Courtney Barnett - Creature of Habit
79

This is my first time I've heard any project from Courtney Barnett besides for her track with Kurt Vile. This is pretty straightforward indie rock. I like it, but I don't think it is anything groundbreaking. Lyrics are poignant, the tracks are good to listen to, the guitarwork is great. A good example of a good thing done well. The 3 track run of Mostly Patient, One Thing at a Time, and Mantis were the highlight of this record for me.

Kanye West - BULLY
70

This is a breath of fresh air for Kanye's recent career. I like a lot of the tracks on here, but the issue is that excitement is very short-lived due to the low length of these tracks. This is an issue for me because my favorite Kanye tracks build upon themselves instrumentally to create a better overall piece. As a result, the ideas explored musically come off as a little half baked, and incohesive. This album, while not necessarily bad, is not at the level Kanye used to be at.

No Knife - Fire in the City of Automatons
89

A great dissonant emo experience, with an energetic and cathartic sound that is delightful to hear.

ISIS - Wavering Radiant
90

Diego, i finally listened to it. It's peak.

Night Verses - Every Sound Has a Color in the Valley of Night
NR

Aric Improta is easily among the best drummers currently living, maybe of all time. The guitar is used in such a creative way in multiple avenues on this record, which is imperative to its success as an instrumental piece. I found myself wondering how the sound on "Karma Wheel" was even played / produced.

Definitely a style of music you have to be in the headspace for, but it absolutely rips.

Polaris - Fatalism
80

My introduction to Polaris. Did not know about any of the tragedy surrounding this record either. Very unfortunate, rest in peace to Ryan Siew.

all under heaven - What Lies Ahead Of Me
78

A great modern shoegaze entry from all under heaven. I've liked their single "Alley Cat" for some time, and did not mind the slower, more ethereal composition of this album. I found myself wanting more from it, so I am excited to see how this group matures

Cocteau Twins - Milk and Kisses
78

A very dreamy and trippy album defined by layered ethereal vocals and warm, airy atmosphere created by the tones. While not very adventurous, this album proves for a mellow and enjoyable listen.

Oneohtrix Point Never - Tranquilizer
85

This project was very sonically gripping. It had a very ethereal property to it, but also it felt grounded in mellow grooves. Very cool.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers [Moanin']
90

A great hard bop record that holds a special place in my heart. Moanin' will always be one of my favorite jazz tracks in general. The rest of the record couldn't quite live up to the highs of the track, but shone in their own right. It isn't too flashy, but it is an example of excellent composition and performance all the way through.

Miles Davis - Bitches Brew
92

A deep dive into avant-garde fusion from Miles Davis leaves for what I can only describe as a truly unforgettable experience.

Aesop Rock - I Heard It's a Mess There Too
82

Aes did it again. His ability to distill any concept down to its basest parts, and reconstruct it lyrically into poetry is unreal. The focus on sociology and technology as both transform into something dark, and how the two intersect is once again explored. The minimalistic, (but effective) instrumentals accentuate his wordy verses perfectly.

FAV TRACKS: Full House Pinball / Spin To Win / Poly Cotton Blend / Call Home
LEAST FAV TRACKS: Bag Lunch / Opossum

Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters
97

I absolutely love the keys on this album. A bit experimental for its time period, but it has aged wonderfully as a classic album. The injection of funk in the sound makes for some super bouncy rhythms and fun boppy melodies.

I wanna be a Watermelon Man if that is what being a Watermelon Man sounds like.

Charles Mingus - Mingus Ah Um
96

Mingus goes for broke on this record with excellent composition that will leave an impression. Upon hearing the switch from its electric opener to one of my favorite jazz tracks of all time, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, reminded me of why I love Ah Um as a record. It stands up to its modal contemporaries with something it needs to get off its chest.

Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
100

When listening to any trumpeter on a jazz record after 1959, you can hear the influence that this album and Miles Davis' style of playing in general have had on the genre. I think Freddie Freeloader is the height of this album, but it fires on all cylinders from post-bop notes to straight modal jazz. Can't think of a reason to skip any song on this record.

John Coltrane - A Love Supreme
100

While I have heard this album many times along with Coltrane's other works, it still amazes me on each spin. Giant steps is a wonderful record, with its complex structures and lightning-fast chord changes, but A Love Supreme adds the perfect blend of atmosphere and expression into what I already love about Coltrane's compositions. The history of the album is very interesting as well, although that does not affect my rating. This record really exemplifies modal jazz, and signifies the ... read more

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June Playlist