Before anything else—I'm sorry to hear about your mom. There's no low-key way to say something like that, and you shouldn't have to find one. Sending genuine warmth, and please don't give the erratic scheduling a second thought; the people here aren't going anywhere. Also, two years—that's a real thing to be proud of, mixed-emotions party and all. I'll be working through this list slowly, which I think is the whole point of how you do it now. The Frankie Archer and the Vince Staples both grabbed me first, probably because I have a weakness for a song that hides something heavy under a hook. Take care of yourself.
Loads to check out here, I have only listened to three or four of them. Kinda intriguing that we have so little overlap. Hope you noticed I gave you several hat tips on my posted June playlist!
The Marisa Anderson is very interesting. Vaguely connected: my highest recommendation for Cosmic Scholar, John Szwed's excellent bio of Harry Smith. What a wild man.
I don't get notifications for post mentions for some reason so I'm very sorry I didn't see it - I'll check it out. Sometimes there are few overlaps only because there's infinite music to love out there. Other times it's because of the format we chose - most listened vs best.
I think it's the former not the latter -- I think we both go with what appeals to us the most. But there is just so much to listen to. And, probably more importantly, it really is not that easy to discover it. So thanks again! (Also, not that it matters, but I don't sweat discovering things late. I'm just making playlists for friends, after all, not trying to own the month in the music criticism world).
The Harry Smith bio sounds very interesting. I am aware he was somewhat eccentric but would love to learn more - thanks for the tip. And hope you’re enjoying Marisa Anderson’s record.
The bio super interesting and extremely well done. A bit more than somewhat eccentric! A natural born anthropologist, artist, and magus. In high school, talked his way into and came up with his own notation for sacred Native American dances. Ground breaking avant garde films, done frame by frame by hand. Painting wild abstract depictions of Dizzy Gillespie tunes. Chelsea Hotel. Ginsburg, pretty much the only one who stuck with him while he alienated everyone with his craziness. The Anthology was just a quick money making project growing out of just one aspect of his superhuman collecting of human artifacts. Fascinating discussion of the contrast between Harry's approach and the Lomax's though.
Sending positive thoughts to you and your Mom. I wanted to thank you for this list. I follow lots of new music suggesters and yours had a bunch I hadn't heard yet so I'm finding new faves for my personal 'best of the year' list! There's so much good stuff here, but Cindy/Pigeon might be emerging as the ones I like best from here.
Curious if you've heard Morgan Nagler's "I've Got Nothing To Lose And I'm Losing It"? Likely my fave record of the year so far...incredibly brilliant lyrics.
love the Pigeon album: both they and Lime Garden playing Green Man festival this year. Check out Mia Kelly's Big Timer Roller\coaster Feeling, and These Frightening Machines by Katherine Priddy. I love both of these albums.
Thank you for The Itch!! The RIYL is fairly on point, but to me the hugest overlaps are, screamingly, LCD and (when he’s singing in his low end) She Wants Revenge! So similar as to sometimes be indistinguishable, but as I adore both bands, I don’t care! Great new gift, thank you.
most listened to rather than “best” feels perfect for a mid year list - checking these out, and really liking the Eaves Wilder. Slayyyter’s Worst Girl In America is my most listened to album so far this year
Thank you so much for Frankie Archer! What an absolute masterpiece of an album - been listening nonstop since I read your post yesterday… I have a feeling that deary and Marisa A also will be on heavy rotation coming weeks. Makthaverskan is already on my radar, me being from Gothenburg and all
Before anything else—I'm sorry to hear about your mom. There's no low-key way to say something like that, and you shouldn't have to find one. Sending genuine warmth, and please don't give the erratic scheduling a second thought; the people here aren't going anywhere. Also, two years—that's a real thing to be proud of, mixed-emotions party and all. I'll be working through this list slowly, which I think is the whole point of how you do it now. The Frankie Archer and the Vince Staples both grabbed me first, probably because I have a weakness for a song that hides something heavy under a hook. Take care of yourself.
thank you, genuinely. and yes, i do intend for you to work through this slowly. please let me know how you like everything.
No rush, ever. Sending love to you and your mom! <3
Thank you so much
i barely got started on this, found myself spending a half hour digging into everything Cindy - VU similarity, sound is stunning
David's recs in this post were perfect
Happy to hear you enjoyed that one, Jack. They’ve got that third VU album sound nailed, haven’t they?
So so sorry to hear about your mom.
Loads to check out here, I have only listened to three or four of them. Kinda intriguing that we have so little overlap. Hope you noticed I gave you several hat tips on my posted June playlist!
The Marisa Anderson is very interesting. Vaguely connected: my highest recommendation for Cosmic Scholar, John Szwed's excellent bio of Harry Smith. What a wild man.
I don't get notifications for post mentions for some reason so I'm very sorry I didn't see it - I'll check it out. Sometimes there are few overlaps only because there's infinite music to love out there. Other times it's because of the format we chose - most listened vs best.
I think it's the former not the latter -- I think we both go with what appeals to us the most. But there is just so much to listen to. And, probably more importantly, it really is not that easy to discover it. So thanks again! (Also, not that it matters, but I don't sweat discovering things late. I'm just making playlists for friends, after all, not trying to own the month in the music criticism world).
The Harry Smith bio sounds very interesting. I am aware he was somewhat eccentric but would love to learn more - thanks for the tip. And hope you’re enjoying Marisa Anderson’s record.
The bio super interesting and extremely well done. A bit more than somewhat eccentric! A natural born anthropologist, artist, and magus. In high school, talked his way into and came up with his own notation for sacred Native American dances. Ground breaking avant garde films, done frame by frame by hand. Painting wild abstract depictions of Dizzy Gillespie tunes. Chelsea Hotel. Ginsburg, pretty much the only one who stuck with him while he alienated everyone with his craziness. The Anthology was just a quick money making project growing out of just one aspect of his superhuman collecting of human artifacts. Fascinating discussion of the contrast between Harry's approach and the Lomax's though.
Sounds wild, Joe. Added to my list!
How I love the Francis Of Delerium! Eaves Wilder, and Makthaverson real good too.
It really blew me away
Music For Heads is incredible. I hope a buncha people find it this morning!
it grows on me more and more
So sorry to hear about your mom. We just had the same diagnosis for my mother in law about 9 months ago, so big hugs.
My list hasn't shifted too much. Still as follows
Playboy Manbaby - Violence (art punk? Performance art rock? Punk?) )
Vandal Moon - Die Happy (darkwave/synthwave)
Kneecap -Fenian (Irish hip-hop)
Ritual Bronze -s/t (post-hardcore)
And Dead Pioneers- Wagon Burner (indigenous punk) is definitely creeping up fast on my most listened rankings.
Really sorry to hear about your mother in law as well ❤️
Late to this party, but still wanted to send love, courage, and strength to you and your mom.
Sending positive thoughts to you and your Mom. I wanted to thank you for this list. I follow lots of new music suggesters and yours had a bunch I hadn't heard yet so I'm finding new faves for my personal 'best of the year' list! There's so much good stuff here, but Cindy/Pigeon might be emerging as the ones I like best from here.
Curious if you've heard Morgan Nagler's "I've Got Nothing To Lose And I'm Losing It"? Likely my fave record of the year so far...incredibly brilliant lyrics.
All the best.
Thank you kindly. No, I haven't listened yet but adding to the list!
Sending love to your family.
Same for me on The Itch — early 2000s all over.
My album of the year today is Bladee’s Sulfur Surfer and three songs still on repeat:
Alarma by State Offf,
Voluptuous by pdqp remixed by Roman Flugel,
and A Land Beyond by Real Lies
Thanks for the kind words. I'll check out Bladee
Haven’t stopped listening to Gimic - New Traditions & Crash of Rhinos - Logbook.
love the Pigeon album: both they and Lime Garden playing Green Man festival this year. Check out Mia Kelly's Big Timer Roller\coaster Feeling, and These Frightening Machines by Katherine Priddy. I love both of these albums.
Thank you for The Itch!! The RIYL is fairly on point, but to me the hugest overlaps are, screamingly, LCD and (when he’s singing in his low end) She Wants Revenge! So similar as to sometimes be indistinguishable, but as I adore both bands, I don’t care! Great new gift, thank you.
Totally digging Francis of Delerium. Added to my Qobuz library.
most listened to rather than “best” feels perfect for a mid year list - checking these out, and really liking the Eaves Wilder. Slayyyter’s Worst Girl In America is my most listened to album so far this year
I do love that slayyyter record as well!
Thank you so much for Frankie Archer! What an absolute masterpiece of an album - been listening nonstop since I read your post yesterday… I have a feeling that deary and Marisa A also will be on heavy rotation coming weeks. Makthaverskan is already on my radar, me being from Gothenburg and all
I normally don't love folk but this one really blew me away