Monday Mixtape, Vol. 104

Apologies! I have been on hiatus for quite some time. I went on vacation, took an impromptu visit to DC to attend the Caps parade (!!) and am planning on moving shortly. ANYWAYS, I still have been listening to a ton of new music so I'd like to share some :)

I've listened to Lykke Li for years now, more as a bystander than an active listener. I have never loved her but always appreciate her music. I think she's an artist who veers into the pop world but has always been genuine and creative. The first track on her new album, "hard rain," has such a beautiful start to an album in pain from heartbreak:  

"If you like the feeling of a hard falling / I have a secret / I can give you an ocean"

 My favorite Natalie Prass has released her sophomore album, unfortunately one that just can't stand up to her phenomenal debut. My favorite song is likely the first track "Oh My" which gives me tinges of Rhythm Nation-era Janet Jackson with a little extra funk.

Arctic Monkeys took a HUGE departure in their sound from any other albums for their sixth. I absolutely love these guys (their first album and then their fifth AM are so so good) and respect anything they do because it's so damn different. If anything can explain their sound for this album, listen to this track on the mixtape. 

As always, any track with Frank Ocean will inevitably make it to the mixtape somehow! This, sadly, is the best track on A$AP Rocky's new album. I say sadly because it's pretty much all Frank Ocean. Wish the album was better.

Snail Mail has been getting a ton of love from the music critics for her new album Lush. If you like this track, I'd check it out. 

Speaking of albums getting love from critics, it may come as no surprise that Beach House is getting a ton of love for their new album, including being named the best album (so far!) of 2018 by Stereogum. So check it out! 

Alright, I'm out and will try to be better at posting. Adios!

Monday Mixtape, Vol. 3

If Joywave's "Tongues" doesn't at least wake you up from your Monday stupor, then I suggest downing at least four more 5 hour energies. But seriously, don't do that. 

Now that Joywave has enlivened you, may I provide the White Denim fans out there with a track from lead singer James Petralli's solo project? (If you don't know White Denim and are into slightly southern rock with a dash of jammyness (NO idea how to spell that but I am certain it's not a word - or is it jamminess? That actually looks better), listen to their album D). The piano that starts "Dani's Blues" sounds straight from a dueling piano bar.

Now that you've woken up, it's time to get a little weird. I have no idea how to describe "Rain or Shine" by Young Fathers. Is it, like, sort of rap? Is it, like, sort of not? Whatever it is, it's totally their own, and I respect the hell out of that. The start SHOULD make you start bopping your head. If not, time for another 5 Hour Energy. 

Love the guitar work on "Sequence," especially at the 2:18 mark as the guitarist rides (what my amateur ears hears) six chords up the fretboard then back down one. 

Anytime Alex Turner (one of my favorite songwriters, lyricists, and lead singer/guitarist to one of my favorite bands, Arctic Monkeys - while we're here, check out my Best Of for them!) is a guest on a track, I will listen. Mini Mansions is actually another solo project, this time from the bassist of Queens of the Stone Age. I'm putting two and two together here: Josh Homme, also of Queens of the Stone Age, produced Arctic Monkey's third album, Suck It and See, so I'm guessing Alex Turner had a favor to return? Or they're just good buds, who knows. 

I hate to say it, but the recent Death Cab for Cutie album just isn't very good and feels pretty uninspired, which is crazy because Ben Gibbard and Zooey Deschanel got divorced before this record was made. Doesn't heartbreak bleed creativity? Though I should also point out that guitarist Chris Walla left the band too. Sometimes when an integral guitarist (Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante is the best example I can think of off the top of my head) leaves, the band is never the same. That being said, I still think "Ingenue" is a classic Death Cab song. Hope you agree.