Discovering New Music and Reflecting on Classic Tracks

This week, I’ve discovered some exciting new music that has expanded my horizons and introduced me to projects I never knew about before. One such discovery is the DIY bedroom indie pop project by Glenn Donaldson, The Reds Pinks and Purples, which adds to his already impressive repertoire such as Skygreen Leopards and the Jewelled Antler Collective universe.

The Reds Pinks and Purples

For years, I have been a fan of Glenn Donaldson’s Skygreen Leopards and his work with the Jewelled Antler Collective. However, it wasn’t until this past week that I became aware of his DIY bedroom indie pop project, The Reds Pinks and Purples. This introduction has been a very happy one, and I’m excited to explore more of his work in this genre.

Flame 2: Dive / Rain

Another new discovery for me this week is the collaboration between Flame 2, a project by Burial, and The Bug. This track, Dive / Rain, is a fine blend of Burial’s atmosphere and The Bug’s beats, reminiscent of the 2000s UK bass-music scene. While it is technically impressive, I find it somewhat bland and forgettable due to the lack of any clear “personality” or “thing to say.”

Ava Max: So Am I

Moving on to something more upbeat, I’ve been listening to Ava Max’s track So Am I. This song is new to my repertoire and despite its hyper-tuneful poppiness, it still feels a bit clichéd to me. Nevertheless, it’s refreshing to find something new and vibrant in my music collection.

The National: Ever Since

I recently purchased The National’s new album and was immediately impressed. The standout track for me is “Oblivions,” which I’ve already declared my favorite track of the year. Other excellent songs on the album include “Roman Holiday,” “Light Years,” and “Not in Kansas.” This album greatly enhances The National’s already strong position in the music scene, bringing them into the top thirty on my genre-specific list.

Jon M/stats Monae: Dirty Computer

This week, I also find myself returning to Jon M/stats Monae’s Dirty Computer. This album is all about positive sexuality, featuring fantastic melodies and a sound that never overwhelms with its brilliance. It is refreshing to revisit such a vibrant and confident work in this genre.

Split Enz: The Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes

Split Enz’s The Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes from 2006 is a personal favorite. Recorded on a shoestring budget in 1978, these recordings showcase Split Enz exhibiting a ferocious, hungry edge that they would never regain in subsequent studio albums. It is a powerful reminder of their early vitality.

Avey Tare: Cow’s on Hourglass Pond

Another recent discovery is Avey Tare’s Cow’s on Hourglass Pond, an album released several weeks ago. It combines post-rock, psychedelic beats, samplings, folk, and hypno-pop to create a unique listening experience. This album pairs excellently with the later minimalist works of another artist mentioned, and I plan to explore this further in a future post.

Alice’s Last Dream: Pandas and Bees

Speaking of pairing albums, another recent addition to my collection is the album Buoys by Panda Bear, which releases January in late 2023. Buoys and Cow’s on Hourglass Pond make for an excellent companion listening experience, offering a blend of stripped-down minimalism and expansive soundscapes.

Arctic Monkeys: Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino

This week, I revisited Arctic Monkeys’s Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino. The album has an intriguing loungey vibe, reminiscent of a collaboration between Tom Waits and David Bowie. The lyrics are akin to beat poetry, and the musical composition is captivating, blending elements of Pet Sounds with a modern twist.

Conclusion

This past week has been a delightful journey through new and old music, allowing me to explore fresh sounds and revisit favorites. The music scene is continuously evolving, and it’s always fascinating to discover new artists, projects, and soundscapes.