Hell-On by Neko Case Throughout her career, Neko Case has mesmerized long-time fans with her incredible voice and creative storytelling. At times, she’s like a poet, and another moment she’s the greatest fable writer of the past 40 years, painting vivid stories that include sparrows, foxes, and almighty storms. But since Middle Cyclone, Case started to look a lot more […]

Glen Hansard is built a reputation as a hopeless romantic. This isn’t to say his focus is solely on the emotions of the heart, but rather that he finds optimism in even the darkest moments and lessons can be learned even in heartbreak. This explains why fans from as far as Australia and those on both sides of the pond […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 December 12th edition shines the spotlight on storytelling guitarists. From the indie folk-comedy stylings of Flight of the Conchords to dazzling indie psych-rock and dream-pop, today’s playlist offers plenty of lyrical and musical richness. Flight of the Conchords – “Father and Son” (Live in London) (Wellington, New Zealand) RIYL: Flight of the Conchords What better way […]

The Matinee ’18 October 18th is full of cinema, theater, magic, and epics. Let these nine songs take you places that real or imagined.   Behaviorist – “Dirty Pictures” (Brooklyn, USA) RIYL: San Fermin, Phoria, Rubblebucket The respect and popularity of an artist should never be judged by the number of followers s/he has on social media. Instead, look at […]

Your mid-week just got a whole lot tastier thanks to the treats in the Melodic Tonic ’18 August 15th edition. These six tunes feature a bit of everything, from dream pop to gritty blues-inspired rock. First up is another sizzling delight from one of our favs.   Maribou State – “Nervous Tics” (feat. Holly Walker) (London, England) RIYL: Maribou State, […]

The Matinee ’18 July 31st is filled with marvelous tunes and stories. The songs are listed in reverse alphabetical order, except we begin with the long-awaited return of one of music’s geniuses. Phosphorescent – “New Birth in New England” (Brooklyn, USA)  Alternate streams: YouTube, Spotify RIYL: Phosphorescent, Matthew Houck Finally! At long last! It’s coming! Matthew Houck – a.k.a. […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 July 4th edition celebrates American artists but also includes a pair of UK singer-songwriters as a hat-tip to America’s roots. We kick off today’s playlist with some sun-kissed indie rock from North Carolina. Echo Courts – “Take Away” (Raleigh, USA) RIYL: Parquet Courts, Kurt Vile, Kevin Morby “All I’m asking is will you come take me […]

To say Neko Case has had a storied career would be an understatement. In over two decades, she has released two albums with Her Boyfriends; six solo albums, including her latest Hell-On; plus a great collaboration with k.d. lang and Laura Veirs (case/lang/veirs); and, of course, another seven LPs with The New Pornographers. From possessing one of the great voices in […]

The six new music cocktails on the Melodic Tonic ’18 March 28th edition are potent. From indie blues to scorching rock and psychedelic dream pop, there is plenty of diversity to sample, starting with an award-winning American duo. Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite – “The Bottle Wins Again” (Los Angeles & Memphis, USA) RIYL: Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, John Lee […]

Saturday Sampler February 17th features songs that will get you up and moving and take you away to another dimension. There rockers, pop-rock anthems, political statements, and some good old-fashion dreamgaze. In other words, this mini-playlist is the perfect way to spend the weekend. Belako – “Maskenfreiheit” (Mungia, Spain) RIYL: Bosnian Rainbows, Bikini Kills, Crystal Fighters We may have found […]

The sonic cocktails on the Melodic Tonic ’18 January 24th edition are a diverse offering. From blues and funk to electronic dream pop and psych rock, these six songs bring you a rollercoaster ride’s worth of emotions. Let’s kick things off with a powerful blues collaboration from two American legends.   Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite – “No Mercy in […]

Here is part two of our daily playlist. The Matinee ’18 January 23rd – US Edition features a few of our all-time favorites plus several impressive newcomers that made us do double takes. There are some incredibly moving and powerful songs while others will get you rocking or dancing. After spinning these songs, check out the part one of The […]

From indie folk to psych rock, the Melodic Tonic ’17, December 6th edition is a mid-week sonic feast. Featuring six artists from six countries (Australia, England, Ireland, Mexico, Sweden, and the US), this mini-playlist offers something for everyone. We kick things off with one of our favorite American indie rockers.   Strand of Oaks – “Passing Out” (Philadelphia, USA)  […]

The Melodic Tonic ’17, November 16th edition features powerful American voices with equally powerful messages. But sprinkled between the well-known names are two new bands with unforgettable sounds. Today’s playlist begins with one of music’s finest (and fiercest) voices. Brandi Carlile – “The Joke” (Seattle, USA) RIYL: Indigo Girls, Patty Griffin, Ingrid Michaelson American singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile is one of […]

It’s Friday the 13th, and we could share a creepy playlist or just share great music regardless of the tone. We’ve opted for the latter because a good spooky tune can be shared year round in our opinion. So put on the headphones or turn up the speakers, and enjoy this terrific selection of new music on The Matinee October […]

The Saturday Sampler October 7th edition includes nine pulse-quickening singles from various genres, from Americana to indie rock, pop, and soul. Featured artists hail from Canada, England, Scotland, and the USA. We kick off this weekend playlist with some vivacious UK indie punk.   Adults – “MSN” (London via Brighton, England) RIYL: Dinosaur, Jr., Parquet Courts, Diet Cig, Fidlar We […]

Melodic Tonic ’17 September 20th features another six songs, although from five artists this time. Two of the songs form an absolute epic. Sit back and take a sip fro this new music cocktail. Curtis Harding – “Need Your Love” (Atlanta, USA) RIYL: Al Green, Future Islands, St. Paul & The Broken Bones Last month we lost our collective minds […]

The Matinee September 14th is in reverse alphabetical order so that a band we’ve featured often gets their chance to be at the top (granted, they’ve always had a special place in our hearts). The mini-playlist features a wide-range of genres, from old-school R&B and soul to smooth dream-pop, catchy indie-rock, and alt-country. There is also a fantastic track from […]

Most of the nine songs on the Matinee August 31st edition could be considered throwbacks. The artists channel some of the legendary artists and genres in music, but transforming them with a modern twist. There are a couple, though, who are just innovators. Some would even say pioneers. Take a listen below. Oh, you might want to have some popcorn […]

The five songs on this week’s Melodic Tonic range from gentle indie folk to rollicking synth rock. Featuring artists from Australia, Denmark, Ireland, South Africa, and the US, this mini playlist offers great new music from across the globe. Today we start with one of our favorite bands from the Pacific Northwest.   Planes on Paper – “Television” (Yakima, Washington […]