Lorde – Pure Heroine (Lava/Republic)
In its obsessions with identity, fantasy v. reality, the feeling of being watched, it couldn’t be more of its time.
Haim | An open letter to Christopher R. Weingarten
An interesting volte face for the field of music criticism – from opinion-leaders and gate-keepers to mainstream cheerleaders
Haim – Days Are Gone (Columbia)
Haim’s pleasure, limited as even its enthusiasts admit, is the empty pleasure of an endless series of twinkies eaten over the course of 45 minutes. Fine enough in the beginning, but eventually destined to sicken.
Song of the day – 637: Mirror Travel
I cannot resist anything that makes my brain go comatose. Anything that solid and liquid and rooted in repetition and a solidly fermented groove and Austin. I cannot resist anything that causes me to veg out.
Song of the day – 636: The Garbage & The Flowers
I think we can take it as read that my favourite part of The Velvet Underground is Mo Tucker. She used to send me Christmas cards. So obvious, I apologise.
The Weeknd – Kiss Land (Republic)
It’s like one of the kids from Boyz II Men wandered into 120 Days Of Sodom.
The Garbage & The Flowers – Eyes Rind As If Beggars (Fire)
Here’s a song that demonstrates there is no discernible difference between ‘All Tomorrow’s Parties’ and Metal Machine Music.
Body/Head – Coming Apart (Matador)
It articulates the feeling of inescapable grief, in what it says and what it keeps silent, as well as any album I’ve ever heard in my long yearning life.
Willis Earl Beal – Nobody Knows (XL)
Music to bury your parents to. Music to shake yourself to sleep to. Music to make a traffic jam seem poetic. Music to make you a better person. Music to make you the worst person you’ve ever been. Music to stalk children to. Music to save the world to.
It’s Your Funeral, Motherfuckers
There’s a point to be proven, you understand. Nothing personal, it’s just business.
