The Spins

I realized the error in the old subtitle when I was thinking about this column the other day. I'm not putting in the mid/bad albums that I listen to so that I can actually write this. I mean, as you well know, not every album is good or hits. If I put those in, this thing would be so, so long and a lot of it would be me griping about something minor for far too long. So, instead of reviews, these are recommendations. They don't make the list if I don't think they are good and want to listen to them a lot. This is a small thing, but it was bothering me.

Anyway, to the recs for the week. This was a good, weird week of albums.

Japanese Breakfast, For Melancholy Brunettes (and sad women)

While the title of this album is accurate, don't feel left out—you can listen to it too, and you really should. It's a clear advance in her sound, and is beautifully made. If you are familiar with her past work, it's a bit darker than that, but the things you liked before—the careful writing, the emotion, the songcraft—are still very much there. A rich listening experience if there ever was one.

RIYL: Gothic novels, Virginia Woolf, night walks, Kate Bush

Lake, Bucolic Gone 

A troupe from the Pacific Northwest that specializes in easy, laid-back grooves. Rooted in soft rock, the sound is detailed and never monotonous, and the lyrics are really catchy. If you need an engaging, easy listen, put this on immediately.

RIYL: K Records, The Go-Betweens, the quieter Yo La Tengo songs, “Dream Date” by Ida

Men I Trust, Equus Asinus

It is everything you love about Men I Trust—the dreamy atmosphere, the wispy vocals, the grooves—but with much more acoustic instrumentation. A great listen from back to front. “Girl” is maybe one of the best songs they've ever written, and they've written quite a few ear worms over the years. This album shows they've got more in them than woozy vibes.

RIYL: Vibes, Serge Gainsbourg, Air, French, Spotify's Bedroom Pop playlist

Anoushka Shankar, Chapters I-III

A beautiful trilogy of modern sitar music by Ms. Shankar. Elements of classical Indian music merge with jazz, electronica, ambient, and orchestral elements and create a joyous whole. Chapter III just dropped, and it is a fitting end to this trilogy, which started in 2023. You can listen to them discretely, but I recommend listening to them all in one sitting.

RIYL: Ragas, Sven Vath, global locations, floating in a pool

Sharp Pins, Radio DDR

A fun, fast-paced trip through power pop and folk-pop that is both reverent of the forefathers while maintaining a modern edge. This album jangles with the best of them and is extremely well sequenced, something that can be easily overlooked. It's wild to think that Kai Slater, the guy behind this project, isn't even 20 yet. I'm excited to see what's next for him.

RIYL: Lifeguard, the Kinks, Big Star, Donovan, Guided by Voices

Takuro Okada, The Near End, The Dark Night, The County Line

A nice, relaxing album centering on the guitar playing of Okada. Jazz, country, and psych elements pop in around the edges, providing a bit of dynamism and variety. This is not an album to fall asleep to; it is an album to listen to while having a lazy day or chilling. And there's plenty to discover with deep listening on headphones.

RIYL: Mike Cooper, quiet nights, Fennesz, Nagisa Ni Te

Nels Cline, Consentrik Quartet

This is a very innovative jazz album. Cline, who is probably better known for being in Wilco than being an accomplished jazz guitarist, and his band mates play a form of jazz that is both immediately recognizable and radically inventive. Cool guitar arpeggio runs are replaced with feedback and noise. The interplay between Cline and sax player Ingrid Laubrock verges on no wave at times during solos. Even with this noisiness, the band can pull back and create interesting, dynamic music. It's an exciting hour that continues the modern tradition of exploding jazz.

RIYL: Julian Lage, Tzadik Records, Mary Halvorson

Ora the Molecule, Dance Therapy

It's rare to hear a vocal album that is oriented for the dance floor that actually has its own perspective and voice. This is one such album. Nora Schjeldrup takes a series of excellent house and disco grooves—which are dynamic and innovative on their own—and adds her own flair to them, making an excellent album in the process. My mood was much improved by this album. I'm sure yours will be boosted as well.

RIYL: Robyn, Kylie Minogue, Annie, Chic, Miss Kittin, Kittenz and Thee Glitz

I'll see you again on Saturday with a discussion of cool trans ladies. Until then, take care.