Shit was real this week. Let\u2019s go ahead and call it the worst week ever and hope that next week doesn\u2019t immediately grab that title away.<\/p>\n
The only bright spot is my new music playlist is absolutely bursting with great tracks right now. So another extra large edition for today. Take a few moments to chill out and listen to some good tunes.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/3Fh5GdYuG9pPJM94Xmt61e?si=zER7OizORc2MJjv5kpUqrw<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Garden\u201d – Briston Maroney
\nI shared this with a brother-in-music earlier this week and his summation was, \u201cThat slaps.\u201d Indeed. This song is full of delightful twists and turns.<\/p>\n
\u201cWin on Tin\u201d – Jess Williamson
\nThis song is vast. Some Hope Sandoval in the vocals. Just a tinge of country in the music. And a majestic, cinematic vibe to the entire thing. A gorgeous track.<\/p>\n
\u201cRock & Roll\u201d – Trace Mountains
\nThis sounds like the music I was listening to in 2005–06 mashed up with what I\u2019ve been listening to over the past few years. There\u2019s a Belle & Sebastian, mid–00\u2019s, Twee vibe along with a The War on Drugs adjacent jammy feel to it. I love how it kicks in from the start and keeps building and building until the solo at the end finally releases all that pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalk in the Woods\u201d – Snarls
\nThis Columbus, OH band fits into a sound that has been dominating my interests lately: indie-leaning melodic pop with a DIY influence by girl groups. Yes, I am intentionally trying to see how long I can stretch out my description of new bands\u2019 sounds. That\u2019s more fun than just saying, \u201cThis is a good track.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPure Shores\u201d – Eliza Shaddad covering All Saints Anyway, apparently the All Saints OG is held in high esteem in certain circles. I listened to it this week and it\u2019s not for me. But, oh my lord, Eliza Shaddad\u2019s version? When she drops her moody, atmospherics onto it she turns it into something completely different than the original. It is magical and might be the song of the year.<\/p>\n Shaddad recently had to cancel some dates from her European tour because she was ill. Fortunately she Tweeted yesterday that she is recovering and should be back to normal soon. These days those reports about performers you enjoy are a little extra scary. Glad she is improving.<\/p>\n \u201cOn The Brink\u201d – Peter Bjorn and John
\nI don\u2019t know a thing about the original version of this, which was recorded for the Leonardo DiCaprio vehicle The Beach<\/em> back in 1999. Remember when the turn of the millennium was going to bring about the end of the world? Yeah, those were quaint times!<\/p>\n
\nI listened to PB&J\u2019s new album over the weekend. Nothing really jumped out at me, or at least nothing compared to their classic tracks like \u201cYoung Folks,\u201d \u201cObjects of My Affection,\u201d or \u201cUp Against the Wall.\u201d Then I made it to this, the final track on the album. It is unlike the songs they are most famous for, which makes its tenderness and joyful nature hit even harder.<\/p>\n