Dreaming in Stereo #31 - Wintersongs

Here in the Mid-Atlantic U.S., we've had more hint of winter than the actual thing this season (or at least it feels that way to someone who grew up in the Midwest). We've had one, maybe two snows so far, and not until after January 1. So when we got a cold snap a couple of weeks ago, it reminded me of what this time of year is supposed to feel like, and inspired this episode's Second Hour Spotlight.

Funnily enough, finding songs about winter/ice/cold/frost got a little harder once I got out of the classic dream pop stuff. There are actually more shoegaze songs about summer (granted, at least a few called "Summer's End" or variations thereof), and so it did take a little work. But honestly, it's not like I'd pass up a chance to spend time digging into back catalogs.

Front catalogs played a major role this week as well. The new Piroshka single that leads off the show was an especially bright find - I'm growing to appreciate how little they sound like Lush, and considering the pedigree of everyone in the group, it only makes sense. I've been wrong before, but I definitely feel like that album's going to be one of the highlights of the year. The new Tamaryn single - which I just stumbled upon - was also quite the revelation. I saw them open for Lush back in 2016, and enjoyed them well enough, but the new single really takes the act to the next level. Another album to look forward to.And then we had new stuff from Swervedriver - who are apparently back for real - and Spiritualized, which yes, has been out for months, but I just finally got the chance to share. And the Twilight Sad have a new one out, which is always a good thing - although interestingly they seem far less crushing in their sound than before. Still, a group always worth checking out.

And, while I shouldn't draw attention to this - well, some shows go smooth and steady, and some remind you of the risks inherent in live broadcasting. This was definitely the latter, and I blame all errors on technical issues and outside factors, and none on DJ error.

Anyhow, your show:
(Original air date: January 23, 2019)

Piroshka - What's Next? - Brickbat - Bella Union
Swervedriver - The Lonely Crowds Fade in the Air - Future Ruins - Dangerbird
Tennis System - Lackluster - PAIN - Graveface
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Hong Kong Garden - Marie Antoinette soundtrack - Verve/Polydor
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Tamaryn - Fits of Rage - Dreaming in the Dark - DERO Arcade
Zanais - Rise - Into the All
Spiritualized - The Prize - And Nothing Hurt - Bella Union
Bat for Lashes - Close Encounters - The Bride - Parlophone
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Bethany Curve - Dreamland - Murder! - Kitchen Whore
The Twilight Sad - VTr - It Won/t Be Like This All the Time - Rock Action
An April March - Stardust - It Goes Without Saying - Bedazzled Records
Zombie Girlfriend - Wind - Fuzzy Feelings Collection - TBTCI
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My Bloody Valetine - Soft as Snow (But Warm Inside) - Isn't Anything - Creation
Nightmare Air - Icy Daggers - High in the Lasers - Saint Marie Records
Tallies - Trains in Snow - s/t - Hand Drawn Dracula
astrobrite - Cold - DELUXER
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The Cure - Cold - Pornography - Fiction
Brett Anderson - To the Winter - s/t - V2
Tori Amos - Winter - Little Earthquakes - Atlantic
Mazzy Star - Still Cold - Among My Swan - Capitol
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Galaxie 500 - Snowstorm - On Fire - Ryko
The Autumns - Embracing Winter - The Angel Pool - Rust Records
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Lightfoils - Polar Waves - Hierarchy - Saint Marie Records