Singles, independence, and cowboys
Now, we aren’t saying that we’re going to become cowboys and go on adventures, but like, would you judge us if we did?
LOCAL
Linus Yatz - The Other Side of Weeping Daisies
If we had listened to this as a small indie child, we would have thought we were so cool. And we honestly still do. “The Other Side of Weeping Daisies” has a cartoonish quality, but in an “I want to go on an adventure with talking animals” type of way.
ALBUMS
Orville Peck - Show Pony
“I wanna be a cowboy, baby.” - Orville Peck, probably.
“Show Pony” reminds us of the roadhouse country music our grandparents used to listen to. Orville Peck has an understated grit that gives his music an edge. It’s like a barbwire fence that’s been slowly worn down by the weather but remains as valuable as it did 20 years ago.
Evangeline Gentle - Evangeline Gentle
This is what Joni Mitchell or Carole King would have sung if they had been in healthy relationships. This introspective album is simple but remarkably effective. The mellow beats carry us forward through the gentle vocals.
Juni Ata - Saudade
Yes, this album is sad. But it gets less sad the longer you listen to it, and by the end, it feels like you’ve gone through some sort of catharsis. Floating instrumentals groove along. This is the kind of background music that can fit any sort of mood.
SINGLES
beabadoobee - Sorry
Singer-songwriter, but make it edgy. “Sorry” is somehow smoothly vulnerable while also being uneasy and vague. We wish we had the language this song gives us when we were young and confusedly anxious. It would have made us feel a lot less alone.
Miley Cyrus - Midnight Sky
Miley Cyrus is a queer, independent badass of an icon. “Midnight Sky” harkens back to the music of the 70s without leaving the pop magic of the 21st century behind. Miley sings about men and women and being free. It’s all we’ve ever wanted for her.
Matt Corby - If I Never Say A Word
The word that comes to mind when we think of Matt Corby is “earthy.” But this track brings a level of funk and coolness that marries perfectly with the artist’s “I will go live in the woods at any moment” energy. “If I Never Say A Word” has a level of self-assuredness that we are digging.
Vacations - Panache
You know what kind of song this is? This is a “staring at the hot rich person you’re secretly in a relationship with at the country club” song. They’d probably be wearing short shorts and playing tennis. Think 2020, “Dirty Dancing” and “Call Me By Your Name” combined.
Smith, Lyle & Moore - Fate
This song has the energy that indie teen movies want. It’s lowkey enough to not overpower but enthralling enough to still hold our attention. It’s a little lovey-dovey and a little sad, drifting between nonchalant joy and melancholy.
iDKHOW - Leave Me Alone
Combine 80s synth and soft punk and you’ll get “Leave Me Alone.” There’s just a twinge of angst mixed in with this otherwise rosy track. It’s like the thunderstorm that comes in with the sunset, a little ominous but still beautiful.
Childe - Just Me
This is the song that plays in your rideshare when you’re heading over to your exes house (even though your friends told you not to). This song sounds cool and aloof, much like you’re trying (and probably failing) to appear.
Blanks - Favorite Nightmare
Imagine singing this song to higher education. You love it, but it’s also an actual nightmare. You’ll still go, though. If this had come out when we were in high school, we wouldn’t be surprised. It’s got the musical vibe of an early 2010s hit, but lyrics that relate to a 2020 nightmare.
Assembled by music director Meghan Jonas.