Cosmic Psychos, "Rain Gauge"
Super straightforward garage rock out of Australia, the Cosmic Psychos have been banging out records since 1987. According to Discogs, they're apparently still out there making a ruckus - they have a release in 2021. My contact with them is isolated to the early 90s, when they were releasing records on Amphetamine Reptile Records, and I enjoy those albums as the pretense-free punchers that they are. I'm not sure I need to check out their recent work, though.
Brand Nubian, "Slow Down"
In case you're having trouble placing it, that's the Edie Brickell tune that Brand Nubian flipped here. Brand Nubian's debut record is a revered album, featuring fantastic technique across the board. I'm not sure if people remember this album these days or not, but it's a fine one to check out if you haven't yet and are interested in early hip-hop.
Aaron Frazer, "Bad News"
Aaron Frazer plays drums and sings occasional vocals with Durand Jones & the Indications, and last year he released his first solo record. As you'd expect from an Indication, it's very much a soul revival record, but he's more channeling Curtis Mayfield than maybe some of the inspirations of his home band. It's a solid record, but we've already established that I'm a sucker for soul revival.
Wilson Pickett, "Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You"
Or, let's be honest, the original deal.
RJD2, "Smoke & Mirrors"
Hell yeah, man. Good one today!