Jeepers! I AM SO HAPPY that this record was put on my radar! (Directly by the artist herself, mind you). If I were to put into words, quite literally, a vibe that I get from this wonderful piece of work…it would be (now picture this)…playing 16-bit video games in a 1950’s style ice cream shop at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Pretty F’ing rad, no? Now imagine that vibe translated to an album of songs and you get Magnetic Moves, the debut full length LP from Katie Toupin (former Houndmouth).
Title track and lead single is a fuzzy little dancey number that could have been plucked from the late 80’s or early 90’s in all it’s disc drive glory (accompanied by an equally nostalgic video). “Here’s my heart, my dignity too. Take it slowly like, most men do.” And you better listen boys AND girls (to this, and the rest of the record).
Although the album gives you a fun starting line as a launch pad there is a lot to offer here that digs a bit deeper. “Moves” is romantic, honest and at times even gospel and so well crafted in both lyric and arrangement. It’s the slow dance that is “Someone To You” and the yearning beauty of “The Hills Are Calling” that can get you really wrapped up in this record. And then there are songs on here like, “In Your Dreams”, a fun bopper you can put on while you clean the house. Katie’s got ya covered here.
Magnetic Moves is a record that is commercially and structurally sound without losing any of it’s indie street cred. And that is a huge nod to Toupin for penning such a wonderful record as that is certainly a fine line to tred. So, don’t sleep on this one gang!
(For enthusiasts of Amy Correia, Metric and Amy Winehouse)
Finally! A new episode. And I am ecstatic to say I had the honor to interview Spookey Ruben on his rare visit/tour to the East Coast. I linked up with him for his last 3 dates in NYC, NJ, and Long Island. I was also honored to participate in his experimental art pop VHS performance (NYC,NJ) and then to end our time together at a private house show (LI) performing two songs with him. We talked about a few of his different projects, his current show, what’s to come and a little bit of the in betweens here and there. On this trip he was also accompanied by his wife who showcased her artwork with her current show United Three Colors which was an incredible accompaniment to his show. So psyched to bring you this special episode. What a blast! Thanks so much Spookey! (Featured song, “Mr. Everywhere” off of the latest Spookey Ruben album, MODES III)
“Chronic sleep problems can be physically draining, and turn what should be hours of blissful escape into anxiety-ridden nightly recurrences.  Set aside the daily grind and unwind with music designed specifically to promote soothing dream states, and provide more rejuvenation in the morning.  Not to mention the proven benefits of lower heart rate and lower blood pressure, reduced insomnia, and increased energy the next day.”