Mic’d Up

Let’s take a loose definition of “week” here, because I want to highlight a couple of tunes from the last two-ish weeks.

Sofie Royer – “Sesquicentennial”

I am a neophyte to Sofie Royer, but this is a strong early contender for Song of Summer. 4-on-the-floor dance pop with some very clever bass & drum runs and a shimmering hook – this is a definitive bop.

Jack White – “Dollar Bill”

The third track teased for his upcoming album, Frozen Charlotte, sees JWIII’s classic Detroit-fueled blues rock stepping to the front. White has been rolling this album out slowly, with an appearance on Saturday Night Live playing “Derecho Demonico” and “G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs,” two solid singles released this spring. He’s also tied this album to his art show in London, “These Thoughts May Disappear,” which has been met with rather brutal critical review. In the art world, White’s celebrity rock star status converges with Damien Hirst’s ultra high value pop art in a way that seems contrary to White’s workingman’s blues ethos. Hey, the songs are really freakin’ good though.

A.J. Fullerton – “St. June”

Montrose, Colorado native A.J. Fullerton is a favorite here in Telluride, as we’ve gotten to see his career develop and grow for years now. His new single “St. June” features Tim Carman (Parlor Greens) on drums and Lauren Frihauf backing up Fullerton’s low rumbling vocals. Released on Fullerton’s own Gitcha Records, “St. June” is the first single from an upcoming album, Baretone, and delivers gritty, greasy blues rock that’s great for a hot summer drive.