2010's
The Pool by Jazzanova
The Pool
Jazzanova
2018
Sampling, hybrid grooves, guest singers, etc. This is one of those bands that I can’t believe I’ve never heard until now. Thankfully, that means I have their whole back catalog to dive into and this album was a great start.
Track recommendation: Everything I Wanted
The Demonstration by Drab Majesty
The Demonstration
Drab Majesty
2017
On my first listen, I fell in love with how this album made me feel and didn’t look back. The high-concept lyrics detract from the whole and, in my opinion, the album shines brighter when they’re ignored. Drab Majesty does their best to push themselves beyond an 80’s pastiche and mostly succeed.
Track recommendation: Dot in the Sky
Moth by Chairlift
Moth
Chairlift
2016
A surprising combination of experimental beats with a winning sound. This is the sound of a band refusing to give in and push themselves past the safe sounds that made them famous.
Track recommendation: Romeo
Good At Falling by The Japanese House
Good At Falling
The Japanese House
2019
I don’t know why The Japanese House’s sound is so cathartic for me but here I am again with this album on repeat. What I do know is their music resonates with the excitedly optimistic part of me that’s still unsure about how other people’s brains work. We’re all still figuring life out.
Track recommendation: Maybe You’re the Reason
Howling by Lupus Nocte
Howling
Lupus Nocte
2019
This 80’s synthwave EP is the new Girl from Ipanema: a song that gets stuck in my head ALL. THE. TIME. Also a favorite of YouTube videos, I’ve decided to embrace it to what my daughter calls, “an embarrassing degree.”
Track recommendation: Howling
Together by The New Pornographers
Together
The New Pornographers
2010
The early 2000’s elevated power pop to new heights and this album is a prime example. Neko Case is a majestic knife that cuts through everything. Lots of repeat listenings to this one.
Track recommendation: Crash Years