For the next two STD episodes I will be showcasing favorite tunes released in 2023. There has been so much great new music released this year that I need two shows to fit it all in. This week’s show is part one. Songs are arranged in no particular order of preference.
COVER ART OF THE WEEK: Pataphysics are an Austin band that have been around since the mid 00s. Their sound defies labeling, but we’ll go with quirky alt-wave. Their latest album, “Pat Sounds,” was released at the end of October on the Business Deal label. Both the front and back covers brilliantly spoof the Beach Boys’ 1966 “Pet Sounds” LP design and layout. The front cover illustration was done by Eva Kirk and the cover layout by Clay Hickson. Unlike the Beach Boys’ release, “Pat Sounds” comes in beautiful green translucent vinyl. (Click on image to enlarge)
DUSTY DIAMOND OF THE WEEK (a forgotten gem from the STD vaults): The Pussywillows were a NYC based group with a trio of female vocalists that sang in the style of 60s girl groups. Formed in 1987 they included Elinor Blake, who, after the group disbanded in 1991, went on to a successful solo career as April March. “The Boat That I Row,” a cover of the Neil Diamond song (and Lulu hit), is a fun slice of garage pop featuring Blake on lead vocals. It appeared in 1988 on their ”Spring Fever!” album on Telstar Records. Listen to it here:
