Well, this is a relief after the challenging brute-force attack that preceded it in the Pitchfork Top 50 list. Ryuichi Sakamoto: 12 is so laid back I need to make a strong coffee by the time the first track as ended. This album is almost entirely solo piano played through a ton of reverb (or in a big room) and some distant noise that reminds me of the shitty 4-track … [Read more...] about Ryuichi Sakamoto – 12
pitchfork 50 best albums of 2023
Sexyy Red – Hood Hottest Princess
I've tried to listen to this entry on the Pitchfork 50 albums of 2023 about six times now. I took me that long to make my way past the first track. I have never heard the N word used so much. In fact all the language is so 'spicy' that I can't helped but be curious about what the word they actually beeped out was. I'm trying to find positives. The bass sound is about the … [Read more...] about Sexyy Red – Hood Hottest Princess
Youth Lagoon – Heaven Is a Junkyard
As soon as this album starts I fall slightly in love with it. There's a smoothness to the aural aesthetic that's calming, friendly and reassuring. I love the field recordings of (kids?) voices? I've heard a few albums like this over the years. The gentle piano and meandering guitars tend to be a signal for incoming melancholy. Youth Lagoon has half-mumbled/whispered vocals … [Read more...] about Youth Lagoon – Heaven Is a Junkyard
Kali Uchis – Red Moon in Venus
The 'I love you' at the start of this album totally took me by surprise. It's very sweet, and I appreciate being reminded from time to time. Kali has a very pure voice that is strong but subtle, and with plenty of personality. But the tracks are slipping by me without making a huge impression. They're all nice enough, in a gentle R&B kinda way, but I'm not hearing any … [Read more...] about Kali Uchis – Red Moon in Venus
Jess Williamson – Time Ain’t Accidental
Oooh, this album has an animated avatar in Tidal. That's neat. It sounds like country with a child's toy drum machine in the background. In the spirit of trying to make my way through the entire Pitchfork 'Best of' 2023 list I'm not going to disregard this album just yet. But if I hear anything that's within a thousand miles of Garth Brookes I'm outta here. We're only … [Read more...] about Jess Williamson – Time Ain’t Accidental
