Spring in New England can be a mixed bag days of glorious sunshine followed immediately by gloomy winter weather creates a contemplative season. Regardless, it s the time of year when we start to re-emerge from winter as the world blooms around us. This month, we asked our Mass Mix contiburtors to share songs that make them feel connected to nature ahead of Earth Day. Here s what they said.
The Ladybug Transistor, “Rushes Of Pure Spring”
I first stumbled across this song on a Darla Records CD sampler back in the late 90s. Remember CDs? Remember the 90s? Since then, Rushes of Pure Spring has become a springtime listening tradition, going on 25 years now. With the sun setting a little later and snowdrops popping up in bunches, the warmth of that Wurlitzer riff sets the tone of the season. And the lyrics are somewhat springy, too: The only place I d like to be / in your arms under the trees. It s cool to have songs like this that can connect us both musically and lyricall
Mass Mix: Niu Raza, Rico Alice And Other Artists Boston Has On Heavy Rotation
March 2, 2021
For this month s Mass Mix, we asked our contributors to share new local music they are playing on repeat, as we reflect on a time of year filled with uncertainty and a little bit of hope. Here s what they said.
Niu Raza, “Madagascar” Madagascar is the closest we ll get to island life right now: The opening plucks of the valiha harp places an iced tropical drink into your hand, and the layered vocal harmonies warm you like the rays of the midday sun. For four years, Niu Raza was the
Mass Mix: Squirrel Flower, Red Amandala And Other Artists Boston Has On Heavy Rotation
February 2, 2021
Squirrel Flower, “Explain It To Me
Squirrel Flower has blossomed into a standout vocalist in the Boston music scene. Featuring her trademark poetic, earthy melodies and smooth harmonizations, Squirrel Flower appropriately closes 2020 with her latest release, an ethereal cover of Liz Phair s 1993 sleeper hit,
Explain It To Me. It s a ghostly, melancholic reflection on leaving places, people, and memories from the past behind and moving on to more positive experiences. It s a poignant song, lyrically and sonically but with Squirrel Flower s calming tone, she strings together such a breathtaking look at letting go that you can t help but feel optimistic about the days to come. -
Mass Mix: Janelle Monáe, Alaina Ray And Other Songs Boston Had On Heavy Rotation In 2020
December 22, 2020
It s time to say goodbye to an unprecedented year. This month, we asked our Mass Mix contributors to choose their favorite songs released in 2020. Many gravitated toward tunes filled with energy, ethereal sounds, melancholy, comfort, and anger. Here s what they said.
Alaina Ray, âI Thinkâ
One of the more notable songs this year was from local newcomer pop artist Alaina Ray. Following two other stellar singles as an introduction, she capped off the year with a final release called âI Think.â The song balances a unique juxtaposition of melancholy lyrics while presented within a light-hearted feel-good sound. With its catchy hook, slick production, relatable lyrics, and a captivating voice which would capture any music fanâs attention, Ray not only made a large splash into the local music world, but with songs as good as this who knows how long sheâ