This is it. I haven't heard the next 4 projects in Elliott Smith's discography (2 non-posthumous, 2 posthumous), but I believe this is the masterpiece his first 2 records were leading towards. This is likely the legendary singer-songwriter's most popular album, and for good reason.

The instrumentation is more varied, with the classic acoustic guitar, but now with more drums, bass, and electric guitar. Despite that, Smith's classic indie-folk sound still remains, with the ... read more

Wait, no... he's got a point.

Vince Staples is a figure in hip-hop known for his experimentation and innovation within the genre and his own discography. Predated by 3 singles, 'Cry Baby' is his most recent release, and the first of his I've ever heard. And I will say, I'm impressed.

The instrumentation is very lively, taking inspiration from that of rap rock and other hip-hop subgenres. The lyricism is key to the entire project though. Staples is not afraid to dive ... read more

FKA twigs has gained a sort of cult-following in the music community for her unique take on glitch pop, and while I have heard one of her most recent albums, 'EUSEXUA', I've had yet to hear what is considered her magnum opus. So that's what I did.

The whole album circles around themes of feminism and heartbreak, and these feeling are displayed through twigs' ethereal vocals and, though abrasive at times, still beautiful instrumentation and production. The album as ... read more

Paul Simon is an impactful singer-songwriter in music, both due to his solo career and his work as one half of Simon & Garfunkel. However, I'm actually just learning Paul Simon is one half of Simon & Garfunkel, though looking back, it makes sense. Listening to this album was honestly very spontaneous.

The album itself is a unique snapshot of the pop-rock music scene of the time it was creative. The vibrant instrumentation mixes well with Simon's calm, soothing vocals. His ... read more

First Listen Thoughts: Elliott Smith - 'Elliott Smith'

This is the second album I've heard in my Elliott Smith discography dive, and after 'Roman Candle', seeing him going in this direction with his music is very promising.

The instrumentation is just as stripped down, if not more than it was on his debut record. His lyricism, however, has taken a much more personal and honestly devastating turn. And by that I mean even more depressive than his first album, which is ... read more

First Listen Thoughts: Elliott Smith - 'Roman Candle'

For some reason, in the middle of the day, inspiration struck me to listen to all of Elliott Smith's LPs. So now I'm doing just that, starting with his solo debut, 'Roman Candle'. As a debut, this album was really impressive to me.

Elliott Smith is considered one of the most impactful songwriters and musicians of the indie folk scene, and I can already see it rising in his debut. The simple acoustic ... read more

First Listen Thoughts: Masayoshi Takanaka - 'SEYCHELLES'

Masayoshi Takanaka is often considered one of the most incredible guitarists and composers to rise from Japan, and as a guitarist, curiosity struck me, so I listened to his debut album, 'SEYCHELLES'. After listening to it, I can say that people weren't wrong.

The first couple of tracks have some of the most magical guitar work I've ever heard, and while the album as a whole shares this quality, I feel like ... read more

First Listen Thoughts: Car Seat Headrest - 'Teens Of Denial'

In celebration of its 10th anniversary this last week, I decided to listen to Car Seat Headrest's 'Teens of Denial'. This was not my first Car Seat Headrest album, as I have listened to 'Twin Fantasy (Face to Face), so I knew what to expect. And while I didn't think this album was as groundbreaking as 'Twin Fantasy', I still thought it was a great album.

The band performed incredibly on ... read more

Bald head on the cover is as smooth as the sounds on this album.

Ridiculously good debut for both Portishead and trip hop as a genre.

Today-years-old when I learnt 'wonky' is a genre.

Whatever I just listened to, I enjoyed it.

Funny that the album themed around divorce shares an anniversary with my parents.

It's jazz! It's hip-hop! It's poetry! It's McKinley Dixon!

This album is like a maggot in my brain.

This album is a bottomless pit. A dark, fiery, and rough bottomless pit.

Bob Dylan's the only white songwriter dropping a hard-r n-word and getting away with it.

'Feminism Rules!: Blues-Rock Edition'

The only album that feels like a sunny day walking and a cozy winter night at the same time.

Why is no one talking about this album’s 45th anniversary? It’s not even on the ‘On This Day’ page!