Broods ft. Tove Lo - "I Keep"

Broods and Tove Lo join forces on this sleek pop track from Broods' exquisite new record Space Island. I saw Broods open for Tove Lo on their last tour right before COVID and they were amazing (Tove Lo too). Worth seeing out. 

2019 Favorite Albums (10-6)

And we now get to the first half of my top ten albums of 2019:

10.

FKA twigs - MAGDALENE

FKA twigs came into her own this year, with the challenging and dense masterpiece MAGDALENE.

9.

DIIV - Deceiver

Zachary Cole Smith, the leader of DIIV, wrote that this album was a response to what he felt was the dishonesty of the last album which was supposed to be about overcoming addiction but didn't tell the true story, that he was still an addict. Deceiver is a brilliant shoegaze tour de force, made even better by the honest, raw lyrics.

8.

Broods - Don't Feed The Pop Monster

New Zealand duo Broods didn't heed their own warnings and put together one of the best pop records of the year.

7.

Billie Elish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

Goth-pop phenomenon Billie Elish stormed out of the gates with this instant classic debut.

6.

KAZU - Adult Baby

The former lead singer of Blonde Redhead's debut solo record was a strange, experimental album full of odd touches, but was still compelling by the emotions Kazu brought to the forefront.

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: Broods - "Too Proud"

From their brilliant new record Don't Feed the Pop Monster, Broods release this moving track about struggling with depression.

Jam of the Day: Broods - "Everything Goes (Wow)"

From their wonderful new album Don't Feed the Pop Monster, Broods' single "Everything Goes (Wow)" is a wonderfully infectious track that is guaranteed to make you smile.

2016 Favorite Albums (Numbers 30-21)

Halfway there:

30.

Broods - Conscious

The Aussie duo Broods builds from their debut and crafts a hook-ridden collection of melodic synth pop.

29.

The Avalanches - Wildflower

First things first, Wildflower is not Since I Left You. That it comes anywhere close to that masterpiece is itself a miracle. No one out there does sample based dance music quite like The Avalanches, and Wildflower, though 16 years in the making, doesn't disappoint at all. We just hope it is not another 16 before we hear from them again.

28.

Rihanna - Anti

Anti is the first Rihanna album that doesn't sound like it was made in a vacuum. Most of her records are three or four killer singles surrounded by aimless filler while this is 13 songs that Rihanna wanted to record and fits her personality. She doesn't have to care what anyone thinks, and it shows. These tracks are loose and free, and perfectly Rihanna.

27.

AlunaGeorge - I Remember

Perfect mix of club bangers, future R&B, and deep house tracks.

26.

Boxed In - Melt

Boxed In's second record Melt was my go-to dance record this year. It always gets me moving.

25.

Psychic Twin - Strange Diary

For a breakup album, Strange Diary is wonderfully warm, basking in the glow of its 80s synth pop sheen.

23.

White Lung - Paradise

Blistering guitars take the driver's seat in this fascinating hardcore record. Less ragged than their previous records, White Lung's Paradise is sleeker, but that doesn't eclipse the fury that lurks beneath it.

22.

Drake - Views

Full admission, even I think this album is a total mess; but what a fascinating mess. Tracks like "Controlla," "Hotline Bling," and the ever present "One Dance," keep this album from going completely off the rails.

21.

Róisín Murphy - Take Her Up to Monto

Avant garde pop songstress Róisín Murphy continues her string of lovely oddities with this collection of striking tracks; her wit and grace intact.

2016 Favorite Songs (Numbers 30-21)

Inching closer to the top of my countdown:

30. Solange ft. Sampha - "Don't Touch My Hair"



Stunning highlight from her masterful record A Seat at the Table.

29. Balance and Composure - "Postcard"



For me, this was a weak year for guitar based records, however, songs like this got me through.

28. The Big Pink - "Hightimes"



Fitting to its title, this song churns along on a druggy vibe.

27. Cubicolor - "One False Step"



Gorgeous electronica; love how the vocals and synths reach soaring heights at the end.

26. AlunaGeorge - "Hold Your Head High"



Awesome banger from the UK duo.

25. Broods - "Worth the Fight"



Touching song about trying to save a relationship.

24. Trentemøller ft. Jehnny Beth - "River in Me"



Gothy goodness.

23. Delorean - "Muzik"



All parties must come to an end, and this is the soundtrack to the Uber ride home.

22. Beyonce - "Sorry"



A literal middle finger to all cheating spouses, and the awakening of a new feminist anthem.

21. Banks & Steelz - "Can't Hardly Feel"



On paper, this collaboration should be a disaster, however, I was amazed at how many times I went back to this record and found something new. I love this lonely little track, and you just feel a palpable sense of loss.

Jam of the Day: Broods - "Worth the Fight"

Gorgeous song from Broods.

"Be somebody worth the fight."

Jam of the Day: Broods - "Heartlines"

Gorgeous track from Broods, co-written with Lorde.

My Favorite 25 Albums of 2014: 20-16

20.

Broods - Evergreen

Although the comparisons with Lorde were inevitable (both hail from New Zealand, both worked with producer Joel Little, and both haunt realms of icy synthpop), brother/sister duo Broods find their own unique voice on their exquisite debut album Evergreen. Alternating between infectious, crowd pleasing sing-a-longs like "Superstar," "Mother & Father," and "L.A.F" and more introspective, headphone-centric numbers like the stunning title track and moody "Medicine," the tracks are all grounded by the gorgeous vocals of Georgia Nott and excellent instrumentation provided by her and brother Caleb.

19.

Kindness - Otherness

Pop chameleon Adam Bainbridge, a.k.a. Kindess, continues his eclectic blend of 80s pop, glossy R&B, and funk, taking it further and further into uncharted directions. Working with a bevy of Class A collaborators, Bainbridge shows more emotion this go around. Whether it is the haunting pianos and aching vocals on standout track "This Is Not About Us," throbbing and pulsating horns on opener "World Restart," or the restrained centerpiece of the album "Who Do You Love?," his brilliant connection with singer Robyn, Otherness exudes warmth and heart.

18.

Sia - 1000 Forms of Fear

It is doubtful a darker, bleaker record than Sia's 1000 Forms of Fear could reach the top of the charts and be this damn catchy and earnest. Finally saving her best tracks and melodies for herself, Sia throws the gauntlet down quickly with so many hooks it would make your neck snap off. The record is so solid it almost plays out like a greatest hits collection. Although most people are beholden to her mammoth single "Chandelier," and rightfully so, it was other moments that kept me coming back to this record time and time again. "Eye of the Needle" is a master class in vocal build and release, "Big Girls Cry" stuns with stadium ready bombast, and other quirky tracks like the kicky pop punk of "Hostage" keep things from getting too bleak. But overall, it is Sia's razor sharp songwriting, gorgeous vocals, and the wide range of styles that keep this record honest and breathtaking.

17.

Ariana Grande - My Everything

While Taylor Swift gets credit for the best pure pop record of 2014, Ariana Grande wins for the catchiest pop/R&B record. Showing remarkable growth from her rather twee debut, Grande eschews ballads for the most part in favor of bangers like her infectious EDM collaboration with Zedd, "Break Free," and strutting single "Problem" featuring Iggy Azeala. But even when she does revert to a more Mariah Carey-esque balladeer she does so with more confidence than ever on tracks like "Just A Little Bit Of My Heart." Grande is still very young and has a lot more room to grow, but My Everything shows she is not afraid to take chances and break out what she is predicted to do.

16.

Lykke Li - I Never Learn

I Never Learn is nine intensely personal tracks from Lykke Li painfully detailing a breakup that sent her reeling, packing herself up from Sweden and encamping herself half a world away in LA. The fresh thing about the record is that it is not a bitter one-sided view of what transpired, like Dylan's Blood on the Tracks or Beck's Sea Change, but instead, Li dissects everything she did to bring about the dissolution. Fitting the tone of the record, most of the songs themselves are minimal and stark, putting Li's voice out front and center like on the blistering title cut, the haunting and bare "Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone," or the intense piano-led closer "Sleeping Alone." Which is not to say that the album is a dark slog through a tormented journey. There are plenty of amazing productions here that do provide some moments of light. "No Rest For The Wicked," moves from a hushed opening to an almost operatic chorus, "Just Like A Dream" swirls itself into a Phil-Spectorish wall of sound, and album highlight "Gunshot" literally explodes at the chorus with pounding drums and piano chords. I Never Learn is a difficult record to listen to, the emotions are so raw, open, and naked, but it is essential listening, part of the shared experience we all go through with relationships.

Jam of the Day: Broods - "Evergreen"

Captivating and hypnotic track "Evergreen," the title track to New Zealand duo Broods' debut album. On tour now with Sam Smith.

Jam of the Day: Broods - "Mother & Father"

Lovely synth pop track with a killer chorus from New Zealand duo Broods.

Non-Sequiturs

Furry godness.

Abs please.

Daddy.

So cute.

Rough and hot.

Beefy.

Nips!

Sexy bubba.

Sexy chesticles.

Adorable.

Likewise.

Belly.

A little too big for me, but dayum.

That is a damn sexy man.

Woof.

Daddy bear.

Nice fur.

Bear in a bath.

Beefy boy.

Handsome and tatts.

Flannel hottie.

UNF.

Wow.

Just perfect.

Grrrr.

Rough daddy.

Awww, so cute.

Perfect belly.

Damn.

I love this picture.

Grrrrrr and Grrrrrr.

Intense.

Now those are abs.

Nips!

Those eyes.

Seriously, who goes on Scruff for "networking?"

Why are most therapists certifiably crazy?

Unfailing politeness can be irritating as hell.

Plato was a wise man.

Always hilarious when a friend (who you know always has their phone on them) takes forever to respond to a message.

Ever since I switched out my jewelry for my nipple piercings, it has almost been like they were recently re-pierced. I am about over it.

I don't particularly understand the need of some people to tell you the intricate details of how much they spend on something. It's just tacky.

My latest tattoo.  My others were pussy tatts compared to this one.  It was very painful, but well worth it. Lew Hands, my tattoo artist at Timeless Tattoo, did an amazing job.

It is never too late to try new things or to stretch your boundaries.

"Selfie" has to be the year's worst song so far.

Privilege reviews are the biggest headache inducers.

This sums up most cats.

Two rules of office etiquette the denizens of my hallway fail to follow: (1) if you are on a conference call, close your door; and (2), which is very similar to (1), if you are having a meeting with someone, close your door as well. Other people do have work to get done without having to drown out your blather.

I hate when someone's comment states the obvious and kills a joke post. Stop being so damn literal!

Just because I call you handsome or something similar doesn't mean I automatically want to get in your pants. Learn to take a compliment, people.

I rarely make the same mistake twice, and when I do, shame on me. But remember, I will not forget, so you can take your shit elsewhere.

Mustard seeds have a very strong fragrance over time.

Your cute for the day.

Lyrics Rattling Around My Brain

"I can't remember and I can't concentrate
But I can take a note to permeate
A hit between the eyes
And if souls are meant to be sold
And if hands are only to hold
That I can't do what I'm told

So we'll ride the coattails to the finish line
I don't hear those church bells chime anymore
'Cause I'm in love with this
Oh we'll ride the coattails to the finish line
I don't hear those church bells chime anymore
'Cause I'm in love with this

For a moment I feel I'm losing it
Throw my temper down and bury it
The earth will reach the sky
If you talk me out of my needs
And stitch me up at the seams
Then I could live in my dreams

So we'll ride the coattails to the finish line
I don't hear those church bells chime anymore
'Cause I'm in love with this
Oh we'll ride the coattails to the finish line
I don't hear those church bells chime anymore
'Cause I'm in love with this

In love, in love, in love
In love, in love, in love

Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh

So we'll ride the coattails to the finish line
I don't hear those church bells chime anymore
'Cause I'm in love with this
Oh we'll ride the coattails to the finish line
I don't hear those church bells chime anymore
'Cause I'm in love with this

In love, in love, in love."

Broods
"Coattails"

"Through the summer
You can breathe the air
Rest forever
Because there's nothing else
See the way the valley
Starts to grow
Every movement
Seems to be for you
I can see your future in it
I can see it there
I can see your future in it
I can see it there


I see you
I see you
I see you
I see you

And all the things you might do
And all the things you might do
And all the things you might do

I see you
I see you
I see you
I see you

Through the summer
You will soon forget
Days get longer
But the sun still sets
You're so fair while
Love is yours to choose
Life is fragile
Don't you let it go
I can see your future in it
I can see it there

I see you
I see you
I see you
I see you

And all the things you might do
And all the things you might do
And all the things you might do

I see you."

The Horrors
"I See You"

Appealing Things

New pillows
Working with a great tattoo artist
Interesting opportunities
The Horrors
Two good going out weekends in a row
Getting all of our wedding/reception details finalized
Having all the rooms in our PTown house occupied

Annoying Things

Winter that won't go away
Working on a project with very conflicting instructions
People who don't say thank you when you open a door for them
Never feeling like I am making headway on paying debt down