Okay, I’m back with the latest in the Alt Nation music atmosphere. There have been seen some great releases, long-time favs, and cool new debuts. Let’s get to the music!

The Alt-18 Countdown on Alt Nation (Sirius XM) has been interesting in the battle for the number one spot. As of June 8th, the following have reached number one: Young the Giant, Chvrches (3 weeks in a row), The National (2 weeks in a row), Benee, Manchester Orchestra (2 weeks in a row).

Keeping it strong: Boygenius, Foo Fighters, Revivalists, Portugal the Man– have all been solid each week securing top 5 spots. Lovejoy has been climbing up the ranks. Silversun Pickups have been keeping it steady. Milky Chance has been on a roll, hitting number 3 the past couple weeks.

New SONGS!: It’s always exciting to hear a debut. It makes you think, “where did this come from?!” and then you play it consistently over the next few days. It becomes a soundtrack to your life during that time. You know, at the end of the year when you think back to April and May and you’re like, “Oh I was obsessed with that song! ” and it’s kind of like that.

Portugal. The Man “Summer of Luv”

You can always count on Portugal. The Man to deliver a catchy single that gets you going. The new record, “Chris Black Changed My Life” comes out June 23–it makes sense to have a summer-themed song. This is a sing-along chorus with a fiery saxophone. Yes, the sax! It’s a steady tempo that fits well for the band. By the end you’re singing along because it’s summer and it’s Portugal. The Man. What more do you want?!

Arlo Parks “Devotion”

This one can be deceiving in a good way. You have Arlo opening up the song with a really cool groove and fantastic bluesy chords. To be honest, the rest of the song could go like that and it would be a good jam. But, surprise! There’s a huge turn in the road here. The guitars kick up a notch. Like, a bunch of notches. Arlo sings “all yours, baby” over the power chords, taking the song to new heights. It’s a rock jam. Hopefully it catches on in the alt world.

Bully “All I Do”

From the moment the vocals and driving guitars hit, you know you’re in for a classic Bully punk rock journey. “I wanna feel the way I used to” seems so right when vocalist/songwriter Alicia Bognanno goes off on the mic. It’s the opening track to her great new record, “Days Move Slow.” It makes you feel good, the rhythm guitars leading to a sweet solo. This will get you going for the night, or anytime during the day, when you need that extra spark.