This Months Spotify Playlist
The Playlist
The Songs & Commentary
- Cell Games & Beyond, The Cradle, Bag of Holding (Rough Trade, 2018)
I really enjoyed this album, a bit out of my normal comfort zone, but in a good way. Really thoughtful song construction but also lots of emotional honesty. Do yourself a favor, check it out.
2. Finger Nails, Bilge Rat, Pal (Bee Side Cassettes 2018)
This is a Connecticut band I found through a Tweet by Post-Trash (I think), haven’t heard much, like this, looking forward to the forthcoming album.
3. Hammer, Nopes, Stapler (Magnetic Eye, 2018)
This album has been on heavy rotation at my place for a few weeks now. Really great, reminded me of some of the best musical moments of the 90's.
4. Martyr, Oppenheimer Analysis, New Mexico (Minimal Wave Records, 2015)
I saw an interview with Snail Mail where this album came up, I had totally forgotten about it, thanks for the tip.
5. Only, Nine Inch Nails, With Teeth (Nothing Records, 2018)
I still remember losing my mind on the dance floor when “Head Like A Hole” came out. I just can’t quit you Trent Reznor.
6. Honest Living, Marlowe, Marlowe (2018)
Maybe my favorite hip-hop album of the year to date. I have listened to at least 30 times since it came out. I hope that is enough of an endorsement for you.
7. Alien, Mommy Long Legs, Try Your Best (Youth Riot Records, 2018)
One of those recommendations that Spotify’s recommendation engine made that actually stuck. Will get back to you after I have listened to more.
8. Negativity, Shark Toys, Labyrinths (In The Red Records, 2018)
This is the second time in three months Shark Toys has made an appearance. I loved this album and am thrilled that there has been such a resurgence in DEVO-style punk bands of late.
9. Mr. Major, Acid Dad, Acid Dad (Greenway Records, 2018)
Another band I found accidentally, but liked more every time I heard it. This song has been sitting in my bin for several playlists in a row, glad it finally fit.
10. Pristine, Snail Mail, Lush (Matador, 2018)
I really enjoyed the earlier Snail Mail (album/EP), this is a much more polished sound but still retains the spirit that I liked so much from the raw earlier stuff. Could be the start of something great.
11. Mandalay, Amyl and the Sniffers, Giddy Up (Damaged Goods, 2016)
Another band making a second trip to the playlist. I have become a HUGE fan of this really great roots-punk Australian band.
12. Former, Marbled Eye, EP II (Erste Theke Tontraeger, 2017)
There was just a message in my feed about this Oaktown band, they are apparently putting out their first full album (after two EP’s) soon. Can’t wait. Love both EP’s.
13. Blown Up, Salad Boys, This Is Glue (Trouble In Mind, 2018)
I frankly don’t remember where the heck I came into contact with this band or this album. That doesn’t happen very much. Perhaps my memory is starting to go? The song fit well here.
14. Raise Your Voice Joyce, F*cked Up, Single (Merge Records, 2018)
Holy cow, it has been years since I heard a song by this band. Glad I ran across them again, this single is great stuff.
15. Shame, Holograms, Surrender (Push My Buttons, 2017)
Another album that has been sitting around in my bin for way too long waiting for me to acknowledge it’s greatness. Probably should have given it more consideration last year. Apologies.
16. Guts, Giving Up, Garner Cardinals (Sophomore Lounge, 2018)
This Iowa band is right in my lo-fi to punk rock sweet spot, like all the way through the space between lo-fi to punk rock.
17. I Am Not A Cinephile, BODEGA, Endless Scroll (What’s Your Rupture, 2018)
Bodega cracks me up, I was reading a Matt Zoller Seitz movie review and out of the blue this started playing on my shuffle. I started laughing out loud.
18. An Ambulance, Mike Krol, Single (Merge Records, 2018)
I have always had a soft spot for Mike Krol, not least because he actually occasionally responds on social media (oh if all bands cared about social media).
19. Lost My Way, Bonny Doon, Bonny Doon (2017)
Usually, I straight up represent for Detroit. Truth, the first time I heard this album I didn’t like it. I listened again, and have decided that the early-listening me was an idiot. Enjoy!
20. History Lesson, Negative Scanner, Nose Picker (Trouble In Mind, 2018)
I have included Negative Scanner songs before, and now we have their new album (and there was much celebrating). Actually, now that I think about it, I was pretty happy to see this!
21. My Murder, My Love, The Coup, Sorry To Bother You (Anti-, 2012)
This is a tribute to the movie “Sorry to Bother You” and to Boots Riley. If you have not seen the movie, you really should. It is the closest thing to Repo Man I have seen since Repo Man (only with much deeper social commentary). Really could not have enjoyed the movie more.
Also, really good song, and a nice way to end the playlist.
Okay, that’s it, Go see “Sorry To Bother You” and Enjoy, Explore, and Share Music!
Josh is the host of the Decarceration Nation podcast, a blogger, and a freelance writer. Please consider following him on Twitter, throwing a tip into his hat on Patreon, showing your appreciation using Paypal.me, or adding OnPirateSatellite to your feeds.
