The 3 Stars – September 28, 2024

So, the last part of the week has had its challenges for Radio Free Ian. There have been computer crashes, network issues, and long-standing maintenance issues that have been a problem. There’s also been issues with connecting the studio with the server, so hosted shows have halted for the moment.

Yeah…I’m not happy with the latest developments. 

Meanwhile, I’ll try to fix some minor (I hope) IT issues—that’s the curse of being a DIY indie radio station—bing everything from DJ, music director, blogger, and chief engineer. However, I have also done the thing that’s one of the main reasons I started a radio station, finding the three songs that have not left my headphones in the last week.

The Number 3 Star: Alone – The Cure

The last time The Cure released a new single, George W. Bush was president, the Summer Olympics in Beijing had just closed, and California’s Supreme Court just upheld the ballot title and summary of Proposition 8, which would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in state.

So…it’s been a minute.

This track is a little atmospheric; the intro to the song is north of three minutes, and it has lines such as, “We were always sure that we would stay the same.” The song is classic Robert Smith. As with many latter-day songs from journeymen bands, it doesn’t have the same punch as “Boys Don’t Cry” did in 1979, but Alone stands out as a more mature type of misery that The Cure has given us for the last 45 years.    

The Number 2 Star: Freak Slug – Spells

Xenya Genovese, known in the music as Freak Slug, has been putting out music for almost 10 years. She likes to fancy her musical persona as a “wild woman, free-spirited in nature and a lot of attitude.” While her journey has taken her to London and Barcelona, her music has its roots in her native Manchester, as Freak Slug’s debut release was a cover of Joy Division’s “Disorder.” In her profile on Ground Control Touring, she said, “Music to me means identity and community. When I was younger, it helped me and my friends feel like we belonged to each other. Til this day, that still makes sense…” 

The latest offering, “Spells” is perfect as we segue into October, as it kinda embraces the spirit of Halloween as she’s “been casting spells with no self-control.” Expect to hear more from Slug Freak, as her debut full-length album, I Blow Out Big Candles, drops November 8. Genovese is also planning a handful of shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in December.        

The Number 1 Star: Bau Cat – Night Only Knows

Things are moving fast for this Welsh trio. Abbu Butler, Jim Davies, and Jack Wells formed Bau Cat just last year and have already released their fifth single.The band uses their broad scope of influences, blending country, soul, blues, and anything alternative as a mixed drink of old and new music.

“Night Only Knows” has a 60s feel, with excellent vocals and superior guitar work. The song is pure joy.