It's a few days late, but here's my January listening report. As part of my New Year's Resolution I'm writing up all of the "new" albums I listened to each month. Whats [quote] [unquote] "new?" New to me. So you'll notice many older albums on here, but we glorify brand new too much anyway. I'm hoping to use this as a reflection exercise to then expand my tastes beyond my typical favorites. We'll see how that goes. Oh, and please tell me what I'm missing out on.
Here's January 2014's "Quantified EQ."
Against Me! Transgender Dsyphoria Blues (2014)
Listened to this only a couple of times, but my surface level judgement was that it's very good. I've known of Against Me! for years, but never investigated them. If you can't tell, I'm far from a punk aficionado, but this seems like a quality release. I might return to throughout 2014.
Burial Rival Dealer EP (2013)
Bought this and have greatly enjoyed it. I agree with the majority critical assessment, that it's a game changer that widens Burial's palette and scope. Beautiful Burial songs? Very promising for his future work.
Chance The Rapper Acid Rain (2013)
Downloaded and wrote about it. Chance obviously has charisma on his side. I'll probably revisit Acid Rain again whenever his collaboration with James Blake is released. That's definitely on my radar.
Damien Jurado Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son (2014)
Only listened once, and was vaguely disappointed. We'll see if I give it another shot (someone convince me).
Grass Is Green Vacation Vinny (2014)
Bought the record, saw them live, and enjoyed. I've written about them multiple times. Count me as a fan. Might have to dig into their back catalogue more.
Krill Lucky Leaves (2013)
Yes, and can't wait for their new EP to come out. Krill Forever.
Mutual Benefit Love's Crushing Diamond (2013)
Saw them live and streamed their debut album multiple times. It's a lovely work that employs electronic music and ambiance to achieve an outdoors peace. I'm sure I'll come back to it.
Ovlov AM (2013)
Also saw these guys live, streamed, and am looking forward to their next release. Lots of talent here. My take away from their live show, "Pants crapper."
Pavement Brighten The Corners (1997)
After the release of Wig Out and some articles about 20 years of Crooked, Crooked Rain, yada yada yada, I went back to Pavement's catalogue. Hadn't spent that much time with Brighten The Corners. Still need to listen to it more, but enjoyed the poppy looseness to it. Reminded me of Velvet Underground's goofier side.
PIle dripping (2012)
Currently obsessed with this one. Still listening to it backwards and forwards. Pile have a very immediate sound, shouting does that I guess, but I want to put work into them and study up on dripping's lyrics. (Album art up top)
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Wig Out At Jagbags (2014)
Another enjoyable entry into Malkmus' discography. Streamed multiple times. It's no classic, but I dare say its underrated right now.
Warpaint Warpaint (2014)
Streamed this multiple times. Don't have much of an opinion on it yet. It's a clearly well produced effort, but it remains to see if I'll keep listening to it throughout 2014.
Well that's that. Looks mostly like varying shades of indie. Mostly white men. It was a very "rock" month, and I only listened to a handful from the new year. Let's see how (or if) my 2014 evolves.
