Submerged in post-vacation emails currently, so this edition’s intro/list is shorter — quality over quantity, people. While I was knocking out multiple chapters of My Struggle: Book 2 and sampling every flavor in the Kona Brewing Co. variety pack, apparently the world kept turning.
And the beat went on. Today I'm featuring tracks that range from experimental supergroups to electro-soul songstresses; a few household indie names, and some acts you might not know. So for some added context, feel free to skim the below.
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I featured a LEVEL11 remix on the first Indie Skim, but opening with another one because the chill Tropical House edits suit these sultry months so well – and the rework of The Unknown Neighbour’s “You and Me” is an exercise of juxtaposition that keeps the authenticity of the original track; glittery synth overlaying Sascha Zemke’s signature rasp.
Hailing from Vermont and boasting an ancestry of famous 14th-century poets and Civil War songwriters, Henry Jamison carries on the legacy with his earnestly honest track, “Real Peach.” The melody is classic, his syntax refreshing, and the conversational delivery feels like folklore passed down from his generations of yore.
One of my favorite bands The Head and the Heart has a new album Signs of Light coming out on September 9 — and if the track “Colors” is any indication of what’s to come, they still have a permanent slot in my Top 10. Twin sister musical duo Say Lou Lou speaks to my soul this week with their cover of the Bee Gee’s "Stayin’ Alive.: These girls have the Music Midas Touch.
And one more worth noting: “Age Don’t Mean a Thing” is the title-track from 62-year-old Louisiana roots soul singer Robert Finley. With deteriorating vision, the former carpenter could no longer continue his craft, but returned to his musical roots with the help of Music Makers Relief Foundation. Big Legal Mess Records, an imprint of Fat Possum, will be putting out his album on September 30. With my birthday less than a month away, and little to no concept of what I’m doing with my life — Finley is my new hero.
While I dip my toes back into reality and figure out how to retire as a musician, you can stream away. Don’t forget to send us your submissions at #IndieSkim or follow us on our socials for more music by the moment.
