Canadian songwriter John K. Samson has a new solo album Winter Wheat out on ANTI- Records. Actually it’s been out for about a month now, so it’s rather criminal I haven’t even mentioned it. That’s due to reasons that a) my vinyl copy hasn’t arrived to the local store yet, so I’ve only listened to it a few times on Spotify b) I’d like to believe that the greatness of John K. Samson and The Weakerthans is a universally acknowledged truth and therefore writing about the new album isn’t entirely necessary, because everyone buys a copy anyway and I would just be preaching to the choir. Part b, the universal fame of John K. Samson might not be completely true, at least not to an extent that I would like it to be, but hey, one has to believe in something.

That previous rambling might have given it away, but I do think John K. Samson is one of the finest songwriters in the solar system. His new album Winter Wheat and I are in the very beginning of our mutual path, but I feel comfortable in following him through whatever awaits me. I’m pretty sure our common path will be filled with wonderful short stories presented in form of captivating songs. This is Postdoc Blues from the new album.

John K. Samson Website

M. Lockwood Porter’s latest and finest album How To Dream Again came out a couple of months ago. A revisit is in order, because the album is gorgeous and unfortunately perhaps even more important now than during the time of the release. Plus there’s this new music video for the song called Reach The Top.

M. Lockwood Porter Website

Mike Gale from Co-Pilgrim and Ilona V releasing an album together. Now there’s a blast from the past, but a very welcome one. They made an EP many many moons ago, which I liked a lot. If you are a really long time visitor you might even remember my really passionate affection towards the songs of Ilona V. Nothing has changed during the years. I still adore those songs and I’m still convinced that some reissue label will find those songs in 2030 or something and then we will appreciate Ilona V like we do Sibylle Baier today.

Back to 2016 for the time being. The UK-label Battle Worldwide Recordings recently released Dream Pool by Mike Gale & Ilona V and it’s beautiful. This is Barbed Vane, my early favourite from the album.

Klasu’s new digital single Eksyn vuoksesi / Luulin et kuulit came out on Drink Tonight Records a few weeks ago. I’m liking it a lot as was expected. Here’s the music video for the song Eksyn vuoksesi.

Klasu Website