Last HI 5 for the year so I can work on my album and song of the year lists.
In a DWR update Kyle Kaos’s music as well as my projects (Justin H.K., Justin Hurst, The Existential Dead, The Existential Dread) will be temporarily removed from most streaming services (you can always listen on BandCamp!) due to me downgrading my distribution service. Kyle Kaos’s and Justin H.K.’s music will start going back up in a week or two after I’ve ensured its fully removed. The Existential Dead and The Existential Dread projects will continue forward as Bandcamp only.
The state of streaming royalties isn’t great, especially Spotify’s.
Maz “Little Fury Things” Nov 7
The best covers transform a song into something you didn’t expect, while keeping the core of the original. Maz’s cover of the legendary Dinosaur Jr.’s “Little Fury Things” does just that, moving from the garage to the bedroom, but keeping a good portion of the fuzz.
Chris Oliver “Spy” Nov 7
Off his album of the same name I really love the experimental quality of Chris’s solo work (outside of VELLOWS). The drumming is excellent, and I love the wandering synth and staccato guitar.
Private Party “bahama mama” Nov 10
I love the slight derangement of this clean and catchy song’s lyrics. The frequent switch up in lead guitar style adds a really nice dynamic to the song.
J Mascis “Can’t Believe We’re Here” Nov 14
Speaking of Dinosaur Jr, we’ve got some more solo stuff from J. I’ve pretty much enjoyed all of J’s solo work, but there’s a quality to this song that reminds me of early Dinosaur Jr. in a really nice way, a sweetness or eagerness maybe, that’s hard to place. Some genuinely lovely lyrics as well.
MiLES. “Running In A Circle” Nov 15
MiLES.’s brand of alternative RnB feels like a perfect balance of hooks and changeups leading to some of my favorite in the genre since the 90s (and last years excellent Self-Contained). Wild to see this much talent in such a young artist.
I’m working on a second book; A short story and poetry collection, until then you should check out my most recent short stories “Nightwatchman” and “Ghost From The West.”
Dirt Witch Records 
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