Juno Recommends Rock / Indie / Folk / Metal / Punk / 50s / 60s August 2018

Review: Following the release of Iggy Pop's last full length, Post Pop Depression, the much loved punk professional has teamed up with pioneering electronic dance musos Underworld (think "Born Slippy") via the request of Rick Smith. Album opener, "Bells & Circles", sees Iggy relive the days when you could smoke on an aeroplane, and in his case pick up an air hostess, while a rich and throaty yet somewhat forlorn 'hey' in "I'll See Big" offers a classic, almost narrated number of nostalgia, with a hint of reverb adding a sweetness to a not so bitter regalement of times gone by. Meanwhile, "Get Your Shirt" pitches the bliss of 80s new wave with mid-90s rave to create a glittering, electro pop jam fit for the stadium or Soho club. The glory years may be a memory for this formidable tripod however their sounds, combined, still hit the sweet spot.

Review: One of the leading cuts from Tramps' Moments Vol 9 collection, Connie Kaye Trio's super rare "Woman" playfully riffs on Peggy Lee's "Fever" riff but comes with a completely subverted message and mood behind the lyrics and a powerful northern soul stomp. Strident, striking and full of drive, this special 45 release has been long overdue. Catch it while you can.