Graphic by Chris Jang
By Matt Reinstein
Arts Reporter
We Are 1/6 of the Way Done With 2019, So Here Are Some Great Releases of the Year So Far
It has been a few months since the beginning of 2019, and since I don’t really care about you enough to put out a recap in the month of music every single month of the year, I decided I’ll do it every two months. Maybe. Anyway, here are some musical projects that have come out in the past months that I have enjoyed quite a bit and recommend. Both of the lists are in alphabetical order. Enjoy.
5 Great Albums
“Careful” by Boy Harsher
Massachusetts duo Boy Harsher expand on the minimal wave genre by pushing caustic synth-bass grooves that leave a sweet taste. It is shady and determined, allowing for the duo to convince the skeptic public of the genre’s lasting resonance.
“In Unison” by Blank Range
Blank Range’s latest displays their melody-driven folk-rock tunes with consistency, as well as variety. The Tennessee group’s investment towards americana is the most prevalent, but there are sure moments of psychedelia and even punk.
“Magnolia” by Randy Houser
The progressively improving Randy Houser notches up his songwriting with the country gem, “Magnolia.” Houser’s songs vary from barroom to honky, but what remains dependent throughout is his tender drive to entertain.
“thank u, next” by Ariana Grande
The biggest pop star on the planet puts blues-tones in her songs and soothes it with trap RnB (what?!). Ariana’s vocal presence is unquestionable on her newest full-length, but the arrangement and ambitious layout is the flat-out star.
“The WZRD” by Future
Future satisfies a 20 song tracklist, all of which hold catchy cuts. The features, while thin, all appreciate their time, remaining immediate and clean. What is most reassuring, though, is how he welcomes surrealism and aggression to hold hands throughout the venture.
9 Great Songs (I was too lazy to do 10, shut up)
“Camp Orchestra” by Show Me the Body
New York Activist Punk trio Show Me the Body’s lead single to their upcoming project, “Camp Orchestra” is fine tuned, yet needlessly visceral. Sign me up.
(Alternative Metal)
“Faceshot” by Future
This Future track is like sitting in the back of a bumpy bus ride. It’s not all that comfortable, your head is moving all over the place, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat.
(Trap)
“Flipside” by Sleaford Mods
Sleaford Mods present their usual awesome style with rhythmic substance this time around, melding a timeless minimalist post-punk sound to a modern hip/hop head-bang.
(Punk Hip/Hop)
“January 11th, 2017” by Mike Posner
Mike Posner’s song is nothing short of grandiose, as a backing chorus sifts all the melody; it’s also Posner’s most barren, dragging us through a painful uprise.
(Alternative)
“Juice” by Lizzo
This song is fun. Too fun. There’s not a lot more I can say about it. My gosh.
(RnB)
“Just Thought You Should Know” by Betty Who
There are tons songs that have very little depth or substance, but still sound great. Sure, this Betty Who track is a mindless “thinking of you” hallmark, but I can’t stop playing it!
(Pop)
“NASA” by Ariana Grande
Like the previous song, sonically, the song is easy and enjoyable to the ear. It has a sticky hook that bounces through the generic post-breakup nonsense. I will not hate on the word play, though.
(Pop)
“Squidward Nose” by CupcakKe
CupcakKe summons the zany, big brass production in her new track where she hilariously complains about small penis sizes by saying she would rather ride squidward’s nose. It is nuts.
(Rap)
“Uncomfortably Numb” by American Football featuring Hayley Williams
American Football’s newest song from their upcoming project is very cleanly mixed. It’s crisp and clear, heightening the intended ambient tone. Hayley Williams also pairs nicely with the group.
(Indie Rock)
