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Been awhile
Posted 2 years agoHey ya'll I know I haven't made a journal since 2018, but I figured I'd explain why. I've had a LOT of massive changes in my personal life, is the tl;dr, but as for the not tl;dr, here goes.
In 2020, I left my job, like a lot of people did. Unlike a lot of people however, I also took the opportunity to cut negative influences out of my life. For a long long time, I had basically been forced into a position where I had really no path in life, no actual freedom, and was in a constant state of being gaslit, guilted, and a few other g-words. I was on multiple meds which I really didn't need, I was 315+ pounds, and I had few real friends to speak of. In this moment of cutting out a stressful job, I also took it as my one chance to truly make a clean break from other negative people and things weighing my life down. I knew if I didn't, it would kill me eventually.
As I am now, I haven't been as active here because I have been deep in the process of repairing any damage done to myself and, for lack of a less cliche term, living my best life. I sleep a healthy 6-8 hours a night, learned to cook (I've gotten quite good at Japanese and Italian food), and started reading a lot more often. Through working out, supplements, dieting, and general healthy life choices, I've lost a LOT of weight. I'm down to 205 pounds as of today, and I haven't felt this good in years. I'm happy, fulfilled, and I intend to keep myself that way. Hell I can lift people who weigh MORE than I do. That's wild! I live with a philosophy of positivity and self-care, which are things that I wouldn't have been capable of before starting this journey.
I alas, haven't been spending much money on art due to this shift. I make the joke that I "Spend it on movies nobody but me has heard of or cares about," but I think that's really only 1/4 of the story. In truth, living is expensive. I'm not really struggling, I can live happily and I'm blessed in that, but I do still try to be better with my money nowadays. I do intend to get more art, but at this time, I've slowed that spending down a lot. I am still active in the community and go to meetups and whatnot, but online I've certainly been more dormant. I really just needed the time to focus in on myself and being the best version of me I could be. I'm not there yet, but I'm closer than I've ever been.
I think the main reason for making this journal is that it's not ever too late to make a change. It might seem scary, and sometimes, you might not even be sure it's the right thing to do. You might second guess yourself a couple times, but once you really start on a path to improvement, it feels amazing. I know it sounds like the same shit everyone always says with the "I love working out," or "I love cooking my own meals," But it's TRUE. You see the results of what you've done, and you see how great the yield is, and you just never want to stop running to the next level. If I can do it, I think almost anyone can.
I'll try and be around more, but I can't say for sure how often I'll upload. I hope everyone is doing well! I'll upload art if I get any!
In 2020, I left my job, like a lot of people did. Unlike a lot of people however, I also took the opportunity to cut negative influences out of my life. For a long long time, I had basically been forced into a position where I had really no path in life, no actual freedom, and was in a constant state of being gaslit, guilted, and a few other g-words. I was on multiple meds which I really didn't need, I was 315+ pounds, and I had few real friends to speak of. In this moment of cutting out a stressful job, I also took it as my one chance to truly make a clean break from other negative people and things weighing my life down. I knew if I didn't, it would kill me eventually.
As I am now, I haven't been as active here because I have been deep in the process of repairing any damage done to myself and, for lack of a less cliche term, living my best life. I sleep a healthy 6-8 hours a night, learned to cook (I've gotten quite good at Japanese and Italian food), and started reading a lot more often. Through working out, supplements, dieting, and general healthy life choices, I've lost a LOT of weight. I'm down to 205 pounds as of today, and I haven't felt this good in years. I'm happy, fulfilled, and I intend to keep myself that way. Hell I can lift people who weigh MORE than I do. That's wild! I live with a philosophy of positivity and self-care, which are things that I wouldn't have been capable of before starting this journey.
I alas, haven't been spending much money on art due to this shift. I make the joke that I "Spend it on movies nobody but me has heard of or cares about," but I think that's really only 1/4 of the story. In truth, living is expensive. I'm not really struggling, I can live happily and I'm blessed in that, but I do still try to be better with my money nowadays. I do intend to get more art, but at this time, I've slowed that spending down a lot. I am still active in the community and go to meetups and whatnot, but online I've certainly been more dormant. I really just needed the time to focus in on myself and being the best version of me I could be. I'm not there yet, but I'm closer than I've ever been.
I think the main reason for making this journal is that it's not ever too late to make a change. It might seem scary, and sometimes, you might not even be sure it's the right thing to do. You might second guess yourself a couple times, but once you really start on a path to improvement, it feels amazing. I know it sounds like the same shit everyone always says with the "I love working out," or "I love cooking my own meals," But it's TRUE. You see the results of what you've done, and you see how great the yield is, and you just never want to stop running to the next level. If I can do it, I think almost anyone can.
I'll try and be around more, but I can't say for sure how often I'll upload. I hope everyone is doing well! I'll upload art if I get any!
My Top 10 Albums of 2018
Posted 6 years agoI'm ditching the whole "add an album every year" thing and going straight for 10 albums. I just had my birthday on December 26th and decided not to be lazy this year so I'm spending New Years listening to various albums I really liked this year and figuring out which one I liked the best. It was touch this year to put an order to this. There's been some REALLY good stuff this year. I'm mostly basing this on which albums I listened to the most as well as overall quality. That said, all of these albums are great in my book and worth a listen! Happy New Year!
10. MGMT - Little Dark Age: This album dominated my listening for the early part of this year. It's really something because I haven't listening to MGMT for a long time and this album got me back into them. The fact that this isn't my album of the year speaks less for the quality of the album and more for how many stellar albums came out this year.
Sample Track - "Me and Michael" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIdftKW2LuU
9. Windows96 - One Hundred Mornings: Just when I thought there was no really solid vaporwave releases this year, this little album comes out. Not much to say on this one other then it's one of the best vaporwave albums to come out in a couple years. Very relaxing; good walking music.
Sample Track - "Caligula" https://youtu.be/D2-W-qHG1ro
8. Judas Priest - FIREPOWER: If you are a fan of metal at all, please get this album. It's incredible these guys can still rock this hard.Judas Priest has been around for so long and can still put out some of the best albums in their genre. This album hits hard from track one and I really can't do it justice here.
Sample Track - "Firepower" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4cloqVvJog
7. Leo Imai - VLP: I discovered Leo Imai from the opening he did for the anime MEGALOBOX this year. However, it turns out the guy has made 4 albums prior to this one. I'm kinda shocked I hadn't heard of him before because this music is so far up my alley. Lots of different styles blend together in this album. We got everything from slow songs to songs that hit like a truck.
Sample Track - "Bite" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVzZMUJoYUE
6. twenty one pilots - Trench: This album surprised me. I wasn't a huge fan of twenty one pilots in the past but I can in no way deny that this album made me one. It's such a huge leap forward from their past album that I am stunned. It's very accessible compared to some of the other albums on this list as well.
Sample Track - "My Blood" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a2ePzVCKuk
5. Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs: I honestly expected to place this higher on the list. However, despite how much I like this album, there are songs on it which I don't like as much as others. That said, this is Earl's best album to date in my opinion. It shows immense growth since his previous albums The dude is killin' it and I can't wait to see what he makes next.
Sample Track - "Shattered Dreams" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjt0wy-hOfo
4. Polyphia - New Levels New Devils: Just a great instrumental rock album. I've never felt so blessed by the recommended feature on YouTube. Hard to describe this album though. The musicians involved are all very talented and kill it on each track.
Sample Track - "Yas" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQoAhrDDJQo
3. Haru Nemuri - Harutosyura: This album is a perfect blend of rap and rock. It takes elements from both while simultaneously remaining a smooth listen through most of the album. It's strangely therapeutic considering the sometimes harsh instrumentals.
Sample Track - "Make More Noise of You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUm2ir4hF7o
2. Death Grips - Year of the Snitch: Even for Death Grips, this album is an odd one. It sounds almost nothing like any of their previous body of work. Also It's one of those albums I would recommend listening to all in one sitting because of how well the songs fit together. That said, this is still Death Grips, we still have Zach Hill banging the drums, MC Ride yelling, and Andy Morin with the weird samples (perhaps even more so on the samples). It came very close to being my album of the year this time.
Sample Track - "Death Grips is Online" https://youtu.be/vl3L8TxaTU0
1. KIDS SEE GHOSTS - KIDS SEE GHOSTS: After a couple of albums that disappointed me from both artists involved in this project, they came together and released the best album I've heard this year. For those that don't know, KIDS SEE GHOSTS is a collaborative effort between Kanye West and Kid Cudi. This whole album is amazing. If you are a fan of either artist and want to listen to one album this year, make it this one.
Sample Track - "Feel the Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnZQvgWhM5s
10. MGMT - Little Dark Age: This album dominated my listening for the early part of this year. It's really something because I haven't listening to MGMT for a long time and this album got me back into them. The fact that this isn't my album of the year speaks less for the quality of the album and more for how many stellar albums came out this year.
Sample Track - "Me and Michael" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIdftKW2LuU
9. Windows96 - One Hundred Mornings: Just when I thought there was no really solid vaporwave releases this year, this little album comes out. Not much to say on this one other then it's one of the best vaporwave albums to come out in a couple years. Very relaxing; good walking music.
Sample Track - "Caligula" https://youtu.be/D2-W-qHG1ro
8. Judas Priest - FIREPOWER: If you are a fan of metal at all, please get this album. It's incredible these guys can still rock this hard.Judas Priest has been around for so long and can still put out some of the best albums in their genre. This album hits hard from track one and I really can't do it justice here.
Sample Track - "Firepower" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4cloqVvJog
7. Leo Imai - VLP: I discovered Leo Imai from the opening he did for the anime MEGALOBOX this year. However, it turns out the guy has made 4 albums prior to this one. I'm kinda shocked I hadn't heard of him before because this music is so far up my alley. Lots of different styles blend together in this album. We got everything from slow songs to songs that hit like a truck.
Sample Track - "Bite" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVzZMUJoYUE
6. twenty one pilots - Trench: This album surprised me. I wasn't a huge fan of twenty one pilots in the past but I can in no way deny that this album made me one. It's such a huge leap forward from their past album that I am stunned. It's very accessible compared to some of the other albums on this list as well.
Sample Track - "My Blood" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a2ePzVCKuk
5. Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs: I honestly expected to place this higher on the list. However, despite how much I like this album, there are songs on it which I don't like as much as others. That said, this is Earl's best album to date in my opinion. It shows immense growth since his previous albums The dude is killin' it and I can't wait to see what he makes next.
Sample Track - "Shattered Dreams" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjt0wy-hOfo
4. Polyphia - New Levels New Devils: Just a great instrumental rock album. I've never felt so blessed by the recommended feature on YouTube. Hard to describe this album though. The musicians involved are all very talented and kill it on each track.
Sample Track - "Yas" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQoAhrDDJQo
3. Haru Nemuri - Harutosyura: This album is a perfect blend of rap and rock. It takes elements from both while simultaneously remaining a smooth listen through most of the album. It's strangely therapeutic considering the sometimes harsh instrumentals.
Sample Track - "Make More Noise of You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUm2ir4hF7o
2. Death Grips - Year of the Snitch: Even for Death Grips, this album is an odd one. It sounds almost nothing like any of their previous body of work. Also It's one of those albums I would recommend listening to all in one sitting because of how well the songs fit together. That said, this is still Death Grips, we still have Zach Hill banging the drums, MC Ride yelling, and Andy Morin with the weird samples (perhaps even more so on the samples). It came very close to being my album of the year this time.
Sample Track - "Death Grips is Online" https://youtu.be/vl3L8TxaTU0
1. KIDS SEE GHOSTS - KIDS SEE GHOSTS: After a couple of albums that disappointed me from both artists involved in this project, they came together and released the best album I've heard this year. For those that don't know, KIDS SEE GHOSTS is a collaborative effort between Kanye West and Kid Cudi. This whole album is amazing. If you are a fan of either artist and want to listen to one album this year, make it this one.
Sample Track - "Feel the Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnZQvgWhM5s
My Top 8 Albums of 2017
Posted 7 years agoHoly shit what month is it? March? Yeah I have been lazy as hell with this list. Mostly, this has been due to my indecisiveness on it. There were a ton of great albums last year. Luckily I have inadvertently gotten into a trend of adding one more album slot to the list each year. I base my list order on which albums I most frequently listened to throughout 2017. So there may be some albums I enjoyed, but didn't quite become go to choices of mine. So without further adieu I'm gonna launch into this, in order from...least best to best, here are my picks:
8. Lorde - Melodrama: I feel like of all the top 40 pop albums to release this year, few had the staying power for me like Lorde's sophomore release did. Yes, despite what my list last year may have implied, I do listen to pop music at times. While I enjoyed Lorde's first album, Pure Heroine quite a bit, it did feel lacking some punch. Sure she had some interesting instrumentals and lyrics, but it wasn't filled with songs that got me emotionally. I feel like Melodrama excels at that, especially tracks like "Liability" and "Hard Feelings/Loveless." However, it also have some extremely catchy/danceable tracks like "Homemade Dynamite and "Green Light." Solid album that defies the sophomore slump.
Sample Track - "Homemade Dynamite" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQsJ_FCCIMQ
7. Yung Lean - Stranger: Ok despite a lot of people disliking Yung Lean's music, I've always really enjoyed it. This album was no exception. I feel like I've watched Lean grow as an artist and this album really shows how much he has grown. After Warlord, which I still enjoyed, I felt myself longing for some softer, classic Lean. Something that felt like Unknown Memory or even Unknown Death 2002 without leaving behind his improved flow and holding on to a sprinkle the trap influence he had displayed on Warlord. This album feels like an amalgamation of all of the sounds Yung Lean has displayed thus far. Hit and miss for some, but I really enjoyed the vast majority of this album. If you haven't listened to Yung Lean before, this is a great starter album as well.
Sample Track - "Skimask" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVIYe_KeQD0
6. Bones - FAILURE: I will say right off the bat, if you don't like Bones already, you probably won't like this album or understand why I like it. It's odd, dark, seems like a mixtape. Mostly because it's all of those things! I'm not gonna linger on this one too long, but I will say for rap fans, this is probably one of the more accessible albums that Bones has put out. I, as a longtime Bones fan have often had trouble picking an album to introduce Bones to people with. This one. This is the one. Check it out and I think you'll find something neat there!
Sample Track - "Resurrection" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9a0kvOhnNg
5. Kirin J Callinan - Bravado: I'm a bit new to the world of Kirin. I regret that a lot thanks to this album. Fantastic 80s-esque alternative pop/rock/some kinda country/synth album. Despite my use of the term 80s-esque, this album doesn't feel like a throwback or like it's shoving the 80s down your throat. It doesn't rely on forced nostalgia or references. Hell, it doesn't even sound like many other musicians I've ever heard. Now, this sounds contradictory, but the MINUTE you listen to a song off of this album, you will see what I mean. Now, one of the songs off this album has become a bit of a meme, so despite loving "Big Enough," I will be instead linking to a different, but every bit as good track.
Sample Track - "Bravado" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4GbqWdwmHc
4. BROCKHAMPTON – SATURATION III: Some people would probably be surprised that I didn't hop on the BROCKHAMPTON train sooner. Honestly, the first two albums were great, but I didn't really even listen to them until someone showed me the third. After that I was hooked. Bought all 3 SATURATION albums. For those unaware, BROCKHAMPTON is a rap-based boyband, consisting of 10+ members in various roles, from vocalists, to writers, to production. In 2017, they released 3 albums, SATURATION 1-3. They have this super cool aesthetic to all their videos and songs, which are all various styles of rap. Yet, despite all their songs having a unique sound, you always KNOW it's BROCKHAMPTON. That's something special.
Sample Track - "BOOGIE" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cucHc2vef4
3. King Gnu - Tokyo Rendez-Vous: A lot of people are probably completely unaware that this band exists and it's a damn shame. I first discovered them at Japan Nite 2017 under a completely different name (Srv.Vinci) and thought they were amazing. They are a 4 piece band from Japan, blending genres such as funk, rock, rap, soul, and a few others I can't even figure out. Now normally such a mish-mash of sound would turn me off. I'm all for mixing genres but too many cooks...you know the rest. However, King Gnu does this so masterfully, that I can't stop recommending them to people. Beyond description.
Sample Track "Vinyl" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLAw8Ct9k48
2. Oh Sees - Orc: Best rock album of the year. Hands down. Previously, Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees has given an extremely energetic album with Orc. It feels like t floats from surf rock and lo-fi punk to psychadelic rock and some kind of doom metal. It's nuts! It also doesn't let up for a second. The whole album you are just ready for more. Each track feels new, exciting, and like a roller coaster. This one was almost my number one pick. Very very hard choice.
Sample Track - "Nite Expo" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8hf8HBeFSE
1. Tyler, The Creator - Scum Fuck Flower Boy: You may know this album as Flower Boy, as it's listed on most digital retailers. You may also know it as "Jesus Aalto! Shut up about that album for a day." I'm sorry. I won't and I can't. I've always liked Tyler, The Creator. His albums were always decent to good for me. Never, not in a million years though, would I have thought I'd LOVE an album of his this much though. Remember when Tyler put out songs with a jazzy feel earlier on? I was one of those people who thought. "God just make a whole album of this. Please." This is the answer to my prayers. Every album on this track is great. There isn't a dip or a lull for me. From more upbeat tracks, to slow numbers, to a track with a beat that sounds like old horror movie music, this whole album is a treat. Go listen to it if you haven't. It's bliss.
Sample Track - "911/Mr. Lonely" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khMb3k-Wwvg
8. Lorde - Melodrama: I feel like of all the top 40 pop albums to release this year, few had the staying power for me like Lorde's sophomore release did. Yes, despite what my list last year may have implied, I do listen to pop music at times. While I enjoyed Lorde's first album, Pure Heroine quite a bit, it did feel lacking some punch. Sure she had some interesting instrumentals and lyrics, but it wasn't filled with songs that got me emotionally. I feel like Melodrama excels at that, especially tracks like "Liability" and "Hard Feelings/Loveless." However, it also have some extremely catchy/danceable tracks like "Homemade Dynamite and "Green Light." Solid album that defies the sophomore slump.
Sample Track - "Homemade Dynamite" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQsJ_FCCIMQ
7. Yung Lean - Stranger: Ok despite a lot of people disliking Yung Lean's music, I've always really enjoyed it. This album was no exception. I feel like I've watched Lean grow as an artist and this album really shows how much he has grown. After Warlord, which I still enjoyed, I felt myself longing for some softer, classic Lean. Something that felt like Unknown Memory or even Unknown Death 2002 without leaving behind his improved flow and holding on to a sprinkle the trap influence he had displayed on Warlord. This album feels like an amalgamation of all of the sounds Yung Lean has displayed thus far. Hit and miss for some, but I really enjoyed the vast majority of this album. If you haven't listened to Yung Lean before, this is a great starter album as well.
Sample Track - "Skimask" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVIYe_KeQD0
6. Bones - FAILURE: I will say right off the bat, if you don't like Bones already, you probably won't like this album or understand why I like it. It's odd, dark, seems like a mixtape. Mostly because it's all of those things! I'm not gonna linger on this one too long, but I will say for rap fans, this is probably one of the more accessible albums that Bones has put out. I, as a longtime Bones fan have often had trouble picking an album to introduce Bones to people with. This one. This is the one. Check it out and I think you'll find something neat there!
Sample Track - "Resurrection" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9a0kvOhnNg
5. Kirin J Callinan - Bravado: I'm a bit new to the world of Kirin. I regret that a lot thanks to this album. Fantastic 80s-esque alternative pop/rock/some kinda country/synth album. Despite my use of the term 80s-esque, this album doesn't feel like a throwback or like it's shoving the 80s down your throat. It doesn't rely on forced nostalgia or references. Hell, it doesn't even sound like many other musicians I've ever heard. Now, this sounds contradictory, but the MINUTE you listen to a song off of this album, you will see what I mean. Now, one of the songs off this album has become a bit of a meme, so despite loving "Big Enough," I will be instead linking to a different, but every bit as good track.
Sample Track - "Bravado" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4GbqWdwmHc
4. BROCKHAMPTON – SATURATION III: Some people would probably be surprised that I didn't hop on the BROCKHAMPTON train sooner. Honestly, the first two albums were great, but I didn't really even listen to them until someone showed me the third. After that I was hooked. Bought all 3 SATURATION albums. For those unaware, BROCKHAMPTON is a rap-based boyband, consisting of 10+ members in various roles, from vocalists, to writers, to production. In 2017, they released 3 albums, SATURATION 1-3. They have this super cool aesthetic to all their videos and songs, which are all various styles of rap. Yet, despite all their songs having a unique sound, you always KNOW it's BROCKHAMPTON. That's something special.
Sample Track - "BOOGIE" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cucHc2vef4
3. King Gnu - Tokyo Rendez-Vous: A lot of people are probably completely unaware that this band exists and it's a damn shame. I first discovered them at Japan Nite 2017 under a completely different name (Srv.Vinci) and thought they were amazing. They are a 4 piece band from Japan, blending genres such as funk, rock, rap, soul, and a few others I can't even figure out. Now normally such a mish-mash of sound would turn me off. I'm all for mixing genres but too many cooks...you know the rest. However, King Gnu does this so masterfully, that I can't stop recommending them to people. Beyond description.
Sample Track "Vinyl" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLAw8Ct9k48
2. Oh Sees - Orc: Best rock album of the year. Hands down. Previously, Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees has given an extremely energetic album with Orc. It feels like t floats from surf rock and lo-fi punk to psychadelic rock and some kind of doom metal. It's nuts! It also doesn't let up for a second. The whole album you are just ready for more. Each track feels new, exciting, and like a roller coaster. This one was almost my number one pick. Very very hard choice.
Sample Track - "Nite Expo" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8hf8HBeFSE
1. Tyler, The Creator - Scum Fuck Flower Boy: You may know this album as Flower Boy, as it's listed on most digital retailers. You may also know it as "Jesus Aalto! Shut up about that album for a day." I'm sorry. I won't and I can't. I've always liked Tyler, The Creator. His albums were always decent to good for me. Never, not in a million years though, would I have thought I'd LOVE an album of his this much though. Remember when Tyler put out songs with a jazzy feel earlier on? I was one of those people who thought. "God just make a whole album of this. Please." This is the answer to my prayers. Every album on this track is great. There isn't a dip or a lull for me. From more upbeat tracks, to slow numbers, to a track with a beat that sounds like old horror movie music, this whole album is a treat. Go listen to it if you haven't. It's bliss.
Sample Track - "911/Mr. Lonely" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khMb3k-Wwvg
My Top 7 Albums of 2016
Posted 8 years agoWell guys, as 2016 comes to a close, I have taken time to reflect on the music I have listened to over the past year. I decided to go over 7 albums instead of 6 this year because MORE IS BETTER. These ARE IN ORDER this year because there are some I really enjoyed more then others, but I recommend ALL of these albums to people who read this journal. I will include a link to a sample track from each albums as well. This is also going to be a mish-mash of genres, so be ready.
7. Xiu Xiu - Plays the Music of Twin Peaks: Xiu Xiu is a band that people either really enjoy or really don't understand. I used to fall under the latter category, but over the years they grew on me. Even still, I didn't know what to expect from this album. In fact, I went into it thinking I might dislike it. Hindsight is 20/20 because this is one of the best cover albums I have ever heard. Xiu Xiu beautifully captures the soundtrack to Twin Peaks while simultaneously making it their own. They made it so that fans of Xiu Xiu AND fans of Twin Peaks who may not have ever heard of Xiu Xiu can really enjoy this album.
Sample Track: "Into The Night" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW5zwDH7ggo
6. Swain - The Long Dark Blue: So while I may not listen to it as frequently anymore, grunge music still holds a special place in my heart. However recently, when a modern band attemps to sound like a 90s grunge band, it seems to fall flat for me. It loses some of the magic by trying to hard to pull from nostalgia. Swain however, is something special. They achieve the grunge sound but at the same time sound completely fresh. They achieve a healthy balance of nostalgia and trying to still bring something new to the table. Definitely my favorite thing to come out of the grunge revival fad that seems to occuring.
Sample Track: "Kiss Me Hard" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3W7447y-Ys
5. Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial: Despite being a project that I only began following a couple years ago, these guys have really grown on me. I love listening to bands change from album to album and this latest effort by Car Seat Headrest is really a treat in that regard. In a world of relatively samey indie rock bands, Car Seat Headrest is a breath of fresh air. They have a nice mix of everything that has the potential to make indie lo-fi rock great. Seriously, I can't do it justice by just rambling about it here.
Sample Track: "Fill In The Blank" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_a1hPwXiWw
4. Kero Kero Bonito - Bonito Generation: This was a surprising album for me. Not because I didn't think I'd like it, but because I didn't know how much I would LOVE it. I have been listening to Kero Kero Bonito since 2014 when their mixtape was released. This album is upbeat, fun, and better in every way then the mixtape was. For those of you who haven't heard of this group, Kero Kero Bonito is a bilingual (Japanese/English) pop rap trio that makes bright, bouncy music. It's really a good album to listen to on a walk or just if you need some cheering up.
Sample Track: "Picture This" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaVWvcuy3Cg
3. Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition: This album is weird. I love it and a lot of other people love it, but more casual listeners of Danny Brown might be put off by it. The beats are weird, off-kilter insane stuff. It doesn't even sound like rap beats half the time, it sounds like some creepy experimental track. But by god does Danny Brown ever rap over these beats. This is my favorite album of his BY FAR.
Sample Track: "Ain't It Funny" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNogzmuULLM
2. Death Grips - Bottomless Pit: Yet again, Death Grips does not disappoint. This album is a beast. The boys have successfully taken all of the techniques they have learned on their musical journey and refined them into one of their hardest hitting albums ever. This is their best work since The Money Store and you would be doing yourself a disservice to not listen to this album.
Sample Track: "Three Bedrooms In A Good Neighborhood" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJGAcXOSlsY
1. David Bowie - Blackstar: I really had some hard deliberation with this album. I initially was going to have the Death Grips album at the number 1 slot. However, just before writing this, I sat down and listen to Blackstar from start to finish. Within minutes, I had tears in my eyes but a faint smile. The feelings this album gives me are indescribable. David Bowie was a huge inspiration to me. If you haven't heard this album yet, you absolutely should. It's one of the darkest, most intense albums I've ever heard. Even before his death, the title track (and first single from this album) gave me chills. Like it was something sinister and not of this earth.
Sample Track: "Blackstar" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3lcw8qxFtE
7. Xiu Xiu - Plays the Music of Twin Peaks: Xiu Xiu is a band that people either really enjoy or really don't understand. I used to fall under the latter category, but over the years they grew on me. Even still, I didn't know what to expect from this album. In fact, I went into it thinking I might dislike it. Hindsight is 20/20 because this is one of the best cover albums I have ever heard. Xiu Xiu beautifully captures the soundtrack to Twin Peaks while simultaneously making it their own. They made it so that fans of Xiu Xiu AND fans of Twin Peaks who may not have ever heard of Xiu Xiu can really enjoy this album.
Sample Track: "Into The Night" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW5zwDH7ggo
6. Swain - The Long Dark Blue: So while I may not listen to it as frequently anymore, grunge music still holds a special place in my heart. However recently, when a modern band attemps to sound like a 90s grunge band, it seems to fall flat for me. It loses some of the magic by trying to hard to pull from nostalgia. Swain however, is something special. They achieve the grunge sound but at the same time sound completely fresh. They achieve a healthy balance of nostalgia and trying to still bring something new to the table. Definitely my favorite thing to come out of the grunge revival fad that seems to occuring.
Sample Track: "Kiss Me Hard" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3W7447y-Ys
5. Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial: Despite being a project that I only began following a couple years ago, these guys have really grown on me. I love listening to bands change from album to album and this latest effort by Car Seat Headrest is really a treat in that regard. In a world of relatively samey indie rock bands, Car Seat Headrest is a breath of fresh air. They have a nice mix of everything that has the potential to make indie lo-fi rock great. Seriously, I can't do it justice by just rambling about it here.
Sample Track: "Fill In The Blank" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_a1hPwXiWw
4. Kero Kero Bonito - Bonito Generation: This was a surprising album for me. Not because I didn't think I'd like it, but because I didn't know how much I would LOVE it. I have been listening to Kero Kero Bonito since 2014 when their mixtape was released. This album is upbeat, fun, and better in every way then the mixtape was. For those of you who haven't heard of this group, Kero Kero Bonito is a bilingual (Japanese/English) pop rap trio that makes bright, bouncy music. It's really a good album to listen to on a walk or just if you need some cheering up.
Sample Track: "Picture This" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaVWvcuy3Cg
3. Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition: This album is weird. I love it and a lot of other people love it, but more casual listeners of Danny Brown might be put off by it. The beats are weird, off-kilter insane stuff. It doesn't even sound like rap beats half the time, it sounds like some creepy experimental track. But by god does Danny Brown ever rap over these beats. This is my favorite album of his BY FAR.
Sample Track: "Ain't It Funny" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNogzmuULLM
2. Death Grips - Bottomless Pit: Yet again, Death Grips does not disappoint. This album is a beast. The boys have successfully taken all of the techniques they have learned on their musical journey and refined them into one of their hardest hitting albums ever. This is their best work since The Money Store and you would be doing yourself a disservice to not listen to this album.
Sample Track: "Three Bedrooms In A Good Neighborhood" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJGAcXOSlsY
1. David Bowie - Blackstar: I really had some hard deliberation with this album. I initially was going to have the Death Grips album at the number 1 slot. However, just before writing this, I sat down and listen to Blackstar from start to finish. Within minutes, I had tears in my eyes but a faint smile. The feelings this album gives me are indescribable. David Bowie was a huge inspiration to me. If you haven't heard this album yet, you absolutely should. It's one of the darkest, most intense albums I've ever heard. Even before his death, the title track (and first single from this album) gave me chills. Like it was something sinister and not of this earth.
Sample Track: "Blackstar" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3lcw8qxFtE
My Top 6 albums of 2015
Posted 9 years agoSo I took a few days to look back on all the music from the past year and figured out what are probably my six favorite albums of 2015. Why six? Cause I couldn't just pick five. These are in no particular order. It's hard to pick an order when I love each of these so much. I will also include a sample track from each album.
1. The Pop Group - Citizen Zombie: I'll admit, after so many reboots of older bands, I was skeptical of The Pop Group's ability to deliver. It had been 35 years since they had released an album. It seemed like a long-shot. Well, they delivered. This album is a must for fans of funky, noisy post-punk. I think the album will speak better for itself then I could so listen to the sample track.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReSbezi9kW4
2. HEALTH - DEATH MAGIC: I have been a fan of HEALTH for awhile. Even before they scored the game Max Payne 3, they were delivering killer music. This album is no exception. I've heard some people didn't enjoy this as much as their previous albums, but honestly, it was still one of my favorites of the year. It has a mix of ambient tracks and more noise-punk tracks, so there's a little something for everyone here.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1qvEr9bC6c
3. Injury Reserve - Live from the Dentist Office: This album is some crazy good music. It's a different take on jazzy rap then most thing I have heard recently. It's more energetic then smooth and calm. There are honestly no tracks on this album that I can say I dislike. If you are a fan of rap, give it a listen.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jkx03pnMtg
4. Caravan Palace - <I°_°I> : Yes that's the actual album title. I've been a fan of Caravan Palace for a few years. I actually really like the direction they took this album. It seemed to have more rapping mixed in with the singing and elecro-swing instrumentals then I would have expected. I definitely recommend it to current fans or as an entry into electro-swing.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbQgXeY_zi4
5. Bully - Feels Like: Looking for some beachy vibes? Look no further. This album is a perfect blend of surfer rock, garage rock, and 90s style alternative. I first discovered this band when they were touring with JEFF the Brotherhood, another great band. I loved them live and the band members were very fun to talk to after the show. For a debut rock album, this definitely had me hooked within a few tracks. Probably my favorite garage rock album of the year.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7LLBBGOfKY
6. Death Grips - The Powers That B: So I might be a bit biased towards this album because it surprised me it was even completed, but man am I glad it was. Death Grips has been a personal favorite of mine since their Exmilitary album. I love the cyberpunk vibes I get from most of their tracks. This music isn't for everybody, but if you are into bands like Atari Teenage Riot, or noise music in general, this is going to blow you away.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5GCn1BKkxg
1. The Pop Group - Citizen Zombie: I'll admit, after so many reboots of older bands, I was skeptical of The Pop Group's ability to deliver. It had been 35 years since they had released an album. It seemed like a long-shot. Well, they delivered. This album is a must for fans of funky, noisy post-punk. I think the album will speak better for itself then I could so listen to the sample track.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReSbezi9kW4
2. HEALTH - DEATH MAGIC: I have been a fan of HEALTH for awhile. Even before they scored the game Max Payne 3, they were delivering killer music. This album is no exception. I've heard some people didn't enjoy this as much as their previous albums, but honestly, it was still one of my favorites of the year. It has a mix of ambient tracks and more noise-punk tracks, so there's a little something for everyone here.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1qvEr9bC6c
3. Injury Reserve - Live from the Dentist Office: This album is some crazy good music. It's a different take on jazzy rap then most thing I have heard recently. It's more energetic then smooth and calm. There are honestly no tracks on this album that I can say I dislike. If you are a fan of rap, give it a listen.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jkx03pnMtg
4. Caravan Palace - <I°_°I> : Yes that's the actual album title. I've been a fan of Caravan Palace for a few years. I actually really like the direction they took this album. It seemed to have more rapping mixed in with the singing and elecro-swing instrumentals then I would have expected. I definitely recommend it to current fans or as an entry into electro-swing.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbQgXeY_zi4
5. Bully - Feels Like: Looking for some beachy vibes? Look no further. This album is a perfect blend of surfer rock, garage rock, and 90s style alternative. I first discovered this band when they were touring with JEFF the Brotherhood, another great band. I loved them live and the band members were very fun to talk to after the show. For a debut rock album, this definitely had me hooked within a few tracks. Probably my favorite garage rock album of the year.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7LLBBGOfKY
6. Death Grips - The Powers That B: So I might be a bit biased towards this album because it surprised me it was even completed, but man am I glad it was. Death Grips has been a personal favorite of mine since their Exmilitary album. I love the cyberpunk vibes I get from most of their tracks. This music isn't for everybody, but if you are into bands like Atari Teenage Riot, or noise music in general, this is going to blow you away.
Sample Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5GCn1BKkxg
