In 2024, queer singer/songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan released “Stellar Evolution,” one of the best and most underrated albums of that year (or any year). The songs were personal (“The Drugs Did Me”), political (“I Love America Better Than You”), and had a distinctive sense of humor (“Pants”), many delivered in a modern, electronic-driven, pop style. Tasjan’s new album, “Get Over It, Underdog” (Blue Elan), is an entirely different musical experience. Still mourning his mentor, the late singer/songwriter Todd Snider who passed in November 2025 (and to whom the record is dedicated), Tasjan’s album is draped with loss. While not as immediately attention-grabbing as its predecessor, “…Underdog” takes a few spins before revealing the glitter beneath the gloom on “Lost & Alone,” “Science Friction,” “Lydia’s Boots,” and “Clown Shoes.”
Led by queer singer and musician Ramesh Srivastava, Austin band Voxtrot re-emerged after a 12-year hiatus in 2022. Four years later, Voxtrot is releasing its second full-length album, “Dreamers In Exile” (Cult Hero), almost 20 years after its debut album was released. So, was it worth the wait? Definitely! Greatly influenced by twee pop (Belle and Sebastian) and Britpop (The Housemartins), Voxtrot continues in this vein throughout the album, with standouts including the title cut, “My Peace,” “Fighting Back,” “Esprit de Cœur,” “Quiet Noise,” and “New World Romance.” Let’s hope Voxtrot doesn’t stay in exile so long again.
“Are U Mad At Me” (Don Giovanni) by Brooklyn via Iowa queer artist Paisley Fields considerably cranks up the variety, separating it from 2022’s “Limp Wrist.” You can hear the Pansy Division influence on the punky “Straight Panic Defense” and “Party Girl.” Fields is a natural-born storyteller on the painfully nostalgic AIDS number “1984.” Not abandoning the country influence of early albums, the fantastic “You Should Tell Your Wife,” “Silver Spurs,” and “Hand Off The Hat” are welcome additions to the classic queer country genre.
The late, queer musical genius and cellist Arthur Russell (who, like Paisley Fields, also hailed from Iowa before relocating to New York), died too soon in 1992. A musician of many talents whose influence is still felt widely today, Russell was a member of various musical units before embarking on a solo career. One such act, The Necessaries, is finally getting its due with the double disc compilation “Completely Necessary (Anthology 1978-1982)” on Omnivore Records. Comprised of The Necessaries’ 1981 Sire Records debut album “Event Horizon,” as well as “Pilots Facing North” (1978-1981 studio recordings) and “Songs From the Blue Colony” (1980-1982 studio recordings), the music puts them in league with beloved artists such as Television and Talking Heads. However, it was not meant to be. The good news is that The Necessaries now have a chance to be discovered by a whole new audience.
Established queer Portland, Oregon musician Brandon Carmody isn’t kidding when he calls his new album “AI” (brandoncarmody.com). From the music on the album to the cover art, the entire product was created via AI prompts, including the audience reactions on the “live” recordings. As it turns out, this backfired on Carmody when his plans to have an album listening session at a Portland record store were canceled due to protests by staff and musicians. The controversy even earned Carmody coverage on two of the city’s local news networks. Some of the songs address the threat of AI, including “Humanity’s Last Dance,” “Eye of the Robots,” and the title song. It may be hard for listeners to separate the subject matter from the way it was created.
Paisley Fields performs May 20 at Snug Harbor in Charlotte and Aaron Lee Tasjan takes to the stage Nov. 5 in Asheville at The Grey Eagle and on Nov. 6 in Carrboro at Cat’s Cradle Back Room.
