Joey’s 26X Music Round-Up
Hello loyal WebDCR Blog readers. I hope you are enjoying your summer so far, and are somewhere safe from the wildfire smog that is currently wafting down from Canada. This is my first blog post, so an introduction: I’m Joey, one-time music director, WebDCR host, and current co-GM. I missed WebDCR so dearly that I bugged our website maestro James to show me how to post on the blog with the goal of posting album reviews.
I realized I did not know how to write a good album review and got scared and didn’t work on it for a month (sorry James). But! I have been listening to lots of music, both on my own and for my radio job, so I thought I could at least write about what I’ve been listening to and what I think you should be listening to. So. Without further ado, here is:
JOEY’S 26X MUSIC ROUND-UP PART 1.
Part 1 because I am about halfway through my summer and will make another one at the end. Woo hoo! If I can figure out how to embed links here I will do that, otherwise these are pretty searchable on most music platforms if you would like to take a listen. I’ll also put my favorite tracks in a Tidal playlist if you want to check that out.
Kali Malone, The Sacrificial Code
drone / minimalism / pipe organ
Kali Malone’s engrossing 2019 record is an endless tapestry of air and divinity. If you haven’t listened to any drone or minimalism yet, this is a great starting point. The pipe organ is familiar and nostalgic, so it’s easy to buy into the world that Kali Malone creates, but I also think giving this record a real deep listen will make you appreciate the character of the instrument a little more. I recommend listening to this album on non-noise-cancelling headphones on a low-ish volume while you sit in a high-traffic area and people watch. Or, conversely, in your bed, in very noise-cancelling headphones. Both are great vibes.
Hiroshi Yoshimura, Green
minimal / ambient / new age
Pretty, melodic, and with enough negative space for you to frame your own wandering thoughts with. Yoshimura relies on slow, evolving patterns and satisfying synth textures to create an equally relaxing and stimulating soundscape. I like this record paired with cheap white wine or a cold sour beer from the grocery store and Stoner by John Williams. Also good for pretending to work while you’re secretly reading every Atlantic article ever posted because you finished your assignment at 11:00.
The Beach Boys, Surf’s Up
psychedelic / art pop / progressive
In classic Beach Boys fashion, a collection of just really solid pop songwriting. I’d recommend skipping the sort of tasteless “Student Demonstration Time”, but other than that, a great listen top to bottom. Simultaneously sweet and grim, Surf’s Up is excellent for a walk along the Hudson River or a sweltering train ride home from your solo date to the movies.
Paulie Swan, Swans Today
chamber pop / singer-songwriter
Fans of Cameron Winter and other sad, bedraggled singers will love this Paulie Swan EP! Swans Today has everything: concise, but just out of reach Dylan-esque songwriting, hefty vocals, and rich arrangements. Best for posing conspicuously with your wired headphones and copy of “Howl & Other Poems” that you bought at the MoMA PS1 gift shop. Paulie Swan only has four songs out right now, but trust I will be keeping an eye on him (you should, too).
Black Country, New Road, Ants From Up There
post-rock / art rock / chamber music
I love this album. I am not ashamed that I love this album. It is that good. Everyone yelling about how it’s “arpeggioslop” and “cluttered” are simply afraid of the clarinet and unwilling to pay attention to what they’re listening to. Regardless, this album is a masterpiece, and one I revisited this summer. Great for walking home from the bar and staring in awe at the life around you, and also for the subway ride to an off Broadway musical.
Some honorable mentions! New Steve Lacy single, “the feeling”, is excellent, as well as Kelela’s “idea 1” and Helado Tropical’s “Tocando”.
Have a great rest of your summer, and until next time.
– Joey
Here’s the playlist, as promised.