting with the tension of the slightly-odd and mildly-grating in-betweens.

Punk

I always will use any opportunity to promote Big Joanie’s work. They have shows in London this month and October if you happen to be in the area. I highly recommend checking their earlier releases (especially Sistah Punk). They use several classic punk standards while maintaining a fresh feel.

Speaking of punk standards, the dutch group Ivy Green is a perfect fall back if you love old school punk but are looking for something lesser-known to add to your collection. There’s something a little SLF-esque about their sound. Familiar. Solid.

Music for Sweet Peas

Sitting on the edges of the Elephant 6 era are The Minders and The Essex Green. The former, and specifically their song “Hand Me Downs” off the album Cul-de-Sacs & Dead Ends, is simply so full of joy. I was listening to it one evening walking home from a party. Dead of winter, high or drunk or likely both. I fell on the ice, ripping my tights and slamming the side of my face into the sidewalk. When I dragged my aching body off the pavement I was still smiling. That’s how catchy it is after you’ve given it enough listens to get it stuck in your head forever.

“Mrs. Bean” and “Letter from Overend” by The Essex Green and Lunchbox, respectively, fall into the same category for me. Unexpected instrumentation, sweet energy. Music for taking a bike ride on a sunny day or building a fort in the woods.