Music We Like - Amoeba.com

Episode 23: Stained Class (Other)

Judas Priest

This episode is a stark contrast to my other pick. The story surrounding Stained Class is a bleak one but it provokes a really interesting and necessary conversation. Follow along as we dissect the stigmas that come with Metal as a genre and the confusion that follows when you take music to court!

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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! Read more

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) Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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!” Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

When The Poems Do What They Do (LP)

Aja Monet

One of the most impactful and inspiring Poets of this generation. Aja has been one of my favorites throughout the years and the way she cultivates words and sound to punctuate the soul in her live performances has always left me spellbound. Witnessing this album live was a life changing experience. Read more

Volcano (LP)

Jungle

Floored by the amount of Soul, House and Electronica put into this album. Reminiscent of 70's-90's artists like Funkadelic, Prince, Dee-lite, and the phenomenal choreography in their videos gives a deep nostalgia of Soul-Train. Read more

Sit Down For Summer (LP)

Blonde Redhead

Flawless, Dreamy, Melodic, Spacey, Ethereal. From start to finish. Read more

Fuse (LP)

Everything But The Girl

90's revival. EBTG delivers their essence of Trip-Hop and dance. This album was much looked forward to having been obsessed throughout High School. Read more

Hello (CD)

POE

One of the most groundbreaking and phenomenal Trip-Hop albums of the 90's. Legendary J-Dilla cultivated the beat for the track "Fingertips" a solid forever favorite of mine. Read more

Atlas (LP)

Laurel Halo

If you like experimental/ambient music I strongly suggest checking this album out. Field recordings, synths and saxophone flares galore. Great night time or rainy day listen Read more

Amoeba hollywood Staff