Despite there being a bit of a shake-up at the Day Job that would soon cause a ripple effect of other frustrations coming to the surface, I somehow found myself finally getting a little more focused on my writing work and the music I wanted to listen to. We were also both still getting used to living at our new home, yet eager to start making it our own. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s getting there.

Nilufer Yanya, Dancing Shoes EP, released 2 July. She keeps coming out with bangers, even if it’s just a tiny four-track mini-album! This one got a lot of play on KEXP during the summer.

Dropkick Murphys, For the People, released 4 July. You can always count on this band to not just be the Most Boston Band Ever, but to be so incredibly outspoken yet still surprisingly erudite, even despite their more ridiculous moments. They have a few things to say about the current administration, and they’re not afraid to let you know about it.

The Reds, Pinks & Purples, The Past Is a Garden I Never Fed, released 4 July. Glenn Donaldson continues pumping out more and more music, and this time it’s a collection of tunes that previously only showed up as vinyl-only tracks or rare singles. And as far as I know, he’s still based in my neighborhood!

311, 311 (30th Anniversary Edition), released 11 July. The album that broke them into the mainstream in the mid-nineties gets a wonderful expanded remastered reissue, sounding bigger and heavier than before. This one got a ton of play during my HMV and Belfry years, and it remains one of my favorite albums of that decade.

Hammock, Nevertheless, released 11 July. I can never quite figure out if I should label this band as rock or electronic, as they seem to glide between the two depending on what album of theirs you listen to. This one’s a quiet and enjoyable instrumental record that works perfectly as a writing session soundtrack.

Coral Grief, Air Between Us, released 18 July. This band just kind of popped up on KEXP’s airwaves one morning and caught my attention with its moody jangle pop I love so much. It’s a wonderful record and worth checking out.

Bush, I Beat Loneliness, released 18 July. I’ve pretty much been a fan of this band since its Sixteen Stone days, and while they’re no longer churning out radio hits, they’re still consistently writing great albums that are fun to listen to.

JR Richards, My Darkest Hour, released 21 July. Speaking of the 90s, the former lead singer of Dishwalla returns with an all new album that was crowd-sourced over the course of a year. He’s one of my favorites.

The Verve Pipe, Reconciled, released 25 July. Speaking of the 90s (again)… I’m glad that this band is still around making records and touring here and there. This is yet another excellent record from them. I suggest following Brian Vander Ark on social media as he’s quite hilarious.

Alison Goldfrapp, Flux, released 15 August. Her second solo album may seem a bit more dance-oriented than her previous work (and definitely less dance-rock than her output in the band named after her), but it’s still quite enjoyable.

Oasis, Complete Studio Album Collection, released 22 August. Released to tie in with their high-profile reunion and tour, this is a great way to revisit their back catalogue and remember just how good they actually were.

The Hives, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, released 29 August. You can always depend on this band to put on a grand show, whether it’s a chaotic and hilarious live performance or an in-their-own-weird-universe videos, and they always go above and beyond with each album. This one is full of energy and fearlessness. One of my favorites of the year!

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More to come…