The Useless Critic 2.0

I'm on a roll lately! I wouldn't expect this to last. But back with another new single, "My Reflection" by the London-born and LA-based dance duo Eli & Fur. I had honestly never heard of them before, but they've been in the business for over a decade now. And at first listen I was pretty intrigued. It's an icy cool yet warm sound - a very untouchable electronic vibe. "My Reflection" is from their upcoming "Dreamscapes" album, which will be out on September 27th via the PIAS Electronique label. They are also doing a VERY limited tour run for "Dreamscapes," with three shows in total announced. 'The shows are as follows: October 12th at the Fonda in LA, October 19th at Brooklyn Steel in NYC, and November 16th at the Village Underground in London. 

You can expect a new CAS (Cigarettes After Sex) album in the coming weeks! I almost saw them last year but they ended up selling out which I absolutely did not expect to happen. I guess I underestimated the appeal of moody aesthetic music. Maybe everyone got hooked when they took over YouTube for that one year (2018? 2019?)  They'll be doing an ARENA tour (!!!!!!) this year - hitting Phoenix on October 8th (maybe won't sell out? Doubtful) - also Lana doing is an arena tour?! What is this year even? I feel like 2024 is the bleaker sequel to 2012 no one asked for. (Just kidding I liked 2012! I moved to Phoenix! Big year in my life. 2011 and 2013 can kick rocks though.)  Anyway here's the song, which is distinctly CAS, but it also reminds me a lot of the Xx in places. It really hits all the notes that they are known for, but I like how Greg Gonzalez's voice is almost softer here? It feels more developed and melodious, or it just might be a case of clearer production. Gonza

I truly wish I understood what Cannons does to their music to make it so instantly addicting to me. I am here with another cut from them - a fresh music video! - and I am again seeing them on tour this year because I have decided I want my mid-to-late 30s to be earmarked with a musical obsession. Fun! "Sweeter" has a distinctly 1970s vibe to it, and the music video kind of has that feeling, too (much like Taylor Swift's "Midnight" covers). Cannons' thing tends to be songs celebrating and bemoaning both love and lust, and "Sweeter" is no different. But if a formula works, there's really no reason to stray from it.  The song ultimately is bittersweet, and not much happens in the music video besides lead singer Michelle Joy going through it in her hotel room, but I think anyone who has felt the depths of being lovelorn can likely relate. Plus Michelle is beautiful, so that never hurts, either. I will be seeing Cannons next month in San Francisco!

Suki Waterhouse might be in the news for award season buzz and having a baby with long-time boyfriend Robert Pattinson, but she's got some new music to share with the world, too! After lots of coy social media teasing, we have "OMG" which lives up to its title.  "To Love" from last year was an instant classic IMHO, and this song takes things in an exciting new direction. I think her second EP is slated for a release later this year, and what a release that will be! Suki seems set up to have an amazing 2024, and I'm here for it. 

Another song I enjoyed from 2023 was the throwback banger "Blame Brett" by the Canadian band The Beaches. How this song didn't get ANY bigger, I don't know. (Apparently, it was quite big on TikTok but for me I didn't get that full effect.) The garage rock and even faint "Riot GRRL" vibes are strong in this one.  This song is so much blissful fun and a considerable hit from The Beaches, who followed up with a great album: "Blame My Ex." There are some other standout tracks on their second album, like "Edge of the Earth." But also isn't it great that Brett is a REAL guy who dated the lead singer and is in the band The Glorious Sons? (Actually, it's really not that bad. One time I texted a girl I liked who I got into it with - and she was very environmentally conscious - that I really loved straws, so. Um. We all have our moments.) Happy listening! I hope to share a few more songs before 2024 arrives.

So if you know me at all even an iota you'll know how much I enjoyed "Barbie" this year. I knew I would because I love Greta Gerwig stuff, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. And become totally enamored with Margot Robbie. Feels weird to be in my mid-30s and crushing on a celeb so hard but here we are.  ANYWAY, there's nothing I can say about this film that hasn't already been said. I loved every aspect of it and will likely watch it during my holiday downtime. But I wanted to share the "Ken" EP news from this past week and my personal favorite cut from that "I'm Just Ken"-centric collection. In it Ryan Gosling really gets to shine once again with the help of Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. I'm sure you can write off this whole effort as a cash grab but IDC. It's a very bleak end of year so a little frivolous joy and Ryan Gosling being as unserious as ever - but also somehow very serious and leaning into his power bal