Ketchup: The Fourth... Estate? Does That Scan? I'm Running Out of Word Play Options

As always, catching up. There’s so much music it’s insane. But let’s plow ahead, shall we?

I Am Not There Anymore

The Clientele

Chamber Pop

It's funny that this is called "chamber pop" or "indie pop" when it's so clearly The Beatles transplanted to today. But the Beatles were never "chamber pop," just...pop, or rock and roll. This album is exactly what you would get if they were able to record Rubber Soul with today's technology. This is why genre categorization is so weird. None of this is to say this album is derivative (I mean, it is, in the literal sense), because it's an incredibly beautiful album of soft-ish, classic pop rock songs that treat their--rather obvious--influence with respect and care. To be frank, I'm quite in love with this, and if I had listened to it back when it actually came out earlier this year, it definitely would have had a full review. Very seriously, check this one out.

JAGUAR II

Victoria Monét

Contemporary R&B

Accomplished pop songwriter, Victoria Monét, steps into the limelight with her first full-length release, featuring luxurious R&B and live-band orchestrations that exude a classic, seductive, and effortlessly refined vibe.

Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((World War))

Jaimie Branch

Avant-Garde Jazz

In her third and final album, the late trumpeter Jamie Branch embarks on a journey that paves dazzling new avenues in her musical repertoire. This release not only offers a poignant glimpse into the direction her artistry might have taken in the future, tugging at the heartstrings with its inherent melancholy, but it also brings immeasurable joy to the listener's ears. The album becomes a bittersweet tribute to an artist's untapped potential, leaving a lasting impression that resonates with both its emotional depth and the sheer delight it brings through the transformative power of music.

HELLMODE

Jeff Rosenstock

Power Pop

Finally operating within the confines of a professional recording studio, DIY enthusiast Jeff Rosenstock takes a remarkable leap by staying true to his smaller-scale, hands-on approach in his new setting. This latest endeavor emerges as a testament to his artistry and love of the genre, offering a striking departure from his previous albums. It's undoubtedly the most aesthetically pleasing album in Jeff’s repertoire, yet it retains the innate ability to stir up the listener's emotions and excitement. This juxtaposition of a polished sound with the raw, visceral impact of his songwriting creates a unique and enthralling musical experience.

GUTS

Olivia Rodrigo

Pop Rock

On her biting and charismatic second album, Olivia Rodrigo unleashes her rock persona, igniting the music scene with a powerful blend of artistry and attitude. Here, she takes the ordinary tribulations of girlhood and transforms them into extraordinary, over-the-top spectacles that captivate the listener's imagination. The result is a compelling musical journey that not only showcases her versatility as an artist but also offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and triumphs of growing up. With a blend of undeniable charisma and raw energy, this album stands as a testament to her ability to turn personal experiences into electrifying and relatable anthems.

Hit Parade

Róisín Murphy

House

In the Irish artist's full-length collaboration with DJ Koze, Róisín Murphy presents us with a compelling showcase of her remarkable talents. However, the exhilaration that has traditionally defined her work, making it feel so crucial, seems somewhat subdued in this venture, while still highlighting her prowess. The collaboration may lack some of the electrifying elements that have previously characterized her solo work, but the new sound of this album remains an intriguing exploration of her abilities, offering a different perspective on her artistry that, while distinct, still holds a one of a kind charm.

Black Rainbows

Corinne Bailey Rae

Art Pop

In her daring fourth album, English singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae makes a sharp departure from her previous work, embracing a grimy, loud, and politically-charged sound that ignites a sense of vitality in her music. It's a departure that feels like an artistic rebirth, as she fearlessly delves into uncharted territory, producing a record that's both gritty and soul-stirring. This sonic transformation showcases her versatility as an artist, delivering a thought-provoking and evocative collection that marks a bold evolution in her career.

We Buy Diabetic Test Strips

Armand Hammer

Experimental Hip Hop

The already-acclaimed collaboration of Elucid and billy woods yields a deeply introspective and disquieting album that masterfully juxtaposes personal contemplation with poignant glimpses into the disarray of society. Their work weaves a tapestry of moodiness and prescient observations, capturing the essence of an unsettling world. With a sharp and unflinching eye, they paint striking portraits of societal dysfunction, while also exploring the depths of self-reflection. The result is a thought-provoking and often haunting collection of tracks that offer an unfiltered view of the human experience in a complex and tumultuous world.

Changing Channels

Pangaea

UK Garage

This exuberant new album from Pangaea is a high-octane journey, filled to the brim with pulsating high BPMs, bone-rattling basslines, and a vibrant array of synthesizer textures. In a genre where sheer intensity often takes precedence, this album stands out by infusing its club music with a level of nuance that's truly exceptional. It's a testament to Pangaea's ability to strike a balance between driving, rump-rattling beats and intricately layered, masterfully colorful synths, resulting in an electrifying and immersive sonic experience that's a rare gem within the realm of dance music.

Last (for now), but most certainly not least…

Javelin

Sufjan Stevens

Indie Folk

Sufjan's latest album is a masterwork that harks back to his earlier days as an intimate singer-songwriter, capturing the essence of his signature style. However, it also delves deeply into the full spectrum of his extensive musical catalog, showcasing his dazzling virtuosity and the culmination of lifelong explorations into themes of love and devotion. On Javelin, listeners are treated to a poignant journey through his musical evolution, where he skillfully intertwines the familiar with the experimental, creating a beautifully nuanced narrative that reflects Sufjan's multifaceted creativity and unending fascination with matters of the heart.