The Useless Critic 2.0

WOW, I didn't realize how badly I needed to hear this song. And of course I'm behind everyone else. Literally? Figuratively? You determine that! Is it me or does Annie Clark get better with age? And there's the actual video, which makes me happy to be a queer: What a week you guys. I'm relieved it's over. Take some self-care time because I know following the news has been nothing short of ridiculous lately. I'll be posting a bit more over the weekend. My vacation has made me (somewhat) energized, and hopefully I can cherish that energy for a bit. P.S. (We can thank Taylor Swift for this version of the track.)

I've always been kind of a low key Young the Giant fan, but they've never had the strongest canon in my opinion. My opinion has changed, though, with the introduction of "Superposition."  It's one addictive, calming, almost seductive track. And I think Sameer Gadhia has one of the most underrated voices in modern rock. Listen below:  

If summer wasn't already almost over*, I would say this upcoming album from Roosevelt - "Young Romance," to be released September 28th - would be *the* summer album. It's lush, retro but fresh, and innately joyful. Try to not listen to this jam (featuring noneother than Washed Out, who sounds right at home) and imagine yourself sitting poolside, enjoying a cool breeze on your skin.  Roosevelt do deserve your time and attention. His remix of Rhye's "Summer Days" is my personal favorite. Try to listen to it and not get a little bit pregnant. * If you live in Phoenix it'll be summer until you die; you are welcome!

This isn't the first time Matt Berninger and Lauren Mayberry have been involved in some sort of collaboration, although I have to admit synthpop is not where I would necessarily expect to find the legendary gloomy National lead singer.  "Love Is Dead" came out earlier in 2018 to mixed reviews - a lot of positive, but some negative notably as much. I think it was a fine album, although not as memorable IMO as "Every Open Eye," which I adored.  However, there are some truly standout tracks on "Love Is Dead," and this duet happens to be one of them. It's dramatic AF but also so strong, arguably destined to be one of the greatest hits in the Scottish band's catalog. And as for Matt, he pulls off synthpop without losing his trademark sound in the process.  For a throwback, check out Lauren appearing on The National's "I Need My Girl" during a live set.

I have found where we need to keep Sam Smith, and it is in songs by Calvin Harris and Disclosure.  Not saying he isn't talented - he has a great voice - but he makes the most boring music on his own. Combine him with someone like Calvin Harris?!?! $$$$$$

Beyond excited to listen to "Be the Cowboy" when I work out in a bit. Possibly one of the most anticipated albums of 2018 (duh, that was a really obvious statement, but when am I getting a Pulitzer?)  "Geyser" is way too short to be what it is. Those organs in the beginning! Dear lord!  Mitski is currently on tour and will be here in Phoenix @ Crescent Ballroom on November 8th. I will be there!!!

Today marks an incredibly s ad day for the music community - we lost an icon. The queen of soul herself, Aretha:  I'm not gonna jump on a bandwagon and claim to be a superfan - I've always respected (irony) Aretha, though. And you have to admit she had arguably the best female voice in modern music history. Don't you always feel a little more united with people when someone so beloved dies? You all share kind of a weird similar grief? Like when David Bowie died - I was flying to Tahoe the next day and I wanted to get sleep, but I just couldn't sleep. I laid awake in my bed and read people's outpouring of love for on social media. Michael Jackson - I was at the store with my sister and someone asked us "Did you hear about Michael?!" Aaliyah was right before 9/11, and MTV was dedicated to her coverage for days on end. Elliott Smith got some mentions on the evening news and repeated showings of his Oscars performance. Amy Winehouse?! I was walking...