That single by Vanishing Twin really is something else! I gave the album a try last night and not sure it works for me. I love the Blondshell album and expect it’ll make my top 50 this year.
I don’t know much about Molly Burch (which is a little disappointing given she’s already got a few albums under her belt, but also kinda exciting from an exploration perspective) but I’ve really been enjoying Daydreamer.
Glad you're enjoying this week's playlist! I'm with you on the new Vanishing Twin. Was a big fan of their last but the new one isn't doing it for me so far - doesn't mean there aren't a few gems though.
As far as Molly Burch, she's had some really solid stuff in the past but I do think the new record is her best so far. If you're familiar with Wild Nothing, she produced this record with Jack Tatum and I think it's a fantastic pairing.
My hot take after an initial listen to Cousin was “best Wilco album since Star Wars.” After four listens, I stand by that. Le Bon’s influence is more subtle than I expected, more pushing the edges than pushing the envelope. I especially like Infinite Surprise, A Bowl and a Pudding and Pittsburgh. The first “sounds” of Infinite Surprise are simply dropped on the listener; it’s not until a few measures in that you get a solid semblance of song. The intro to Bowl and a Pudding reminds me a bit of Nick Drake, which is solid ground to be on. And Pittsburgh has some great lines and covers a lot of ground musically. I actually like Soldier Child, but agree that it’s the least interesting track on “side 2” of the album. Here’s my not-too-serious take on Wilco and The National dropping albums at essentially the same time:
Great piece. We share a lot of the same background with these bands! I think I'd say that I agree on the same three tracks being the best on this new Wilco record.
As for The National, I've been a huge fan since Alligator. That being said, they half lost me with I Am Easy To Find, and fully lost me with Frankenstein. So much so, that this new surprise album is mostly a "meh" from me. Still love them, but not really into this path that Aaron Dessner is carving. Thanks for reading!
The new album hasn't "hit" for me yet but I won't quit trying. More importantly, I will be seeing the band live for the first time ever. Kansas City - 2 weeks.
And I'm going by myself which is always an interesting way to experience live music.
So jealous I really think these songs are going to be quite awesome live! I don’t mind solo shows these days - get to just focus on the music and you can bounce whenever you want. Have fun!
I don’t know that I’m in love with this record yet, but what I do know is that every once in awhile Jeff Tweedy writes a song that reminds me why everyone hold this band so dear. For me, that’s “Meant To Be” on this record.
Lovely playlist, thanks!
That single by Vanishing Twin really is something else! I gave the album a try last night and not sure it works for me. I love the Blondshell album and expect it’ll make my top 50 this year.
I don’t know much about Molly Burch (which is a little disappointing given she’s already got a few albums under her belt, but also kinda exciting from an exploration perspective) but I’ve really been enjoying Daydreamer.
Glad you're enjoying this week's playlist! I'm with you on the new Vanishing Twin. Was a big fan of their last but the new one isn't doing it for me so far - doesn't mean there aren't a few gems though.
As far as Molly Burch, she's had some really solid stuff in the past but I do think the new record is her best so far. If you're familiar with Wild Nothing, she produced this record with Jack Tatum and I think it's a fantastic pairing.
My hot take after an initial listen to Cousin was “best Wilco album since Star Wars.” After four listens, I stand by that. Le Bon’s influence is more subtle than I expected, more pushing the edges than pushing the envelope. I especially like Infinite Surprise, A Bowl and a Pudding and Pittsburgh. The first “sounds” of Infinite Surprise are simply dropped on the listener; it’s not until a few measures in that you get a solid semblance of song. The intro to Bowl and a Pudding reminds me a bit of Nick Drake, which is solid ground to be on. And Pittsburgh has some great lines and covers a lot of ground musically. I actually like Soldier Child, but agree that it’s the least interesting track on “side 2” of the album. Here’s my not-too-serious take on Wilco and The National dropping albums at essentially the same time:
https://open.substack.com/pub/marcusmeeks/p/sad-dad-rock-stack-no-1?r=1842ie&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Great piece. We share a lot of the same background with these bands! I think I'd say that I agree on the same three tracks being the best on this new Wilco record.
As for The National, I've been a huge fan since Alligator. That being said, they half lost me with I Am Easy To Find, and fully lost me with Frankenstein. So much so, that this new surprise album is mostly a "meh" from me. Still love them, but not really into this path that Aaron Dessner is carving. Thanks for reading!
The new album hasn't "hit" for me yet but I won't quit trying. More importantly, I will be seeing the band live for the first time ever. Kansas City - 2 weeks.
And I'm going by myself which is always an interesting way to experience live music.
So jealous I really think these songs are going to be quite awesome live! I don’t mind solo shows these days - get to just focus on the music and you can bounce whenever you want. Have fun!
Ok; first of all, that meme rules.
I don’t know that I’m in love with this record yet, but what I do know is that every once in awhile Jeff Tweedy writes a song that reminds me why everyone hold this band so dear. For me, that’s “Meant To Be” on this record.
Couldn’t agree more as I placed that one on the playlist as well. Not sure if I can use “love” yet either, but damn enjoyable works as well!