Two weeks without this outlet have loomed over me. I was kinda in a listening slump. Music never left, but I just couldn’t find a good sound. Music listeners get it. There are dips in listening activity where nothing you listen to seems to mesh well with the soul. Since working at LUNA music (which was just featured in the New Yorker btw hehehehe), these periods of time are shorter. I’m exposed to more sounds, more passion about the artists, projects, and history behind the music. I love it. It’s the dream. But as I drive home after each shift, I can’t help but feel out of my depth. I mean, these guys know so much. You know how many times a customer has asked for help finding an artist and I’m literally searching with them because I don’t know the genre, how to spell the name, or if the record even exists in our crates. It’s embarrassing to be honest with you.

I write this, 1) to get it off my chest, and 2) admit that I’m not confident in my music identity. When people ask me my favorite artists I stutter. When asked my opinion on an album I shrug my shoulders— how boring. How uncool. So, as I drive home (it’s an hour long trip), I think if you’re so insecure, why did i pursue this job? Like, literally, why put yourself in a situation where your music knowledge is put to the test every day?

Here’s what I’ve come up:

• to become a better music lover

• challenge myself

• do something cool

• find belonging/identity

• i don’t know.

Are those the real reasons? I’m not sure. Are any of them sacrilegious when you work in a literal temple for music?

What I will say is my curiosity and continuous pushing to explore, meditate, and feel comfortable with music beyond my headphones sticks with me. Against all odds, I haven’t given that up, no matter how hard the imposter syndrome hits me in a room of music adepts.

The music slump ended, but it will be back. Until then, here is a roundup excellent for the start of your winter, and end of the year. Let’s start reflecting. Enjoy.

Hit My Head All Day - Dry Cleaning

A new single for their upcoming album, Secret Love. Dry Cleaning’s apathetic vocals and wiry guitars give you this punk sound, which I always gravitate toward in the winter. The genre’s heaviest matches with the clunk and weight of my platform doc boots and wool coat.

The band’s from London, which produces some of the best punk music in the world, despite the album having been recorded in Lorie Valley, France. They kinda fall into this world of Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Fall with the dreamy sounds and spoken-word vocals, but not so atmospheric you lose yourself in the sound.

It’s an entertaining video.

I Wish U Heaven - Prince

I didn’t realize I picked two songs back to back with the same dry snare drum pattern. Honestly, my ears perk up every time I hear a song with that start. It’ll usually indicate an 80’s hit or 80’s-inspired song, which I’m all about.

I Wish U Heaven could come out today and people would eat it up. It’s quite timeless. Especially Prince’s expert balance with the more electronic textures he adds in alongside the obvious striking, emotional guitars.

There’s a 12” vinyl feature that expands this out into a three part, ten minute rendition. Prince heavenly develops the song into a gospel narrative. He prophetizes his guitar and the back-up vocals flow perfectly with Prince’s already angelic voice.

Separator - Radiohead

Radiohead is probably one of the biggest artists we sell at the shop. People lovvvve that shit. But I don’t think I’ve seen anyone collect this record. I find that strange because it was highly praised and nominated for 5 Grammys…not that that really means anything.

The record has ambient influences and less structured attempt at songs which I think comes together as this great blur of influence and atmosphere. Inspired by the idea of “wildness,” the album as a whole is a good example of a band’s talent when they can experiment with perfection. If you’re in a chiller mood, this is the beat for you.

Icy Windy Sky - Ugly(UK)

Okay, so…big fan of this band I found out of the Uk and there’s a lot going on with this young group.

Icy Windy Sky comes off their 2024 EP Twice Around the Sun which is impressive. Many correlate their sound to the genre Progressive Rock (Prog-rock) which combines the influences of classical, jazz, and folk which Ugly certainly does—heavily leaning into a folk sound. They are able to cement their instrumental talent while showcasing a strong story-telling ability, which they set out to accomplish with the project.

Putting it in very very watered down terms, Ugly wanted to explore the idea of ritual and spiritualism in this project. They applied the narrative arch to their EP which allows songs like Icy Wind Sky to carry much emotion. While I commend the band for lofty early goals, the small bits I’ve read about their intention behind Twice Around the Sun diving into buddhist influences, I’m not totally sure I subscribe to it. Seems a bit detached, however, I can’t argue with the impression this EP makes.

In this song particularly, we start calmly and you become entranced in this energetic, theatrical story. I’m impressed by their tightness as band not only throughout this EP, but their other music. It is definitely the sound of a band who knows what they want to do and owns it.

Laughing at Roadsigns - Southeast of Saturn

My manager walked out of the shop’s back office with this icy toned vinyl extended out. The shift queue is sacred. When it’s your turn, it’s your pick. No words on the matter. Southeast of Saturn was his offering.

For nearly an hour and a half, I was not disappointed. Rooted in midwest garage, diy sounds, Southeast of Saturn is a compilation of 90’s Michigan artists who span the sounds of shoe gaze, dream pop and space rock.

Laughing at Roadsigns stands out as a traditional shoe-gaze and dream-pop song that came to sorta define a subset of 90’s rock. Calliope specifically showcases the psych-rock scene that came out of Milwaukee. You can hear the moody, midwest atmosphere with the fuzzy guitars and an analog feel. The rest of the album is a great listen. I highly recommend.

Being cool is overrated.

The rest of the playlist can be found below.

Have a great week.

I’ve been pretty chill lately. Except for when my boss kinda pissed me off, but pretty sure that was my period talking. They literally just gave me something to do while I was mid-conversation and I’ve been stuck on it. Besides that, the blood pressure is pretty low.

Music has really helped ground me recently. Helped me define my shape a little bit more. You know when you can actively feel your transformation? Like, you see in real time, how your personality changes or taste evolves. Music is a good marker for that.

These songs cross a couple spectrums, but all wrap up into pretty chill beats. We start with RnB and Hip Hop, get international with French and Spanish, then finish with some sweet guitar.

Stay Alive - Shungu, Pink Siifu

Shungu from Lex Records is on the radar in hip hop. He’s excellent at morphing jazz, hip-hop, lo-fi, and storytelling. Definitely a versatile artist who understands his craft. I enjoy his music’s easy listening quality. Get on board with his rise!

Brandy, Aaliyah - B. Cool-Aid, Siifu, Ahwlee, Quelle Chris, Denmark Vessey, Jimetta Rose, V.C.R, MoRuf, Kamilah

A liquid beat.

B. Cool-aid is a duo of Siifu on vocals and producer, Ahwlee. Brandy, Aaliyah is off their newest album Leather Blvd. and let me tell you…it’s gas.

This project aims to create a black utopia where B. Cool-aid could work with all their favorite collaborators. We walk down a boulevard and meet artists from across the musical spectrum. Lex Records describes the project best:

“Siifu and Ahwlee accomplish their musical feats with the help of their equally talented friends. The people we come across on our walk down the boulevard are a diverse list of collaborators spanning genres, regions, and generations, including Butcher Brown, Ladybug Mecca, V.C.R, Liv.e, MoRuf, Quelle Chris, Nita Darling, Big Rube, Jimetta Rose, Devin Morrison, Foushée, and others. Whether rookie or vet, singer or rapper, all of the players come together in a world that represents what Ahwlee describes as “the whole spectrum of Blackness.”

calvera - fyodor, Apéro

Prepare for much more jazz, my friends. It ain’t goin anywhere.

Here we dabble in jazz house (or is it house jazz?). It’s a sensual beat with a buttery saxophone gently singing in the back. I’m like 99.9% sure this is French, but fyodor is from Montreal and I can only find his instagram (@fyodor.music). Not much more on the guy.

Still a wonderful beat. Plus I love the artwork.

Siempre Tendré Mi Voz - Danny Schiller

“I Will Always Have My Voice”

Delicate passion.

Danny Schiller has such tender vocals and I pray he never loses it. Storytelling seems to be the theme under the mat this week because Schiller sings (in both Spanish and English) of a soul who loved to dance and visited him in a dream. The lyrics really get me and that’s most likely due to my period…but also because it’s sweet. Here is the translation.

When I listen to this song, I see my best friends. We’re dancing and maybe frolicking in the sand. Calm, but sweet. I’m touched.

Sunshine Kisses - Sabine McCalla

One last chill vibe. An artist who lives in the present and conjures the past. A folk revival that combines gospel, jazz, blues, soul, and Americana into beautiful art. McCalla creates introspective music. Her lyrics are vulnerable and honest, paired with a softly soulful voice. It lifts you. Enjoy in the November sun.

Here is my playlist, which I’ll continue updating. That’s it!

Greetings…here is another roundup for the second week of November. It snowed today, so I wrapped up in my new wool coat for yoga class this morning. That fresh cold breeze hits differently when your skin isn’t dry from the winter air yet.

Since I started work at this record store, jazz is at the front of my queue. A playlist is in the works, as is my attempt to explore what sounds I like in the category. It’s fun to dissect a genre’s history. You study who’s good at what, identify the instruments that tweak your mood, and read the opinions of diehard listeners. Then, once you understand the rules, you find who’s bending them. You unearth an entire sonic universe completely detached from the rest all the world. A microcosm of sound.

I also think physical media plays a part in adding to the experience of curation. Something about the collection aspect adds a tangible aspect to the passion. So much more satisfying than clicking the + button on Spotify.

Anyway, that’s where I’m coming from. I hope you enjoy the list. Peace & love…

That Must Be Hard For You - Salami Rose Joe Louis

Delicate and subtle off the album Lorings, Louis has this little voice that tickles. Then we add in some computer sounds (which I always love), and we get this gentle tune. It feels cheeky and fun, but still grounded and chill. I did some light research on the song because I wanted to know what technique the drums were. Turns out Louis notoriously uses an MV-8800, which is a computer workstation that came out in the mid-2000s. It has a more gritty, hardware sound which fits perfectly with Louis’s signature sounds. She’d definitely fit in Oklou’s realm.

Stone - Cibo Matto

A pretty iconic alternative duo. This song isn’t as computerized, but if you listen to the rest of the album, you’ll get some funky sounds. It’s amazing. Stone is more jazzy. If you like how Clario, Laufey, and Beabadoobee are spinning jazz, you’ll like it. Kinda like the original duo that took jazz influence and brought it mainstream. Then made it weird in the best way. We have a nice trumpet and smooth vocals for your enjoyment.

Delusional on Sunset Blvd- Pearly Drops

One of my favorite duos right now. They’re a really good example of the expansion of pop music that I see. Neo-pop, if you will. (If you see that term pop up anywhere, I want it noted here that I thought of that myself, lmao. ) Basically, you have these artists who are expanding the limitations of pop from a purely commercial endeavor. I have many thoughts on this idea, but simply put, with accessibility to music-making equipment and the commercialization of our world/identities, you have this depth that’s coming out of pop music. This takes the genre from the confines of making money to actual expression and intention that’s not necessarily void of commercial success, but uses that sound as a pillar block to jump off from.

The idea feels futuristic and modern, especially with computerized elements mixed into the music. It leaves a brutal yet touching sentiment with its music. See if you can hear it in their music. If not, leave me be to ruminate with my own thoughts.

Come Undone - Duran Duran

This song suggestion comes from my best friend because she was the one who played this while on a drive. I was stunned that I hadn’t listened to this side of Duran Duran before. I think I had just blown them off? I don’t know, but this song totally turned me around. It also fits perfectly into the trip hop era that started in the nineties.

Good vibe here.

At the River - Groove Armada

Not a real hidden gem, but I have been listening lately. Groove Armada is essential to trip hop listening.

The best thing about it all is how trip hop incorporates everything with no exception to jazz. So you have your trance-like music, but the musical depth needed for us more needy listeners.

There we are. This week’s songs are rounded up. Hope everyone has a trip-hopping week.

That’s it!

Scroll to the end of The Psycodelics’ first and only album. There you will begin your listening journey with Ladybug. This is a recommendation if you’re the type of listener who needs one piece to define an artist. Once you trust, the rest of Please Keep Off The Grass will be nonnegotiable. Better yet, once you’ve listened to the recording, try their live audition for NPR’s Tiny Desk 2025 contest. HOLY FUCK, they can groove and I’m obsessed.

Sound

There is so much to talk about here. Funk, soul, jazz, Black American music, rhythm and blues blend together for the band’s sound. Every song is a groove, but what really makes a song a groove? There’s the punchy bass lines, quick keys, symbols, and a clever guitar matched with a soulful voice. Many artists attempt this genre, but fall short when it comes to the element that makes a song truly groovy. That element is passion. Emotion. The ability to completely release one’s energy across the bodily boundary and send it through the instrument in hand. That’s real groove.

Cameron ‘Caminator’ Wescott on bass and vocals has a voice like butter. His range and delivery allows the band to claim soul as a genre. Anyone can groove, but soul comes from vocals. Wescott’s voice carries through the soft tones of a bridge then smacks us with genuine passion in an outro.

Then you mix Wescott’s butter with Sean Big’s sugar…a delicious sonic treat. Big (drums and vocals) amplifies the guttural tones of blues. Low and smooth. Blended with Wescott’s raspier libs that echo Prince, we get all bases covered.

Noah Jones on keys and Jim Rubush on guitar kill as well. Particularly Lucky Mf and Won’t Chew highlight the weight they pull for the band. I won’t go further because you must listen. All I will say is, the stakes are raised for a sophomore album and I hope they continue to explore they use their potential to master these genres with creativity. There’s much unexplored for jazz, R&B, and disco. They need to be brave and experiment.

To Come

Currently on tour with dates left in 2025. They recently opened for Durand Jones & The Indications in New York City. There’s nothing better than a band like this on stage. Anything with groove will get me dancing.

Here is the link to their album, Please Keep Off The Grass on Spotify. Enjoy.

That’s it.

I work at a record store now, which is sick. Feeling a little like an imposter, but I’m hoping that fades away with time. Speaking of time, I’ve had literally none since I’ve been hustling. I needed to make some time for this music diary entry because its grounding and reminds me that I can be in my own little world and not be perceived, even though this is on the internet. WHO CARES, though?

Here’s the roundup of what I’ve been listening to as I scramble from one thing to another.

1. Long Time - Blondie

Quintessential blondie. Nostalgia wiped with a cloth to clear off the dust. There’s an edge that matches the glittery vibes here. Something I think Blondie has always perfected. You have the detached vocals, disco beat, and that kind of New York groove. I could never be in the public eye like her, but if my artistry required it, I’d do it with Blondie swagger.

2. Zombies - Hether

This one came out of nowhere. I think one of his songs blew up on Tik Tok, but I just found him. I love the chill groove. I haven’t listened to the rest of the album, but he has a song called Company with Orion Sun, and it keeps the chill vibes because it’s Orion Sun.

I was talking with a friend recently, critiquing a friend’s band (lol). He asked me why I didn’t like them, and I said I didn’t think they offered anything fresh. I played some of their music, and he challenged me a bit, suggesting people may not necessarily look for fresh takes in their music. They know what sounds they like, and they want more of that. I could not deny that fact. I do the same thing. I know my basic criteria— creative guitars, synths, altered vocals— and I love discovering new tastes, yet when I’m looking for new music, I need a strong reason to add a song above my last liked song. That next song spot is reserved for when four minutes pulls my brain out of its meditative state while the queue continues.

This is a LONGGGGG way of saying Hether’s Zombies earned a spot. I found it catchy, creative, and chill. That almost sums up my music criteria.

3. Jem’s Instrumental 1 - Balcony’s Paradise

A beautifully pleasant piece. A sweet piano singing with a cute little guitar. A gentle drum keeps our hearts beating, and we thank Jem for the inspiration or creation. It’s a walk in the park. A cozy night in. Maybe a scenic drive with the fall foliage.

4. Out of the Blue - Julian Casablancas

I’m not gonna try and be niche here. I’ve been playing this to hype myself up on my hour drive to the record store. It’s intimidating to walk into such a legendary place for music. A place where no external hire has laid hands on the $200 rare jazz vinyls from some artist I’ve never heard of, and every employee has decades of musical meditation, while I’m just a baby Buddha sitting cross-legged in front of the record bins. This song somehow combines a sense of seriousness with a youthful energy that my nervous system really appreciates.

It’s fast. A playful rock song where Casablancas’s vocals sing directly to you. For an even more intimate listening experience, try his Live EP from a session at Electric Lady.

I love the whole song, but…there’s one specific part of the song I listen for. My favorite part. At minute 4:09, when he goes “before they come knockin’ on my door now.” That silly little harmony. It makes my head shimmer. You’ll know what I mean when you listen to the song.

5. Plankton - The Bird

I hyped The Bird up on my last “Under 100k” piece, so I am (somewhat) reluctantly adding this to the roundup. However, I did say this list is my current roundups, and damn if this doesn’t make it in my Wrapped because it’s been on repeat for WEEKS now.

Production blends so beautifully into an elegant electronic piece here. You feel the emotion, but the sounds keep your attention. I love alien sounds as well as Daft Punk and Plankton throws that all into the equation while having his own sound.

+ BONUS SONG: SMILE - Rico Nasty

A song dedicated to her daughter and an ode to the woman Rico Nasty has become. The album, LETHAL, is great. A mature sound that really defines artistic evolution. She keeps her staple traits throughout the album, blunt vocals, heavy basses, and badass energy, but displays the depth that comes from motherhood and womanhood. I’m not sure why people didn’t talk about this release because there are bangers here.

As I reflect, this is kinda just white boy hype, still, I’m glad I got this out. It’s not perfect, but I needed to put something out into the universe. Still not sure why, but listening to my gut is the new trend. I’m calling that right now.

That’s it!

Queue Up

Your first play should be Truest of Blues— an ethereal ballad by True Blue with producer/co-creator The Bird. The swarming synths remind me of Oklou with her atmospheric computer songs, but there’s something alien that really only makes me think of Grimes. I’m a big fan of this little niche of electronic, computer dance music coming up right now, mainly from Copenhagen and New York. Oklou was submitted for Grammy consideration this year in four different categories—including Best Electronic/Dance Album and Best Electronic/Dance Recording. I really see this whole bubble as an experimentation with ‘80s dance, indie rock, and electronic music. Big fan.

SOUND

My favorite thing about The Bird is his versatility and I realize that is a buzz word in the music industry. He has evolution tough. Even in such a short amount of time. His music ready for a dank electrifying rave and the comedown Uber ride after.

Ballads by The Bird (2022) introduces the computerized foundation. We have the Daft Punk vocals with Back UP Top. The bubblegum silly sound of Boing Bing. And the lyrics are there.

So, he establishes he can make the beats, then we get experimental in 2023 with THIEF. We have a bit more of an ’80s dance vibe, especially with his beat and dark tones in STORY OF A THIEF which sounds like there’s a hint of New Order influence in there.

His new singles, though, align him with artists like The Hellp and Frost Children.

It’s not quite the aggressive talk-singing we hear within this dark corner of electronic/dance/rock-inspired music like The Hellp and The Dare. The kinda vocals that feel like they’re spitting in your face (Perfume by The Dare). The Bird softens that tone and delivers a delicacy that compliments these other artists while experimenting with the harsh tech sounds. (Also it’s kinda funny how all these newer artists title themselves with the determiner “The”…present company included)

TO COME

FIRST album out tomorrow! October 17th!

It’s still early in the game to define his distinct sounds but that makes him such a great artist to follow. As long as he keeps elevating his sound and collabs, he could make some cool stuff.

The chemistry he brings to different records songs like he knows exactly what he’s doing and there’s a level of trust between the collaboration. Like the sick song Angel with him and Debby Sings. It’ll make ya head spin. I want more artists to work with him.

++++++++++++

• NTS Posh Isolation set — you need a subscription, but he Djed an hour long Copenhagen based show on NTS (Nuts to Soup lol)

• He was featured in New Music Friday Denmark playlist which no one in the US can really access.

• I also really like his aesthetic. Hot, edgy, and dead-eyed.

• Favorite tracks: PLANKTON, Truest Blues, and Tight

Playlist - just a note, I added other songs that reminded me of the songs/sounds.

That’s it!

I knew this statement was heavier than most proclamations he’s made before since he referenced a mental health episode I had back in the day. A couple years ago I was an ember of life. I say that in all sincerity because when asked to describe how I was feeling to my therapist, I said I felt like a burning ember that needed people to blow on me. Lol blow me. Pause.

So yada, yada, yada, I was sad, and the one thing I had was my journal. The “key” to my psyche. Or so my parents thought. In reality, the chunk of the book from that time was a bunch of black pages from aggressive scribbling.

My dad mentioned there was a long moment when he almost read it. The only time, according to him, that he ever considered violating whatever bond I had made with the paper, and read my confessions. I never hide it, so it just taunted him while I was at school or the doctor.

He figured it was an insight. It definitely was. But he claimed he never read it. Pretty cool dad.

He said my journal was my way of talking to God. Or whatever, higher power there was. For whatever reason, I didn’t feel like there was anyone or anything I could talk to, so I turned to the page. The void.

There’s a twist in my stomach as I’m writing all this because I seriously dislike displaying my vulnerability like this. I can teach a yoga class and talk about the strength of vulnerability, but the second it’s me, talking about me…I’d rather talk about you!

I seriously dislike myself sometimes. Sometimes I fuq with who I am, but lately, I’ve been staring at my page, wondering, who am I?

I consume media. I read stories, watch movies, and follow people on TikTok. I talk with people in the field I’m interested in, and I try and create my own thing, because there’s an itch. And I wonder if scratching the itch will bring some sort of satisfaction to the question.

This itch, though, directly combats my personal dissatisfaction with myself. It’s a burn that demands I create something that’s solely me, despite the little nasally voice that talks to me when I stare in the mirror and see my acne, my dry hair, my eczema. Or start any project.

Literally who am I to produce anything? I suppose it’s not really about that. Because if you remove the perception of others, are you left with the same itch? If you were to make your thing without others seeing it, do you still want to make it? Or does the pressure release? If the answer is yes, I would think it’s not about “who am I"; I guess it’s just, “this is me,” despite my inner demons.

I’ve always been somewhat creative, but I think I turn to other creatives and live through them for inspiration. Awing at their creation instead of focusing on mine because that’s much easier. Live in association rather than introspection.

The present issue is that I am no longer surrounded by my creative muses. I have reached the precipice where I either turn and walk along the edge or jump. Jump and fly? Jump and flatten? Or maybe jump, land on some ledge, and live there happily? All possibilities I’m willing to consider, so I will decide to jump.

However, I figure, in order to have any chance at all, I need something like a glider. Parachute. A rope. Something that gives me any sort of tether to my purpose. Right now, I figure that is my sense of self as a creative. A person. A voice, if you will.

That’s where I stand now.

A person who has always had a voice for the void. Once and always for a page and now whatever Substack is considered, whatever audio storytelling gives you, or TikTok content.

But there’s a lot of voices out here. They swallow you. Even the most authentic seem performative. They always sound so sure. Confident in their voice and what they have to offer the void. They’re sure of their opinions, arguments, comments, likes, dislikes. Or secure enough to broadcast it on the internet. I don’t have any of that! It turns me shapeless. Confused and unsure about literally everything.

What about the people who want to know without knowing?

What about the people who want to understand the world, but don’t want the pressure of having such a hard stance?

I want to be clear that I’m not talking about flakes, but those who genuinely care about their place in society. I think this could come off as a moderate position, but I believe it falls away from labels and definitely from politics. I really just think this comes from being the most open-minded about literally everything, and not having very many objective opinions on things, or likes and dislikes. There’s a world where the subjective works.

I like basically three things: music, stories, and perspectives.

I’ll listen to music all day long. I’ll read, listen, and absorb stories anytime. And I will certainly plant myself if someone talks to me about their perspectives on anything. It’s fascinating to me that anyone can have a stance on things. It all seems so subjective. We seem so subjective.

But maybe that’s just it. The subjectivity. The influence of others. The detachment from external evidence. In a world of influencers, polarizing news, political radicalization, and the truth being contorted, how do we position ourselves at just the right distance so we can engage but not ripple the waves? Again, this is away from activism or free speech—those things are important— and this can include them.

I want to get to a place where I have shape again. I think the only way I do that is through others. But how CRAZY is it that forming a voice, or self, comes from experience with the world and others? You could lose yourself pretty fast if you’re not careful. You must learn what other people and things have to offer, and then, and only then, can you form your own thoughts. That is, if you even care about forming your own opinions.

And for you to even absorb the world’s offerings, you must be open to receiving them. This is not a new thought. I think I’m writing it so I can slowly come to my own conclusions. Nothing fancy, no complex sentence structures or words. Just a chase for creating something authentic, cool, and (somewhat) reluctantly, me.

Difficult, but necessary.

Does that make any sense?

The opportunity basically came about because I wouldn’t stop bothering my local radio station. So now I’m their newest DJ.

Right now, tracks are determined by someone else, which kinda sucks, but hopefully I can mingle my way to a place where I can curate my time slot’s music. It’s a small world, so I don’t see why not…stay tuned. Until then, it’s me chatting between songs on the classic rock station.

These songs are not classic rock. This is what I am listening to away from the studio, which is putting me into an autumnal trace. Now the weather just needs to stay under 80 degrees and I’ll be happy. Here are some options for you, along with the rest of the playlist. Rock on.

1. Strong-Willed - Pavel Milyakov & Yana Pavolva

An epic intro song for this playlist/roundup. Introspective and transcendental. I think those are words overused in music critiques, but I’m not feeling literarily creative today, and it does give you an idea of what I mean. Let’s just not pay attention to words and focus on how this song makes you feel.

It makes me feel like I’m floating in a zero-gravity water tank. Like an alien. Or an angel. Or someone who’s just sleep-deprived and really enjoying delicate music.

2. All My Hate and My Hexes Are for You - Crocodiles

Noise pop — umm, artists like, Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine — the artists that combine shoegaze, psychedelic indie, and all those alternative subgenres that became more frequently heard in the 90s into the early aughts. Distorted guitars and lofi mixed with punk influences and pop melodies, literally all my favorite things. Once fall hits, it’s like an obligatory migration for music listeners. An instinctual shift to rock after a summer of hip-hop and pop (if you’re like me).

If your shift manifests in nostalgic hits like Smashing Pumpkins, American Football, and the Velvet Underground OR deep cuts like The Neighborhood and Cults, may I offer you an option for alternation.

3. Jet Town - SSQ

The haunting of a once energetic soul on the dancefloor. An 80’s masterpiece that showcases every element in the book that can trace a song back to that era— spoken word intro, synth that pokes you, crashes, thudding beat, guitar strikes, and a guy who sounds like Bowie. Ambiguous lyrics of Jamaica, a heart of ice, and mysterious jet-setting men. 80’s synthpop forever.

4. She’s So D*mn Cool - Felix Da Housecat

Daft Punk’s baby cousin. Chilled, distorted, catchy, sexy— just like fall.

+ note: Tame Impala’s Dracula ain’t too bad either. A modern Thriller type beat. Makes me wanna do that little dance.

5. Moonbase - LYAM

Off his debut album. loveyouinthemorning (LYAM) is from East London, he’s got a good sound. It took a second for me to figure out if I liked the rest of the album. Sometimes I need the minute to distinguish the bedroom, tiktok music apart from the real deal (chill out though because that criteria can be synonymous) BUT this is pretty good sh*t. Naturally, I had to look who he was backed by and Warp Publishing marks Shygirl as a producer on the album. So, now I’m definitely behind this guy. If Shygirl believes, I believe.

That’s it!

Here’s the rest of the playlist.

1. Bad Girls - Blood Orange

There’s a second when you first lie on a beach towel where your body has to adjust. Muscles must release, and the mind must surrender to the ground beneath. The soil’s there for support, so the body doesn’t have to worry about control— we can relax. If you’re someone who finds this transitional moment difficult, music such as Blood Orange’s can aid the process.

We start with 80s pop and R&B influence, composed of sparkly computer effects and the dramatic vocals in tune with Prince’s ethereal falsetto and Sade’s airy vocal delivery. Paired with the gated reverb drum effects of the decade, Blood Orange adds xylophone instrumentals, perfectly countering the song’s depth with light tones, making it a great song to fall victim to.

2. Sleeping In - The Radio Dept.

This song keeps the ethereal vibes going. Again, with the scratchy drums and sweet melody of the guitar, the song walks the line between being too heavy and too light. If you have the comfort of the sun on your back, this song easily offers a sweet escape rather than acting as a portal for deep contemplation. Or maybe you can’t help but contemplate while enjoying a sunny day. If so, I have a complementary song for you…Wicked Games by Chris Isaak.

“Sleeping In” vocals are more distant than “Bad Girls.” Ignoring the obvious logic that all vocals are recordings, this song’s voice offers what sounds like an intentional recording. Like soundbites taken from a tape recorder or the voice app, with retro effects added later. The vocals are not center-stage here at all, though. We listen to this song for its dreamy instruments to lift our chests, cloud our minds, and let us sink a little deeper into the ground beneath us.

3. Life Is Gonna Get You - The Pearly Gatecrashers

We wake up a tad here with the song’s more lively drums and clear vocals, but we don’t stray far from a transportive sound. Reminiscent of the 60’s with the electric guitar distortion that gives a grittier, empty sound that birthed garage-rock. Turn to similar tones like “She Don’t Care About Time” by The Byrds and “This Strange Effect” by The Kinks. Good song, good vibe, and the xylophone doesn’t leave us! Sometimes it’s just that simple.

4. Shine On - Kitty Craft

Look at that cover. Look at that cover and bet me this isn’t a summer album. I’d bet even more that you don’t want to do that because you’d be wrong.

Kitty Craft’s album Beats and Breaks from the Flower Patch is the lost prophecy of summer. Every song blows a wave of pollen straight to your face with its fast, detached lo-fi sound.

Sometimes you really don’t want to listen to music that feels heavy. While I haven’t offered the heaviest music, there’s room to tilt either way. Here, there’s no precipice for you to fall off into unwanted depth. “Shine On” gives you gentle transcendence with harps, scratchy R&B beats, and sweet, whimsical vocals. I’d recommend you just listen to the whole album.

5. Cherry - Chromatics

Let’s end in style. A classic dream-pop song that pays a big ode to the 80s synth and distant guitar, just turn to “Moonlight Desires” by Gowan (1987). As for vocal atmosphere, the haze of dream pop still originates from the decade’s ethereal vocal Gods, Cocteau Twins. Try “Lorelei” off their 1984 album “Treasure.”

More artists that drift in this atmosphere are Beach House, The Marias, and Alvvays. Try “Wildflower” by Beach House.

I like this vibe and this roundup, so I hope it finds the right people who like it as well. For more of this, give the playlist a listen. Sweet dreams.

Perfectly - FKA Twigs

‘Perfectly’ dropped last week introducing us to Part ll of Twigs’ Eusexua project. We’re still in the club. The bass line still pounding in our ears. FKA’s angelic vocals drift over the crowd giving off a pop-ier sound with this first single.

Twigs’ posted a video of her ad-libbing during vocal session last week. It showcased her freestyle scatting when she lets out the yelps and ahhs critical to her sound. It sounds like nonsense isolated in the studio but layered later produces a chaotic harmony. This song isn’t as complex as some of her other work, but it definitely doesn’t stray away from her gracefully clever formula.

I’m on the lake so the link will be added later to that video. She sounds ridiculous but damn if I’m not impressed by an artist who can collage utter nonsense into coherent sound. I could go on and on about my love for this vibe she’s conjuring with Eusexua so get on this level! Cheers to her fifth studio album!

IT TAKES A MUSCLE - M.I.A

M.I.A puts her synthy spin on Spectral Display’s 1982 “It Takes A Muscle To Fall In Love.” The child of 80’s new wave sound and reggae, this cover adds depth to the return of futuristic sound in the early 2000s. I promise I am not nostalgic. I just appreciate this period’s music unironically and turn to M.I.A anytime I need to scratch my dance/disco/club mood. For this record, M.I.A keeps hips moving with squelchy synths, auto-tune, and never leaving us without the iconic M.I.A monologue.

Helpless Fool For Love - Annie

Annie’s debut 2004 album, “Anniemal” is one of those records I find flawless through and through. It’s great. So as an introduction, if you haven’t already listened, I offer you this song and hope you find as much enjoyment as I do. I’ll let the song do the talking— I need to start paddling away from a speedboat.

Overpowered - Róisín Murphy

Safely across the lake, wading in the cattails near the lake’s bank, I offer you Overpowered.

The 80’s trend continues with this digitalized disco-house groove. A bubble forms around you as you listen. A squelchy bass line grounds you against the spacey synths and Róisín’s distant echoes. These Grimes-like lyrics tack love to the inherent fabric of our beings that we cannot deny. Our data matches and the oxy-toxin chemicals overflow our cognitive states. It’s passionate, painful, and leaves one feeling overpowered.

I Know - Sally Shapiro

“Disco Romance”— the name of Shapiro’s 2006 album and the theme of every song on the record. An ode to Italo-disco and 80’s production, producer Johan Agebjörn used squelchy synths, ostinato arpeggios, and harmonic washes delivering transcendent music for dancing or paddling a kayak to shore.

AND with that, my boat as breeches land. My tan has sunk in and the sand between my toes have exfoliated my skin just enough. It’s time for a shower and then a sit down session for Part ll of this week’s roundup. To my humble handful of readers, thank you and I love you.

A delightfully light piano that captures summer in all its pollen-filled, humid glory. This wound up on my local radio station (shout out listening to the radio in your car) and I couldn’t leave the car until it was done. Windows down, volume up, no A/C. I sat in my driveway in the sticky air preluding to the next summer shower and listened to the whimsical keys. Hines knows how to translate the soul to measures. Listen for yourself on a day you could cut through the air with a knife.

2. Who Are You? - Dal, S.A. Hampshire

If you haven’t already, add a fading transition on your streaming service. That way, this song flows gracefully from Hines’ piano into the sway of Dal’s newest single. Ambient plucks of the guitar, light strings filling out the gentle vocals. It lifts you, calms the nervous system, and accompanies a lazy summer afternoon.

3. I’m Yours - The Green

Reggae vibes will always invite you to lay back. This song is no different. From The Green’s 2010 self-titled album, this song provides one of those catchy choruses you almost want to skip the verses. Then we have some piano that keeps the lightness we started with in Summertime. I’ve been listening to this song every morning on my way to work.

4. Stockhalmsvy - Hannes, waterbaby

I’m like 95% sure this went viral on Tik Tok, which is great because my algorithm sent it right over to me. Another catchy chorus, drums and keys that pick you up like a tide. You let the current take you. Kinda like Feel It All Around by Washed Out. Where’s a river when you need it?

5. Thicc - Remi Wolf

In honor of Remi Wolf’s newly released vinyl of her first EPs You’re a Dog! and I’m Allergic to Dogs! Wolf’s amazing. I love everything she creates. This EP held my hand through a tough time in my sophomore year of college. Special place in my heart for her cheeky lyrics, quirky instrumentals, and impressively creative layering. “Thicc” is from the very first, You’re a Dog!

if you want to listen with me this month check out my July playlist:

July Cupcakes

When I saw the Adidas zip-up, gold chain, and that typical European undercut that blurs any distinction of men to the American eye I figured I must stick around— see what this small town has to offer. I like live music and I’ll never pass up a drum beat with a beer in hand.

The town square slowly started to crowd and by my second beer I returned from the bar finding my spot smaller.

They were gathering for a reason they read on Facebook. Because their neighbor was playing on the stage tonight. Toddling children ran around my feet while the guitars set up. Everyone squeezed their way out of The Market Bar with plastic pints filled to the brim.

the sun set at the narrow end of the street. Grooveline’s lead singer said hello to the crowd.

It wasn’t an introduction or a rehearsed opening line. It was a hello to the classmates, neighbors, families, and friends that stood next to me, excited to hear the band they’ve heard since their 6th form year.

I’ve never experienced live music like this before. Never have I seen a small town bring fog machines or neon stage lights- a pivotal accessory to the outfit of tonight’s stage.

Grooveline’s main two guys— undercut guy (Tarach Ó Snodaigh) and backward cap man (Evan Gerry). Gerry plays saxophone like a guitarist, center stage and charismatically, unapologetically, transcendently magnetizing everyone’s eyeline to his backbend as the instrument wails. Snodaigh flawlessly leads the set.

He knows the right direction —an audience doesn’t want to help them get us there. Stimulate us, massage us, reel us into the energy you feel in your heart and we’ll feel it in ours.

They hopped and they moshed. The pit grew and the cigarette smoke cloud thickened. The picnic tabletop clutter started to stack and ages seamlessly mixed. The “Free Palestine” call and response echoed back and forth, a chant routine through the cities I’ve driven through around Ireland’s South and West coast.

At its height the set had bodies thrown above the crowd, tongues flailing out, and Gaelic lyrics. A cultural cipher— something that doesn’t hide the pride in their country’s history and fosters the pride through its use. As someone who felt clueless in a crowd of many who knew the code, I knew it wasn’t my anthem but I sure as hell could appreciate it.

Cian Sweeney their fiddler and keyboardist heavily extracted the passion from his crowd as he stepped before his keys with strings. His fiddle, a syringe, and the hype in the crowd, a withdrawal of Celtic music’s DNA. Like a buabhal calling its flock back to grassroots.

Later I discovered Grooveline is connected with KNEECAP, the rebellious Irish group cemented as one of the twenty-first centuries most notable protest musicians.

The square’s crowd carried the energy through four songs over the set list, requiring the group to stretch back to the first song they ever wrote eight years ago in that very town. A “session” was to be had after the set, no one should worry about the party being over. Sound production just needed a break or a beer.

The dusty blue sky backlit the black broken clouds framed by the street buildings. Streetlights were now yellow and the small children that were once dancing around had vanished. All that was left was the reverberation shaking the crumbs between building bricks.

The music fed the people. Bloated and energized they were ready for the night. A night of catching up with old schoolmates, their first-kisses, and the mates they may have avoided up til now. After that show, none of that apprehension drove the steps through the pub door. It was only time to celebrate the talent raised from the water that ran through everyone’s taps, the charm noticed by everyone’s grade school teachers, and certainly the beer foam spilled over the hometown folks proud of the group that calls themselves Grooveline.