Today is Small Business Saturday in the US of A, so let’s all shop indie whenever possible.
If you’re reading this, you probably already agree that vinyl, CDs, books, band T-shirts, and posters make great holiday gifts for the music-lovers in your life, but we don’t always have to buy them from the big chain stores or e-commerce sites.
Community-based, mom and pop record stores have long been a hub for local music scenes around the world, but it’s tougher than ever for many of them to stay in business these days. The same is true for indie bookstores.
On top of that, many indie record labels and publishers offer direct purchase options on their websites. Order today and there’s a good chance gifts will arrive before the big day. (Or just make a card and tell the recipient that it will be arriving soon.)
If you’re looking for new music to give as gifts—or just for your Small Business Saturday listening pleasure—I’ve assembled 10 recent tracks below. Give them a listen and be sure to click thru and read the reviews that helped me discover them.
⚡️ What are a few of your favorite tracks below? 💥
10 Recent Tracks and Music Reviewers/Publications
“New single ‘Rock My Love’ is utterly captivating with its rippling reverb-heavy lead guitar lines. The overall aura has the impact of The Smiths or The The. When the lead guitar lick kicks in at regular intervals the vibe is electric.”—Dennis Pilon, Poprock Record
“Mariani opens with ‘Breakaway,’ a majestic Phil Spector-ish melody loaded with harmonies, and then continues on the title track. With ‘Apple of Life’ he uses a strong rhythm, as it shimmers with those irresistible hooks.”—Aaron Kupferberg, Power Popaholic
“The EP surveys an appealing middle ground for the young band that falls somewhere between punk’s ragged demarcations and indie rock’s more melody-focused flair. One would assume The Donnas and The Runaways are obvious inspirations.”—Hobart Rowland, Magnet
“This is a fantastic album. It comes out swinging with ‘High All the Time’ and closes with ‘Take Me Outta Here,’ perhaps the anthem for life in 2025. In between are one killer tune after another. Dark thoughts? We all have ‘em, and that’s why we need to lean on each other.”—Lord Rutledge, Faster and Louder
“This is garage power pop with a classic punk buzz—guitar licks for days and hooks stacked like it’s nothing.”—Niek, Add To Wantlist
“Little distills years of playing, listening, and living into a song that refuses to look away from exploitation and spectacle. The track arrives with all the grit, energy, and sharp-eyed honesty that have made her one of the most compelling voices to emerge from the city’s rock underground.”—Jenna Melanson, Canadian Beats
“‘Fear & Trembling,’ the EP’s hit, is as catchy as anything on that debut album, an awesome firecracker Lemonheads/Replacements-style power-punk wrecking ball.”—Rose Overdrive
“On their new single Umbra//Ursula, the trio returns with catchier hooks and crunchier riffs. Both songs are longer than any they’ve released up until this point, and they make every second count.”—Zac Djamoos, The Alternative
“This new song combines Griffin’s playful vocals (which are very distinctive) with a cool, whirring organ and the sturdy guitar/bass/drums holding down the fort. It’s a Grade-A winner!”—Time Hinely, Daggerzine
“‘Hooch And Happiness’ opens the album with a bright captivating melody overlaid with jangling guitars, and we are immediately transported to a classic era of indie pop, with a shaft of happy nostalgia sweeping through the airwaves.”—Ian Corbridge, Louder Than War
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Another great list! Loving Jody and the Jerms.
I'm on record as loving this series and this installment just reinforces that.