Tape Op Staff Heavy Rotation Quarantine Listening

Amidst all the bad news and chaos in the world, there are a few silver linings. One of them is having a bit of extra time for listening. Whether it's while you are working from home, maniacally crafting or cooking that 57th batch of cookies, it all goes better with some music. Here are a few things that are getting heavy spins in the Tape Op staff's homes and offices while we "shelter in place". Hope all of you are making the best of these strange days and taking care of yourselves.

- . More cool instrumental music from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross that follows up their collection. These are two very different records for different moods! . This just keeps getting played almost every day in our house. Heartfelt, sincere, genuine songs with great arrangements and production by the Matthew White/Spacebomb crew. . This came out in early Feb, but seems really relevant now more than ever. The track “Just Wait” feels like it was written yesterday. "Not unlike Wilco's and its seemingly prescient foreshadowing of 9/11, begs to be heard in the crazy here and now. In a fast-changing worldwhere we all will be called on to offer our gifts to the tribe more and more often, Caws gives his gift of love, and songs about love, to raise and keep spirits up." -- City Pages

- "No Time For Love Like Now". Probably the most moving and hopeful post Coronavirus song and video I’ve seen/heard. So nice to hear him singing new music despite the dark times.

A song that takes you somewhere else and to another time, with such well-structured lyrics and a fine dose of schmaltz. His time as a Byrd was brief, but he was so talented. Check out the reissue of his album recently - one of my faves.

We have an interview I did with Andy coming up soon in Tape Op. This song is indicative of his strengths, and written, played, recorded, produced by Andy, mixed by (Tape Op #9)

A great vocalist and interpreter of other people’s songs, Linda covered this Elvis Costello track in 1979 as I was just learning about Elvis from a high school pal. I still think she brings a different perspective, and when I hear Elvis’ version I think he sounds mean compared to this compassionate take. Produced by Peter Asher. we have an interview with Peter coming up soon.

- I was a huge fan of this Davis, CA, band in the ‘80s and on through Scott Miller’s Loud Family band as well. This is a collection of demos, live tracks, and final studio sessions.

These awesome folk folks were in Tape Op #126. Leaving home to record this time, this was tracked live at  Paul Antonell’s Clubhouse Recording studio with a nine piece band! Album is out in May.

This album comes out April 10. The first Dream Syndicate album that’s all co-written by the band. It’s a big, droney awesome mess. Count me in!

One of the Pacific Northwest’s quiet secrets, LAKE has been part of the indie world for ages now. Recorded at Unknown Recording Studio in Anacortes by Nicholas Wilbur, it’s a wonderfully rich sounding record with some great performances and writing. Out April 24!

My comfort music is always Bowie, I start with

, then , then then . His voice and his songs just comfort me. I sometimes think the world fell apart when he passed. In the morning, if I’m feeling anxious, I like to play Talking Heads - any album. They make me happy and energized. I love their live album “ ”.

These tracks offer minor melodies that ping my soul. Although the lyric subject matter is doom and gloom, the tones are soothing and actually trigger a smile (for me). The audio presents colors (purple and a mellow yellow). I need to get out of here!!!!

Moses has made some of the most adventurous music of the last five years and has continued to release genre and mind-bending music in 2020.

" " is a favorite on this album. It sounds like a memory of a glorious late summer afternnoon with a touch of the melancolic thought that Fall is approaching. Drifting music.

This collection of tunes by Lee Perry and collaborations with the likes of Max Romeo, Augustus Pablo, The Upsetters, U-Roy and many others offers a nice overview of Lee's "Golden Years".

I went on such a huge Miles kick recently (again for the billionth time!) that it was time to spend some time with other horn players. I have been enjoying Freddie, and from Stan Getz and Bob Brookmeyer.

Groovy tunes with José Gonzáles and Sia handling vocal duties.

Dub mixes of by Scientist takes an already psychedelic offering and takes it right into the ether.

"Spoonful" is one of the filthiest jams known to man. Written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Howlin' Wolf, it is the still the best version of this oft recorded blues tune by a mile.