3 Songs: On Repeat

Desaparecidos – “City On The Hill” (Though they have released a couple of standalone singles in recent years, the politically-charged punk band led by Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes returns after thirteen years with their incendiary sophomore album, Payola, out now on Epitaph Records.  Tim Kasher of Cursive, Brooklyn punks The So So Glos and Laura Grace of Against Me! guest but the focus remains on Conor’s anthemic vocals and fiery lyrics as well as the metallic guitar riffs and poppy punk melodies for a nice surprise of an album that is worthy of  year end lists.) http://www.desaparecidosband.com/  

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Bully – “Trying” (The Nashville-based band led by Alicia Bognanno released their stunning debut album, Feels Like this week via Startime International/Columbia Records.  Bognanno wrote, produced, mixed and engineered the album herself at Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio, where she previously interned.  Without sounding trite, the combination of her sweet and sour voice - that displays both vulnerability and throat-shredding power - along with her catchy, 90’s indie rock and punk-informed fuzz-pop melodies sounds like what you would imagine music from Frances Bean might sound like.) http://www.bullythemusic.com/

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Leon Bridges – “Smooth Sailin’” (Leon Bridges, the Texas-based old school Soul revivalist with the smooth-as-silk voice has released his very promising debut album, Coming Home this week via Columbia Records.  Everything including his style, instrumentation, stage presence – he is also a trained choreographer and dancer - and timeless songs just ooze a charming nostalgic yet modern take on classic 50’s & 60’s era Soul and R&B.) http://www.leonbridges.com/

Stream the stylish yet simplistic video for the Sam Cooke-inspired standout single, “Smooth Sailin”: