Albums
Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer (2025)
My boyfriend has been raving about this album for a few months, but I’m just now getting into it. This is the debut record from the ascendant Nina Jo Wilson, who is topping the charts and winning national prizes in her native Australia. You won’t be able to get “iPod Touch” out of your head. Recommended if you like Doss’ recent output.
Maria Arnal – Ama (2026)
Loving this new one from Maria Arnal. This is technically her debut solo record, as her previous collaborative project with Marcel Bagés dissolved in 2022. It’s a little bit more pop than the music she did with Marcel. Lyrics are sung in both Spanish and Catalan.
Girls – Album (2009)
I’ve been digging through the Bay Area’s music history and trying to discover records from before my time. I was alive in 2009, but I wasn’t old enough to be following indie music. This is the debut record from Girls, a now-defunct duo formerly based in San Francisco. This record is so, so good. And so, so devastating, too. I love how much this record feels like San Francisco. “Hellhole Ratrace” is still tapping into the local zeitgeist seventeen years later:
I don’t wanna cry my whole life through
I wanna do some laughing too
So come on, come on, come on, come on and laugh with me
And I don’t wanna die without shaking up a leg or two
Yeah, I wanna do some dancing too
So come on, come on, come on, come on and dance with me
Sometimes you just gotta make it for yourself
It makes me so sad to learn of the passing of JR White, one half of this duo and the producer of this record. May he rest in peace.
Singles
Utada Hikaru & Skrillex – “Face My Fears” (2019)
This song is very moving. I have always interpreted the lyrics to be describing Utada’s realization that they are nonbinary and decision to come out after over twenty years in the spotlight. I am also a big fan of Skrillex’s more recent production work and think he shines on this track.
Santigold – “L.E.S. Artistes” (2008)
The first breakout single from Santi White’s Santigold project (or Santogold, as she was known at the time). This song describes her experiences moving from Philadelphia to New York City to further her career as an artist. I think a lot of people would relate to its lyrics:
I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up
If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe
What a chorus. I’ve been finding comfort in this song as I question how much I should keep sacrificing in order to pursue my dreams. Maybe it will mean something to you, too.
Yves Tumor – “Gospel For A New Century” (2020)
I saw Yves Tumor open their set at Pitchfork Festival 2021 with this track. It was my first live show back from COVID, and I was so taken by this track. I’ve continued to come back to it now and then since that performance. It has a particular intensity to it that is hard to put into words.
