NEW MUSIC FOR OLDS #69
I have but half an ass to give
Sorry this is seven hours late. Fun week.
So look, I have no idea how you’re handling things right now. Maybe you’re mainlining histrionic tweet-storms about what went wrong and whose fault it is. Maybe you’ve ignored social media completely and are willing yourself into “self-care” mode. Maybe you’re worried about civil war, or perhaps you’re thinking of starting one. Maybe you’re just numb.
I’ve rounded those bases multiple times since Tuesday, before inevitably landing back at numb. Perhaps that’s for the best, given that most folks aren’t looking to “New Music for Olds” looking for socio-political commentary. I do have three very cool new songs to share with you, but you’ll understand if my write-ups are a bit shorter week. Also, this may be riddled with typos and syntax errors. Truly, I have but half an ass to give.
Also, to be plain: if you voted for Donald John Trump in 2024, you are unwelcome and I encourage you to unsubscribe. I have neither the ability nor inclination to back this up with any action. But it’s the way I feel and I thought you should know. Good health.
And with that little ray of sunshine…
GOOD STUFF
Yoo Doo Right, “Eager Glacier”
Listen on Apple Music // Listen on Amazon Music
Album: From the Heights of Our Pastureland
Nutshell: Instrumental art rock
Voltage: 8
Thoughts: Fuck me if the ominous widescreen sounds of Montreal’s Yoo Doo Right don’t feel a wee bit on-the-nose right now. The cover art really says it all, as “Eager Glacier” feels like a catastrophe on the horizon, heading straight towards your house. Quite frankly, this may not be the headspace you wish to occupy right now. But if, like me, you’re unerringly compelled to poke at bruises, From the Heights of Our Pastureland is the Feel-Anxious Album of 2024.
Pairing Suggestion: Prepping
PONY, “Every Little Crumb”
Listen on Apple Music // Listen on Amazon Music
Album: Every Little Crumb (single)
Nutshell: Crunchy power pop
Voltage: 7
Thoughts: On the other end of the emotional spectrum, I offer up this energetic little confection from Toronto’s PONY. Think Veruca Salt, That Dog, Charly Bliss. There’s not a ton to this song, but the chorus sticks like glue and the glossy production feels like a portal to a sunnier place and time. I’ve had this in my extended “GOOD STUFF” playlist for at least a month, but I seem to be gravitating back to it this week. I’m not a board certified psychologist, but I know a coping mechanism when I see one.
Pairing Suggestion: Mouth full of Skittles
The Cure, “Endsong”
Listen on Apple Music // Listen on Amazon Music
Album: Songs of a Lost World
Nutshell: Probably what you’re imagining
Voltage: 5
Thoughts: Aaaaannnnd, we’re back to on-the-fucking-nose. Look, I’m not the one who convinced Robert Smith to release his long-awaited mortality benediction one week before America drove itself into a ravine, but there you have it. You think I’m not going to mention a new Cure album? Songs of a Lost World is better and more cohesive than is typical with legacy artists in their “final act”. But I can’t honestly say that I love it. The sound palate is boring at times, grating at others. And I wouldn’t say Smith is breaking any new ground, compositionally. But there are times, like this beautifully funereal closing track, when Smith captures what we now consider “peak Cure”—i.e. the gloomy shit. Disintegration happens to be my favorite Cure album too, so whatever. But it’s interesting that the band’s slow-burn dirges loom so much larger in their mythology than their actual hit singles. Narratives are funny like that.
Pairing Suggestion: Climbing into your unmade bed at 3:15pm
NOTE: For a more thorough review of Songs of a Lost World, check out theneedledrop. I agree with just about all of this. The comments section of any Anthony Fantano video is an exhausting mix of of smarmy in-jokes and pseudo-ironic toxic fandom. But I’m always impressed by the depth of Fantano’s analysis, even when I don’t happen to share his opinion.
Am I really asking people to vote on something right now? Is that really happening?
Happy to engage about music with anyone who’s not a lout and/or a sociopath. Speak up!
We’re going to call this one finished now. This newsletter should return to it’s slightly beefier form, starting with NMFO #70. Thanks for being a part of this and I hope NMFO can bring you a bit of comfort, joy or distraction.
Take care of your friends. We must continue to prove that truth and kindness have value in this world. It’s our best and only defense.
Doomy instrumental rock is definitely my vibe this week.
Take Shelter does indeed, rule.