Whenever possible, make the effort to go support artists at their record release shows. Over the last few decades it’s become easier and easier to record an album but that doesn’t mean it’s become any less difficult to make a record. Case in point, Bats newest record Good Game Baby is an intimate and personal cataloging of break-ups, car wrecks, death, unrequited love, tears, relapses and just generally feeling different. I can’t say for certain but I imagine that level of outpouring was not easy to write, perform or present in front of people. So, when you can, go support such a thing live.

However, the world isn’t perfect and maybe you couldn’t make it out. In those cases, there’s good folks like Sean uh that have made the whole thing available on YouTube. It’s an excellent recording of a stellar performance of an album that deserves all the praise it’s receiving.

However you consume the Bats release show, make sure you also toss a few bucks their way. Buy a cassette or CD, a download or whatever else appeals to you. I’m sure the intention of Good Game Baby wasn’t entirely to make money but, hey, it can’t hurt to show your appreciation so maybe there will be another one in the future.

If you told me “Patience in the Garden” was a piece of lost media salvaged from a local TV transmission in the early 80’s, I wouldn’t bat an eye. That vibe is intentional but they nail it on every level. From the Amish outfits to the farming videos projected behind them to the simple animations of band members, there’s a level of detail that feels pain stakingly accurate while also completely aloof. What really sells it is the wry smiles on every band member’s face, genuinely enjoying themselves.

The real cherry on top of all that is the song itself. “Patience in the Garden” was released in April of 2023 (and previously in October of 2022) but it sounds like a Beach Boys b-side, an earworm of frolicking piano, synth and production akin to what might emerge from the late 60’s. This, too, is likely intentional but still warrants a hearty commendation for how well it’s done.

Take a close look at this image – does it revive any memories for you? Now watch this video. Does Boo Syrup’s face sometimes remind you of someone? If you answered Booty Call and Jamie Foxx, you win! If you’re still stumped, check below.

Boo Syrup

Booty Call

It’s a clever move by Boo Syrup because if you get the reference, you’re automatically intrigued, if you don’t get it, you’re not really missing out on anything. On top of that, everyone is going to be mesmerized by the subtle deepfake face swapping going on. By the time guest emcee Slimeroni brings her verse, there’s no one that isn’t locked in by the track.

This track comes from Syrup’s 2024 release Trapped In The Moment Again 2 (Chaos), available everywhere now.

The first single from Quez Cantrell’s upcoming album N.I.N.E comes out swinging at Nashville. From the very first line of the very first verse – “Today’s a New Day, a different hue tryna rep for the City” – you know that Cantrell has thoughts about the city, downtown in particular. He follows with “when they choose the interest of tourist and hillbillies downtown, (it) feel like Disney World to them, but to us, it’s just reminders of the way we can’t get in.” For anyone familiar with the fact that Slim & Husky’s and Prince’s Chicken are the only black owned businesses on Broadway, that’s a stinging truth of the blockers ahead of any non-white person looking to partake in one of Nashville’s largest money makers.

Expanding on that, Nashville’s other largest money maker is the music industry and one that, historically, has very little support for hip-hop, rap and R&B artists. Cantrell embraces those difficulties throughout the track, delivering verses about the difficulties of escaping the gravity of Nashville’s country music scene. Based on historical evidence, it’s damn near impossible.

Writing about the truth of your environment is a damn good recipe for others to connect with your situation. Cantrell has never shied away from delivering honesty – see “The Black Today,” Talkin’ My S#1T“, In The Rou9h, et al – and N.I.N.E. could be a statement piece for Cantrell. Looking forward to it.