The Useless Critic 2.0

Damn, another year is coming to an end. I know I've been MIA for quite some time, but this has been quite a busy year for me, especially in the second half. Still, I obviously wouldn't miss the chance to share my annual list of my personal favorite songs of the year (in no particular order), which has pretty much become a tradition since 2012 . BANKS, "Gemini Feed" Two years after blessing us mortals with her masterpiece of a debut album, Goddess , my girl Jillian Banks is back with The Altar , otherwise known as the album that saved 2016. The brooding "Gemini Feed" features the LA chanteuse's signature biting lyrics as she dissects a relationship with an emotionally manipulative ex. "I tried a thousand times / I tried to say 'I love you,' but you didn't hear me / And you're passive-aggressive / Convinced me other people, they don't care about me," BANKS purrs over eerie synths and a hypnotic backbeat. Jillian, stop...

Today in adorable Scandinavians. Sondre has had a new video out for the past two months, which I've not known about :/. BTW, this guy has quite the discography! I don't feel like I can ever really keep up with it. There's always a new song to be found somewhere. "I'm Always Watching You" is creepy, but it's pretty relatable for having a crush in the social media/cellphone errrrrywhere world we live in. It's very 1980s - almost reminds me of St. Lucia in certain places. But it's ultimately Sondre, and Sondre ... well, he's one of a kind! The video seems to be a celebration of a shirtless Sondre Lerche. I think he is currently going through his "shirtless phase." Y'know, like Picasso.   He tours America in 2017, and will hit Phoenix's Crescent Ballroom on May 6th!

I think it took all year for me to find a new sound that was truly captivating. Yes, a lot of tried-and-true vets have released albums this year, Lady Gaga found herself again,  Leonard Cohen and David Bowie put out solemn final albums before shuffling off this mortal coil, and Bat for Lashes played the part of a grieving bride very well. But I've finally, finally, FINALLY found a *new* artist I can vouch for in this terrible poo-storm of a year. Like. Just as this year comes to a close. America, meet Holly Macve. I get hit up with requests from publicists and up-and-coming bands all the time, which I usually ignore because my life is bizzzzz$$$$sssy. But the other day I took a break from my morning to hear her song, "No One Has The Answers." And immediately, I was hooked, because I listened to this song on repeat all morning. It has a nostalgic appeal - like the remembrance of a drunken night of dancing with a stranger and reminiscing on it several years later. ...

I had a friend once tell me, "You know, Britt, even though you have a blog called "The Useless Critic" - I rarely see you be critical. You typically praise things." Hold up. That's about to change (and, yes, pun intended in the previous sentence). The Xx is a band I've adored for years and been pleased to see popping up again in my news and social media feeds. Their first album was a modern indie classic (wow that sentence was gross to type) and their second album was a tour de force in its own way, a remarkable follow-up. Even their song for the Gatsby soundtrack, "Together," still sends chills up my spine. But. But. But . All great artists are capable of dropping their brush at least once. And maybe every great football player trips right before scoring a game-winning touchdown, too (I don't know, I don't know sports). So the fact that Xx released "On Hold" was only a matter of statistics not in their favor more than a wa...

The sad news broke over the weekend that Sharon Jones passed away from her long battle with pancreatic cancer. Now, much has been said about her death these past several days, and what I offer will likely echo much of what has come before me. But, in a year of losses, Sharon's was another unfortunate tally to an ever-sadly-growing list. Sharon, primarily, was a survivor. She was someone who made an entrance into professional consciousness in her 40s, which is more or less unheard of in the music industry. She was someone who quickly moved into the mainstream and was besotted with much-deserved attention. I admit I didn't listen to her as much as I probably should have, but I'm re-listening to her this evening and simply reveling in the beauty of her voice. Sharon was a true singer in an era that lacks many. She will be missed. I picked this song to honor her with tonight because it sort of feels reflective of the mood right now TBH.

Everyone has been raving about this song lately, so I had to check it out. I love The Weeknd, even though I feel his music has declined in quality since his rise to popularity. Verdict on this song? I love the production - definitely a work by Daft Punk - and his breathing in the chorus. But I don't know. I'm not blown away by this. 2016's been a shitty song for pop music, or maybe I'm just getting older. Like, I outright refuse to get a Snapchat. Why should I? Because I will constantly be Snapchatting myself drinking things with pumpkin in them and Smores being cute. Aw, Smores. The Weeknd deserves the recognition he's been receiving because he's incredibly talented, but I miss the rawness of his earlier work. That being said, I will say he's the most creative mainstream pop star out there, and I have complete respect for him. Maybe I would feel different about this song if I listened to it while clubbing with my ladies in Scottsdale? I don't...

Yesterday, Garbage released a music video for "Magnetized," which, in my humble opinion, is hands down the best song from the band's latest album, Strange Little Birds . The video was directed by Scott Stuckey, the creator of the cult children's TV show Pancake Mountain (on which frontwoman Shirley Manson has guest-starred ), and is filled with amazingly eerie visuals just in time for the Halloween season. Manson herself has described it as an ode to "the magic of science and the mysteries of love." Despite its thrilling clip, the colossal electro-rock number features some soul-crushing lyrics about an unrequited crush. "There's nothing I can do / It's all a fantasy," Manson laments. Even if I feel like literally dying sometimes, I'm happy to find solace in Garbage's music. By the way, I'm really trying not to stall you guys, but I have a special post in the making. If everything works as expected, it may be posted ...

After a hiatus, I am back. For a bit. Or whatever. Hi. Today, a new Annie song emerged from no where. Annie is the Scandinavian Synthpop Queen of Everything. She is legitimately one of my favorite musicians because she consistently puts out quality work, keeps a low profile, and honestly she seems like a cool, down-to-Earth person who likes "Stranger Things" and her dog. She is what I aspire to be like in my life. "Labyrinth" is a collaboration with Tuff City Kids, a German production outfit I've never heard of before. Check it out here  (first track on the page). It's pretty catchy and has a darkness to it - a seductive, intriguing darkness - that was lacking on her "Endless Vacation" EP. "Endless Vacation" was okay, but no where near the perfection that was the "A&R" EP.   Even though it's not PURE 100 PERCENT ORGANIC Annie per se, it still is distinctly a work by her. To me, it calls to mind her earlier songs ...

BANKS has shared yet another mind-blowing, incredibly sexy video—this time for "Gemini Feed," the second single from the songstress' second album The Altar , due out on September 30. This bish just keeps slaying me harder and harder! While the striking videos from her debut album, Goddess , were moody and minimalistic, her latest visuals are so experimental and really show her growth as an artist. I've been listening to "Gemini Feed" nonstop ever since it came out two weeks ago. The video, which includes a BDSM-esque theme, is quite a perfect representation of the meaning behind the song. "I tried to say 'I love you,' but you didn't hear me / And you're passive-aggressive / Convinced me other people, they don't care about me." Ugh, it's amazing how this woman manages to put what I'm feeling into words. Much like Sky Ferreira (and several other artists), BANKS has helped me through some though times. I can't w...

New York City-based hard rock band The Pretty Reckless, fronted by actress-turned-rocker Taylor Momsen, will finally return with their third studio album, Who You Selling For , due October 21. This is a band I've rarely written about on this blog, though I've been obsessed with their music for the past two years. Anyway, Who You Selling For is the follow-up to 2014's Going to Hell , which spawned three number-one hits on Billboard 's Mainstream Rock Songs chart—" Heaven Knows ,"  " Messed Up World (F'd Up World) " and " Follow Me Down "—the most by a female-fronted band since the chart launched in 1981. Eh, not a fan of the cover. I'm so pumped, though! The lead single, the '70s-inspired "Take Me Down," is a grower, but I do hope the rest of the album is a lot better, especially when Going to Hell is such a tough act to follow. Listen to "Take Me Down" below. And if you're not that familiar...

Last month, Garbage finally released their sixth studio album, Strange Little Birds , which frontwoman Shirley Manson has described as being the band's "most romantic" to date, lyrically-wise. "I'm only ever vulnerable when I'm in love, and I never allow myself to be vulnerable. This record is incredibly open, honest and I find that difficult with regards to my own personal love affairs," Manson has stated in an interview . That quote resonates a lot with me. The album combines Garbage's signature grit with dark, moody, and cinematic soundscapes. While not as immediate as the band's previous offerings, it's still a welcome addition to the their excellent catalog. The standout for me is definitely "Magnetized." The band is no stranger to marrying punchy tunes with morose lyrics, and "Magnetized" is a shining example of that. The lyrics describe an ill-fated, possibly unrequited crush. "I'm not in lo...

Just a quick plug for a band I was introduced to a few hours ago. Phoenix-based Snake Heart Society released their first single, "They Don't Want You," last month. If you're a fan of dark moody electronic pop music, you've come to the right place. I didn't even know Phoenix was capable of producing such a sound, but have a listen . I would recommend it for people who like Villa Nah. I know that is mostly a bunch of Finnish people, but still bears saying. Villa Nah are a tragically underrated band, BTW. I only give TLC to music I would honestly listen to without prompting, and I would certainly listen to Snake Heart Society. Which says so much because I'm kind of a snob when it comes to music. Well, except when it comes to DNCE. Shoutout to my love "Cake by the Ocean." Anyway, looking forward to hearing more from this project.

Following lead single " Empty ," which debuted last month, '90s alt-rockers Garbage have shared a lyric video for the second cut from Strange Little Birds , their first album in four years. In contrast to its anthemic, guitar-heavy predecessor, "Even Though Our Love Is Doomed" is a dark, moody and cinematic number featuring some bleak lyrics about longing for a special connection—no matter how pointless that might turn out to be. "And even though our love is doomed / And even though we're all messed up / You're the only thing worth fighting for / You're the only thing worth dying for," Shirley Manson broods amid eerie bass riffs and gloomy piano chords. Queen Shirley always gets me. My body is so ready to be slayed by their upcoming masterpiece. Strange Little Birds is out June 10. On a related note, the music video for "Empty" premiered last Monday.

Ten years ago, one of my all-time favorite bands, The Long Blondes, released their seminal work - "Someone To Drive You Home." A few years later, The Long Blondes split up, mostly from complications stemmed from Dorian Cox. Their follow-up, "Couples," was pretty forgettable save a few standout tracks like "I'm Going to Hell" and "Erin O'Connor." Kate Jackson has ventured out on her own the past few years. Which is incredible, because this woman was SUCH a killer frontwoman. She was everything you could romanticize about '60s London in one swagger-y package. She was - and is - such a badass. And always will be.     It only made sense Kate is back. How could she stay away from music forever?! I don't even want to THINK about that, bro.   "British Road Movies" came out yesterday (!!!) and it seems to represent a natural progression for Kate. "The End of Reason" is the lead single, which hearkens bac...

Dear Readers, I've never been a huge Fruit Bats fan, but I think that's about to change. I listened to them casually when I was younger and I don't think it was the right place or time for me to appreciate them. Kind of like when you meet someone who is really cool, but you don't speak to them (at length anyway) for a year or so. This might be my first favorite (hehe, alliterative typo) album of 2016. It's incredible. Sorry Gwen. If you're a fan of Dr. Dog or the Mountain Goats or Vetiver, this album will be right up your alley. Have a listen:     It has the makings of good roadtrip music, IMO. And only incredible albums can be quality roadtrip music. Trust me, I took a bus across America. I know.   I also listened to "When U Love Somebody" for the first time in forever, which made me incredibly sad for something that has never happened. There's some strange word for that sensation, but I don't know it off the top of my head....

Last Wednesday, Garbage finally released "Empty," the energetic lead single from their upcoming sixth studio album, Strange Little Birds , but since I've been busy AF, I haven't been able to report on it until now. "I'm so empty / You're all I'm thinking about," Shirley Manson croons in the angsty chorus over a blazing electronic drum beat and '90s-esque shoegaze guitars. Given the anxious nature of the lyrics, her emptiness appears to stem from the anguish of unrequited love/lust. Ugh, Queen Shirley never fails to speak to my soul. Now I'm curious as to whether their new album will feature other lyrics that are equally brooding and relatable . Strange Little Birds is out June 10. In other news, last weekend Mariah Carey threw a costume party in Italy where all the guests dressed as—wait for it—Mariah Carey. Who else but Mariah, right? I might actually steal this idea for my birthday party this year and have everyone dress as forme...

Within the first few seconds of hearing this song, I was hooked. I've been distantly following Britta Phillips' musical career over the course of the last few years (she's been in the groups Dean and Britta, and Luna, and she was Jem's singing voice in the cartoon). She also has a close enough name to my own that I feel a ~special~ kinship to her (Britta, Britt. It's the little things sometimes). So my soul sister is releasing her debut solo album this year, "Luck or Magic" (4/29 to be exact). It sounds promising, judging off this song (which has a chilled-out, almost Charlotte Gainsbourg-meets-1980s-alt-rock feel to it) and the covers she released as well that will be included on the album (most notably her cover of "Drive," which is pretty, but there's only so much to be done with that Cars classic). "Daydream" is haunting in a way, but not in some chilling or menacing fashion. Nah. It's more like - imagine driving aroun...

This song is so catchy it's sick. And I'm not even a Tegan and Sara fan - I mean I applaud them for being very visible queer women, because that's so hard to find, esp. in mainstream music - but I just never warmed up to them, so to speak. "Back in Your Head" is a fantastic song, tho. And "Closer." God, I sound like a really basic indie fan. *curls hair around finger* "So, like, have you ever listened to Mumford and Sons?" "Boyfriend" has "SUMMER SONG" written all over it in the most fun '80s throwback way. And what's cool is it's about (I'm assuming) dating a recently "out" girl or a closeted girl and having her be like, "Noooo. My gosh, we're friends when we hang out with my family. Don't even look at me!" (been there been there been there) Like, bish. My time is precious and life is short. Anyway, it'd be refreshing to hear a song like this on Top 40 as opposed to ...

Last Friday, March 18, ageless queen Gwen Stefani finally released her long-awaited third solo studio album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like , her first in almost ten years. Damn, I can't believe it's been a decade since The Sweet Escape ! Last October, following her highly publicized divorce from her husband of 13 years, Gavin Rossdale, Gwen dropped the emotional lead single "Used to Love You." Given its confessional nature, I instantly expected the album to include lots of angsty, lovelorn ballads in the vein of " Early Winter " (one of the best ballads of all time ), " 4 in the Morning ," and " Don't Speak ." The following month, after weeks of speculation, Gwen confirmed she was in a relationship with her The Voice co-host Blake Shelton, which would inevitably become an additional source of inspiration for her upcoming album. I'm still not quite sure how I feel about these two being an item. Blake is actually kind of...

  In college, I fell in love with the then three-person band, School of Seven Bells. They were an emerging dream pop band, formed as a side project for Alejandra Deheza, her twin sister Claudia - both from On!Air!Library! and Ben Curtis, once of The Secret Machines. 2008 brought their debut album, "Alpinisms," still their best effort IMHO.   I heard "iamundernodisguise" and was immediately hooked on the band.      Like, so hooked I sent the song to the girl I was courting and was like "ZOMG have you listened to this?!" Sometimes I like to think my excitement about music must be endearing to my friends and family, but who the hell really knows.   But how could I *not* be excited? School of Seven Bells were (was?) unlike anything I had heard before. It was so new and so powerful. And so honest? There was something genuine and pure about their music. In a world of overproduced and overglossed sounds, it was finding a warm place to ...