Well, guys, it’s been a minute. Last week I recapped all the books I read in July, and this week it’s all about the music. July was a slow month for music, meaning I haven’t been listening to a lot of new stuff. But that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been anything. On the contrary, I discovered some great stuff this month. But you don’t wait with bated breath (yeah, right) between each of my posts to read the intro. You want my music recommendations! And, well, I’m happy to oblige:
- “Jumpsuit” by twenty one pilots: The duo’s big comeback track, this track is a rock & roll anthem. And I have no idea what it’s about. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t go hard. Tyler Joseph gives his all on this song vocally, nearly screaming toward the end. It’s pulsing and dark, a raw shout of a song.
- “God is a Woman” by Ariana Grande: Did you mean: Ariana’s best song? I mean, what a perfect pop track! Vocally, musically, and lyrically, it’s a bop. This song has single-handedly given me hope for Sweetener. What a game-changer!
- “Not So Bad in LA” by Allie X: Is this song a Lana Del Rey rip-off? Yes. Do I like it anyway? Of course. It’s a dark pop jam about LA. What’s not to like?
- “Nico and the Niners” by twenty one pilots: Unlike its counterpart, this song is a pretty laidback jam. Well, at least it is in the music. Tyler whips out his trusty ukulele, using it to carry the song forward. Lyrically, it’s just as mysterious as “Jumpsuit,” but a little more fun to sing along to. This new era is shaping up to be something unique for the band and I, for one, can’t wait.
- Take Me to the Disco by Meg Myers: This dark alternative album is a journey in the ups and downs of romance. It explores the toxicity of Myers’ relationship, a motif of death pervading throughout. Instrumentally, vocally, and lyrically, this album is a masterpiece. Favorites include “Take Me to the Disco,” “Tear Me to Pieces,” “Jealous Sea,” “The Death of Me,” and “Little Black Death.” Please give this album a listen if you haven’t. It’s so goddamn good.
- Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Soundtracks: As I mentioned in a recent op-ed, I watched both Mamma Mia! films for the first time in July. I loved them both (especially the second one), but I love the soundtracks even more. ABBA really did that, making bop after bop after bop. And these stars did a surprisingly good job of bringing them to life, especially Lily James and Meryl Streep (coincidentally, both playing Donna Sheridan). I’ve hardly been able to listen to anything else. These soundtracks just… make me really happy.
- Brandon Flowers: Did you know the frontman of The Killers had a brief solo career? Well, he did. His first album Flamingo is basically a Killers album, while The Desired Effect is an ’80s synth pop extravaganza! What can I say? I just love Brandon Flowers.
What music were you into in July? Tell me about it in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 