Hot Half Dozen 5.31.22

91 submissions this week (cut-off was this weekend; about 200 songs will be covered next week)

Nocturno, an album by Elsten Torres. An album of healing for the heaviness of our times The renowned love song singer now turns his attention to loving the world. Ten songs that ride smoothly on a rippling lake of music in your mind, and if you understand the Spanish, make you reflect on our existence. Beautiful, longing, captivating. Spanish. Available on all major platforms.

Hyaline, an album by Maria BC. Slow, rare, haunting, intimate. Maria BC’s vocals, based on classical mezzo-soprano training, make you feel like the first time you saw the night sky from the mountains – like the heavens were singing to you, softly. Maria BC creates a sound that is both music and mystery. They are a wonder to hear. Stream/buy on Bandcamp, Spotify, and YouTube.

Alegoria, an album by Gaby Moreno. Moreno’s seventh studio alum ranges from blues to boleros, from sweet to sad; it is a masterpiece of music, songwriting, and production. If you are a Gaby Moreno fan you know what she can do (which is why she has a Grammy) and this album does it beautifully. Spanish and English Stream/buy on all major platforms.

Soledad, single by Flor de Toloache. The Brooklyn-based mariachi never ceases to amaze. This powerful, soaring, deeply emotional pop song with a mariachi heart combines the two forms seamlessly in a gut-wrench but the toe-tapping melody, unlike anything you have ever heard. Simply brilliant. Album to come. Stream/buy on all major platforms.

Summer ’22, single by BINX. Who better to set off on a summertime trek with than the bouncy, poppy, sometimes slyly devious, and always entertaining Binx. Haul out the surfboard, crank open the convertible, and set off on the road to the shore with this one up loud. Before the first tank of gas is gone, you will be singing and rapping the lyrics and grinning in the wind. Available on all major platforms.

Talk to Me, single by Mary Scholz. Catchy, hooky, slips under your skin as it melodically peruses one of the problems we all encounter – someone who just won’t talk. Not just one-on-one, but a whole country full of people who won’t talk to each other. A song for our times, but with an uplifting twist. Love it. Available on all major platforms.