Dec 2023
I took the title of this playlist from this record by Mitski, the first track from her album The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We. It's a killer line, made more devastating by how quickly the choir jumps in with a hard agree.
OK, yeah, it's a gross title, and I'm not sure why Corey Hanson used it for his latest album of excellent classic guitar rock. Even stranger, this, the blistering title track, isn't even on the album, but was released afterwards as an outtake. Fuckin' talented weirdo this guy.
During the third verse, when Adrianne Lenker loses her shit and starts roaring like a viking, you realize she might be the most compelling front person in rock and roll.
Sad sack confessional, part shouty hardcore, part church hymn, with a middle section that kind of sounds like Bloc Party's This Modern Love.
Three hard thwacks on the toms announce the arrival of singer Marisa Dabice, and holeeee does she ever show up in a big way. A wonderfully vicious vocal performance.
Highly accomplished psych rock, with a genuinely explosive freak-out at the end. Kind of like French Canadian Dungen.
Carrie Brownstein lost her mom and stepdad to a car accident last year, and holy shit listen to this.
Midlake is settling into its final incarnation as the best backing band in the universe, which began with John Grant's Queen of Denmark album in 2010 and continues here.
When I heard this instrumental from the ex-Brockhampton guy I thought it sounded like the end of the world. The video proves me right. Also: the Texas Chainsaw Massacre if the cannibal family was H.R. Pufnstuf, 'cause why not.
This is a track off the brand new EP from Tin Constellations, my friend Brent's band out of Ottawa. There's always a sliver of sadness in even Brent's most buoyant songs, but this one dials right into the longing. Andrew's violin positively aches.
I am on a lifelong quest to make a record that sounds this good.
Sufjan Stevens lost his life partner last year, and holy shit listen to this.