Andrea KramerA couple of months ago- which seems like a lifetime ago- we posted a list of artists to update your stuck in the 70s and 80s playlists: (It was called Listen up: If you loved SPRINGSTEEN or STONES you’re gonna love this 2020 music). We left so many favorites out, we had to write a part 2. So here is more music to help bring you out of the walkman era and into the earbud era.
Mayer Hawthorne
Did you love Hall and Oates and Earth Wind and Fire?
Then we think you’ll love Mayer Hawthorne. If you hear some Motown influences, that makes sense, Hawthorne was born and raised in the Detroit area. Retro is putting it mildly. Danceable is also an understatement. It’s music that could have been on bandstand (if you are old enough to remember that show). While it borders on pop, that isn’t a bad thing in these troubled times. We think you are going to get hooked on the grooves in “Hooked”, “Stick Around”, “The Walk” and so many more of Hawthorne’s songs.
Trigger Hippy
Are you fan of Joan Osborne and the Black Crowes or Tedeschi Trucks?
Not to be confused with Trigger Happy, Trigger Hippy is a great band with southern rock influences. If you are craving more fun, danceable music right now, Trigger Hippy fits. We think you will love “Tennessee Mud.” “Don’t Wanna Bring you Down” will be another favorite and “Rise Up Singing” will lift your spirits and makes you want to turn up the volume.
Sister Sparrow
In our last post, we shared our new favorite group -Lake Street Dive. If you love Lake Street, we think you will also love Sister Sparrow (aka Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds). Check out “Untie My Shoelaces”, “Mama Knows” and “Sugar” to name just a few.
The Record Company
We also confessed our love for Nathaniel Rateliff in the previous post, but we are already two-timing Nathaniel with the rocking blues of the Record Company. With vocals every bit as good as Roy Orbison, check out “Off the Ground” “Don’t Let Me Get Lonely” and “Rita Mae Young.”
The Revivalists
We really don’t know how this band didn’t make our first music post. It’s another great bluesy, southern rock band we adore. Together since 2007, this band just keeps getting better and better- listen to “Keep Going” “Wish I Knew You” and “Up in the Air.”
Because we just couldn’t stop sharing the joy of discovering new favorites, here’s a list of honorable mentions for you to check out on your own- Alabama Shakes –“Hold On”, Ben Harper-“Steal My Kisses” , Better than Ezra-“King of New Orleans”, Amos Lee-“The Man Who Wants You”, Ray LaMontagne-“You are the Best Thing.”
We hope you will share your favorites in the comments section below. Happy listening.