The Last Dinner Party Is My Greatest Obsession; Hurray for the Riff Raff Are Yet Again Stunning; Frances Chang Gleams With Creativity; and MJ Guider Captures the Ambient Essence
By Joshua Gutierrez - Editor
The big disclaimer to February was a 10-day hiatus due to a family vacation. And though I tried, I barely kept up with two-consecutive New Music Fridays. In the past, I would have been devastated… But my philosophy now is to embrace life as it is and let the playlist fall into place.
Despite missing out on some great music, my total tracks on my The Month That Was are comparable to January. While I was unable to really dig into non-vocal albums, I am sure to rebound as my world goes back to normal.
The Last Dinner Party have totally captured my imagination. The British Rock Band with the flare for the dramatic and eccentric, both visually and sonically, are just so good. Upon first listen I was taken aback and by second listen, I was convinced “Prelude to Ecstasy” was an AOTY contender.
Hurray for the Riff Raff’s “LIFE ON EARTH” will stand as one of the most important albums in my odyssey, that is for sure. So, I was beyond excited for “The Past Is Still Alive,” an Americana, folk capsule replete with introspections and twangy hooks. I’m not ready to say this album will impact me in the same way as “LIFE ON EARTH,” but I am beyond happy to have it on this year’s odyssey.
“Psychedelic Anxiety” by Brooklyn Singer-Songwriter Frances Chang continues to impress. I was at the gym when I first heard this album and I just couldn’t stop feeling inspired by its humanity and creativity. As a big fan of Daniel Johnston, Sarah Mary Chadwick and Jordan Mason, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons. Honestly, making this my Hidden Gem AOTM was easy because it was my only entry… but as I listen to it more, it may just be AOTY material in this category.
Lastly, my ambient/instrumental had a total of 5 album recommendations in January. In February, this playlist came back down to Earth with only a single EP entry, New Orleans’ MJ Guider’s “Youth and Beauty.” This wonderful work was haunting, cathartic and simple in its connection. While i’m sure I missed out on a lot of music in this category, I am appreciative I found such a wonderful work to capture my ever-pondering soul!
Alrighty, here’s to more great music in March!!!!
1 Million + Albums of the Month
Artists With Above 1 Million Monthly Listens On Spotify
Below Radar Albums of the Month
Artists With Between 1M-100K Monthly Listens On Spotify
Hidden Gem Albums of the Month
Artists With Below 100K Monthly Listens On Spotify
Ambient & Instrumental Albums of the Month
Regardless of Monthly Listens On Spotify
