Shugo Tokumaru - Katachi

We're all a bit stressed. Some a bit more than others. Some are stressing at home, others stressing at work. But, I'm sure we'll get through this together. Here's Shugo for some good vibes to carry us through this tenuous time.

"Katachi" by Shugo Tokumaru from his 2012 album In Focus

Bruno Mars - Versace on the Floor

Some songs that come up during dates just kinda stick.

"Versace on the Floor" by Bruno Mars from his 2016 album "24K Magic"

Oddnesse - Donut Shop

Somewhere I won't be going for a bit. Though this does sound better at home.

"Donut Shop" by Oddnesse, single from 2019

Ginger Root - Call It Home

Something light for a heavy time.

"Call It Home" by Ginger Root, single from 2018

Rage Against the Machine - Guerilla Radio

The Battle of Los Angeles was one of the first albums that I owned, thanks to "Guerilla Radio" being on The Countdown on MuchMusic. I'm pretty sure my mom had no idea what any of the song, album, or band were all about. But I'm glad she did get it for me ... artists like Rage Against the Machine really helped develop my perspective as a teenager to be inquisitive and not to be ever-trusting of institutional thought.

I had been recently relistening to this album before the recently fulminating crisis with Iran. It vexes to see that the themes (and even the specific context) of this song is still so harrowingly relevant today. 2020's been a mess so far. I hope one day I won't have to be a resigned cynic. For now, I will grieve with the world for those lost and whom/what will be lost.

"Guerilla Radio" by Rage Against the Machine from their 1999 album The Battle of Los Angeles

Addendum: I guess it's almost fitting that Rage Against the Machine (with Zach) is actually getting back together to play a few shows, namely Coachella this year. While I normally would be ecstatic to know that a band so influential in my development was getting back together, I also lament that their music is still (so) relevant.

Oddnesse - Are You Down?

Yes.

Guess I'm on an Oddnesse binge.

"Are You Down?" by Oddnesse, single from 2018

Oddnesse - I Used To

I sometimes wonder why my music preferences invariably fall back to more melancholic sounds. I think I've come to realize that it's not because I like returning to those states to then indulge in a self-pity party. While I do agree that these doses of melancholy serve to remind of times of lower tide, I then remember finding my way out of those holes. It reminds me of the relief that came upon when those past times finally ended. It reminds me of the relief that I experience now regularly, now that I am no longer blighted by old conditions and mindsets. It also reminds me that humanity is invariably connected with trials and pain and encourages me to stay humble and in tune with that side of life, to remember that beautiful spectrum of our humanity.

"I Used To" by Oddnesse, single from 2018

Tei Shi - Even If It Hurts (feat. Blood Orange)

I think I like this release the most out of all the recent Tei Shi releases but I will listen to La Linda all the way through ... someday.

"Even If It Hurts" by Tei Shi (featuring Blood Orange) from her 2019 album La Linda

wojtek the bear - tonic youth

Smooth and clean ... probably the opposite of tonic wine

"tonic youth" by wojtek the bear, a 2019 single

Pillow Queens - HowDoILook

Some things take a while. Sometimes a long while. But that's ok.

"HowDoILook" by Pillow Queens, a 2019 single

Mozart's Little Sister - Eternally Girl

Forgot to post this ... 3 years ago.

"Eternally Girl" by Mozart's Little Sister from her 2017 album Field of Love

beabadoobee - Space Cadet

Sounds like music when it sounded so fresh and exciting. I miss guitars.

"Space Cadet" by beabadoobee from her 2019 EP Space Cadet

Clairo - Sofia

Really liked the distorted break.

"Sofia" by Clairo from her 2019 album Immunity

Elizabeth - here

Finally some time to come back here.

"here" by Elizabeth from her debut 2019 album the wonderful world of nature

Σtella - Forest

Cool ok.

"Forest" by Σtella from the upcoming 2020 album The Break

Sorry Girls - Dirty Laundry

Oh nice. An album from Sorry Girls. Woohoo!

"Dirty Laundry" by Sorry Girls from their 2019 album Deborah

Advance Base - Rabbits

I've often wondered why music videos don't take a literal interpretation of the song itself. Finally seeing one, I realize that maybe focusing on the lyrics too much does take away from the creativity allotted within the video. So... uh... yeah.

"Rabbits" by Advance Base from their 2018 album Animal Companionship

Haley Heyndrickx - The Bug Collector

Which collector is better?

"The Bug Collector" by Haley Heyndrickx from her 2018 album I Need To Start A Garden

Crying High - Sister

Another funky song from Arbutus Records. Right on.

"Sister" by Crying High from their (?upcoming) 2019 release ♬ (Music)

Wye Oak - It Was Not Natural

Wye Oak, you make good music videos.

"It Was Not Natural" by Wye Oak from their 2018 album The Louder I Call, The Faster It Runs