It's Music, baby

and lots of it

I’ve been listening to a lot of music lately, and it’s been delicious. Therefore- I’m dedicating this whole post to music I’ve been listening to, what I love about it, and a bonus cover recording for paid subscribers (Tryin’ it out). Scroll down to find it :)

Here we gooooooo!

Kristine Leschper - Figure and I (song)

This song was put on a really amazing playlist someone made for me- and the moment it came on I was instantly enamored. The textures in this song are so intentional and beautiful, and I love the vocal melody so much. The whole record is really lovely, adventurous, and interesting. This one has definitely been on repeat.

Kate Bush - Love and Anger (Song but also listen to all of the Sensual World obviously)

Sensual World is one of my favorite Kate Bush records. Amazing songs, incredible string arrangements, Irish music, and Trio Bulgarka, are all on this record. Its almost all of my favorite things in one place. I’m choosing this song because I’ve recently become obsessed with one small moment: at the end of the song after an epic jam, Kate Bush just says “yeah” in this way that I absolutely love. In fact, if you’ve asked me a question recently and the answer is yes, just know in my head it triggers Kate Bush’s “yeah” before it comes out of my mouth.

Helado Negro - Phasor

New Helado Negro record! Its still really fresh for me, but its so beautiful and I’m excited for repeat listens. I love how he approaches the sonic universe of an entire record. His records often transport me somewhere else entirely, and its so inspiring to find a record that can create and inhabit its own space. “This is How You Smile” is another favorite Helado Negro record of mine if you’re looking for more :)

Canned Heat - Poor Moon (song)

This month the Tweedy band has been doing some recording, and its been a joy (and honor) to be a part of such a great crew of musicians making music. Jeff put this song on the other day and I keep listening to it on a loop. I haven’t really dove into Canned Heat before, but this song might be my gateway. Its incredibly funny and weird and GOOD. The chorus lyric “I wonder when they’re gonna destroy your face” (about the moon) is enough for 3 listens in a row in my opinion.

Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog - Norma Tanega

I think Sima was the first person to show me Norma Tanega- but wow. This record is a 10 out of 10. The humor, joy, and earnest human emotion in these songs makes it a mainstay. This is one of my favorite records to put on in the mornings while I drink a cup of coffee. Also Norma Tanega was queer as hell which is super inspiring and makes me love her even more. (She dated Dusty Springfield back in the day!!! Power couple)

Alien Flower Sutra - Rob Mazurek and Emmett Kelly

This record was one of the first International Anthem records I had ever heard. Its still a favorite of mine, and the LP version has an amazing locked groove at the end that really tripped me up the first time I listened to it. I’ve been revisiting it because its such a great combination of textural synthesizers and improvisation with songwriting and incredibly visual lyrics. I really love this one.

Drive My Car Soundtrack - Eiko Ishibashi

I love Eiko Ishibashi. Her record “The Dream My Bones Dream” is another favorite of mine- but I’ve been super into film scores lately and this one is a top tenner. I love the musical themes and how they morph and reappear throughout it. Its a great listen both inside and outside of the film.

Tirzah - Colourgrade

This record feels like a love letter to many things, change, love itself, new life, etc. But a a big takeaway for me is that it is a love letter to musical space and sitting with gushy feelings. Its produced by Mica Levi, who is another favorite composer of mine- This is a record I love listening to at night. It feels warm and alien at the same time, and something about it hits me so deeply. “Colourgrade”, “Beating”, and “Hive Mind”, are my favorite tracks. Also “Hips”.

D’Angelo - Black Messiah

D’angelo is unparalleled on so many levels. This record is a masterpiece! I don’t know why its taken me so long to put it back on my record player rotation. I listened to it one night this week and had a dance party by myself while cleaning the house.

Can - Ege Bamyasi

Damo Suzuki, the vocalist of Can for a big time, passed away last week. This record is so fucking good, and hearing of his passing made me revisit it. Also what a legendary album cover. Can is a must listen always. Ege Bamyasi is my favorite (Vitamin C is a classic).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thats it, those are my recommendations for you this week. I’m feeling glowy and excited about life, and I’m leaving for Japan on March 1.

-MS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPCOMING SHOWS

2.22 - Elastic Arts - Duo with Ben Lamar Gay, and a set with Drawler
2.23 - Bethesda, MD - Strathmore Music Center - strings with Makaya McCraven
2.25 - Color Club - Feast of Friendship with Al Scorch

3.6&7 - Tokyo, Japan - Opening for Wilco with Finom
3.8 - Osaka, Japan - Opening for Wilco with Finom
3.9 - Kyoto, Japan - Urbanguild- Finom with Yuka Honda and quaeru

3.24 - Knoxville, TN - Big Ears Fest - Finom

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As promised: here is a demo recording of Broadcast’s “Tears in the Typing Pool”. I adore this song, I adore Broadcast, and I got to play it on tour with V.V. back in September. I recorded this at home in my closet studio. Enjoy <3