The Useless Critic 2.0

Hey, sorry I've been dormant for some time. Adult life has taken over, and I've really been focusing elsewhere. However, it appears time for my bi-yearly update.  So January was rough, but here are some tunes I've been enjoying in the past month or so period: "Nine Is God" by Wavves. I'm not a huge enthusiast of this sound, but it sounds like a more melodic (and tolerable) grunge/surf rock song to me. It's pretty catchy, and originates from the "Grand Theft Auto" soundtrack. Believe. "Higher Love" by James Vincent McMorrow. Sure, it's a Steve Winwood cover, but I always thought the original version was bland and heartless. This has a heck of a whole lot of soul. Redefines the songs you hear in grocery stores everywhere. "You Will Find a Way" by Maps. It's pretty hopeful, uplifting, and comforting - but not in a saccharine way. "Old Love/New Love" by Twin Shadow. I've never enjoyed his mu...

You Need to Hear This! Since most of the East Coast just narrowly escaped winter (Phoenix didn't have a winter this year, which leads me to believe the summer is going to be insane)- This is a relatively new band from Kansas City I've just been introduced to. And I'm something of a sucker for a clever band name (well not so much as I used to be, like the only reason I listened to I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness was their name.) So! The band has released a self-titled debut EP, which you can stream here . (I recommend "Mind the Monsters" the most.) They definitely have a VERY lo-fi thing going on. It's a little fuzzy and distorted at times, but in a good way. Somewhat similar to what you hear from Wavves or Cloud Nothings these days (although at some times I was weirdly reminded of Explosions In the Sky? at least once).  The Feel Bad Hit of the Winter describes themselves as "sad bastard rock." I guess I can hear that, but there...