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Episode 22: Midnite Vultures (LP)
Beck
Simply one of the coolest albums I've heard from doing the show. Beck is one of those dudes whose work can be really polarizing, and this album really personifies that. To me, it's his most "Beck" album. Definitely weird, but so okay with itself.
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The Omnichord Real Book (LP)
Meshell Ndegeocello
Was recommended this by a coworker right when it came out last June and boy, did it not disappoint. This very modern multi-genre, jazz-rooted album has a ton of features and constantly defies expectations. It’s got hints of folk, rock, electronic, soul, blues…it’s undeniably creative. Meshell has been working in the music industry for years and it’s about time she got her due. Now she’s finally on Blue Note, she won a Grammy, and you’re really gonna miss out if you don’t listen before we all see what she does next! One of my favorites from 2023.
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Desire, I Want to Turn Into You (LP)
Caroline Polachek
Technically came out a while back but just came out on vinyl recently. Polachek is an opera trained vocalist hellbent on showcasing the experimental side of modern pop and this album is a perfect example of her showing off. You could start anywhere on this tracklist and have a great time so why not at the end? Billions was one of the singles released early and it still holds up beautifully. Pair it with some behind the scenes footage of her conducting the children’s choir used on the song and you’ll be hooked.
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Sun Arcs (LP)
Blue Lake
This is such a good soundtrack for your day to day life. It’s calming, introspective, a little melancholy…I listen to this instrumental album when I’m trying to concentrate or contemplate.
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HOW GOOD IT IS (LP)
Jimetta Rose & the Voices of
Big shoutout to former Amoebite Jimetta! Being in the presence of these musicians is a unreal experience. They’re so uplifting and powerful, you can’t help but feel the energy radiating off them when they’re singing. There is a lot of gospel and funky jazz influence on this overwhelmingly positive pick and everyone is giving it their all. Truly inspiring, this album will truly take any sunny day up a notch and a half!
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Rat Saw God (LP)
Wednesday
Comically descriptive lyrics and croony bedroom vocals reminiscent of Faye Webster all intermingled in a country/folk rock album that gets way heavier and then way lighter than you expect it to. Just start by throwing on the slashy grunge track 2 (Bull Believer) and try to force them into one genre. Go ahead! Try it! I won’t believe you!
(Extra props for the Mortal Kombat reference)
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Sick of Myself (BLU)
Kristoffer Borgli
This movie came out 2 years ago but I watched it for the first time last year. Norwegian director of last year’s hit Dream Scenario explores the sadistically narcissistic perspective of a young white woman seeking endless attention. It’s hilarious, it’s horrific, it’s right up my alley.
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The Holdovers (BLU)
Alexander Payne
Thought I wasn’t gonna care about this movie as much as I did until the tears were already pouring out of my eye sockets. Great! Now it’s a holiday classic.
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They Cloned Tyrone (Other)
Juel Taylor
Modern Blaxploitation meets government conspiracy. It’s stylish, timely, and laugh-out-loud funny. Everyone’s performance is stellar. Watched this one early on last year and it definitely left an impression so if memory serves, it’s due for a rewatch about now.
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Poor Things (Other)
Yorgos Lanthimos
Bought the book the second I read Yorgos had his mind set on this story. Modern feminist fantasy-esque story about a woman created by science (a la Frankenstein’s monster) that allows you the privilege of seeing the world through her eyes. The set design is unlike anything you’ve ever seen with a drool worthy score to match. All performances are wonderful but the standout is really Mark Ruffalo. You’ll never stub another toe without wimpily crying out the name, “Bellaaaa!”
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Scavengers Reign (BLU)
Joseph Bennett and Charles
Please, please, for the love of God do not sleep on this show. I’m a big Sci-Fi fan, especially when it feels totally unique and imaginative. I really don’t have enough words to describe how excellent this show is at that. It definitely leans horror, the animation is beautiful and surreal, and the characters all feel grounded. The story is thrilling , it will leave you digging your fingernails into the couch and wondering how they packed all that into a half hour episode. One of the most underrated watches of last year and I will be very disappointed if it doesn't get a second season.
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The Curse (BLU)
Benny Safdie
Benny Safdie, Nathan Fielder, and Emma Stone deliver a non-stop dosage of pure, unfiltered, 100% bonafied cringe right into your bloodstream. Ow. It hurts so good-ish.
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Fargo Season 5 (BLU)
Noah Hawley
Every season is great - this one is no exception. It’s a very female fronted season (Juno Temple, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and new-to-me breakout Richa Moorjani) and as per usual every single actor gives an all out performance I would watch time and time again (I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention David Rysdahl!). This series delivers thriller in the most fun way.
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BEEF (BLU)
Lee Sung Jin
I almost forgot about BEEF! This show was such a blast to watch, it's petty and exciting and funny. The cast is amazing and it gives you a great look at how Young Mazino might be for The Last of Us' second season. I laughed and cried at the same time - symbol of some great writing.
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Welcome To Hell (LP)
Joseph Shabason
He’s a saxophonist who’s played on albums by Destroyer and The War on Drugs. It’s jazz with moods ranging from 70s Herbie Hancock fusion to moody late-night soft rock ala The Blue Nile, apparently inspired by a classic 1996 Toy Machine skateboarding video.
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Radio Red (LP)
Laura Groves
She made a well-received LP as Blue Roses in 2008 but I only just discovered her last year. Sampha and Floating Points make appearances. The songs are tender and confessional with plenty of pianos and synths, often without percussion. There are hints of “Never For Ever”-era Kate Bush. Lovely stuff!
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Stand, Scatter EP
Lust Pattern
A member of synth-pop/darkwave duo Linea Aspera drops the dour attitude and gets a bit playful with his machines. Four jams of varying tempos in the style of Frak or Unit Moebius with zaps, gurgles, electro beats and some Cluster-like Krautrock grooves.
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In Parallel (LP)
Salamanda
This label is known for UK bass and techno, but this is sparkling, effervescent and cheerful ambient electronic music by two women from Seoul. Listen to it outdoors once the weather is warm again!
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a.s.o. (LP)
a.s.o.
The duo of vocalist/producer Alia Seror-O'Neill and producer Lewie Day (aka Tornado Wallace) have made a picture-perfect recreation of 90s trip-hop ala Massive Attack. Sometimes moody and dark, sometimes hopeful. Sink into your beanbag chair and chill out!
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In Dub Conference Volume One (LP)
Harry Mudie / King Tubby
A hard-to find dub reggae collector's favorite, first released in 1976 and available again on wax! Don't wait to grab a copy- who knows how long it will stay in print...
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