Album: As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again
Quick Thoughts: The Decemberists remain the most consistent act to come out of the early-aughts indie scene, with this new album (their first in a few years) playing in some of the same comfortable grounds of their predecessors. "Oh No!" has all the trappings of an instant classic, "Long White Veil" feels like early Decemberists, and even going a little experimental with a 20 minute epic closer works. A solid listen on a whole.
Songs of Note: "Long White Veil," "Oh No!," "Born to the Morning," "America Made Me"
Album: Tormentas Malsanas
Quick Thoughts: Ken sent this one over, and it's great. It's one of a few typical alt-rock listens that just work, and the Spanish influence sets it apart on a whole. No reason to let the language barrier stand in the way, especially with "Agua Plastica," which is a favorite this week. Check this one out.
Songs of Note: "Would Be," "Enredados," "Agua Plastica," "Drop In - Ya Freaks"
Album: Dedicated To
Quick Thoughts: Another great alt-rock listen, this feels like it was taken straight from college radio in the 1990s and I really enjoyed it. Take some time for this one, "Break and Entry" in particular is a highlight.
Songs of Note: "Break and Entry," "For Thirsty Dogs," "So Speak," "Greetings From Peru," "Thanks to You"
Album: Grush
Quick Thoughts: μ-Ziq works the more angular side of the IDM scene, and this album in particular feels cohesive and fresh in a genre prone to falling into the "trying too hard" trap. "Hyper Daddy" feels like an Aphex Twin pastiche, and "Reticulum A" could be a winner for more casual listeners, so you really ultimately can't go wrong with this.
Songs of Note: "Hyper Daddy," "Reticulum A," "Magic Pony Ride (Pt. 4)," "Belvedere"
Album: Show & Tell
Quick Thoughts: Best band name in some time, and if it brings more ears onto this great album, all the better. Show & Tell is a folk-rock/pop masterpiece with singable melodies and memorable moments, and feels welcoming and comfortable for listeners even as it reveals itself over time. In a small week with a lot of great listens, don't skip this one.
Songs of Note: "Friendship Bracelets," "Inhibitions," "Imposter Syndrome"
Album: The Lost Ones
Quick Thoughts: Rightfully so, the pop world is still obsessed with Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, but also making room for Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter. Florrie, however, is perfectly positioned to make some waves. Florrie isn't remaking the game, or leaning heavily on style or subgenre, and that's okay in part because the music is so good and can speak for itself. Ironically, however, the strongest track lands at the end, with the electronica-tinged "Get You Back" closing out with some glitchy goodness. Make some time.
Songs of Note: "The Lost Ones," "Honeymoon's Over," "Looking for Love," "If It's Been a Hard Night," "Get You Back"
Of note:
* SAM MORTON - Daffofils & Dirt (Trip-hop project featuring actress Samantha Morton.)
* Orlando Weeks - LOJA
* Russian Baths - Mirror
* This is Lorelei - Box for Buddy, Box for Star
* Anna Prior - Almost Love
* Ruby Waters - What's the Point
* MONO - OATH
* Zsela - Big for You
* Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion - Rectangles and Circumstance
* Viruette - Your Lacuna
* Fraulein - Sink of Swim
* Senyawa - Vajranala
* Martha Skye Murphy - Um
* Isobel Campbell - Bow to Love
* Moby - Always Centered at Night
* Chong the Nomad - Do We Make of This?
* Oliver Wood - Far Cat Silhouette
* John Cale - POPtical Illusion
* Chad Crouch - Larche Mountain Soundwalk
* we broke the weather - Restart Game
* Gesaffelstein - Gamma
* Walt Disco - The Warping
* Dana Cooper - The Ghost of Tucumcari
* RJD2 - Visions Out of Limelight
* Carly Cosgrove - The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty
* Cola - The Gloss
* Kneecap - Fine Art
* Mike Lindsay - supershapes volume 1
* Floating World Pictures and Ocean Moon - Floating World Pictures With Ocean Moon
* $uicideboy$ - New World Depression
* Blood of Aza - I Heard Your Calls
EPs:
* Pink Slip - Suck City
* Mary Shelley - Bloodhounds
* Camille Schmidt - Good Person
* Kevin Atwater - Downer's Grove (Reimagined)
* Hundred Waters - Towers
* David August - Workouts
* Sierra - Anger Live EP
Live albums/Compilations/Reissues:
* Infinity Song - Metamorphosis Complete (Full-length re-issue of their earlier mini-album, great listen.)
* Retrodelic Vibes 9
* AJJ - Disposable Everything Else
* This is the Kit - Live at the Minack Theatre
* Charli XCX - brat and it's the same but there's three more songs so it's not
Also out:
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