Aaron Gash

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 4/22/24

A bit delayed due to my Costa Rica travels, the fact that I had to dig pretty deep to find new good music this week, and me trying to type everything up on my iPad in an airport, but we will prevail! Also, per the suggestion of a few select friends, I’m going to try a slightly different format for Spotify linking since I know there have been issues - basically just using hyperlinks instead of trying to embed everything. You can click the title of this article for a playlist of these songs in the correct order, and I’ll also try to hyperlink each individual song as well (although that might be tougher this week with my more limited resources).

1. HERicane - Lucky Daye

Love Lucky Daye, like this single quite a bit. It seems that he’s teasing an album based on his social media activity as of late and I’m really looking forward to that. I will absolutely be bumping this in the summer.

2. Attack of the Dreadlocks (feat. Rae Khalil) - Seafood Sam

Had never heard of Seafood Sam prior to this song, but this (and the entire album, honestly) is GREAT. Smooth, laid back, catchy. I love it. Rae Khalil always lands for me, and she absolutely floats here.

3. Again - Still Woozy

If I had to take a shot every time Still Woozy released a bad song, I’d be a sober man.

4. Better - Pip Mallett

Completely floored by Pip’s lyrics and how commanding her voice is on this track. I feel every word - “I hate this fucking crowd, I hate that you’re so loud, I hate that I feel insecure” - man. She sings with such vulnerability and conviction, I can’t help but believe her.

5. Hanging By A Moment - Slow Pulp

Again, generally not a cover guy, but Slow Pulp sounds great singing this late ‘90s classic by Lifehouse. This one did numbers in my dad’s Acura TL on satellite radio circa 2006.

6. Happy World - Debbii Dawson

Hadn’t heard of Debbii Dawson before today, but she absolutely has my attention now. Wow. Checked to see if it sampled ABBA, and from what I can tell, it’s all her. This is incredible. brb, need to watch Mamma Mia again.

7. Baddy On The Floor (feat. Honey Dijon) - Jamie xx

Just a catchy house song. Love the piano stabs, love the horns. It’s a fun time!

8. Espectacular - Sky Rompiendo x Rauw Alejandro

Maybe it’s the “I was just in Costa Rica for a long weekend” talking, but I LOVE this. Upbeat Spanish bop, what’s not to like?

9. Hold You Down (feat. Odeal) - Juls

Sultry, Brent Faiyaz-esque vibes. Really digging the general tone of Juls’ voice and the layered harmonies on both the chorus and throughout the track.

10. Nobody But You - Brainstory

Technically speaking, this was released as a single last year, but this week is fucked and I dig the song. Kinda sounds like a soul song from ‘60s / ‘70s except by white indie dudes who look like me. I fuck with it.

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 4/14/24

It’s become clear that when you’re not completely ignoring your whole ass job, writing a whole ass article becomes much more difficult - who knew! Still aiming to get these out every week, just might not be a Friday / same day situation. Alas.

1. Hold Up - Sasha Keable

Sasha Keable has quietly dropped some gems in the past 4 to 5 years (I was shocked to discover that she’s the featured artist on Disclosure’s “Voices”, a song I've adored for years), but this single might be her best release to date. She confidently sings here over jazzy, electronic keyboard chords, giving us some modern … dare I say … Amy Winehouse vibes? At the very least, she sounds more like Amy than whatever the fuck is happening with this Back to Black movie.

2. Illusion - Dua Lipa

This sounds like early Dua, and I mean that in the best way possible. She’s been getting a weird amount of hate in the pop world - I think it’s hard to follow an album as incredible as Future Nostalgia, but none of these songs are bad at all. Leave her be!

3. The Kill - Maggie Rogers

A clear highlight from a really strong album in Don’t Forget Me, I fuckin’ love this. Her harmonies here are top notch, and the upbeat country / folk vibe she has going works so well with her voice and songwriting. This song is so good that I actually looked up tickets to her Milwaukee show in the middle of typing out this blurb.

4. Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter

Just a fun little girly-bop bop with bonus track vibes - I think she put this out for Coachella promo? Regardless, happy to add this to the library. 

5. Nasty - Tinashe

Tinashe has quietly released some bangers since she blew up back in the day with 2 On - add this one to the list. I would go feral if I heard this drunk in a bar. I will go feral when I pay way too much to hear it at a bar via TouchTunes.

6. Player Two - Jordan Ward

Jordan Ward doesn’t miss and this is catchy as hell. Looks like it’s going to be featured in a movie I’ve never heard of based on the title - interesting. It kind of sounds like a cross between disco, yacht rock, and R&B.

7. Ash Roth! - Asher Roth

I was a MASSIVE Asher Roth fan back in the day, so I was thrilled to see that he dropped a new album this weekend. This was a clear highlight for me, as Asher introspectively reflects on himself and his career over a laid back beat, reminiscent of his Pabst & Jazz era. Dude can really rap and I’ve always said that. I’m also realizing now that he’s released multiple albums since 2020 that I never listened to, so that’s a rabbit hole I will absolutely be going down in the near future. At one point, a video existed on the internet of Asher Roth singing "Just Friends" by Musiq Soulchild live on stage, and while I can no longer locate this video, seeing that told me everything I needed to know about Asher Roth. I'll bet you had no idea I had this much to say about Asher Roth. I can't even explain it, I surprise myself too.

8. TWUG (That’s What U Get) - Jean Deaux

A great R&B beat and a solid vocal performance from Jean Deaux. I always find myself wanting more from her projects when I listen through, but she’s released great individual songs over the years. 

9. magic - strongboi

Knew literally nothing about them before writing this but have since discovered that strongboi = Alice Phoebe Lou + a producer / collaborator? Alice Phoebe Lou fucking rocks, as does this song! Slayyy, niche indie queen. This sounds like a breezy summer day and I'm loving every second of it.

10. How? - Dhruv

Another artist I know very little about, but my god, Dhruv has a beautiful voice. I could listen to this man sing all day.

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 4/7/24

First off, to my DOZENS of fans, I want to apologize for missing my Friday deadline - between shooting multiple Bucks & Brewers games, editing photos from said games afterwards, seeing Sampha live in Madison on Friday night, and trying to prepare for starting a new job tomorrow, I've been busy. But I should have allocated time to my devoted readers. Please accept my apology and enjoy what was actually a good week of tunes! I’m honestly burnt the fuck out so we’ll see how articulate I'll be, but at the very least, you’re getting a list of new music.

1. Connect - Vampire Weekend

This is so wonderfully weird and perfect. (I think the drums are the same ones that they used in Mansard Roof back in 2008?) I noted their use of piano in one of their earlier singles, but this is next level - I had no idea Ezra could play like that, wow. (Specifically at the 3:30-ish mark in the song ... I'm blown away.) Ethereal and jazzy and groovy and everything I could ever ask for in a Vampire Weekend song in 2024.

2. All Falls Down - Lizzie McAlpine

As noted in this blog previously, I love a lot of Lizzie McAlpine’s music, but it’s usually slower and sadder and more emotional. But this? This is a BOP. I had no idea she was capable of making something like this but I’m so glad she did. It reminds me a ton of something that we would have heard on Clairo’s Sling. (Caroline said “Kacey Musgraves” - that too!).

3. 86Sentra - NxWorries 

This is a perfect blend of Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge's skill sets - so smooth, so catchy. An absolute vibe that I’ve already listened to so many times. I really appreciate how short it is but how much content Anderson ".Paaks" into his single verse (get it?).

4. B2b - Charli XCX

Not her strongest track ever, but just a solid, catchy, good Charli song. The production outshines her - especially in the second half - but I’ll never be mad listening to this.

5. After Hours - Kehlani

A clubby Kehlani song with a strong chorus and a catchy beat? Sign me the fuck up! It'll be tough for her to top 2022’s criminally underrated blue water road, but this is a step in the right direction.

6. OKLOSER - Doja Cat

Say what you will about her antics … Doja makes good music. And this is quintessential Doja - a great, pop-rap beat, with catchy ad libs and fun verses. The batch of new songs on the bonus version of Scarlet was hit or miss for me, but this landed.

7. Comin’ Around Again - Amber Mark

Just a great, sexy R&B song. Love the contrast sonically between the quieter, lowkey verses and the bigger, wider choruses.

8. Takaramono - Mei Semones

I don’t have the words to describe this one. If you like songs with multiple time signatures, languages, genres, and just a general “I have no idea where this is going next" vibe - this is for you! At the very least, I think you just have to acknowledge that what Mei Semones is doing is completely unique and original.

9. Todavía Viva - Khruangbin

Smooth, sultry production, and a rare Khruangbin song with vocals! (Honestly, I don’t know their music well enough to know if this is fully true or not, it just feels like most songs I hear by them are fully / almost-fully instrumental.) I love this and it feels primed to be sampled for a West Coast-esque hip-hop song at some point.

10. Can You Look In The Mirror? - Fabiana Palladino

Daughter of legendary bass guitarist Pino Palladino? Signed to Jai Paul / A. K. Paul’s record label? Now HERE’S a nepo baby we can all get behind! On the real, this song is great, conjuring up brief moments of ‘80s / ‘90s Prince vibes.

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 3/29/24

Happy Beyoncé Day to those who celebrate! Posting later today because it was my last day at my current job and I was actually working/packing up/getting my shit together instead of what I normally do (pretending I’m working while I’m actually writing a long blog post and researching new music all day). 

1. BODYGUARD - Beyoncé

This is just … perfect. Feels like a breezy summer day and kind of gives me Golden Hour-era Kacey Musgraves vibes. Beyoncé nails every fuckin’ genre with such ease, I could listen to this forever. And I will!

2. JOLENE - Beyoncé

I’m generally not into covers, especially as recorded songs on an album. I didn’t feel as connected to “BLACKBIRD” earlier on COWBOY CARTER. But this? Man, this hits. I really appreciate the slight lyrical changes she made - “I’m still a Creole banjee bitch from Louisianne”. And the “DOLLY P” interlude to lead into it? Chills.

3. SPAGHETTII - Beyoncé

Everyone talks about how they can’t wait for the third iteration of this trilogy, with the expectation being that it will be a full on rock album. I’m sure that will be great and I’m certain Beyoncé will kill it because she’s Beyoncé. But what I really want and what I’ve been craving for years is a full album of Beyoncé just straight up rapping. This, along with multiple other examples over the years, showcase how she can really spit, and I would eat a full album of that right up. Over weird, scattered Swizz Beats production, Beyoncé sounds as confident as ever. I need more of this, and it was such a nice departure from the twangier country sounds we got on the rest of COWBOY CARTER.

4. II MOST WANTED (feat. Miley Cyrus) - Beyoncé

Love how this is a proper duet and not just a guest verse from Miley. They sound great together in unison and even better harmonizing with one another. It’s giving “Landslide” and I’m here for it.

5. TYRANT - Beyoncé

I promise this is the last Beyoncé song, but it’s her week! Again, this song goes so hard, and it feels like the most ideal blend of what we think of “typical” Beyoncé production combined with some of that country twang. I’m not at all mad about how it played out, but I think I expected more of the album to sound like this. I have no words left to say about Beyoncé at this point in time. I honestly could have just picked 10 songs from the album and called it a day. Alas!

6. Money At - Flyana Boss

This duo is so sick and I refuse to let them be one hit wonders after the viral success of “You Wish”. Just a fun, bouncy ass song that makes me scrunch my face up.

7. Do Thangs - Buddy

It will get completely overshadowed by the Beyoncé release, but Buddy dropped an excellent album, Don’t Forget To Breath, today as well. Hollywood Cole provides an outstanding, groovy beat here, and Buddy absolutely does it justice. He’s really improved as a singer, too - he can comfortably hold his own on hooks and bridges. 

8. Take Me to the River - Lorde

Recorded as a cover (two covers this week after I specifically stated I’m not into covers? Who am I?)  to the 1978 original by The Talking Heads, Lorde crushes this. I’ve never really heard her over this Bruce Springsteen-esque production but I enjoyed it a lot. Feel free to drop some new music, Lorde … any day now …

9. so down for him - lil hero

lil hero has quietly been a niche favorite of mine for a year or two, capitalizing on the sound that Pinkpantheress normalized. She’s consistently dropped catchy, almost lo-fi R&B earworms. Her music sounds vintage (think Y2K) while simultaneously feeling futuristic. My short attention span appreciates how she has precisely zero songs over 3 minutes in length.

10. World on a String - Jessica Pratt

Don't know much about Jessica Pratt but I've noticed her getting some buzz lately in indie corners of the internet and figured it was worth checking out her new single; I was not disappointed! She has such a unique, distinctive vocal tone. This song manages to hold my attention despite *almost* having no drums. I can totally see this being played in an emotional scene in a critically claimed movie that I love that eventually ends up getting snubbed at the Oscars.

[aaronafgash]

Bucks vs Heat, 2/13/24

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 3/22/24

What a fuckin’ week! Full album releases from Waxahatchee, Good Morning, SiR, Matt Champion, Future & Metro Boomin, Adrianne Lenker, LOONY, and TYLA, on top of some incredible singles as well. I have been listening to new music quite literally all day and I’m not mad.

1. Cinderella - Remi Wolf

Remi Wolf really has never missed, and this fantastic lead single from her upcoming album Big Ideas continues that trend. It may be snowing here in Milwaukee, but at least I get to experience 4 minutes of spring every time I bump this. Funk-infused pop? Bright, punchy guitars paired beautifully with a brass section? Remi’s wacky, carefree, powerful vocals on top of all that? It all just works perfectly. Also - “Me and the boys in the hotel lobby!” is such a classic Remi line that I legitimately looked it up to see if she’s ever sung that before.

2. Like That (feat. ******** *****) - Future & Metro Boomin

I was already excited to hear this after some previews were floating around recently on social media, but holy hell, absolutely nothing could prepare me for the secret guest verse on this. It already would have been one of my favorite hip-hop songs of the year - a sensational Metro Boomin beat and Future sounding more locked in than he has in years - but the verse really took things to another level. (And yes, I am intentionally keeping it a secret for anyone who hasn’t heard it yet!)

3. So Sick Of Dreaming - Maggie Rogers

This is lovely. Some country / twang vibes, but still very much so a Maggie Rogers song. I particularly love the little breakdown where she talks about getting stood up for a dude who got tickets to a Knicks game. My sister described this as “HAIM x Shania Twain” - accurate!

4. The Lake - Good Morning

Good Morning has quietly become one of my favorite bands over the years, but they really stepped things up with their new album, Good Morning Seven. Basically all of their previous projects have sat somewhere between 15 to 30 minutes, consisting of some iteration of lo-fi songs with guitar, keys, bass, and drums. And they really perfected that formula, crafting gorgeous albums that connected deeply with their fans (aka me). But THIS is different. Running at 50 minutes, this 17 track album just feels more alive than anything else Good Morning has ever put out. Suddenly, the band is utilizing strings and synths and samples and background choirs. I couldn’t believe my ears when I got to this song, “The Lake” - it almost sounds like something off of the last Vampire Weekend album. Big, booming, almost tribal drums, layered guitars, airy synths … this rocks. Sorry, that was a lot of words about a small indie band, but I love seeing their growth!

5. Shotput - Still Woozy

I saw Still Woozy live in Madison in 2021 and he was straight ass. Not ass? This song. I still love all of Still Woozy’s music, and after a lengthy 3-year hiatus, he’s back with another slapper. He also continues his trend of having truly stunning album artwork.

6. Crowbar - Waxahatchee

This sounds like something you’d hear at the end of a movie, when the main character decides to drive out to one of the coasts, excited about the opportunities ahead. Waxahatchee kicks ass - every line I pick out of these lyrics is so well-written. “I move awkwardly at the speed of light” - same, dude.

7. POETRY IN MOTION (feat. Anderson .Paak) - SiR

SiR is a smooth dude. Anderson .Paak is a smooth dude. This is a smooth ass song. SiR is excellent at these R&B/rap hybrid type songs, and .Paak matches his energy perfectly. Many great tracks on this album, but “POETRY IN MOTION” stood out to me the most.

8. Steel (feat. Dora Jar) - Matt Champion

This song renders me speechless. This is basically me just writing what I’m hearing as I start the song over repeatedly, because I don’t know how else to describe what’s happening. A.G. Cook-esque electronic weirdness? Piano keys that sound like Bruce Hornsby? Sped up vocal samples? Dijon / Mk.gee textures? Dora Jar SLIDES on this - I love how she’s layering her vocals, and I love that little laugh she gives during her verse. I really appreciate how bouncy this is. You’re constantly on the edge of your seat thinking about where it’s going next, but there’s still that constant groove driving the song. 

9. No.1 (feat. Tems) - Tyla

I never got into “Water” by Tyla, but I was impressed by her debut self-titled album, and this was a clear standout. Upbeat (but still laid back), she and Tems trade verses, floating over the highly percussive beat. I dig it. 

10. No Machine - Adrianne Lenker

Adrianne Lenker is an old soul, and she makes that old school folk music, the type of thing you feel like you should be listening to around a campfire. Her tone is honest and pure - just her singing over a guitar is captivating enough as is, but the subtle background production / vocals happening on this really elevate the song. Big fan of how she hits the last note on “Don't know where I'd go without you” and the chords change around her while she sings the same thing.

[aaronafgash]

Bucks vs Pelicans, 1/27/24

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 3/15/24

Some disappointing releases from some big artists today (*cough cough* Justin Timberlake *cough cough* Kacey Musgraves), but overall, a ton of new tunes today. Let’s get it.

P.S. To the 3 people who read this, next week is about to be a DOOZIE for new music. Full albums from Waxahatchee, Khruangbin, Good Morning, SiR, Matt Champion, and Future x Metro Boomin’, and that’s not even including any singles that will inevitably be dropping as well. What a year for music. Anyways, here we go.

1. I Guess - Lizzy McAlpine

Lizzy’s just going to keep dropping heat, eh? Absolutely adore this. The “beat drop” around two and a half minutes in borders on being a tiny bit corny, but also reminds me of Fleet Foxes, and I bet that melodic chant at the end will be fun to sing at her live shows. Really appreciate the choices she’s making production-wise, including brass horns and Phoebe Bridgers-esque electronic indie sounds to add some texture.

2. Classical - Vampire Weekend

Probably my favorite of the three singles Vampire Weekend has dropped so far. For lack of a better term, it’s just a classic VW song. That little synth lead (maybe synth? Genuinely cannot place what instrument I’m hearing) on the hook / chorus makes me want to hit an Irish jig, just in time for St Patrick’s Day. Really beautiful piano on the 2nd half of this (played by Ezra Koenig himself, according to Genius!).

3. HATE YOUR GUTS - INJI

It always blows me away when artists I’ve barely heard of casually have production like THIS so early in their careers. I heard “GASLIGHT” by INJI at some point last year and was immediately entranced - she’s done it again here. Her Spotify bio reads “making music you can scream along to :)” and that is exactly what my ass will be doing when that chorus comes on. This kind of lands somewhere between Kim Petras (sonically) and Olivia Rodrigo (thematically). If you feel like you’re in the middle of that Venn diagram, this is absolutely worth a listen. 

4. Down Swinging - Holly Humberstone

Holly Humberstone is the queen of “pretty sad songs that absolutely slap.” I love the chord progression when she sings “Watch me keep my cool tonight”. Also enjoyed the unexpected saxophone appearance.

5. Neva (feat. Monaleo) - Flo Milli

This was a standout from Flo Milli’s new album Fine Ho, Stay. The Juicy J x Lex Luther production was not something I expected to hear on a Flo Milli album but she sounds super comfortable here - I’m not used to hearing her on the more laid-back beats, but I dig it. Things I also dig: how her name appears on the album art like the VH1 logo back in the day.

6. BURNING BRAINS - Tierra Whack

I was a bit nervous going into this album considering my disdain for the two singles Tierra Whack had dropped for it, but I was delightfully surprised to hear quite a few songs I enjoyed. “BURNING BRAINS” specifically stood out to me. That chorus - “Soup too hot, ice too cold / Grass too green, sky too blue” - combined with the slow, prodding beat makes for a sad, depressing ass vibe, but one that I enjoy living in for a few minutes. Hip-hop has felt quite stale lately, so I appreciate Tierra doing something different and outside the box.

7. Enough (Miami) - Cardi B

Nothing crazy from Ms. Cardi here but it feels like a proper return to form - a catchy pop-rap beat, energetic raps, some memorable bars. No complaints!

8. Lonely Millionaire - Kacey Musgraves

This new Kacey Musgraves album was not for me, but this one landed - at least more than anything else did on Deeper Well. The “what good is being rich if you’re alone” sentiment is one that often works for me (thinking about Kanye West on “Welcome to Heartbreak”). Nothing revolutionary happening here, but the chords are nice, it’s a laid back vibe, and I can appreciate the message. More of this!

9. What Lovers Do - Justin Timberlake

This new Justin Timberlake album was ABSOLUTELY not for me, but there’s something funny about me perking up and enjoying the production on this song specifically only to realize it’s one of the few that Timbaland contributed to. Do I need to hear a 43-year-old JT sing about banging Jessica Biel? Absolutely not. But if he’s going to do it, at least he’s singing over a smooth ass Timbaland beat. I’m also really struggling to get to 10 songs now, so on a stronger week, I would have been happy to completely ignore this one. Alas!

10. STOP BY (feat. Garret Sparrow, Max Leonard, & Joshua Raw) - Bilking With Francis

I know truly nothing about Biking With Francis, nor do I know anything about the featured artists. But I heard this on my Discover Weekly on Spotify a few days ago and was so impressed by how catchy it is. Steve Lacy-esque production and I can’t get enough of this hook - I genuinely wish this was longer than 3 minutes.

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 3/8/24

Happy Friday, y’all. It’s been a week. I currently have COVID, so if I write like shit today, let’s just blame it on that!

1. eternal sunshine - Ariana Grande

Say what you will about the woman, but my lord, can she make a catchy ass pop song. Max Martin’s bouncy, colorful production pairs perfectly with Ariana’s falsetto flows - I can’t stop listening to this one. Bonus points for the little chime we get after she sings “you played me like Atari” - I love when a beat plays off of a lyric like that.

2. the boy is mine - Ariana Grande

Pretty much all of the above notes apply to this song as well. Written as a sort of follow up / sequel to her popular “fantasize”, Ariana has called this an elevated version of a “bad girl anthem.” Which is fine, until you realize that this is the “boy” in question. All that being said … song slaps. 

3. bye - Ariana Grande

I have no further Ariana thoughts. This song is also pretty good. This is a rough week for new music outside of this album. See above!

4. Run Your Mouth - The Marías

The Marías make consistently excellent music, and this single continues that tradition. As soon as that bassline kicks in, it’s clear that this is a bop. 

5. Tegami - Mei Semones

I’ve written about Mei Semones before. I will continue to write about Mei Semones. Her voice is so gentle and that jazzy, string-backed production has me hooked - as soon as she comes to a tiny shithole venue in Chicago, my ass is THERE!

6. And U Know It - KYLE

KYLE catches some flak in the hip-hop world but dude just consistently pumps out fun, catchy pop-rap. He sounds great flowing over faster, uptempo beats, and he can hold a good enough melody to carry his own hooks. This song does everything I want from a KYLE song - fast-paced, packed full of energy. I appreciate the inclusion of some brass as well!

7. Neva Beta - KYLE

Almost an interlude-type track, but again catchy as hell. See above as all points apply. I apologize for lamely including multiple songs from the same album but this week is tough!

8. Husk - Hannah Frances

A beautiful, quiet track that slowly grows more and more over the course of 5 minutes, starting with an acoustic guitar and lead vocals and eventually introducing background harmonies, strings, a harp, a piano, and a wall of voices big enough to be a choir. This is gorgeous. I had never heard of Hannah Frances before, but shoutout Steve for the recommendation. She's the type of artist I’d hear as an indie opener and think “oh shit! I need to listen to her music.”

9. Let Love Flow On - Sonya Spence

As stated, I caught the ol’ COVID bug this week and have been consequently lying horizontally while I watch critically acclaimed Oscar-nominated films on my iPad. Immediately after I finished American Fiction, I ran to Spotify to find the song that played during the wedding scene. I’ve listened to this about one million times since Tuesday - pure bliss. I hope it continues to be heard and recognized for the gem that it is as more and more people watch the movie.

10. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying - Labi Siffre

I loved a lot of the music from Holdovers as well, and this was a standout. Another older song that I hope gets more recognition now that it’s been used in an excellent movie. 

[aaronafgash]

Bucks vs Cavaliers, 1/26/24

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 3/1/24

1. Von dutch - Charli XCX

After a full month of teasing on social media, Charli XCX has finally released her lead single for her upcoming album, Brat, and it does not disappoint. This song sounds like drugs and I mean that in the best way possible. The girls and the gays will love this, and who am I to disagree with them?

2. Thinking About You - Faye Webster

Didn’t love some of the singles so I was a bit nervous to hear what Faye Webster’s new album, Underdressed at the Symphony, would sound like, but those concerns were immediately extinguished as soon as I heard this intro. Faye’s band has always been a secret strength behind her music, and that proves to be true yet again on “Thinking About You”. The Wilco-esque groove leaves you in a trance, so much so that you might not notice that she sings “I’m thinking about yooooooou” about a thousand times!

3. Wanna Quit All the Time - Faye Webster

Again, Faye and her band sound incredible here. I love the kind of tropical, twangy vibe we’re getting on this one - it reminds me quite a bit of Molly Lewis, to the point where I actually checked to see if she had any writing / production credits (she doesn’t). Per usual, Faye keeps it real lyrically. “Overthinking in my head again / I’m good at making shit negative / Right now I hate the color of my house” elicits the same feelings I get when I hear her sing “I’m losing my mind / Why the hell did I paint these walls white?” on “Jonny” from her debut album. I could listen to this on repeat for hours.

4. Excalibur - Good Morning

One of my favorite indie groups of the last decade, Good Morning comes correct with a new single from their upcoming album Good Morning Seven. As someone who had a strange, partially isolating, semi-existential Vegas experience a few years back, and as someone who also happened to stay at the Excalibur a few years before that, it’s safe to say that I can personally relate to this song. Vegas as a concept is pretty bizarre, and lyrics like “And over there by the pyramid, right next to the fountains and the Empire State Building / Could have sworn that I was present for the minute” beautifully encapsulate what it can feel like at times.

5. ecstasy - Public Library Commute

Just a nice, chill, catchy, easy-to-listen-to song. I’ve been a fan of Public Library Commute’s previous work and this continues that trend. Lovely harmonies and I’m a fan of his vocal tone.

6. Sometimes - Mannequin Pussy

Mannequin Pussy rocks so hard. I Got Heaven feels like their most cohesive and accessible album to date, and “Sometimes” is a clear highlight for me. Love the grunge, but I appreciate their softer moments too - those two aspects of their sound fit perfectly together.

7. THank god 4 me - ScHoolboy Q

I didn’t love the new album Blue Lips, but it’s always good to see ScHoolboy Q back, and I did enjoy this song a ton. Starting with the chill, vibey sample, switching to an horn-blaring trap beat, and then combining the trap drums with the intro sample is brilliant producing, and Q sounds great over it all, adjusting his cadence and flow to each section.

8. Need Nothing - Katie Tupper

Had to dig pretty deep to find this one, but Katie Tupper sounds excellent on this jazzy, simple, upbeat track. I’ve heard her featured on a few songs on vbnd’s Daughter of the Sun, but my exposure to her is pretty limited outside of that. May need to familiarize myself with her game considering how much I fuck with this one.

9. Slug - Matt Champion

I haven’t followed Matt Champion’s career too closely post-BROCKHAMPTON days, and the bits and pieces I've heard haven’t left much of an impression. But this hits. A fast paced beat, and unexpected, textured, and layered vocals bring this together.

10. Cinnamon Crush (feat. Lindsey Lomis) - Jacob Collier

Jacob Collier is hit or miss for me for sure, but I tend to be into his more R&B-leaning songs, which is exactly what we have here. Beautiful harmonies - I appreciate how well he and Lindsey Lomis’ voices blend together. Lindsey crushes her voice, floating and running over the thumping, understated beat.

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 2/23/24

Pretty bad week again for the new tunes, but that’s why I’m here, trying to find the diamonds in the rough. And boy, was this rough. A dishonorable mention to the new corny-ass Justin Timberlake song. Where were you when he lost all rizz? Fascinating what happens when he isn't backed by Pharrell and Timbaland. Anyways, enjoy!

1. Test It - Erika de Casier

There’s something about Erika de Casier’s music that feels mysteriously nostalgic - familiar for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint. It’s almost like I’m discovering an artist from the ‘90s that went under the radar back in the day. That being said - this song rocks. Sultry and lowkey, Erika sings in an almost-whisper, discussing how she and a potential partner need to “test” things out before fully committing. Her album was hit or miss, but this song is a clear hit. (Sidenote - worth listening to "ice" if you want to hear an all-time Andre 3000 impersonation.)

2. I Don’t Love You - Charlotte Day Wilson

Charlotte Day Wilson - who I’ll be referring to as CDW for the remainder of this blurb to avoid writing her long-ass name out again - sings with her soul. “I Don’t Love You” is a classic breakup ballad, but there are some fascinating things happening texturally on the backing production, including synth pads and sped-up samples. “It's more peaceful being heartbroken” is a devastating (but effective) lyric in the first verse. Knowing that shit is going to hurt but accepting that it’s the right thing for yourself? Damn, CDW. Bars.

3. Illusions - Jalen Ngonda

Talk about an old soul. Jalen Ngonda burst onto the R&B scene last year with his debut album Come Around and Love Me, a warm, beautiful soul album that makes you want to dance in the kitchen with your partner. He keeps the vibe going here with “Illusions”, his first release since then. The production is perfect, channeling ‘60s Motown, but his voice is the reason you want to keep listening - this dude would have been a star in any era. Whereas artists like Bruno Mars pick a decade and base an entire album / era on that, what Jalen’s doing here feels much more authentic and grounded - more reminiscent of someone like Leon Bridges.

4. High Value (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) - RJMrLA

I know literally nothing about RJMrLA, but I cannot stress enough how nice it is to hear Ty Dolla $ign collaborate with someone who isn’t a Nazi. Good West-coast beat, solid verses, and a great hook. (We’re only on the fourth song and I’m already starting to struggle. Bear with me.)

5. Britpop - A. G. Cook

A.G. Cook has been one of Charli XCX’s main collaborators for a while now. I tend to have a harder time getting into his solo work, but this is catchy, and you can definitely hear Charli over this kind of beat. We love mindless electronic music!

((Update - after some light reading, I discovered that Charli's voice is the one we hear on this song. Sick!))

6. Karma (feat. Isaiah Rashad) - SiR

TDE-labelmates SiR and Isaiah Rashad link up here for a laid back track. SiR’s recent single “No Evil” hit much harder for me, but I’m not mad at this. 

7. Flowers - Real Estate

Real Estate’s 2014 album Atlas is one of my favorite front to back records of all time, conjuring up nostalgic memories of the spring before graduating high school. Their new album, Daniel, does not live up to that billing! But “Flowers” specifically strikes me as a proper return to form for the indie rock mainstays - a breezy, chill track that just feels like summer.

8. Mine (feat. Shakka) - Ghetts

I mentioned Ghetts’ single with Sampha a few weeks ago - he dropped his full album, On Purpose, With Purpose, today, and this song was a standout. Over an uptempo, soul-sampled beat, Ghetts flows effortlessly while maintaining tactile precision with his words and cadence. Shakka provides a lovely little hook, and we even get a small backing choir supporting him.

9. NO SLACK (feat. Healy) - DLG.

Cool beat / production. Chill. I’m a Healy fan, so that’s why this popped up on my Spotify. I don’t know shit about DLG. so I have little to add here, but it’s worth a listen.

10. Fear - Logic

Cannot emphasize enough how little I want to be associated with Logic fandom, but damn, "Fear" is so good. Released a few weeks ago, I will fully admit that I slept on this. Over a funky guitar riff and a four-on-the-floor house beat, Logic sounds better than expected singing the simple “I can’t let you hold me back” hook. His nimble, brisk raps pair perfectly with the song. My only critique lies in the second half, where we get a full two minutes of a jazzy, slow motion, fully-sung outro. It’s cool! But I would have loved it if they treated it more like a brief interlude, instead of letting it consume what ends up being a majority of the track. Regardless, good job Logic!

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 2/16/24

No significant new albums to note today but a ton of singles that are worth discussing - much more fruitful than last week. Without further ado:

1. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM - Beyoncé

Beyoncé is BACK. After a fun Verizon Super Bowl ad, she surprised everyone and dropped two new singles. As many others have noted online, it appears that the theme of this Renaissance trilogy is Bey reclaiming genres of music that were created by Black artists but popularized by White ones. She tackled house music first, and now she’s onto country.  Listening to “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” has me yearning for a proper cowboy bar to line dance / honky-tonk in. She effortlessly flows on the track, sounding completely in her element despite having just a few “country” songs in her discography (if you liked “Daddy Lessons” from Lemonade, I promise you’ll love this). I haven’t been able to stop singing “And I'll be damned if I can't slow-dance with you / Come pour some sugar on me, honey too” all week.

2. 16 CARRIAGES - Beyoncé

“16 CARRIAGES” feels like a proper B-side single - a slower, building ballad that really makes you feel something. Just an incredible vocal performance and some truly beautifully written lyrics as she reflects on how hard she’s grinded in the music industry since she was 15 years old: It's been thirty-eight summers, and I'm not in my bed / On the back of the bus in a bunk with the band / Goin' so hard, now I miss my kids / Overworked and overwhelmed”. Beyoncé has been constantly reinventing herself for over two decades now - I can’t wait to hear what her iteration of a full-blown country record sounds like.

3.  Older - Lizzie McAlpine

Typically, I am not a fan of the slow, simple, stripped-down pop ballads, but Lizzie McAlpine’s take on that has me hooked. On “Older”, the lead single for her album of the same name, Lizzie sings of transitioning into adulthood, with cutting lyrics like “Over and over, watch it all pass / Mom's getting older, I'm wanting it back / Where no one is dying, and no one is hurt / And I have been good to you instead of making it worse”. I may or may not have cried to this on my commute this morning.

4. Thinking Less - Sinéad Harnett

Sinéad Harnett has been consistently dropping excellent R&B music for a minute now, and “Thinking Less” is par for the course. Over a rhythmic, plucked, syncopated (it's unclear if I used this word correctly) acoustic guitar and a steady beat, Sinéad sings of independence and moving on from a former partner. This vibe pairs so nicely with her first single, “Say Something” - really looking forward to her new album.

5. Cockblocker - Kim Petras

Babe, wake up! Kim Petras dropped an album where she exclusively talks about dicks and sex! “Cockblocker” is hilarious - Kim just lists all the things she likes. You know what she doesn’t like? A cockblocker.

(I just found out that Dr. Luke produced this song and Kim works with him a ton so that sucks, but unfortunately I will still be listening!)

6. Training Season - Dua Lipa

I love Dua Lipa. I love Tame Impala. This song is great, but I don’t love it. I have a feeling it will grow on me (as most her songs tend to do), but it’s absolutely worth a listen regardless. Pro tip - the extended version is significantly better. I’m never mad about new Dua, but I think Future Nostalgia may have set up unrealistically high expectations for her new music.

7. Gen-X Cops - Vampire Weekend

Beyoncé isn't the only artist who's back - Vampire Weekend would like a word! They haven’t dropped an album in 5(!?) years, but they’re finally here with a few new singles. I struggled to pick between the two - I have a feeling that "Capricorn" will grow on me and make sense more in the context of the album - but “Gen-X Cops” grabbed me more, at least initially. It’s upbeat. It’s a bit grungy. It's got a thumping bassline. And I love Ezra singing the line “Each generation makes its own apology”.

8. Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth - Caroline Polachek

Released as a bonus track to Caroline Polachek’s excellent 2023 album Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, “Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth” is simply a bop. I love how it builds for 45-ish seconds before bringing to bass and drums together to set the tone for the rest of the track. Add some of those heavenly, airy vocals with weird lyrics on top, and it’s everything I could ever want in a Caroline Polachek song.

9. Inaka - Mei Semones

I’ve been trying to put people onto Mei Semones for years now. Seamlessly oscillating between English and Japanese lyrics, I never really know which direction her music is going to go, but I’m always along for the ride - this is definitely true on “Inaka”. I love the use of backing orchestral strings on this track in particular. She’s often described as a “jazz” artist, but I wouldn’t even begin to try to put her in a box.

10. Like This - Buddy

Years ago, I went to see Aminé live in Milwaukee. Buddy was an opener. I knew a few Buddy songs so I was looking forward to seeing him. A rapper came up on stage and started performing who I thought was Buddy. He was bad. I was bummed. After his set, another rapper came on stage and he rocked. THAT was Buddy! Anyways, this song is great. Jazzy, smooth beat. Laid back flow. Everything I want in a Buddy song.

[aaronafgash]

10 NEW SONGS - 2/9/24

I’m starting a series where I write about approximately 10 new songs. These are intended to mostly address new releases for that respective week (new music is released on Friday’s), but I may dip into older songs I discovered at times, especially for bad weeks for new music (like this one). There’s no order here, but the first few songs will generally be the ones I’m most excited about.

1. Feeling Good Today - Faye Webster

I’m a Faye Webster fan through and through, but this is a different sound for her. Production wise, “Feeling Good Today” is stripped down, simple, and gorgeous - just one electric guitar and some piano near the end of the track. But I don’t think we’ve ever heard her sing in autotune. You don’t hear a lot of harmonized autotune like this, outside of Bon Iver and T-Pain (wow - those are not two artists I expected to be pairing together today), but it lands. Excited for Faye’s next project (March 1st).

2. Double Standards (feat. Sampha) - Ghetts

Didn’t know much about Ghetts before hearing “Double Standards”, but a Sampha feature always demands my attention, and I was not disappointed. Sampha obviously does not miss on this hook, but Ghetts comes correct right away, rapping “Jack's in the airport with drugs in his baggage / And security are troublin' Muhammed 'bout a sandwich”. Later, he brings up Ukraine getting international aid/support but Palestine being ignored. A jazzy, progressive, politically-charged UK rap with a soulful hook? Sign me the fuck up.

3. Holier - JD. REID Remix (feat. Shygirl) - Kelela

Kelela follows up her outstanding Raven album from 2023 with a remix project, just as she has with her past albums Hallucinogen and Take Me Apart. The album is hit or miss, but the JD. REID “Holier” remix is landing for me. Cool production, mesmerizing Kelela vocals, a fun Shygirl verse. (For the record, the Flexulant x BAMBI “Closure” remix is the best track on this album, but that one was released two months ago.)

4. Alesis - Mk.gee

Had a harder time getting into Mk.gee’s recent music so it wasn’t shocking that I wasn’t loving his new album Two Star & The Dream Police. Fortunately, “Alesis” redeems the otherwise underwhelming project. Nothing crazy about this song, but I found myself enjoying his tone and melodic choices, and the production is, as the kids say, a vibe. I was hoping for more considering how excellent his work was on Dijon’s 2021 album Absolutely, but at least we have this!

5. You’re Always On My Mind - Owen Vonn

Technically released last week, but I found it this week and I'm already struggling to hit 10 songs - fuck it! This is just a fun little house remix / reworking of “You’re Always On My Mind” by SWV, breathing some modern life into a classic ‘90s joint. Not mad at it, although it’s a bit repetitive and could have been cut down by a minute or two.

6. Since September - Walter The Producer

We have officially hit the “this week sucked ass for new music and I gotta reach for older songs I discovered recently” portion of the writeup. I had never heard of Walter the Producer, but “Since September” from 2023 is a bop, and the influence from Steve Lacy is inevitable here. Definitely keeping an eye on Walter moving forward.

7. Fifty-fifty Clown - Cocteau Twins

I found Heaven or Las Vegas my freshman year of college, and I was completely blown away by the title track, but for whatever reason, I never really got into the rest of the project. After watching videos of multiple artists on the Grammys red carpet declaring this to be their perfect album, I decided now was the right time to dig back in. One thing that’s always struck me about Cocteau Twins’ music is how modern it all sounds. “Fifty-fifty Clown” was released in 1990(!), but it still sounds so futuristic. The excellent production is one thing, but it’s the vocals that floor me - Elizabeth Fraser was OUT HERE. Her swirling, angelic voice is so stunning, you don’t realize that official lyrics for the song don’t even exist! 

8. Taurus (feat. Julia Zivic) - CARRTOONS

Became familiar with CARRTOONS after hearing his fantastic album Saturday Night from last year (2023). Came across this track this week after seeing him perform with Julia Zivic on Tiny Desk and immediately did some research to find more songs by her. Taurus feels like a warm, lazy, comfortable weekend day. Does the fact that I’m a Taurus impact my feelings about this song? Who’s to say!

9. Till There Was You - Peggy Lee

I had only ever heard the Beatles version of “Till There Was You” - after doing some digging, I found out that Paul McCartney was introduced to Peggy Lee’s cover of the original (written for a musical in ‘57). The more you know! Anyways, this is chill. Classy, almost-tropical, cruise ship vibes. I’m a fan.

10. I’m Goin’ In (feat. Lil Wayne & Drake)

It’s been a, uh, long week for Drake. Amongst other things that got big this week, his verse on the 2009 song “I’m Goin’ In” was all over my TikTok. It’s a great verse and really shows how hungry he used to be as a rapper in comparison to how he approaches his music nowadays. I love how he raps “21 years and I ain't ever met a good cop” here but on 2020’s “Pain 1993” he says “Police in my city, man, I keep they pockets greased up”. You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. ACAB.

[aaronafgash]

25 in '23

25. Oh U Went - Young Thug feat. Drake

In the midst of legal troubles galore, Young Thug managed to drop this fun track featuring Drake sounding like he’s poolside sipping on a fruity, refreshing drink. Maybe Slime’s Saul Goodman-ass lawyer can get him out of this jam and Drizzy can figure out his tummy issues so we can get more collabs like this, but I’m not optimistic. At least we have this!

24. Psychedelic Switch - Carly Rae Jepsen

Even on her B-Side “albums,” Carly Rae doesn’t miss. A 4-on-the-floor disco bop with whispers of early Daft Punk production … this slaps.

23. Worm - Slow Pulp

I could have picked any song from Slow Pulp’s standout album Yard, but that grungy electric guitar immediately hits me like a ton of bricks, and I’ve been entranced since my first listen. Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, they perfectly capture those quintessential lonely-midwestern-indie vibes that I so desperately crave.

22. It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately - Joesef

With a song titled “It’s Been A Little Heavy Lately” on an album called Permanent Damage, you’d think Joesef would hit us with the saddest shit you’ve ever heard in your life - instead, we get a breezy, upbeat, Tame Impala-influenced track. Joesef broke through this year in a real way and this song was absolutely the highlight.

21. Into Your Room - Holly Humberstone

I’m always a fan of an artist expressing their desperation in an almost pathetic way - Holly Humberstone does exactly that on this song. “You’re the center of this universe, my sorry ass revolves around you” - YES! Over a bright 80’s-esque beat, Holly yearns, longs, and begs - while I nod my head in approval.

20. Jonathan L. Seagull - Sampha

On LAHAI, Sampha’s sophomore record, there’s a joyful and cathartic release that’s completely new to his music. I could have picked any song from the album to put here, but on “Jonathan L. Seagull”, we crescendo from an almost spooky sounding chorus of voices to an ethereal Sampha, alone, hitting a perfect falsetto as the beat drops. That little “listen to your heart beat, beat” in the background has lived rent free in my head for months.

19. Hollywood Baby - 100 gecs

Hyperpop lords 100 gecs are weird. “Hollywood Baby” is a weird song. Combining screaming, autotune vocals with screeching metal guitars on production that evokes memories of Sum 41 … something about this just works.

18. STOP HURTING MY FEELINGS - LEILAH

Maybe my favorite new artist of 2023. LEILAH has only released a few songs and been featured on a few tracks so far in her career, including collaborations with Mura Masa, SBTRKT, and Speakers Corner Quartet, but she is clearly a force to be reckoned with. Her voice floats on the track, melding perfectly with a slapped bassline and tight, swung drums. Can’t wait to see what she does in 2024.

17. Breaking Point - Leon Thomas

Any slow R&B song is going to be compared to D’Angelo’s “(Untitled) How Does It Feel”, but this one really does it justice. Leon Thomas has come a long way from his Nickolodeon / The Backyardigans / Victorious era, developing into an esteemed songwriter for the likes of Ariana Grande and SZA. His debut album was exceptional, highlighted by this song, “Breaking Point”, where he sings honestly about what feels like the inevitable end of a relationship.

16. Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt) - Victoria Monet

Ms. Monet is a queen and demands you treat her as such. So stop asking her for shit! With clever wordplay like “Do I look like a tree to you? / Well, leaf me alone if I do”, she requests her partner to get their own money and recognize her needs instead. The production of this track is so well done - lush, wide soundscapes with distant, echoing background vocals and live drum fills - not to mention the unexpected tempo changes throughout.

15. Freak Me Now - Jessie Ware

In three-and-a-half minutes of pure energy, Jessie Ware controls the dance floor, demanding everyone around her to keep the intensity up. Play this at the club and I will be feral. The beat doesn’t change much, but Jessie is able to change her dynamics to create a captivating chorus / verse format. I never want this song to end. 

14. hold me down - Noname

Listening to Noname often feels like a juxtaposition - the most beautiful, soulful, gentle production and tone with sharp, barbed lyrics about social justice, inequalities, and pain. “hold me down” is no exception. “First black president and he’s the one who bombed us, yeah” - DAMN. Maybe her best chorus ever, too!

13. After Midnight - Chappell Roan

I slept on this song all year but damn does Chappell Roan go hard on this. Bursting onto the scene out of nowhere this year, “After Midnight” feels like a high school night your senior year - after years of working hard in school to achieve good grades, you just want to let loose and be a little crazy. 

12. Mad At Me - Samia feat. papa mbye

I saw Samia live this last year. Near what I thought was the end of her performance of “Mad At Me”, I thought “I don’t want this to end!” only for her to play the chorus one more time. That encapsulates how I feel about this song - I’m sad when it stops playing. Samia floating over a thumping, poppy baseline is really all I could ask for.

11. Hiding Out In The Open - Feist

Feist asks the hard questions from the jump here - “everybody’s got their shit / but who’s got the guts to sit with it?” Her fantastic album Multitudes is all about emotional vulnerability and reassessing / analyzing relationships in a post(?)-COVID world, and this song feels like a proper thesis statement. The actual production is fairly simple - an acoustic guitar and a few synths - but what really makes the song is the swirling, ever-present background vocals and harmonies. I specifically adore the moment where the music stops and all of Feist’s voices come together to quietly sing “...until you whisper it in my ear.”

10. Princess Going Digital - Amaarae

Cannot tell you how many times the line “I been going out like a bad bitch” rattled through my brain this year. There’s no one who really sounds like Amaarae, and this song broke my brain. How does it sound like it’s from both 1997 and the year 3000? It’s also perfectly titled - it really does sound like a princess in a digital world.

9. Inside Out - Kwaku Asante

Kwaku Asante really can’t miss for me, but I was especially entranced by the soulful “Inside Out”. Over soft chords and a gentle beat, Asante sings about how deeply in love he is. This song feels like a hug and forces you to throw on a pair of rose-colored glasses - you can’t be sad when this comes on.

8. What Was I Made For? - Billie Eilish

We’ve all heard it, but damn, Billie really did something here. This might be the single best vocal performance of the year. Did I sob when this song was used in Barbie? Maybe. Did I cry multiple times this summer listening to it afterwards? Who’s to say! I also had no idea how literal the lyrics were until more recently than I’d like to admit - oops. Regardless, she popped off.

7. Cinnamon Bread - Ryan Beatty

There’s something that makes me feel so comfortable about a song called “Cinnamon Bread”, and that truly describes Ryan Beatty’s music as a whole. On this album Calicio, Beatty is constantly telling stories of specific, intimate moments that simply feel like home. “You galloped on the piano keys like a Liberace fool / you hummed a little out of tune, and somehow you sounded cool.”

6. Gorilla - Little Simz

Little Simz is here to TALK HER SHIT on Gorilla. Backed by grand, royal horns and an old school boom-bap bassline and drum beat combo, Simz confidently (and honestly) raps, frequently conjuring up jungle-based lines to play on the Gorilla theme.

"Big time driller, monkey to gorilla"

"Run through the jungle, they should've never let her"

"Beatin' on my chest, goin' apeshit"

"Cuttin' through the jungle in a all-black fitted"

5. bad idea right? - Olivia Rodrigo

Conjuring up memories of mid-2000’s Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo simply rocks the fuck out here. Listening to Olivia as a 27-going-on-28 year old man takes me right back to high school. Which was now 10 years ago. Fuck! Anyways, catch me screaming out YES I KNOW THAT HE’S MY EX BUT CAN’T TWO PEOPLE RECONNECT? in my car. How do you do, fellow kids?

4. Something Different - Gareth Donkin

Gareth Donkin is like if you mixed the groove of Michael Jackson’s 1979 classic album “Off the Wall” with the soul of prime, Doobie Brothers-era Michael McDonald. This album is bursting at the seams with bops, but “Something Different” takes the cake here. Dude is 23 and arranging songs like this in his bedroom … goddamn. Come for the fun, upbeat tunes with tight harmonies and effortless melodies - stay for the minute-long instrumental outro, where Donkin really flexes his production skills.

3. Chosen to Deserve - Wednesday

Is it country? Is it punk? Is it indie? I don’t know, man - it just fuckin’ rocks. Lead singer Karly Hartzman goes through memories of her childhood, but not in a self-reflective way - she clarifies that she wrote this in the context of “...sitting down with your romantic partner and filling them in on all the not-so-fun parts of your past.” My favorite part of listening to Wednesday’s FANTASTIC album Rat Saw God is how specific they are in their storytelling, with lines like “my friends all took Benadyl ‘til they could see shit crawlin’ up the walls.” Just a beautiful, punk-ass love song.

2. Rush - Troy Sivan

I’ve listened to this approximately one million times this year and it truly never gets old. So catchy, so fun. Truly feels like doing a popper. Not that I’ve, uh, ever, uh, done anything like that, but like, it’s what I IMAGINE a popper would feel like in a club (which is exactly what Troy intended!).

1. My Love Mine All Mine - Mitski

You’ve heard it on TikTok a million times, but it still resonates with me so deeply - I had to crown “My Love Mine All Mine” my song of the year. I could write all about how incredibly beautiful this song is, but Mitski’s description really sums it up better than I ever could:

“...I was thinking about, “Well, what do I have that’s really actually mine, that can’t be taken away?” And I know this is corny, but I was really thinking it’s this love I feel in me, that I’ve created in me, that I’ve built in me, that I’ve held on to, and it’s mine for as long as I want it, for as long as I don’t give it up or let the world take it from me. And I really do believe it, to love is the best thing I ever did in my life, better than any song I’ve ever written, better than any achievement by far. To love is truly the best and most beautiful thing I ever did. And then as I was thinking about that, I started thinking about how sad it was that [once I die], I can’t leave behind this most beautiful thing that I have. I guess it sort of dies with me. So I wanted to write a song about how I wish that when I die, I could at least leave all this love behind in the world.”

[aaronafgash]

Bucks vs Rockets, 12/17/23

[aaronafgash]

Bucks vs Trail Blazers, 11/26/23