Spencer Griffin's New Music Mondays

 here they are: "Let's Make a Mistake Tonight" by Tennis: Why would anyone want  to make a mistake, you might ask?! Well, in this case, it's because Alaina Moore wants to "find something better" with her bandmate and husband, Patrick Riley. It's probably just a weird but clever way of saying she wants more romance in her life. Whatever the meaning of the song is, though, it will probably appeal sound-wise to synth-pop fans, which is a bit of an unexpected turn for a band known mostly for evoking the fluffier side of psychedelic pop into their sound. It's a bit less orchestral and guitar-oriented than most of their material. That said, though, it's still worth the listen. "Madman's Eyes" by Dave Matthews Band: Just hearing the name "Dave Matthews Band" has become practically synonymous with "inoffensive, light rock music." While there's nothing offensive per se about "Madman's Eyes," it's cle...

 Here they are: "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard?" by Lana Del Rey: I think it's safe to say Lana Del Rey wins the award for Longest Song Title of the Year (so far)!! Fittingly, the song itself is somewhat long too, clocking in at 4 minutes and 45 seconds. In true Lana fashion, her latest song is a stark, melancholy piece of piano-based orchestral pop. Not sure if the titular "tunnel" is a real one or if it's supposed to be symbolic, as Lana's songs are typically loaded with symbolism, and this song is no exception. More than likely, though, it's both. There was a real tunnel under Ocean Boulevard, a place in Long Beach, California, until the mid-1960's, and Lana is trying to capture a slice of hippie-era nostalgia by wrapping it in a bittersweet musical present that is anything but psychedelic, but there are also many references to California's musical past, ranging from The Eagles' "Hotel California...

 Monday was a holiday this time, so here is your New Music Monday on Tuesday: "Eyez" by The Arcs: Until now, Dan Auerbach's side project, The Arcs, was a one-hit wonder for "Outta My Mind," a song from 2015 whose psychedelic garage rock sound was awfully similar to his main band, The Black Keys. "Eyez" marks a softer, more sophisticated, and more electronic side to The Arcs' music. The song is a tribute to original band member, Richard Swift, who died in his early 40's a few years ago from hepatitis. The song's subdued sound, which seems defined by its use of major 7th chords, was probably chosen to address such a heavy topic. The intentional misspelling of "eyes" in the title suggests a sense of humor, but given how the song's subject is no laughing matter, perhaps it was more to reflect Richard's sense of creativity. "Grapevine" by Weyes Blood: Don't be scared by the "Blood" part of Natalie Mering...

 First new songs of the new year! Here they are: "Love is the Way" by Thee Sacred Souls: Our first song of 2023 sounds a bit more like something from 1973, or perhaps even further back than that, and there's a good reason for this. "Love is the Way," the debut song from Thee Sacred Souls, was produced by Gabriel Roth, the cofounder of Daptone Records. Said record company is most famous so far for producing the songs of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, a neo-soul group who rose to prominence roughly around the mid-2000's but whose sound was more reminiscent of performers like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight. Likewise, Thee Sacred Souls shows influence from people like Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and The Spinners with their silky, smooth, and soulful breakthrough song, "Love is the Way," an earnest and powerful plea for love! "On the Radio" by Spoon: With "On the Radio," Spoon has now reached their fourth adult alt radio hit fr...