The Useless Critic 2.0

No one asked for this (but I did it anyway)

2025-12-13T19:17:00.005-05:00

Everyone who reads these (like the 3 people from Armenia) - I've moved a lot of my so-called "blogging" over to TikTok, because it's 2025/2026. TBH, I'm not entirely time exists anymore, but that is neither here nor there.

I still plan to update this blog occasionally as I have been doing for *many years* but I think TikTok is easier to do the spur-of-the-moment updates that serve how my brain works best. Also, honestly, who knows what will even happen to TikTok? So it would be foolish to just throw this away.

You can follow me here for more half-assed takes, or me really just infodumping about movies/music I find cool. I'm also trying hard to signal boost friends' pages as well. https://www.tiktok.com/@brittstakes

And the piggies are also on TikTok! They are way more popular for obvious reasons: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittspigs

"My Endeavor" - Ruby Roberts

2025-08-30T18:22:00.006-04:00

I wanted to continue to give Ruby Roberts some love with her first music video, "My Endeavor." Like I said before, I definitely think she has a nice retro Lana thing going on, which I really appreciate. I also am just rooting hard for her success. Like, she needs to blow up, so help me make it happen!

Ruby will continue to release singles and perform in the UK - make sure you check out "Gonna Change" as well, which is a beautiful song in its own right.

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, the 1960s/70s, Zella Day

"Adam" - Native Sun (you need to hear this!)

2025-08-29T19:20:00.001-04:00

Looking for some good old-fashioned garage rock? I've got you today! Meet the NYC-based band Native Sun, which remind me a lot of the Velvet Underground meets the Jonathan Richman & the Roadrunners with just a touch of The Strokes and Sonic Youth. Honestly? It's very refreshing to me right now. Not saying modern rock stinks (it doesn't; there are always good gems like Royal Otis) but garage rock has a special spot in my heart. Listen to the single "Adam" below:

Their debut LP drops September 19th, the same day as "A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY" which I already have a ticket to see because apparently my mid-life crisis is being a fangirl!

"Shadows" (Dark Wave Mix) - Cannons

2025-08-17T20:18:00.001-04:00

My new favorite band Cannons reissued their definitive "Shadows" album back in July, the pretty-much-flawless offering that spawned their monster hit, "Fire for You." The "Midnights" version that came out last month contains 3 remixes in addition to the original track listing: a midnights version of "Fire for You," a dub mix of "Talk Talk" and - my personal favorite - a dark wave version of "Shadows." Coincidentally, it's also my favorite track off the regular album!

It retains the dark, seductive energy of the original track while adding a haunting new layer to the track that suits it well. The other two remixes are good, but I find this one to be exceptional:

I dig this whole Midnights concept artists are getting into. Roosevelt did it really well too!

And weirdly, Clay Aiken has some remixes of "Invisible" that are now here 22 years later. I mean, sorry to Cannons to go off on a weird Clay Aiken tangent, but "Invisible" has always been kind of a creepy bop? Like it's not a bad pop song. The lyrical content is just, questionable.... but I mean the early 2000s, we kind of greenlit a lot of questionable stuff...

Shoutout to Dave Aude for making a banger that literally no one probably asked for! I admittedly am enjoying it too, as I have been a reluctant claymate for many years.

"Trampoline" - Ruby Roberts (you need to hear this!)

2025-06-14T18:04:00.004-04:00

It's not exceptionally rare I hear new music I really like, but sometimes because life is a lot and I don't have a ton of time to voraciously go through new releases like I once did, I get stuck in the "music as comfort" cycle. So I end up listening to a LOT of Cannons, Meltt, and Lana Del Rey to get me through the day. I also am really into Wolf Alice at the moment, and some random discoveries I've made via internet radio. Plus I am in love with Suki Waterhouse so there is that. (I also am enjoying Addison Rae because I am a woman of taste and with the times.)

Anyway, the internet radio suggested to me the UK-based Ruby Roberts a few weeks ago, and boy howdy! I was pleasantly impressed by this dynamic, wrapped-in-nostalgia single. I know "the next Lana Del Rey" gets thrown around quite a lot but I think Ruby has that potential. Seriously. You might also like her if you're a fan of Weyes Blood or even just 1960s-1970s singer-songwriter stuff.

She has a new single out, "Gonna Change," and I have yet to listen to it but it's absolutely a priority. Check her out!

2024: A Year of Music in Review!

2024-12-22T18:51:00.007-05:00

Just doing my yearly little music recap! As I get older it does get harder to stay on top of new things. But I did do marginally okay this year.

Here's my entire playlist on Apple Music FYI.

Would be remiss to say "Brat" was clearly the biggest thing that happened this year in music:

I'm not a huge Billie Eilish fan (I think she's quite talented, and I like a few of her songs a lot), but I really thought this collab was the best thing she has done to date. I kind of hope she continues in this direction!

I am still waiting on the Uffie renaissance. At the *very* least, I think Uffie deserves a documentary at this point. If you were on MySpace circa 2008, you know.

Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter obviously had banner years. They are both pretty talented - I think I have a mental block with Sabrina though, since some of her music is so bland. But she's still catchy. You can't deny Chappell is incredibly talented, and I do applaud her for sticking up for herself in an industry that champions parasocial relationships and regularly disrespects performers (that being said I think sometimes PR coaching isn't a bad thing! Like girl don't be hating on Billboard.)

Brigitte Calls Me Baby is an indie band I need to explore more of, but I am very intrigued by them so far! They have a retro sound which reminds me of better times, plus I think they are kind of just refreshing in the current musical landscape. Unfortunately I missed them play Phoenix this year :(

I just started listening to Doechii as in the last week and WOW! I instantly got the hype around this up-and-coming performer. She is extremeeeeeeeeeeeely talented. I watched an interview with her somewhere and she was stating that she is hungry to be the best and you can tell because damn. She has the makings of a once-in-a-generation artist.

Another performer I found out about this year that I'm kind of obsessed with is Rose Gray. Her album comes out (finally!) in January 2025 and I could not be more excited. She is incredible - and more proof that dance pop is here to stay. I first heard "Free" earlier this year, which was instantly catchy and accessible. But "Angel of Satisfaction" was just... wow. A masterpiece. Watch the video here.

Finally, the last song I wanted to highlight off the bazillion songs I have featured in my playlist is the EDM "Greatest Day" remix by Robin Schulz (with Take That and Calum Scott). This song was not released in 2024, but it plays a pivotal role in my favorite movie of the year, "Anora." When you hear it during the film, it's one of the best sensations I remember having while watching a film. It really feels like that crazy no-holds-barred falling in love moment, which is pretty consequential in "Anora." I hope that movie sweeps the awards shows this year. And honestly, I tend to avoid EDM (because it gives me anxiety), but this sticks out so much in my mind I have to give it a shoutout.

Let's hope 2025 is a good year! We could use a good year! And less Jojo Siwa (although she seemed to dip out as the year went on.)

Happy holidays - I will be back with a movie-specific post with a ~ special guest. ~

"You" - Lucy Daydream (you need to hear this)

2024-12-16T19:51:00.006-05:00

This song is a throwback from 2019, but I absolutely love it and think more way people need to be aware of its existence. I guess Netflix featured it on a show or movie a while ago, but it's likely been a minute and so. Check it out! This is like a "Wicked Games" by way of dreampop with some shoegaze-y elements.

It looks like the Denver-based group remains active, so go shoot their other stuff a listen if you have some time today! I hope to be back with more contemporary stuff very soon - just went through my 2024 playlist and it's like if Lilith Fair came back and was repopulated with female pop singers. It was hard not to add the entire "Brat" album!

New Gems Came Out This Year!

2024-12-08T17:41:00.001-05:00

Hi! I have been pretty MIA this year - more so than usual, I think. Things have been very busy and I've only halfway completed my laundry from the past two weeks. But I'll get back there (eventually).

Earlier this year, one of my favorite bands on the indie-r side of things released a few new singles. Gems is dreampop duo based out of DC/LA who have been quiet for a while. Several years ago, they did some really interesting stuff with John Lennon covers and the phases of the moon. I absolutely adore this band, and was ecstatic to see their return.

This longtime duo of Lindsay Pitts and Clifford John Usher released two tracks: "The Past Is a Just a Story We Tell Ourselves" AND "Deus Ex Machina," which features Usher's other project, Falling Over Water. They have some really good stuff too, like "To Live and Die in LA." I'm not exactly sure what I'd classify them as, but dreampop adjacent seems appropriate. You can check out his stuff here.

Check out "The Past Is Just a Story We Tell Ourselves" from Gems below, and hopefully we'll get more music from them in 2025! Find them on bandcamp here.

"The Sky is Blue" - Annie

2024-09-15T19:09:00.000-04:00

Norwegian pop star powerhouse Annie is back! What an unexpected gift this year, as I believe the last time we had any new music from Annie was 2021 with the stellar EP follow-up to "Dark Hearts," "Neon Nights." Annie has a penchant for creating melancholic electronic music that isn't undanceable or without a catchy hook - and with "The Sky is Blue," she delivers exactly on that formula. I love how her music has this ability to feel fresh and contemporary but also very ageless. It works for her; I can't think of many other artists who are able to pull this off so well today.

On Friday, Annie officially dropped "The Sky is Blue" single, which contains with the initial track an extended mix as well as the instrumental "Himmelen Er Bla," which is Norwegian for "The Sky is Blue."

Looking forward to any further 2024 (or 2025) releases from Annie! Have a good week friends. <3

"Mischief Harmony" - Plage Tara

2024-08-20T00:50:00.005-04:00

I recently heard of an indie French band called Plage Tara who I would say veer strongly on the indie side. Plage means a fashionable beach by the sea - or so I am led to believe! Plage Tara sounds like a perfect backdrop for exactly that occasion. It's an alluring mix of dream-pop and post-rock, guided by otherworldly instrumentals.

I was introduced to this band by the actress Camille Razat of all people, who runs Soupire Records - the label the band is on. I actually listened to their album when I was in Vegas for work, and I found it an extremely grounding record that helped put me at ease as I find Vegas to be a lot. You can find that album, "Whales of Harmony," on streaming services as well as on SoundCloud.

Check out "Mischief Harmony" below!

"Free" - Rose Gray

2024-08-04T18:14:00.003-04:00

Excited to share a new song real fast today! The track is "Free" by up-and-comer Rose Gray, and it's amazing. Try to have a bad time listening to this song... you won't. It's certainly a song of the summer type, very breezy and feel good. Gray is a self-described "club kid" and you can hear it on this song.

Photo Credit: Yana Van Nuffel

You can hear traces of her inspirations in this fun anthem - like Madonna circa "Ray of Light," Robyn, and Kylie Minogue. The singer from Walthamshire (East London) herself likens the song to falling in love for the first time on a European beach, a boombox, and an ice-cold drink. And she really isn't far off in that comparison. I'm excited to hear more from Rose Gray, and really excited that we are having an insanely good summer for music. Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Lana and Quavo, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Megan Thee Stallion. If you like pop music you should be having a blast right now!

Also, I am eagerly awaiting the Uffie renaissance. I think she's had a bit of one, but I really want Gen Z to champion her since some of Charli's stuff is very influenced by her sound.

"Tough" - Quavo & LDR

2024-07-04T20:28:00.004-04:00

There's a strong argument for the Quavo-Lana single "Tough" to be crowned the coveted "SONG OF THE SUMMER." Do I think they hold a candle to "Espresso?" Uh no, but for me this is the song of the summer (no hate to Sabrina! It's-a me, Espresso!")

Lana returns to the trap elements she's touched on in the past, and maybe this is the first time I've said trap in that context in the history of this blog. And Quavo goes a little bit country! Some people are complaining he ruins the song on the Lana subreddits but I have no issue with his part, even though I hate autotune 9/10 times.

Here's the visualizer of the song. The actual video is a typical old school Lana video - meaning it's kind of over the top in the best way. She hasn't done something like this in a minute, unless you want to count "Chemtrails Over the Country Club."

Now honestly I was hooked on this song from the first snippets I heard back a few months ago, as both artists teased it on socials. I also heard Lana & Quavo play it at Fenway! But I think this song fell slightly short on my expectations.... but that being said I still love it and will overplay it in the next week. What would have helped it I think if it was a little longer? There's something I feel like is missing. However, it's still a really solid collab between two somewhat unexpected forces (it's not entirely true, as Lana has previously mentioned wanting to collaborate with Migos.) And that chorus! Chef's kiss.

2024 is truly a weird year. This election gives 2016; Lana's comeback makes me think of 2012, and possible bird flu issues on the horizon (and COVID resurgence) reminds me of 2020! Anyway, I am going to enjoy this song as the matrix continues to glitch.

"My Reflection" - Eli & Fur

2024-06-23T19:11:00.004-04:00

I'm on a roll lately! I wouldn't expect this to last. But back with another new single, "My Reflection" by the London-born and LA-based dance duo Eli & Fur. I had honestly never heard of them before, but they've been in the business for over a decade now. And at first listen I was pretty intrigued. It's an icy cool yet warm sound - a very untouchable electronic vibe. "My Reflection" is from their upcoming "Dreamscapes" album, which will be out on September 27th via the PIAS Electronique label. They are also doing a VERY limited tour run for "Dreamscapes," with three shows in total announced.

'The shows are as follows: October 12th at the Fonda in LA, October 19th at Brooklyn Steel in NYC, and November 16th at the Village Underground in London.

"Baby Blue Movie" - CAS

2024-06-16T20:01:00.007-04:00

You can expect a new CAS (Cigarettes After Sex) album in the coming weeks! I almost saw them last year but they ended up selling out which I absolutely did not expect to happen. I guess I underestimated the appeal of moody aesthetic music. Maybe everyone got hooked when they took over YouTube for that one year (2018? 2019?)

They'll be doing an ARENA tour (!!!!!!) this year - hitting Phoenix on October 8th (maybe won't sell out? Doubtful) - also Lana doing is an arena tour?! What is this year even? I feel like 2024 is the bleaker sequel to 2012 no one asked for. (Just kidding I liked 2012! I moved to Phoenix! Big year in my life. 2011 and 2013 can kick rocks though.)

Anyway here's the song, which is distinctly CAS, but it also reminds me a lot of the Xx in places. It really hits all the notes that they are known for, but I like how Greg Gonzalez's voice is almost softer here? It feels more developed and melodious, or it just might be a case of clearer production. Gonzalez has spoken to the storytelling in this song being purposefully cryptic, which IMO makes the song a little more appealing. CAS has raised eyebrows (and honestly, rightfully so) for some of their lyrical content so it's nice that this song leaves some more to the imagination. As a listener, I love when I have the chance to worldbuild with music and am not forced to a certain narrative. Daydreaming remains my #1 hobby.

The new album "X's" complete with other singles like "Tejano Blue" and "Dark Vacay" drops July 12th, and the arena tour which includes them playing MADISON SQUARE GARDEN (?1?) arrives later this year.

"Sweeter" - Cannons

2024-04-07T19:23:00.002-04:00

I truly wish I understood what Cannons does to their music to make it so instantly addicting to me. I am here with another cut from them - a fresh music video! - and I am again seeing them on tour this year because I have decided I want my mid-to-late 30s to be earmarked with a musical obsession. Fun!

"Sweeter" has a distinctly 1970s vibe to it, and the music video kind of has that feeling, too (much like Taylor Swift's "Midnight" covers). Cannons' thing tends to be songs celebrating and bemoaning both love and lust, and "Sweeter" is no different. But if a formula works, there's really no reason to stray from it.

The song ultimately is bittersweet, and not much happens in the music video besides lead singer Michelle Joy going through it in her hotel room, but I think anyone who has felt the depths of being lovelorn can likely relate. Plus Michelle is beautiful, so that never hurts, either.

I will be seeing Cannons next month in San Francisco! They are playing select shows and festivals all over the United States and Europe, so keep an eye out for when they hit your area.

Happy Eclipse,

Britt

"OMG" - Suki Waterhouse

2024-01-21T22:19:00.001-05:00

Suki Waterhouse might be in the news for award season buzz and having a baby with long-time boyfriend Robert Pattinson, but she's got some new music to share with the world, too! After lots of coy social media teasing, we have "OMG" which lives up to its title.

"To Love" from last year was an instant classic IMHO, and this song takes things in an exciting new direction. I think her second EP is slated for a release later this year, and what a release that will be! Suki seems set up to have an amazing 2024, and I'm here for it.

"Blame Brett" - The Beaches (2023 Recap)

2023-12-28T19:33:00.008-05:00

Another song I enjoyed from 2023 was the throwback banger "Blame Brett" by the Canadian band The Beaches. How this song didn't get ANY bigger, I don't know. (Apparently, it was quite big on TikTok but for me I didn't get that full effect.) The garage rock and even faint "Riot GRRL" vibes are strong in this one.

This song is so much blissful fun and a considerable hit from The Beaches, who followed up with a great album: "Blame My Ex." There are some other standout tracks on their second album, like "Edge of the Earth." But also isn't it great that Brett is a REAL guy who dated the lead singer and is in the band The Glorious Sons? (Actually, it's really not that bad. One time I texted a girl I liked who I got into it with - and she was very environmentally conscious - that I really loved straws, so. Um. We all have our moments.)

Happy listening! I hope to share a few more songs before 2024 arrives.

"I'm Just Ken" - Ryan Gosling (Merry Krismas Barbie)

2023-12-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

So if you know me at all even an iota you'll know how much I enjoyed "Barbie" this year. I knew I would because I love Greta Gerwig stuff, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. And become totally enamored with Margot Robbie. Feels weird to be in my mid-30s and crushing on a celeb so hard but here we are.

ANYWAY, there's nothing I can say about this film that hasn't already been said. I loved every aspect of it and will likely watch it during my holiday downtime. But I wanted to share the "Ken" EP news from this past week and my personal favorite cut from that "I'm Just Ken"-centric collection. In it Ryan Gosling really gets to shine once again with the help of Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.

I'm sure you can write off this whole effort as a cash grab but IDC. It's a very bleak end of year so a little frivolous joy and Ryan Gosling being as unserious as ever - but also somehow very serious and leaning into his power ballad - is a nice, unexpected treat. TBH I enjoyed this holiday version so much I'm finally listening to Dead Man's Bones. I did not like the Purple Disco version, but that's okay.

Remember - "the world can have Ken's voice, but only Barbie can have his eyes."

Happy Holidays!
Britt

"Laura" - M83 (looking back at 2023)

2023-12-16T19:26:00.002-05:00

Hi! So to write more and share music that I've kept to myself all year, I'm going to sort through some of my favorite songs from the haze that was 2023. I have a few other things I need to write about... but I will sprinkle that in with everything else.

I'm starting with M83, who is not a huge favorite of mine, but I've been a fan of their music for years (peaking in the early 2010s, with what I guess is the rest of the world.) M83 released "Fantasy" earlier this year and went on tour to support their ninth album, which was relatively well-received. I finally got to see M83 this year and it was well worth the wait at the Van Buren in Phoenix this April.

To be transparent, I haven't listened to this album in-depth, but there are some tracks I've really enjoyed. And one being the dreamy, lovesick "Laura." If this hasn't been used on a soundtrack YET it absolutely NEEDS TO BE.

Although it sounds like a love song, based off the internet's take, I think it might be more of an ode to the healing and transformative power of music than anything else. Honestly, if you like dreampop at all, I suggest taking the four minutes to listen to this literal voyage of a song.

Quick New Music Round-up

2023-11-05T18:06:00.003-05:00

Kind of forcing myself to post a little more due to a long absence! Life and work were/are busy, but not writing for long periods of time makes me feel incredibly unwell, so here I am. Do you remember when I did this a lot in like 2009? To be young again lol.

First up, The Beatles have a new-ish song out, "Now and Then," which is apparently The Beatles' final song. I did not know The Beatles were releasing new music, but AI is a very interesting (if not quite scary) thing. If you haven't listened to it yet, I recommend checking it out. It does not sound out of place in 2023 while managing to sound straight out of a time capsule.

Other music tidbits to share: I saw the "Eras" movie over this last weekend. Pretty good, considering I did not want to dish out an arm and a leg for the concert itself. Taylor Swift has gone very impressively far since I interviewed her in 2011. "1989" Taylor's version is continuing to shatter records, arguably as it is her most iconic album and probably the most highly anticipated re-release. Anyone else feel like the production was a little off on that version? To be fair tho, and this might be a hyperbolic statement, it's like remaking "Citizen Kane" ... probably won't work that well.

The Libertines are back, which is another shock to me. I grew up following Pete Doherty and Kate Moss on online tabloids! See, I was just thinking, it's a good thing I am not in a relationship because all my couple costumes would be music-related and kind of too niche. Pete and Kate, Beach House, The White Stripes. "Run Run Run" anyway is a fun song, a throwback to the band's glory days. And honestly, it's good to hear them back. IMO, they sound fresh, if a little more ragged from the last few decades. You can expect a new Libertines album come March 2024.

Phoenix-based duo Bogan Via has released a charming twee EP, "Everything's OK." Would absolutely recommend it for a comforting escape from life for some ephemeral 25 minutes. I had the pleasure of seeing them recently at the Tempe Public Library, and it was a fun little show. You can catch them at Canal Convergence this upcoming Thursday.

I've just heard of Northern Ireland-based Conchur White (please note there is an accent mark over that u, I just can't figure out how to do it on blogger), who has a debut album slated for January 2024. The singer-songwriter released "I Did Good Today" this past September, and has stated that the song deals with "craving validation but understanding that such approval can come at the expense of honesty or integrity." A lot of White's work deals with mental health issues, so I'm looking forward to diving into it more. He has opened for the likes of The Magnetic Fields, Margaret Glaspy, and Richard Hawley, which is pretty amazing.

Finally, both Roosevelt and Arlo Parks are coming to Phoenix next year for the McDowell Mountain Music Fest, which I've never attended. Other artists are of course performing, but I'm really just in it for Roosevelt and Arlo Parks. Check out the melancholic and beautiful "Caroline" by Parks below.

That's it! Until 2027 or whenever I decide to update again (which might be much sooner than that, but who knows.) Thanks for dealing with my music ramblings and please stay safe out there.

"Loving You" - Cannons (you need to hear this)

2023-11-02T23:42:00.007-04:00

My favorite band I've really gotten into this past year is the LA-based synthpop act Cannons. Fronted by lead singer Michelle Joy and rounded out with the likes of drummer Paul Davis and guitarist Ryan Clapham, I've been pretty obsessed since I heard "Fire for You" this past spring. I believe that song gained some virality on social media due to its pretty irresistible and kind of seductive vibe - like a Lana Del Rey on acid. The band has been around for more than a decade, but it seems like they've been picking up interest in the past few years (and especially this one). I seriously hope this band sells out stadiums someday; they are arguably one of my favorite acts I've heard in ages. (In Arizona? You can catch Cannons in Mesa alongside Lovejoy and Little Image on December 13th.) A few years ago, they even covered Harry Styles' hit "Golden," and did a wistful stripped-down version of it (listen below).

Their new album "Heartbeat Highway" arrives November 10th, and the band has released a flurry of singles off it, such as the AM radio-tinged "Bad Tattoo." However, my personal favorite is "Loving You," which I first was a riff on KISS's attempt at disco way back when. It has a little of that feeling toward the chorus, but otherwise, it's complete Cannons. Enjoy!

"Never-Ending Song" - Conan Gray

2023-06-22T00:04:00.001-04:00

I have not really paid a ton of attention to Conan Gray, but I think he's talented, and I have observed from a distance his output for the past few years. Happy to say he's stepped into what I think is top-tier pop star mode with his 1980s-inflected single, "Never-Ending Song." Check him channeling MJ in the video below!

I seriously think he is going to enter the big leagues (although he kind of already is there in a way). Excited to see what is in store for him next! Now i feel like I need to watch "The Never-Ending Story" finally.

"On a Beach" - Hayden featuring Feist

2023-06-11T23:40:00.004-04:00

I don't know how I missed "On a Beach" by Canadian singer-songwriter Hayden when it came out earlier this year, but damn! This is a nice upbeat track by a musician whose career has veered more melancholic. featuring Canadian chanteusese Feist. Coupled with a fun music video featuring a cameo from The National's Matt Berninger, don't be like me and sleep on this song. (Plus, Steve Buscemi!)

My introduction to Hayden came in the early 2000s when I first heard "Dynamite Walls" which I swear I found via the pre-loaded music on my Windows computer. But I've not been able to find any internet proof of this so I'm not sure if I'm hallucinating. Anyway, it's a more subdued track, but really beautiful. If you like indie or anything slightly more on the pensive side, you need to give this somewhat older (but still so gorgeous!) song a listen.

"Alcott" - The National + Taylor Swift/"Candy Necklace" - Lana Del Rey + Jon Batiste

2023-04-30T18:08:00.002-04:00

A quick glimpse into some of my favorite more mainstream songs of 2023 so far! The National's new album "First Two Pages of Frankenstein" dropped this past Friday, and features guest spots from the likes of Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers. Although I haven't really been into the last few National albums (I enjoyed "Sleep Well Beast" but could take or leave "I Am Easy to Find") I'm relieved to hear that "First Two Pages" is a return to form, and the collabs work wonderfully. "Alcott" with Taylor Swift is my favorite track off the album by far. I am almost surprised by how well Matt and Taylor's voices mesh well together. The National is touring this summer, and you KNOW Taylor Swift is currently on tour. Listen below:

And I really haven't written much about the overall album "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard" by Lana Del Rey, but it's another stunning achievement by one of the best singer-songwriters of our time. I will say I haven't fully warmed to it as it's one of those things that feels so lofty and so expansive it's hard for me to wrap my head around. But I will say you really can't argue she's a creative genius after checking it out. "Candy Necklace" featuring the extremely talented Jon Batiste is a chilling favorite - she's gone very piano ballad heavy in recent years, but "Ocean Blvd" is a nice contrast of the more introspective stuff with bangers like "A&W" and "Peppers" with the Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis and a ubiquitous Angelina Jolie metaphor. Check out "Candy Necklace" below - and look out for a possible Lana tour in the near future! Hopefully with not Taylor Swift prices. O_O

And just because:

By Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15975285

"Drag Queens Are Much Much Much Much Safer than AR-15s" - Benjamin Stranger

2023-04-22T17:02:00.002-04:00

That's quite the title, isn't it? But much truth to it - and definitely a very pertinent, urgent topic that is top of mind for a lot of Americans right now. This is a short and to-the-point acoustic song from Nashville-based singer-songwriter Benjamin Stranger, a new discovery for me personally. His music has a stripped-down indie feel to it, and calls to mind to me the work of Nick Cave, a little Josh Ritter, and maybe a hint of Tom Waits, too.

You can listen to the track below and take a moment to reflect on this increasingly disturbing facet of the culture wars our country is enveloped in.

Here's another more Waits-esque song from Benjamin Stranger, appropriately titled "Strange Things."