Frank Ocean - Nikes (no link available)

Frank Ocean really took his time... four whole years between channel ORANGE and Blonde. It's probably pretentious af for me to say something like it "was well worth the wait" or some other platitudinous bs like that (I totally did not start writing the post with the phrase previously) but the album has been a real treat to listen to. It's not at all an artist trying to recreate on something that worked well previously (e.g. Filter ~2000, allegedly). This album shows a wide range of instrumentals and moods that his mellow meandering style seems to find a nice home within.

There are quite a few great tracks off this album, such as its first track: Nikes. Four years since his last LP and it still lets Frank build up. Creeping instrumentals followed by pitch-modified Frank, rap Frank, a bit of mellow Frank, then Japanese rapper KOHH.

All I can say is ... veh nise.

Oh, dafuq, can't find a reliable video on YouTube. Apparently he released his videos on Apple Music so there's probably some exclusive licensing bullshit happening. Yeah nothing to put on here but shit, just listen to a few songs from that album, it's all pretty sweet.

Sean Nicholas Savage - Maybe Chain

Omg, Sean Nicholas Savage is at it again. Fuckin' sweet this is. No shows in Canada yet though ??? Need to see you, plz.

"Maybe Chain" from his 2016 album Magnificent Fist.

Kanye - Famous (unofficial music video)

Today was a brutal day at work. I am spent. Quite stressed, residually, slightly. I am thankful for Aziz and Eric to have made the unofficial (and far superior) music video for "Famous" by Kanye. It really brings a smile to the face of this old chunk of coal. (WoooOOoOOOO)

"Famous" by Kanye West from his 2016 album "The Life of Pablo"

Mitski - "Happy" & "Your Best American Girl" [rock]

Holy shit it's been a while (again). I do listen to music but uhh iunno the perceived (and actual?) futility of posting stuff here compels me (in the negative direction).

But, hey, there's been a lotta cool stuff lately. Let's check out some stuff.

Mostly, I'm most excited to find that Mitski released a new album back in June. The songs I've heard are on the cathartic rock-heavy side but some review says it exhibits mixed influences. I'm only on track 3 right now but it's so far been really great. I find the production quality on this one is more refined than the last album (bury me at makeout creek), which was really my only critique of it. I've always been a sucker for creeping cathartic rock so this is just great. Here's to you Mitski!

Two great music videos from the new album woo.

"Happy" by Mitski from the 2016 album Puberty 2

"Your Best American Girl" by Mitski from the 2016 album Puberty 2

Get Well Soon - In Love

Yup, looks like love. If only we were all so lucky to wine and dine with Udo Kier.

Addendum: I actually like "It's A Catalogue" more, also a fun video.

"It's Love" by Get Well Soon from their 2016 album Love

The Innocence Mission - That Was Another Country [mellow rock]

I've had this this album sitting around for a while and had never really gave it much of a listen. The Innocence Missions has been around jamming since 1985. Glow was released a bit later, 1995, around when I started listening to music (though not them). It's a very welcome combination of the crisp and soft vocals of Karen Peris and the mellow rocky instrumentals of Don, Mike, and Steve. Upon relistening for this post, this is a really really really great album.

"That Was Another Country" by The Innocence Mission from their 1995 album Glow

Crystal Castles - Celestica [electronica]

I think my favourite part of "Celestica" is the Mint Julep-esque vocal (despite the fact that... these guys are probably more well known... w/e). Crystal Castles is the Torontonian electronica project started by Ethan Kath in 2005, co-starring Alice Glass from 2006-2014 and now Edith Frances since 2015. Also I take great pride to state that I recognized the "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur" sample immediately upon hearing "Years Of Silence". No, no, save your apple sauce. I am unworthy.

"Celestica" by Crystal Castles from their 2010 album Crystal Castles (II)

A Sunny Day In Glasgow - I Can't Live Without Your Love

Happy new year...!

Last post was December 8th ... boy oh boy the last month has been ... let's not revel in it. But boy oh boy I've listened to quite a bit in the past month, haven't shared anything, because... goddamn that last month. Pitchfork released their oh-so-beloved top lists for 2015 so you can bet you'll see stuff from there for the next bit. Well, this first one isn't on that list ... not that I've gotten far into the list yet anyway.

A Sunny Day In Glasgow released a new album back in November. The composition is generally more eclectic than their last release but is readily identifiable as ASDIG with the smooth vocals of Jen Goma and the characteristic warm fuzzy instrumentals (even that harmonica-thing from Loudly makes a cameo). This is the last track from their latest release, "I Can't Live Without Your Love".

"I Can't Live Without Your Love" by A Sunny Day In Glasgow from their 2015 release Planning Weed Like It’s Acid / Life is Loss