As part of my effort to return to using my own blog more than social media, I’m returning to one of my most popular features — Friday Music, a weekly internet mixtape which I ran nearly a decade ago. Now, with the ease of streaming, Friday Music will appear as a free Spotify playlist, which I’ll embed here on the blog.
This week, we kick off with “Anti-glory” by Horsegirl — an all-female band which sounds, to me, like 90s-alternative girl groups by way of The Pixies. The track is really catchy, too.
Next, a damn near perfect slice of Bond-movie John Barry-esque bombast, which was apparently used in the Melissa McCarthy spy spoof bomb, the unimaginatively named SPY. Never saw the movie, but the song is amazing. Sit back and imagine a Maurice Binder Bond title sequence.
I had no idea, but apparently actor Riz Ahmed (ROGUE ONE, etc.) has a music career as well. This track, “Deal With It”, is a pounding Desi-influenced club banger, which I found via a Spotify list inspired by Miss Marvel.
Up until his untimely death from cancer (Fuck cancer), Ranking Roger toured Europe with his own version of The Beat, while Dave Wakeling toured the US with his version, The English Beat. Right before his death, Roger’s version released an album, and this was the single. Great stuff from a great performer who will be missed.
“One Way Glass” is by Innerspace Orchestra, an indie three-piece with vocals by Rose Elinor Dougal of the Pipettes. Ethereal 80s-style post-punk, which, as most of you know, is right up my alley.
Next comes a solo track from the actual genius of The Smiths, guitarist Johnny Marr. “Spirit Power and Soul” is an excellent display of his talents, and that’s not even getting into the fact that he’s not a prat like Morrissey.
And lastly, I couldn’t let this week pass without paying tribute to the woman that my entire generation had a crush on in the late 70s: “A Little More Love” from the legendary Olivia Newton-John. R.I.P., dear muse.
Be sure to check back in next week for more music, and until then, have a wonderful week.
