From the Pharmacy of Dr. Spin: October 2022

Monday, October 24, 2022

2022 Album Roundup Series: October Showcase

Music I have had in rotation during October, including albums by:

Lindsey Buckingham - Lindsey Buckingham (2022) DOMi & JD Beck - NOT TiGHT (2022) Afrorack - The Afrorack (2022) Soul Glo - Diaspora Problems (2022) Skhivosani - დამწვრისები (2022) David Bowie - Scary Monsters (& Super Creeps) (1980)

Post on Hama's Houmeissa Post on Venetian Snares Traditional Synthesizer Music Post on Living Colour's Vivid Post on Fishbone's In Your Face

Saturday, October 1, 2022

2022 Album Eliminations: Tier 6 Part 2

A couple of contentious decisions here, some of which probably run counter to all logic. For example, earlier this year, I dismissed the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. A return to the album, however, revealed a level of excitement in the recording that I didn’t remember from before. That, along with a certain sense of personal connection with contemporary big band recordings that I have not felt in a while, edged it over the clear genius of Relaxin’.

The second, and the hardest, choice I had was with the black midi VS. Snail Mail showdown. I have not connected with Hellfire in the same way as I have black midi’s previous recordings, but I still have the sense that I still just don’t quite "get it". Like LIVE!, Valentine was eliminated in January and got a fresh start in the 5^th tier showdown, and with its return came a greater appreciation of Snail Mail’s unique songwriting strengths. It really spoke to me at a time I still found myself confused by black midi, so I let Valentine pass. Hellfire received a coveted Fall Save, though, and will return in the playoffs.

Eastman Jazz Ensemble – LIVE! VS. Miles Davis – Relaxin’

Eastman Jazz Ensemble – LIVE!