The Useless Critic 2.0

My favorite band I've really gotten into this past year is the LA-based synthpop act Cannons. Fronted by lead singer Michelle Joy and rounded out with the likes of drummer Paul Davis and guitarist Ryan Clapham, I've been pretty obsessed since I heard "Fire for You" this past spring. I believe that song gained some virality on social media due to its pretty irresistible and kind of seductive vibe - like a Lana Del Rey on acid. The band has been around for more than a decade, but it seems like they've been picking up interest in the past few years (and especially this one). I seriously hope this band sells out stadiums someday; they are arguably one of my favorite acts I've heard in ages. (In Arizona? You can catch Cannons in Mesa alongside Lovejoy and Little Image on December 13th.) A few years ago, they even covered Harry Styles' hit "Golden," and did a wistful stripped-down version of it (listen below). Their new album "Heartbeat Highway...

 It's truly the little things in life that make a world of difference. And for me, that means my summer playlist! Behold, I have put together 2022's edition. It includes cuts from artists like: - Mitski - Uffie - Johnny Orlando - Kylie Minogue + Jessie Ware - Florence and the Machine (who put out a fantastic album this year after a long dry spell of kind of "meh" records. Her pairing with Jack Antonoff worked out quite well!)  - Bilal - Harry Styles (he has some catchy music!)  - KATE BUSH DUH - And of course, Lana. It's also available on Apple Music, but since I recognize a lot of folks use Spotify, here's that link. Enjoy!

Zella Day is quite the genrebender, and I'm here for it. Although she tends to stay on the pop side of the mainstream music lane, she isn't afraid to embrace all kinds of retro vibes a lot of her peers would balk at. Earlier this year, I highlighted her delicate track "Holocene" featuring the formidable Weyes Blood. And now, I really need you to listen to "Golden," which would be this summer's undisputed Top 40 anthem if modern pop radio had any sense of justice. How anyone can resist this song's delightful disco airiness is beyond me. Last summer, we had Harry Styles' "Golden." This summer, we have Zella's.  Other singles Arizona-bred Zeyes Blood has released this year include "Girls" and "Dance For Love." Her next album "Sunday in Heaven" is set to come out later this year, too. (And I personally can't wait.) 

Here's a blast from the past! Welcome back to the segment "I'd Hit It," discussing people I may or may not find attractive. Likely "may." I haven't done this since 2011, so hurr we go: Come on, Emma Watson is oozes class. And she's beautiful. And British. Why wouldn't you hit this? I liked her in the Harry Potter movies. In fact, I had something of a small crush on her. But I felt so weird because she was younger than me.  However, I am dating a younger woman now, so I guess that belief I had has since vanished.  But you tell me what you think after watching this: Also she poledances in that movie. AND she doesn't have Harry Styles on her phone. LIKE!!!!  Until next time bozos,  Britt "I'm a 15-Year-Old Boy" Kay