Harry Smith’s America: Part 1, Ballads
This is the first installment in a three-part series about the music and impact of Harry Smith’s seminal 1952 compilation, Anthology of AmericRead More…
Author: Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan founded Strange Currencies Music in January 2020, and remains the site's editor-in-chief. The creator of the "A Century of Song" project and co-host of the "Strange Currencies Podcast," Matt enjoys a wide variety of genres, but has a particular affinity for 60s pop, 90s indie rock, and post-bop jazz. He is an avid collector of vinyl, and a multi-instrumentalist who has played/recorded with several different bands and projects.
Season 2, Episode 3 – 2021 and the Current State of Music
Last year, the Strange Currencies Podcast devoted an entire episode to their favorite music of 2020. However, 2021 left Matt, Glenn, and Tim feelRead More…
An Introduction to Country Blues
Few genres loom larger in the history of American song than the blues. The style first emerged in the South, prior to the Civil War, deriving froRead More…
Welcome to Pre-War America Month
Certain phrases are fully capable of existing in a realm of ambiguity – with omitted details sufficiently implied by the surrounding context clueRead More…
Tom Sheehan – “God Help The World”
Tom Sheehan “God Help the World” Night Owl – 1970 Just around noon on June 22, 1969, a small section of the Cuyahoga River caught fireRead More…
Season 2, Episode 2 – The Beach Boys’ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
We all know that you’re bald, Mike. In this episode of the Strange Currencies Podcast, Matt, Glenn, and Tim discuss The Beach Boys’ 1988 inductionRead More…
Antena – “Camino del Sol”
Antena “Camino del Sol” Les Disques du Crépuscule – 1982 In both its literal translation (“path of the sun”) and its lyrical content Read More…
An Introduction to Eccentric Soul
Launched in 2004, the Chicago-based Numero Group quickly established itself as a leader among reissue labels – combining outstanding music, sharpRead More…
Season 2, Episode 1 – ‘Get Back’
The Strange Currencies Podcast finally returns! In the super-sized Season 2 premiere, Matt, Glenn, and Tim are joined by a special guest as they Read More…
Various Artists – Local Customs: Cavern Sounds
Various Artists Local Customs: Cavern Sounds Numero — 2014 Rating: 8.5 Forged in the spirit of the great garage rock compilationsRead More…