#Channel Trip Hop Vol.10

[strwbrymoonchild]

The Albums That Got Us Through 2020

We’ll save you the soliloquy, and get right to it: (skip to the bottom for the full playlist)

LaChelle’s Picks

Overture x Gaidaa

“Sonically, this album was very cathartic. Gaidaa’s songwriting is so imaginative and authentic, and I really love it when her voice hits those lush lower notes, her tone is like butter.”

Favorite tracks: Falling higher, Still Water, I Like Trouble

2. Rose in The Dark x Cleo Sol

“The timeless musicality and vocals are very reminiscent of some of my favorite classic soul artists like Angela Bofill, and Patrice Rushen but sound refreshing all the same. I would love to hear this project live but you know... COVID.”

Favorite tracks: When I’m In Your Arms, Why Don’t You, Rose in The Dark

3 & 4. Untiled (Black is) / Untitled (Rise) x Sault

“I can’t think of any projects more timely for this year than these two albums. They spoke to Black pain, weariness, and resilience in a way that felt mores insightful than preachy. A lot of the drums used on this project had an ancestral feel to them and the use of strings was extremely effective in giving it cinematic energy. The interludes also spoke to the difficult emotions many Black people grappled with this year while maintaining a musically rich sound.”

Favorite Tracks: Hard Life, Wildfires, Sorry Ain’t Enough, Why We Cry Why We Die, Free, Uncomfortable

5. The Angel You Don’t Know x Amaarae

“I first discovered Amaarae as a featured artist on one of my favorite music submissions of the year ‘NASA’ by Rvdical The Kid. I became entrenched upon my first listen to her first full-length project which is a mixture of afro-fusion, R&B, electronic, alté, and alternative hip hop. I love her animated voice and how effortlessly she glides over the track. I enjoy artists who can fuse multiple genres together and make them sound like a whole new sound”

Favorite Tracks: Fancy, Feel A Way, Céline

6. Last Year Was Weird, Vol 2. x Tkay Maidza

“This album had a lot of surprises on it. It’s a mixture of fun-loving R&B, raging nu-metal, and 808 thumping house tracks. While there’s not much fusion in the array of genres, I appreciate her ability to showcase her eclectic range.”

Favorite tracks: Shook, 24K, Don’t Call Again

7. Honey For Wounds x Ego Ella May

“This is a great self-love soundtrack. The pensiveness of this album is tempered by Ego Ella May’s jazzy vocals and even-keeled instrumentation. A very relaxing vibe to listen to during downtime or moments of solitude.”

Favorite tracks: Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys, Table For One, Song For Bobby

8. Jaguar x Victoria Monét

“This album is oozing with sensuality, sexuality, and confidence. I love the lush vocal arrangements and the production which taps into nostalgia without being lazy or gimmicky. If you're feeling insecure, put on some lingerie, pour a glass of wine, turn this album on and you'll be feeling like a Savage Fenty brand ambassador”

Favorite tracks: Moment, Touch Me, Go There With You

9. Extra, Extra! x Lou Phelps

“ My boyfriend who is a Kaytranada fanboy put me onto this album. Haven’t heard a hip hop EP with such a fun, laid back like this in a minute. Lou’s big bro Kaytranada came through with the dancey vibes but you also get a bit of that classic boom bap energy that an old head like me loves”

Favorite tracks: Party in LA, Nike Shoe Box, Smiling

Dorian’s Picks

Pulp (Director’s Cut) x Ambré

"Ambré takes you deep into her world with sounds of a sweet lullaby, and a pulp garden full of hallucinating trips on a journey towards discovering love, vulnerability, and purpose. Overdosing on ‘Pulp’ has become a nightly ritual for me, no surprise as to why Ambré is my top artist of 2020."

Favorite tracks: free drugs, LUCIADA(EGODEATH), gucci slides

2. A Written Testimony x Jay Electronica

Jay Electronica's debut album, once heralded a myth by many, has finally seen the light of day, 10 years later. It sounds godly, rich in ancestral wisdom, paralleled with classic Hov features throughout. This album to me raps a soulful tune of Black enlightenment, and feels like a really lavish ode to the Nation of Islam.

Favorite tracks: Universal Soldier, Flux Capacitor, The Blinding

3. In Search of Lost Time x Protoje

"The Jamaican OG delivers a sonically wise lesson on life, what it means to live in our truths and light in search of happiness and prosperity as a free spirit. This album at many times served as a soundtrack to my life, a saving grace from my own insecurities and struggles amidst a very unsettling year."

Favorite tracks: In Bloom, Deliverance, Like Royalty

4. I Shine, U Shine x RIMON

"Amsterdam-based artist RIMON delivered a sonically pleasing project shortlisted with a blend of melancholy neo-soul/R&B influenced melodies. This project evokes raw relatable emotions and centers the beauty of the imperfect for full display. With each listen the lyrics pierced my heart and filled my memory of love lost and love found."

Favorite tracks: Out Of My Way, Got My Back, Downtown

5. Note to Self x Jah9

"Jah9's Note to Self, is a call to channel your divine form. Reggae has long been a genre that speaks to a higher force and existence. With the wild year we experienced, this project served as a guideline on how to battle those inner demons and live life to your fullest potential through faith."

Favorite tracks: Love Has Found I, Ma'at, New Race

6. SuperGood x Duckwrth

"The title is self-explanatory. Duckwrth gave us all that we deserved and dropped a bomb ass feel-good record. SuperGood gave me all the contemporary neo-funk grooves I've come to love about Duckwrth. Listening to this project made it easy to tune out all the noise of 2020 and just dance my sorrows away."

Favorite tracks: Quick, Coming Closer, Super Bounce

7. B7 x Brandy

"Brandy, now indie and seasoned in the industry, answers to no one and that's made clear with her experimental R&B sounds on B7. This project is fearless and sounds so different from previous Brandy albums, but delivers in that same angelic aesthetic and powerhouse vocals we've come to love. B7 is criminally underrated in my opinion and will stand the test of time. "

Favorite tracks: Rather Be, Borderline, Say Something

8. It Is What It Is x Thundercat

"Thundercat delivers another soothing jazzy-bassline record. This album feels cathartic, experiential in a sense, almost as if I'm listening to a score from an intergalactic movie set in some futuristic utopia. Best enjoyed with a spliff and/or glass of wine."

Favorite tracks: Black Qualls, DragonBall Durag, Unrequited Love

9. The ExPerience x Lila Iké

"This captivating debut EP from rising reggae siren Lila Iké will make anyone a believer. Her journey is compelling, spiritually guided, a modern tale of romance - the highs and lows of navigating young love. The way Lila belts out these reggae-R&B infused chunes pon ya head top is mesmerizing and sets the standard for Jamaica's new generation"

Favorite tracks: Forget Me, Where I'm Coming From, Thy Will

10. grae x Moses Sumney

“‘grae’, a two part album, explores the complexities of identity. Moses Sumney never quite submits to the boundaries society aims to box us in. ‘grae’ is undefined in sound, Moses gracefully flows from one end of the artistic spectrum to another without landing anywhere too long. What I love most about listening to this album besides Mose's falsetto is the high level of self-awareness, the screams of escapism, and determination to exist in free agency. "

Favorite tracks: Cut Me, Polly, Lucky Me

Rachel’s Picks

Instrospection x UMI

“After another year with no new SZA album, discovering UMI was a godsend. Her voice has that same angelic raspiness and lyrics that sit with you long after the first listen. What sets her and this record apart is how UMI’s lyrics recognize her own faults and the faults of others in a way that is so graceful that it never comes across as self-deprecating or accusatory. Listening to Introspection, you can’t help but introspect your life the way UMI does on this album.”

Favorite tracks: Introspection, Open Up, Pretty Girl hi!

2. Girlhood x Girlhood

“This electropop duo’s vocalist, Tessa Cavanna, has a voice reminiscent of the late artists Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones, and with their neo-soul, 90’s inspired sound being so colorful, it’s impossible to get sick of listening to this album.”

Favorite tracks: Keep On, It Might Take a Woman, My Boy

3. Who Cares? x Abby Jasmine

“Released during the reclusive days of stay-at-home orders, Jasmine’s tracks on her sophomore album made me nostalgic for parties that were once filled with smoke, close friends, and good music. Her brutally honest lyrics, progressive production, and her overall confidence were comforting during a year of instability and empty dancefloors.”

Favorite tracks: Stay With Me, Artificial Lover, Groovy

4. Texas Sun x Khruangbin & Leon Bridges

“Two Texan artists came together and were able to use Bridge’s soulful and textured tone and the fluidity of the psychedelic-funk trio Khruangbin's sound, to create a desolate Texas landscape. Listening to the EP feels like driving with all the windows rolled down, feeling the sun’s heat on your skin.”

Favorite tracks: Texas Sun, Midnight, C-Side

5. They Call Me Disco x Ric Wilson & Terrace Martin

“In a year of so much grief, it is refreshing to hear music that sounds like it was as fun to make as it was to listen to. Wilson and Martin’s rhythmically dynamic collaboration prefaced a summer filled with social media’s fascination and nostalgia for the glittery freeness of the 70’s while still fitting into their respective genres of hip-hop and R&B.”

Favorite track: Don’t Kill the Wave, Move Like This, Chicago Bae

Lionnal’s Picks

Dinner Party x Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper. 9th Wonder, & Kamasi Washington

"These Four legendary musicians came together and gave us an album full of beautiful vocals over smooth, jazzy, soul instrumentals."

Favorite tracks: Freeze Tag, LUV U, Love You Bad

2. Burden of Proof x Benny The Butcher

"This album feels like a vintage east coast rap album. Hit-Boy’s luxury production matched with Benny’s grimey delivery is everything a classic rap fan would ever need."

Favorite tracks: One Way Flight, Burden of Proof, War Paint

3. Sin Miedo x Kali Uchis

"I didn’t know how I would take to an album primarily in Spanish, but Kali’s intoxicating and seductive vibe still found a way to draw me in."

Favorite tracks: Telepatia, //aguardiente y limón %ᵕ‿‿ᵕ%, Quiero Sentirme Bien

4. Fuck The World x Brent Fayaiz

"Brent Faiyaz’s personality is what makes this album so great. His cool and confident approach to tracks make for a unique spin on modern R&B and it’s honestly very refreshing."

Favorite tracks: Clouded, Been Away, Let Me Know

LISTEN TO THE FULL PLAYLIST BELOW

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[laflechette]

Niia - Hurt You First

;Hurt You First (2017)

[ismael37olson]

Jon ALi Presents: The Top 50 Albums of 2017!

My beautiful music lovers: We have (almost) reached the end of 2017!

This year has been a true test to the human psychique with the mess that is our current Presidential reality – but, luckily, in the midst of life’s many expected ups and downs this year, there was (thankfully) a ton of music to help distract, heal and lift us up.

First up, I’m counting down my Top 50 Albums of the Year! As per usual, this list is usually my favorite because its much easier to rank my love for an album based on if I can get through the whole thing from start to finish without banging my head against a wall (repeatedly). WITH THAT SAID: That doesn’t necessarily mean I find album #29 any more or less tolerable than the ones before or after it so please save your trolling for someone who actually cares. I love music. You love music. We love music!

K, without further ado, here’s the list:

50. Terror Jr – Bop City 2: TerroRising 49. Oliver – Full Circle 48. Erik Hassle – Innocence Lost 47. Nelly Furtado – The Ride 46. Hey Violet – From the Outside 45. Betty Who – The Valley 44. Loreen – Ride 43. Paloma Faith – The Architect 42. Shakira – El Dorado 41. Snoh Aalegra – Feels 40. Perfrume Genius – No Shape 39. Michelle Branch – Hopeless Romantic 38. N.E.R.D – NO ONE EVER REALLY DIES 37. Lights – Skin&Earth 36. Paramore – After Laughter 35. Miley Cyrus – Younger Now 34. Niia – I 33. Bleachers – Gone Now 32. Haim – Something to Tell You 31. Katy Perry – Witness 30. Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy 29. Superfruit – Future Friends 28. Zara Larsson – So Good 27. Cashmere Cat – 9 26. Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life 25. P!nk – Beautiful Trauma 24. St. Vincent – Masseduction 23. The xx – I See You 22. Jhené Aiko – Trip 21. Halsey – hopeless fountain kingdom 20. Taylor Swift – Reputation 19. Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me 18. MUNA – About U 17. Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 16. Majid Jordan – The Space Between 15. Kesha – Rainbow 14. Drake – More Life 13. Tove Lo – BLUE LIPS (Lady Wood Phase II) 12. Khalid – American Teen 11. Allie X – CollXtion II

10. Kehlani – SweetSexySavage: After years years of dropping mixtapes and collaborations, Kehlani finally properly broke out in 2017 with her full-length major label debut LP, SweetSexySavage – an appropriately direct nod to TLC‘s CrazySexyCool. It’s a sleek, self-assured, and polished body of work from an artist that took her time to perfect her sound and get it just right. Though she proudly wears her influences — Aaliyah, Brandy, and any number of Y2K era of R&B belters — on her sleeve she never once sounds like an imitator or cliché. Kehlani‘s many strengths as a songwriter and singer outweigh any possible charges of imitation, and her willingness to apply subtlety, make unapologetic choices, and simply have fun is what makes her a true star. For an album released at the very top of the year, it’s had undeniable longevity, both in the R&B and Pop world. The crossover queen we deserve in 2017. Highlights: “Keep On,” “Distraction,” “CRZY,” “Advice,” “Get Like,” “In My Feelings,” and “I Wanna Be.”

9. Lana Del Rey – Lust for Life: Five albums deep, Lana Del Rey is very aware of the fact that her signature sleepy sound isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to stop making the music her loyal fanbase has grown to love. Compared to her other albums, especially its drowsy 2015 predecessor Honeymoon, Lust for Life is positively sunny in tone, and certainly more upbeat in tempo. Lana may sing about a “Summer Bummer” and being “In My Feelings” but the songs aren’t inline with hazy unforgotten daydreams; they shimmer, offering a confident bit of seduction for chill nights in with your bae. Lana keeps this delicate balance throughout the lengthy Lust for Life (at 71 minutes, this is an album as much as it’s a playlist, designed to be played on loop as “vibe” music), never quite committing to either distress or euphoria but rather finding an effortless place somewhere in-between the two. That said, Lana does lean slightly more towards ecstasy on Lust for Life, bathing comfortably in her slow rhythms and luxurious surfaces. She manages to sustain this mood over the course of Lust for Life‘s 16 songs, every one of which is a genuine variation of her adored signature sound. Highlights: “Love,” “Lust for Life” (feat. The Weeknd), “Cherry,” “Groupie Love” (feat. A$AP Rocky), and “Get Free.”

8. Kendirck Lamar – DAMN.: On DAMN. Kendrick Lamar proved you can actually take a more “mainstream” approach while maintaining your musical excellence. Although its definitely sonically less cohesive than to his predecessors (To Pimp a Butterfly and good kid, m.A.A.d city); the lyrics are just as strong and impactful and the music is just as vibrant and exciting. In fact, Kendrick‘s reached a whole new level of self-awareness on DAMN., he’s better than ever. In my honest opinion, Kendrick‘s been on a non-stop winning streak, and his closest competitors are still miles away and this album it’s just another proof of his genius. Highlights: “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.,” “LOYALTY.” (feat. Rihanna) and “LOVE.” (feat. Zacari).

7. Miguel – War & Leisure: Every year, thre’s one artist drops an absolutely incredible album at the tail end of the year that makes music writers everywhere wish they would’ve waited on publishing their year-end lists. This year, that artist is Miguel. 2012’s Kaleidoscope Dream and 2015’s Wildheart, saw this R&B crooner master the early versatility he displayed on his debut All I Want Is You, showcasing a playful-yet-wise mix of pop, funk and soul that certified him a true star. War & Leisure is a more ambitious, bold and confident move: a non-stop joy ride that doubles as a master class in futurist hypersexual R&B. He never fails to impress and expand within himself. Highlights: “Sky Walker” (feat. Travis Scott), “Banana Clip,” “Told You So,” “Caramelo Duro” (feat. Kali Uchis), “Come Through and Chill” and “Now.”

6. Jessie Ware – Glasshouse: Like most of Jessie‘s stellar back catalog, her third studio LP Glasshouse revolves around her signature lyrical themes: Sadness, isolation, lust and most importantly, love. But Glasshouse strives as a much bigger and mature deal than anything she’s done before, catering mostly to her husband, Sam Burrows, and the arrival of their first child. Jessie‘s has always had the effortless ability to wrap powerful emotions in irresistible melodies but here she channels that skill into soaring new heights. And with additional production credits from the likes of Kid Harpoon, Starsmith, Happy Perez, Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, Julia Michaels and Ed Sheeran, there was already little doubt that Jessie would come through strong. But, make no mistake: It was Jessie‘s very own signature sensual stylings that made this record a win from start to finish. Forever my queen. Highlights: “Midnight,” “Stay Awake, Wait For Me,” “Alone,” “Selfish Love,” “Hearts” and “Sam.”

5. Mura Masa – Mura Masa: In a year when mainstream radio became increasingly defined by island-like musical trends, the first full-length by Guernsey-born DJ-producer Mura Masa (aka Alex Crossan) was refreshing for the way it leaned proudly outward, bringing slinky disco, shimmering electro-pop, garage house, Hip-hop and throwback R&B together in the name of finding musical transcendence. Mura Masa‘s unlimited playfulness and genre-bending production skills — not to mention the help from Bonzai, A$AP Rocky, Charli XCX, Desiigner, Nao, Tom Tripp and Christine and the Queens — show that there’s still uncharted territory left in the land of UK dance-pop, and that thankfully someone like the young and talented Mura Masa is more than willing to put in all his time in order to find it. Highlights: “Love$ick” (feat. A$AP Rocky), “1 Night” (feat. Charli XCX), “What If I Go?,” “Firefly” (feat. Nao) and “Second 2 None” (feat. Christine and the Queens).

4. Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa: Pop music needed some serious saving in 2017. Weighted down by tired-less, island-lite radio trends, EDM beat drops (thanks a lot, The Chainsmokers) and One Direction members going solo, the pop music landscape was missing a dose of originality. Enter Dua Lipa, aka Jesus Christ. Kicking off her rise with a slew of anthem-ready singles “Be The One,” “Hotter Than Hell” and “Blow Your Mind (Mwah),” the young and versatile beauty reminded us all that, pop at its finest, all comes down to melody. While it took a lot more time than it should’ve, Dua finally blessed us with her highly anticipated self-titled debut in 2017. And the record was worth the wait: Each song bursts with huge choruses, from the truly stunning opener “Genesis” to the unstoppable force that is “New Rules,” which is finally giving her the visibility she deserves. As with Adele, Ellie Goulding, Charli XCX, Marina And The Diamonds, and so many English queens before her, Dua‘s got the undeniable gift. Dua for President! Highlights: “Genesis,” “Lost In Your Light” (feat. Miguel), “Hotter Than Hell,” “Be The One,” “IDGAF,” “Blow Your Mind (Mwah),” “New Rules” and “Homesick.”

3. Kelela – Take Me Apart: Where 2017 mostly failed in delivering huge pop records, it made up in supplying us with stellar R&B. When Kelela arrived on the scene in 2015 with her unique brand of futuristic-yet-nostoglic-R&B-electronica, we already knew her debut record would be something special. And that it most certainly is: Take Me Apart‘s title track is R&B at its most cosmic and forward-thinking, “Better” is post-breakup relatable gold, and the nostalgic Aaliyah-sounding greatness that is “LMK” is the stuff of legend status. While she might not have made the biggest noise this year, she did deliver artistry at its finest. Kelela‘s got plenty of talent up her slick sleeve and this here is just the beginning of a long career. Take notice! Highlights: “Frontline,” “Take Me Apart,” “Better,” “LMK,” “Blue Light” and “Turn To Dust.”

2. Lorde – Melodrama: Lorde delivered one the best records of the year in 2013 with her debut Pure Heroine. In the time since, she’s become a true superstar all while going through her very first real breakup. Her long-awaited sophomore album Melodrama documents the time spent between her stardom and breakup: It is a honest, sometimes dark and extremely liberating body of work, in which Lorde delivers some of her strongest, tightest and certainly most teary-eyed music to date. In the few years since her debut, Lorde‘s improved substantially upon her melody-making, resulting in massive heartbreak and youth anthems like “Sober,” “Homemade Dynamite” “Perfect Places” and “Green Light,” which is absolutely the year’s most overlooked single. Haunting, lonely and utterly empowering the whole way through. Highlights: “Green Light,” “Sober,” “Homemade Dynamite,” “Liability,” “Supercut” and “Perfect Places.”

1. SZA – CTRL: No other album quite did it for me other than the long-delayed debut from Solána Imani Rowe. SZA‘s CTRL is a straight-up, cohesive masterpiece from beginning to end about a girl navigating life in her “20 Something”‘s (see what I did there?) — dating, falling in love, dealing with fuck boys, self-doubt, anxiety, self-acceptance, growing up and much more. Her full-bodied voice floats over each intricate production effortlessly as she spits her unapologetically honest and relatable lyrics. “The Weekend” is pure genius; “Love Galore” is just as addictive; and “Drew Barrymore,” “Prom” and “20 Something” prove that SZA is not one of those alternative R&B artists with just one or two tricks up her sleeve. To put it simply, SZA is the voice of a generation. GIVE HER ALL THE AWARDS! Highlights: ALL OF IT.

Honorable Mentions: Niall Horan – Flicker, Shania Twain – NOW, Fergie – Double Dutchess, Fifth Harmony – Fifth Harmony, Galantis – The Aviary, Kelsea Ballerini – Unapologetically, The Killers – Wonderful Wonderful, Marc E. Bassy – Gossip Columns, Maroon 5 – Red Pill Blues, Harry Styles – Harry Styles, Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar and Sam Smith – The Thrill Of It All.

from Jon ALi's Blog http://jonalisblog.com/2017/12/23/jon-ali-presents-the-top-50-albums-of-2017/

[houstonlocalus-blog]

Dirty Mouth: The Best of The Week

Lil Yachty, Photo: Capitol Records

  It’s still hot as Hell outside, but that’s okay because the summer tours are still rolling through town. This week we’ll get visited by the likes of Lil Yachty, White Denim and Rod Stewart, to name a few, while locals like Pecos Hank, LACE and Mojave Red will round out the week. Houston, here’s your road map for the next seven days.

  Wednesday you can begin at Raven Tower when Houston-born and Austin-transplant Buenos Diaz returns to perform on the back patio. Diaz has an infectious sound that’s kind of like if Elvis Costello was born here in Texas. His latest release, Buenos Diaz, is full of songs you can’t help but love, and his live sets are a mix of fun and rock energy. The all-ages show gets going around 7:30 pm and it’s free.

  On Thursday, you can head to the greenroom at Warehouse Live for the dirty rock-and-roll of Austin’s Fair City Fire. Supporting last year’s The Simple Truth, these guys sound like their bluesy grooves might be worth making it out for. The rock of Houston’s Londale will be on as direct support, while the indie folk noise of Virginia Beach’s Feral Conservatives will go on prior. The ambient rock of Houston’s East of Eado will open the all-ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $7 and $10.

  Bert Kreischer, Photo: LEG Management

  Over at Improv, a weekend of laughs with Bert Kreischer will kick off. Kreischer may be best known for his stories of growing up in Russia, or perhaps the nickname “the machine,” but he’s seriously one of the funniest comics going. Host of Travel Channel’s “Trip Flip,” he’s been on Letterman, WTF with Marc Maron, and is a globe-trekking comic that regularly sells out his shows. Two of Houston’s better up and comers will be on as host and feature acts for the 18 & up shows. The Thursday set has doors at 7:15 pm and tickets between $25 and $25.

  At White Oak Music Hall upstairs, the hip hop of Seattle’s Ryan Caraveo will be on full display. Caraveo made his name as a positive force through his infectious tracks — but that doesn’t mean that he’s soft. While his music contains electro-pop elements, his latest, Maybe They Were Wrong, is as catchy as it is legit. The electronica of Houston’s MIEARS will be on hand as direct support and opener for the all-ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $10 and $13.

  Substance, Photo: Josh Robicheaux

  Rito’s Bar will have the feminist punk of Illinois’ PRYSS. Rumored to be an intense band to catch, their album Sisyphus is pretty heavy and dark. The crazy rolling-on-the-floor-punk of Houston’s Substance will provide direct support, while FRISK will play for the first time beforehand. The show is seemingly all-ages and gets going around 8:30 pm with a $5 or pay what you can cover.

  Friday you could start off at Cactus for the Author Session for the book Women In Punk Vol. 1 from Houston’s David Ensminger.  Of course, Ensminger plays drums for The Hates and performs in other bands, but music history is really where he shines. There will be performances from Screech of Death, No Love Less and Mel Hell and the Texas Mod Crushers as well.  The free all-ages event gets going around 6 pm, and there should be gratis beer for the adults.

  St Joseph Professional Building, Photo: Jordan Asinas

  Insomnia Gallery will have a pretty cool show called Through The Viewfinder. Featuring photography from the likes of Jordan Asinas, Daniel Jackson, Scott Holleman, Jorge Luna and many, many more, the show should offer a glimpse of what photographers see in the everyday world. There will be a DJ, food trucks, and some form of donation based “bar.” The all-ages event gets going around 7 pm, there’s more information available here, and the $5 cover goes towards the showcase for the following year.

  At Satellite Bar, the New York-born and Austin-transplanted indie folk pop of Sherry will be on full display when the band performs their set. Sherry blends acoustic pop with garage undertones all over their latest, Not Brandy, Not Whiskey, which came out this year. The dream pop of Houston’s Such Marvelous Monsters will be on as direct support and openers for the all-ages show with doors at 8 pm and a free cover for the adults or $7 for the kiddos.

  Washed Out, Photo: Paradigm Agency

  At White Oak Music Hall downstairs, you can get down to the chillwave sounds of Washed Out. Best known for his song “Feel It All Around,” or the theme to the show Portlandia, this guy makes songs that make you wanna get down or make out — or both. His latest drop, this year’s Mister Mellow, keeps the jams flowing, and it should make for a legit live show. There’s no word of support or openers, but that could change on the all-ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $18.50 and $22.

  Stereo Live will host the always fun and groove-heavy sounds of Laidback Luke. The popular producer, hailing from the Netherlands, brings plenty of heat to his live sets, and his latest single, “With Me,” keeps the temperature high. So get ready to get down! The 18 & up show has doors at 9 pm and tickets for $15.

  Pecos Hank, Photo: Jay Dryden Photography

  Continental Club will have a barn burner when Pecos Hank and Craig Kinsey stop by to perform. Hank has been going strong between storm chasing and releasing a full-length as well as just releasing a video for “Drive Under the Moon.” Kinsey has been holed up outside of town living a more bohemian life, but his last release, The Nylon Sessions, is a true tour de force. The two are definitely worth making it out for on the 21 & up show that has doors at 10 pm and a $10 cover.

  On Saturday, you could begin at Satellite Bar for the ATX vs. HOU Punk Fest. The all-day affair will feature sets from Austin acts like Yikes and All Opposed as well as many others. The Houston side of things features Dead to The World, Patterns, Revels and many more. There’s more information available here for the all-ages event that has doors at 3 pm and a $12 cover.

  Later on at Smart Financial Center, rock legend Rod Stewart will bring his soulful voice to the Sugarland venue. Of course, with The Faces, Stewart rivaled acts like the Rolling Stones. As a solo artist, he’s racked up hits like “Maggie May,” Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “All For Love,” and many, many more. His last album, 2015’s Another Country, proved that the singer hasn’t lost his touch. His live shows are pretty impressive for a guy his age. Eighties pop star Cyndi Lauper will be on as opener and direct support for the all-ages show with doors at 6 pm and tickets between $94.50 and $154.50.

  Of course, I’d guess most of you would be at Warehouse Live in the ballroom,where Lil Yachty will bring his hop hop to town. Supporting his latest, Teenage Emotions, the Atlanta rapper will be worth making it out for, as he’s been popping off as of late. There’s no word of support or openers, but that may change. Every prepaid ticket receives a physical CD of the new album on the al- ages show with doors at 6:30 pm with tickets between $29.50 and $35.

  Mark Drew, Photo: Henry McRae Dillard

  Over at House of Blues, Houston’s Mike Jones will return with his chopped and screwed era hip hop. That’s not to say that Jones has been sleeping, but he’s also due for a new record, as his last album was over eight years ago with The Voice. Doeman will bring his heavy hitting rap on as direct support, while the mic prowess of Genesis Blu will go on prior, as will the skills of T2 The Ghetto Hippie. Mark Drew will come from behind the mixing board to drop a set as well, while Chain$moke will get the all-ages show started. The doors are at 7 pm and carry tickets for $15.

  Walter’s will host the indie-emo-goodness of Rome Hero Foxes. While their least release, this year’s I/O, was an acoustic, stripped down album, the previous one from last year, For When You’re Falling Backwards, is a pretty impressive one. Full of hooks and catchy melodies, their live shows are definitely worth making it out for. The alt rock of Houston’s Shalva will be on as direct support, while the surf rock of Sleepy Dog will go on beforehand. Peach Creek will open up the all-ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $10 and $12.

  Mojave Red, Photo: Dani Willie

  Continental Club has the cassette release party for Houston psych rockers Mojave Red. While they’re definitely stretching their legs with their latest, “Fading Out,” teaming up with new label Wallflower Records is definitely a step in the right direction. Mix in their solid live sets and you have a nice recipe for success. Austin’s Summer Fires will be on as support, while the high energy of Houston’s texture:Yellow will open the 21 & up show with doors at 8 pm and an $8 cover.

  Over on William Street, you can get your groove on for the Dog Daze show. With a headlining set from NYC’s J. Albert and performances from Miguel Flaco back to back with Noey Lopez, this should be a burner of a show. Kona FM will bring her DJ jams on as well, while Collin Hedrick will go on prior. DJ Naomi will open things up with doors at 9 pm and a $10 cover for the BYOB show.

  Zack Palmer, Photo: Jordan Asinas

  On Sunday, you could roll by Little Dipper for some afternoon weirdness from Zack Palmer and Andrew Sainz of Walter’s fame. The two will drop DJ sets of music you probably won’t hear anywhere else, and it should make for a nice way to cool off in this Summer heat. The 21 & up event starts at 3 pm and runs until 6, and it’s free to attend.

  Later on at Walter’s, the dark punk of Philadelphia’ Blank Spell will swing through to perform. Like taking the elemental darkwave and new wave elements and placing them on punk, this three piece is an act you should see, as they rarely roll through our city. Their latest release, this year’s Miasma, is pretty legit. The post punk of Pennsylvania’s Haldol will be on as direct support, while the hardcore of Houston’s LACE will go on beforehand. Rough Sleepers will open things up for the all-ages show with doors at 8 pm with an $8 cover.

  Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble, Photo: Olia Eichenbaum

  On Monday, Walter’s will host France’s Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble over for a very rare performance. Sadier, best known as lead singer for the ’90s electro-pop group Stereolab, has been carving out a respectable solo career for the past fifteen years. While this year sees her solo efforts coming to full force with Find Me Finding You, the release is one of the most beautiful and intriguing electronic works you can hear. Almost like a modern day version of “The Girl From Ipanema,” this is definitely a show you won’t want to miss because it doesn’t come this way very often. Heather Trost of Neutral Milk Hotel will be on as direct support, while Houston’s El Lago will bring their dreamy indie rock on as openers. The all-ages show has doors at 8 pm and a $12 cover.

  Tuesday in the greenroom at Warehouse Live, Whitney Flynn of the band Days N Daze will kick off her solo tour. While I’m not certain what that will sound like, I’m sure it’ll be worth making it out for. The Celtic punk of The Real McCoys will be on as direct support, while the trippy pop of Motion Hotel will go on prior. The hip hop of Baytown’s Virgil Wolfe will get things started on the all-ages show with doors at 6 pm and tickets for $5 or $8 for the kids.

  Over at Rudyard’s they will host Grown-Up Storytime, the popular show series from Bootown. Of course, you probably know about the story reading series because it’s become a well-known thing for visitors to our city. What you may not know is that both of these shows at 8 pm and at 10 pm can easily sell out. So if you want to attend the 21 & up shows with a $5 cover, you should get there early.

  That’s about it around town this week. No matter what you do and where you go, please remember that a safe ride home is just an app away.

Dirty Mouth: The Best of The Week this is a repost