Albums
Aimee Mann – Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo (2000)
This is Aimee Mann’s third record, and her first to be released independently. The lyrics are incredible. Each listen, a new bit gets stuck in my head.
FKA twigs – EUSEXUA Afterglow (2025)
I just saw FKA twigs perform in San Francisco, so I was listening to her music a lot this month in preparation. I especially enjoyed the live versions of her new material. Her newest record was a low-key release, but I think it’s quite the statement. It’s gritty, it’s steamy, and it’s a totally new style for her. “Touch A Girl” is an underrated standout.
Project Pat – Mista Don’t Play: Everythangs Workin (2001)
This is the second record from Memphis rapper Project Pat. I had been listening to “Chicken Head” a lot–one of his most famous tracks–but there are a lot of other highlights on here, too. His personality really comes through on this record.
Joshua Chuquimia Crampton – ANATA (2026)
Love this new release from local Norcal artist and one half of sibling duo Los Thuthanaka. Close your eyes and let yourself dissolve into the distortion and guitar riffs.
Singles
HoodCelebrityy ft. Cardi B, Josh X & Young Chow – “Island Girls“ (2017)
I discovered this song from a meme about remembering Manhattan is an island, and it’s such a banger. Dancehall was having a big moment in the U.S. around when this came out. “Gyal You A Party Animal” is another personal favorite of mine from this era.
Mitski – “Fireproof (One Direction Cover)“ (2017)
Mitski covered One Direction for Our First 100 Days, a 2017 charity compilation released one song at a time during the first hundred days of the first Trump administration. It’s a really good cover, but it completely re-imagines this composition. I think her version really illustrates how writing a song, performing a song, and recording a song are all different things.
Ricardo Olmos – “Cinco Danzas Catalanas“ (1979)
This piano composition comes from the Joaquín Parra edition of the Musica Española Contemporanea series. I picked up a copy of this LP a few months ago at Groove Merchant Records in San Francisco. I was so moved by this piece. I’m not very knowledgeable about modern classical, but I want to do some more discovery here.
2charm – “girls” (2025)
I’ve got this track from married Australian duo 2charm on loop. Recommended for fans of Challengers.
