The Cult hold a permanent (and prominent) place in my heart.  Their career arc coincided with my discovery of UK music in the early 80’s on Long Island’s WLIR all the way until now (over 30 years!).  Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy have been through thick and thin.  They’ve broken up three times and fought the ennui the world weariness can bring.  For God’s sake, Guns ‘n Roses opened for them at one point.  Their music has evolved and matured, then regressed (I say in my most haughty chin-stroking way- even though I can find terrific songs throughout the catalog).  They have matured again especially in their last two albums.  This latest is somber and subtle.  However make no mistake, there is no power outage here.  This is a proud rock band that melds technical professionalism (through Duffy and producer, Bob Rock) with spiritualism and deep experience (Astbury).  I’m no hipster lumberjack navel-gazer- 10 albums over 30 years- their latest being as interesting as anything out there now?  I’ll take these guys 7 days a week and twice on Sunday against any of the young upstarts out there now . . .  Two of their songs are below, but the whole album is worth a listen . . . .

“Hinterland” from the Cult’s Hidden City (BUY IT HERE)

“Deeply Ordered Chaos” from the Cult’s Hidden City

Primal Scream’s “Where The Light Gets In” from Chaosmosis (Out March 18):  The Scream Team are on their 11th album and it looks like, against all odds, Bobby Gillespie gets younger and cooler with each successive year.  With Stones-ean levels of partying and permanent street cred, with chance taking an an insatiable musical curiosity, I think death is the only thing that will stop Bobby- this pop confectionary is stuck on my brain and demands a re-work from Calvin Harris.  Triple threat, Sky Ferreira joins the fun.

Big Black Delta’s RCVR (with Debbie Gibson)– L.A. based Jonathan Bates does it again . . . infectious, throwback pop grooves, perfectly casting 80’s pop icon Debbie Gibson as the unwitting foil for Jonathan’s angst . . . stuck in my brain just like BBD’s other work- JB puts on a good show too if you are able to check him out . . .

Debbie Gibson explains how she linked up with Jonathan Bates (Big Black Delta)– totally cool – her vocals were pretty much recorded on an iPhone!

DON’T FORGET TO BUY YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS’ ALBUMS AND SEE THE SHOWS!  IT”S THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT GOOD MUSIC.