The Smile - "Read The Room"

From Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood's side-project The Smile, "Read The Room" is a twisty guitar rocker that unfurls from a jazzy/prog-rock beginning to a krautrock freakout. 

Clark ft. Thom Yorke - "Medicine"

Veteran electronic producer Clark's new record Sus Dog was executive produced by Radiohead's Thom Yorke, who adds his ghostly vocals to the track "Medicine." The video also incorporates deep fake technology to merge Clark and Yorke's faces together.

Clark - "Clutch Pearlers"

UK producer Clark returns with a new album called Sus Dog, which was executive produced by Thom Yorke and focuses more on Clark's voice for the first time. "Clutch Pearlers" features lots of whimsical percussion and a childlike vocal turn.

Thom Yorke - "5.17"

Thom Yorke recorded the song "5.17" for the Peaky Blinders soundtrack. It's a solemn piano ballad featuring Yorke's beautiful falsetto and ghostly strings.

The Smile - "You Will Never Work In Television Again"

The Smile, a side project from Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead and Tom Skinner of Sons Of Kemet, has released their first single, and unpredictably it is a The Bends-era guitar rocker. 

PJ Harvey - "This Mess We're In (Demo)"

In anticipation of the reissue of her album Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea, PJ Harvey has released the demo of "This Mess We're In." The album version features vocals from Radiohead's Thom Yorke, but the demo is a gorgeous, stripped-down version that focuses on Harvey's emotive voice.

2019 Favorite Albums (5-1)

And here are my top 5 favorite albums of 2019:

5.

Angel Olsen - All Mirrors

Simultaneously intimate and epic, All Mirrors is a confident and dazzling display of Olsen's craft.

4.

Hayden Thorpe - Diviner

Thorpe, the former lead singer for art-pop rebels Wild Beasts, released his debut solo album Diviner which focused mainly on piano and his luxurious voice. His breathtakingly candid lyrics brought everything together in masterful fashion.

3.

Lana Del Rey - Norman Fucking Rockwell!

She finally did it after years of putting out excellent records, her masterpiece. Working primarily with producer Jack Antonoff (in surprisingly subtle mode), Del Rey goes searching for America. It's a frequently horrifying journey, but one that ends in hope.

2.

Charli XCX - Charli

One day the world will catch up with Charli XCX's future pop. Until then, I am just going to bask in her brilliance.

1.

Thom Yorke - ANIMA

I will admit it took me several listens to "get" this record. It's icy cold in spots, unrelentingly challenging, and frequently detached. But once you give in to the flow of the record, you hear the warmth in Yorke's aching voice and his concerns about both the world and the intimate reaches of our inner selves. It's a record that asks big questions, comes up short with answers, but gives into the flow of life, still searching, and still reaching.

2019 Favorite Songs (10-1)

And here we come to the end of the decade and these are my top 10 songs of the year. Stay tuned in January when I put together my decade lists.

10. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - "Waiting for You"

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' 18th album Ghosteen is a haunting song cycle meditating on loss and grieving. The album is the first one released since the accidental death of Cave's son Arthur. It asks the big questions about life but is never heavy-handed or maudlin. For me, the record is most touching during the quiet, contemplative moments. Cave's voice is so emotionally bare and resonant on "Waiting for You." Stark piano chords and subtle electronics provide the perfect canvas.



9. KAZU - "Undo"

Kazu Makino, the former lead singer for Blonde Redhead, released her debut solo album this year, entitled Adult Baby. It's an enigmatic record, full of strange sounds, and lots of intriguing uses of her voice. "Undo" is both gorgeous and offsetting; using odd backing noises (clicks, whistles, and drones) to keep you off-center. Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier adds cavernous drums to the mix, anchoring the song to the earth.



8. Rhye - "Needed"

Rhye returns with this haunting, and vaguely sinister new track called "Needed." Lyrics like "Why you look so fragile? Do I seem so bad?," hint at a darker under current, as the narrator implores his lover that all he wants is to be needed. The song was co-written with Dan Wilson of Semisonic.



7. Tove Lo - "Glad He's Gone"

Excellent kiss-off track from the always awesome Tove Lo.



6. FKA twigs - "Sad Day"

"sad day" is a stunning, haunting collaboration with Nicolas Jaar, Skrillex, and benny blanco. Her vocal performance and the production tips its hat squarely to Kate Bush's most enchanting work.



5. Broods - "Too Proud"

From their brilliant record Don't Feed the Pop Monster, Broods release this moving track about struggling with depression. It's something I have struggled with all my life and it hit home very deeply.



4. Hayden Thorpe - "Human Knot"

Hayden Thorpe, the former lead singer for art-pop band Wild Beasts, released his first solo album, the gorgeous piano-led Diviner. One of my favorite tracks is the starkly beautiful "Human Knot," which focuses on Thorpe's haunting voice. It's a touching song that deals with the interconnection between people and that, even if there is a split or absence, it doesn't mean there is not still love or caring.



3. Angel Olsen - "All Mirrors"

It's difficult to imagine a more sweeping, dramatic track this year. Angel Olsen erupted this year like a volcano, showing an all-consuming command of her craft. The sweeping strings and swooning synths of this track just propel her titanic vocals forward, leaving us in its wake.



2. Charli XCX ft. Christine and the Queens - "Gone"

This was pretty much my theme song this year. It was a year of massive change for me, and really figuring out what it means to be friends with people, and learning also when to know to drop certain toxic people. And in my head and heart, I recite these lyrics: "Don't search me in here, I'm already gone, baby."



1. Thom Yorke - "Dawn Chorus"

Lord, what do I say about this song. "Dawn Chorus" is an achingly beautiful song from Thom Yorke's solo album ANIMA. It's a song about the loss of his former partner. It's sad, it's incomplete, it's inscrutable; just like life. There is sorrow here and loss of hope, seeing everything lost to ash. But in the absence of that hope, there is also a light, something pulling him forward, making him choose to move into life. Dawn chorus refers to the cacophony of sounds birds make in the dawn; it provides a restart, a resolution, a new day.

Jam of the Day: Josin - "In the Blank Space"

The hauntingly beautiful title track to Josin's new record. Her lovely falsetto recalls Thom Yorke's aching croon.

Jam of the Day: Thom Yorke - ANIMA (short film)

This is a bit of an odd Jam of the Day, as it is a short film and not necessarily a single track. It has a pretty high pedigree. It was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (The Phantom Thread, There Will Be Blood), cinematography from Darius Khondji (Se7en, The City of Lost Children) and choreographed by Damien Gilet (Suspiria). It's a beautiful piece of work that incorporates three pieces from Yorke's new record ANIMA: "Not the News," "Traffic," and "Dawn Chorus." You can watch it on Netflix.

Jam of the Day: Thom Yorke - "Dawn Chorus"

Achingly beautiful song from Thom Yorke's just-released solo album ANIMA. It's a song that tries to imagine second chances but finds they are merely ashes blown in the wind. You can listen to the song here on Spotify.

Jam of the Day: Thom Yorke - "Unmade"

Hauntingly gorgeous piano ballad from Thom Yorke's soundtrack to the remake of Suspiria.

Non-Sequiturs

SBJ UNF!

Damn, that's a hot man.

Yes, please.

Yes,  my tongue is out too.

Woof.

Sexy fur.

Hot stomach.

That's a lot of fur.

Grrrrr.

Big boy.

Beefy boy.

This guy is so damn hot.

I'd get under the covers with him.

Damn.

Le sigh.

Hey Daddy!

Beautiful physique.

Foxy Brown is my spirit animal.

If you are going to be in porn, you might at least look like you are interested in being there.

Arca's song "Held Apart" on his debut album Xen is one minute and twenty seconds of achingly beautiful music.

Most of my office floor is out on Fridays. I need to look into this plan.

For someone with small hands and fingers, I have some seriously fat thumbs.

LOL.

Does anyone really read my music posts on here? Or do they just come for the shirtless men?

Actually, after I wrote that, someone on FB commented that they love the music I post on my blog, so I guess I have my answer.

Subtlety is rare in religious music.

I loathe making small talk.

Ariel Pink is seriously overrated.

Hee hee.

OK Go make some amazing videos, but do you really recall any of their songs? I just saw their new clip, and it was really cool, but I couldn't hum you the melody if I tried.

Versatility is a lost art.

Don't tell Andrew but I like "Shake It Off."

I'm not quite sure I want to try BBQ from Wendy's.

Maple frosted donuts in the fall are amazing.

I'll tell you when I've had enough, dammit.

"Die with memories, not dreams." I love that quote.

If one of your main concerns in life is whether or not a dishwasher is loaded properly, you have some issues.

One of the legal assistants on my floor sprays her office down everyday with Lysol and wipes everything with disinfectant wipes. I am all for cleanliness, but somehow I think she is creating some super bacteria over there that will eventually be resistant to all disinfectants.

I really don't find long hair on a man attractive at all.

Ha!

Who wouldn't want a hedgehog?

Watching people try to walk a cat on a leash is hysterical.

If your relationship is so perfect/wonderful/dreamy why are you always on FB posting about it 10 times a day? Shouldn't you be enjoying it with your partner rather than trying to convince yourself and others?

One of the many pleasures in loft living is that we don't have to get candy for trick or treaters.

Your cute for the day.

Lyrics Rattling Around My Brain

"You're probably the only one, though it is hard to admit
That can save me
And I never liked to ask for a helping hand
But I do now

I look into your eyes
This hard, bewildered stare
Part of me wants to hurt you
Tear in your hair
But I don't do that now

A naive, open wounded exchange of stories that transforms us here
But I think I am the only one breathing on this planet tonight

The cheap sweat smothered makeup
Makes her face look as if dissolving
Yet full of grace
Here in the darkness now

One hundred Euro wine
I do believe in heaven and I do believe its time
Yes its time now
Five inch white high heels
I do believe in heaven and I do believe its real
And its okay now

Vast scarlet leisure
Immense blood pressure
Scatterbrained love lecture
Come here and be gorgeous for me now

After all I think it's evident that I am god's favorite one
And now is the time I should have whatever I desire

One hundred Euro wine
I do believe in heaven and I do believe its time
Faceless company
It don't matter much to me
Five inch white high heels
I do believe in heaven and I do believe its real
Dreamlike mirage haze
I'm positively god's favorite one

favorite one
favorite one
favorite one
I do believe I'm the lord's favorite one."

Iceage
"The Lord's Favorite"

"Oh what's that seeking us
Still hands are gonna talk to us
Looked in your eye, in your eye

Seagull laugh and pick the bones
The entity I wrestle to the ground
Looked in the eye, looked in the eye

Chill

Some teasing and then bring myself in too
It's like I've forgotten you
Think I'm gonna go to pieces now
Come and fall in (in love) the dark

Chill."

Thom Yorke
"A Brain In A Bottle"

Appealing Things

A good haircut
The view from my new office
New office supplies
New office laptop
The Book of Life
Gallowglass
Ysabeau
Pedicures
My new Oakley sunglasses

Annoying Things

Having to pay out-of-pocket for lab fees
Vaguebooking
Trying to figure out whether or not to accept my Mother's friend request on FB
Lacking gym motivation

Non-Sequiturs

Drool.

Handsome man.

Gorgeous fur and beard.

Woof.

Lovely abs.

Damn.

Wow.

I love a man in uniform.

Stocky.

Love the view.

Hot fur and belly.

Yum.

That is a damn hot man.

Gorgeous.

UNF.

Woof daddy.

Oink.

I know this is several weeks late. I went on vacation and decided to just take a small vacation from posting as well.

Andrew and I went to the Folsom Street Fair 2014 in San Francisco. It was my 3rd and his 2nd. Here are some observations and musings:

While Real Bad is the big party I like the most, my favorite party is the Big Muscle Bear party. It is small and intimate and a great way to spend Saturday afternoon.

Real Bad is still a blast. The organizers put on a an excellent event that is hard to top. I just wish it was a little less crowded, and not as hot.

The producers of Magnitude completely impressed me this year with their first time at Treasure Island. Logistically, everything was on point.

Aftershock, the after hours party, is still an unholy mess if you get there right when it opens. Wait until about 5:30 or 6 AM before going so all the crowd rush subsides.

We rented a house in Protero Hill through AirBnB and, aside from it being a little farther from where we initially thought it was, it turned out to be a nice diversion from the usual hotels. Also, it was infinitely cheaper.

Walking down the hill to the market was nice. The walk back up was killer.

Uber was our savior.

San Francisco will always be my hometown.

The Folsom Fair itself has become overrun with straight people gawking and has become, for me, not the focus of the weekend. We went to the fair, but only stayed a few hours.

The big parties are a lot of fun, but the best times of the trip were were the smaller moments, the house parties, or just meeting up with friends for a happy hour.

Even if you don't spend anything there, a trip to Mr. S Leather is a must.

I am on the host committee of a local charity called Ready For Hope that raises money to benefit AID Atlanta. After a year of events, we had our final weekend of five parties. At the closing party Sunday night, we revealed the grand total, which was over $45,000. I am very proud to be a member of this organization.

The week before vacation might as well be a vacation week, considering my mind is only focused on vacation.

Having no plans is having plans sometimes.

I am ready for fall. These last gasp humid summer days are killing me.

I so want to say this to certain people.

I have to admit, I never really got into The Sopranos.

I don't begrudge anyone their hard earned vacations but, damn, it always seems like some people are always traveling to some exotic, fun location.

Seriously Urban Outfitters, you are selling a "vintage" blood-splattered Kent State sweatshirt? SMH.

Today we leave for San Francisco and the Folsom Street Fair. I am so ready for this.

I have a few people in mind for this.

Why do I have to get a cold two days before leaving for San Francisco? At least it is a minor one.

Don't ask for advice if you aren't willing to hear the truth.

I realize I haven't watched Project Runway in awhile when I barely recognized any of the contestants on this season of All Stars.

There is something very gratifying about turning on the "out of office reply" on your work email for vacation.

Yes.

I can't resist Krispy Kreme donuts.

Every one's happiness is the same, but everyone's sadness is different.

Desperation is not an attractive trait.

Intelligence is far more attractive than looks.

Do you ever feel like your life is waiting for you to catch up with it?

LOL.

I hate Tuesday mornings because Andrew is in a very long meeting at his work and we don't get to chat almost the whole morning.

Ok Purity Ring, time for some new music.

While I commend Flying Lotus for tackling funk and jazz on his latest record You're Dead!, I really miss his more typically Brainfeeder-esque material. I just can't get emotionally invested in what he is doing anymore.

I absolutely detest politics; or at least modern politics. That is not to say that I don't follow them and keep up with them because I do want to be an informed voter, however, all the negative ads make me want to trash my television.

Ha ha.

I love soy sauce.

If I ever have a daughter I am going to name her Lizard then she'll get the nickname Liz and everyone will ask "Is that short for Elizabeth?" and she'll have to say "no, my name is Lizard."

The other day I was listening to The Unforgettable Fire from U2 and what struck me is how lifeless the band has now become. Even though The Unforgettable Fire is a messy, sloppy album, it is still brimming with ideas and, more importantly, passion.

Your cute for the day.

Lyrics Rattling Around My Brain

"How am I supposed to survive
If I don’t know what’s wrong and what’s right
How am I supposed to know freedom?
If I don’t know, I’m living inside
Cuz you’ve got the nail to my all
My origins ain’t nobody’s work
You’ve got the nail to my all
A numb tic-tok can’t even control

Set me free
Pull the nail out with your teeth
Set me free Don’t leave me wasted

Slave hits the coal
And every luck is turned to gray
Sounds try to talk
And the words make sense in their own way
But it is a slave through it’s owner
And I won’t let nobody take it over
No, I won’t let nobody take it over
And all my whole like I won’t turn a shoulder
To the visions that keep us divided
Can’t hold on the cry that keep me who I am

Set me free
Pull the nail out with your teeth
Set me free
Don’t leave me wasted."

Zola Jesus
"Nail"

"I don't know where this night will end
If I open up the door
To the back of your simple mind
Will you end it and call the flood
When it all becomes too much
Spread your last legs
In the times you are afraid
In a room full of clouds
If I'm blowing myself away
Get through the bad times
Two birds on a wall
Your nose just grows
But you're just another drop
With this weather it is cold
We're waiting from the rocks
While you're waiting on the tide
Through the bad times
If I'm blowing myself away
Under hot florescent lights
Two birds on a wall
Your nose just grows and grows
(One day I'll grow up tall and I will be with you)."

Thom Yorke
"Nose Grows Some"

Appealing Things

A ton of our San Francisco friends coming to Atlanta for Pride
Working from home during a fire drill at work
Zola Jesus
Carnitas
Two weekends in a row with little to do
Finally in the mood for fall

Annoying Things

Waiting for my iPhone upgrade
Cleaning house when you are tired
Needy cats when you are working from home
When you think it is Friday and it is only Thursday