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. 

The Other Side of Weeping Daisies by LinusYatz, released 12 August 2020

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. 

Listen to Legends Never Die - with Shania Twain on Spotify. Orville Peck · Song · 2020.

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. 

Listen to Sundays on Spotify. Evangeline Gentle · Song · 2020.

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. 

Saudade by Juni Ata, releases 21 August 2020 1. Philadelphia 2. Fight Hard, Run Fast 3. When It Rains In LA 4. No Reply 5. I'll Try Anything Twice 6. All My Tomorrows (Are Mondays) 7. Good Enough Ain't Bad 8. Room With A View of a Room with a View 9.

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. 

Listen to Sorry on Spotify. beabadoobee · Song · 2020.

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. 

Listen to Midnight Sky on Spotify. Miley Cyrus · Song · 2020.

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. 

Listen to If I Never Say A Word on Spotify. Matt Corby · Song · 2020.

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. 

Listen to Panache on Spotify. Vacations · Song · 2020.

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. 

Listen to Fate on Spotify. Smith, Lyle & Moore · Song · 2020.

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. 

Listen to Leave Me Alone on Spotify. I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME · Song · 2020.

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.   

Listen to Just Me on Spotify. Childe · Song · 2020.

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.

Listen to Favorite Nightmare on Spotify. Blanks · Song · 2020.

Assembled by music director Meghan Jonas.