Johnny Cash took three singing lessons as a child. At the end of the third, his teacher told him he didn’t need them, to stop coming, and to never let anyone change his natural singing style.
According to biography research, Johnny began writing poems and songs as early as 12-years-old, honing in on his love for music and lyrics at an early age, which undeniably gave his talent more decades to develop. But what Johnny came by naturally was the unequaled lilt of his voice.
His mother, Carrie, sensed his vocal ability and scraped together enough cash to send him to singing lessons.
After only three lessons with his new vocal coach, his teacher found his voice so electrifyingly special that she told him to stop taking lessons and never pursue further vocal instruction.
I recently learned about a passion-driven musical project honoring the life, voice, and genius of Chris Cornell (ex-Soundgarden). It’s called King Ultramega.
This endeavor is the brainchild of producer and bassist Mark Menghi.
Menghi says of the project:
It started in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, when Menghi recorded a version of ‘Rusty Cage’ with friends. What began as a creative release soon became something larger. With every step forward, the project deepened in meaning and purpose. ‘”I kept crossing the mental roadblock of ‘you are entering uncharted waters, are you sure you wanna do this?'” Menghi reflects. “Chris is one of those dudes if you cover, you better do it justice.”
The list of collaborators is pretty impressive. Kim Thayil (ex-Soundgarden), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Joe Satriani, William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Bill Kelliher (Mastodon), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp) among others.
moisturizer (cover)Wet Leg‘s second studio album, moisturizer, released on July 11, 2025, via Domino Recording Company, marks a triumphant evolution for the Isle of Wight band. Founded by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, now expanded to a five-piece, the album builds on their 2022 self-titled debut’s quirky indie rock charm while delving deeper into themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth. Clocking in at 12 tracks, it blends post-punk energy, ’90s alt-rock nods, and sugary power pop, proving Wet Leg‘s staying power amid fears of a sophomore slump.
From the grinding opener “CPR,” with its sirens and churning bass evoking Cake’s “Comfort Eagle,” the record pulses with confident, confrontational vibes. Tracks like “catch these fists,” the angular lead single boasting a St. Vincent-like guitar riff, channel garage-punk flirtation and threat, while “liquidize” captures the anxious rush of infatuation. Standouts include the whimsical “mangetout,” a post-punk banger with addictive repetition and driving drums reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins’ “1979,” and “davina mccall,” a shoegazey jangle transforming pop culture references into sweet declarations. Softer moments shine in “pond song,” confessing deep love with dynamic jangle, and the intimate closer “u and me at home,” a domestic ode to quiet affection.
Thematically, moisturizer shifts from the debut’s party-crush one-liners to all-consuming romance, with Teasdale’s detached vocals adding apathy-tinged appeal. It’s spikier and sexier, embracing nuanced femininity, though some note jarring production transitions and a dip in the original’s humor.
Overall, moisturizer is a bold, fun record that cements Wet Leg as indie rock innovators. It’s less mainstream than their debut but more personal, offering hooks that linger and vulnerability that resonates. A must-listen for those craving witty, heartfelt chaos.