Above Image via Facebook: SiriusXM Alt Nation

by Josh McCann

Has it been a month already?! Pretty soon I’ll be writing this column in my backyard. Spring is in the air! If you’re new here, this is where I write about the latest music on Alt Nation (Sirius XM). Let’s get to it. Solid!

Alt 18

I thought it would be good to start out with the alt 18 because the weekly countdown has had a lot going on this past month. Nation of Language continues to do well. “Weak in your Light” reached number 2 recently. Girl in Red “Too Much” has been gaining momentum. Great to see Alice Merton’s “Runaway Girl” on the countdown. Nothing But Thieves “Oh No: He Said What?” is getting attention. It’s upbeat and fun. AlexSucks isn’t messing around with “What’re We Doing Here” which has been in the top 10. Kings of Leon reached number 11 with their rocking single “Mustang.” But honestly, “are you a Mustang or a kitty?” singer Caleb Followill asks.

Good to see Pearl Jam’s “Dark Matter” contending. They can still compete with the young bands! Future Islands has been in the top 5 several times. Vampire Weekend has held strong with “Capricorn.” Cage the Elephant has been number one on four different occasions with “Neon Pill.” The Struts have hit the number two spot a bunch of times with “Pretty Vicious.” But then an old alt nation fav released a new song.

Twenty One Pilots are back. They already hit number one with “overcompensate.” Not a surprise. Say what you will, but they’ve always been an alt nation heavy hitter. I remember seeing them open up for Neon Trees in Pittsburgh at a small club in 2013. They wore masks and climbed up the scaffolding and jumped onto the piano. Nobody knew about them including myself. After the set my friends and I knew they would be huge.

Advanced Placement

There’s been some very cool new songs to debut lately. Winnetka Bowling League “Sha La La” feels like it should catch on to listeners. I haven’t heard it as much as I thought I would.

Great to see Atlas Genius again with “Nobody Loves Like You.” There was a time (around 2013ish) that they ruled Alt Nation. Let’s do that again! Catfish and the Bottlemen is in the spotlight with “Showtime.” It’s about getting back to performing. This is good for all of us!

Aidan Bissett has another cool single with “Planet.” Cigarettes After Sex “Tejano Blue” is an interesting one that could be heard more. Speaking of cigs, I’m reading “A Cigarette Lit Backwards” by Tea Hacic-Vlahovic. It’s a coming of age story about a bunch of punk rock kids. I don’t smoke. But it’s cool to read, and much more healthy. Fresh air rules!

Ax and the Hatchetmen “Where tf Did I Park My Car” is rambunctious and fun. Willy Cobb “Cigarette Smell” has a catchy vibe. I bet we will be hearing more of this!

XMU

I went over to the XMU station the other day. I was thinking, “Wow I used to listen to XMU all the time.” I might be steering off track here. The wheels are coming off. What’s happening?!? So anyway, I checked it out. The band Ratboys was doing an interview. First time I’ve heard of them. I liked it. I’m hoping to listen to more of XMU. For those that are wondering, yes I do listen to other stations on Sirius. U2X-Radio and E Street radio are my other favs!

Music video of The Month

Blu DeTiger “Kiss” is my video of the month. She’s playing bass in a room with shag carpet that is…blue! It’s all about being in this small room, listening to headphones, playing music, and watching people kiss. But all we really need are shots of Blu playing bass. This is giving so much joy.

See everyone next month!

Upcoming releases:

Blu DeTiger All I Ever Want Is Everything 3/29

Vampire Weekend Only God Was Above Us 4/5

Black Keys Ohio Players 4/5

Girl in Red I’m Doing It Again Baby! 4/12

Pearl Jam Dark Matter 4/19