September 2024 Daily Album Review

September 1st

“Daltonists” - EP by daltonists

I was skeptical when I began listening to this project because it immediately seemed out of my comfort zone in regards to what I tend to listen to, but it soon turned out to be an immersive and fascinating listening experience. The trio daltonists focus on experimental jazz, which is the perfect terminology for this brief yet rhythmically-appealing EP.

I’m struggling with the visualizations I receive from this music, in other words what setting this would be perfect to listen to. The songs range from mysterious and heavy to wavy and intricate. If anything, I would choose this as my choice of music for a rainy and pensive walk around a futuristic city, or maybe an overwhelming night out in a new, underground scene.

September 2nd

“Music from the Wine Lands” - Playlist by Putumayo

This is a playlist of lighthearted and catchy tunes from various countries in Europe which harbor the Mediterranean diet, hence the reference to wine production! You can enjoy just under an hour of songs in a multitude of languages in these regions, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English to name a few. 

This collection of music is perfect for kissing the summer goodbye as we watch the sun waver each day earlier and earlier, however we can still thoroughly enjoy the breeze and warmth from air as we approach the sweet beginnings of autumn.

September 3rd

"Solarium" - Album by The Groovy Nobody

This album is perfectly named in my opinion, because it feels very warm. It’s somewhat heavy but easy to enjoy. It’s like quietly watching the sunset after a great day at the lake with your best friends. I very much recommend this rock project!

September 4th

“Sacbe” - Album by Sacbe

I absolutely loved this project, it put me in an incredible mood! It also led me to discover a wonderful jazz-fusion band from 1970s Mexico. This was their debut album and ever since they’ve been making inspiring and intricate music. In some places their records can be very expensive and hard to find.

This album is so intelligent. At times emotional, and later playful. I highly recommend it!

September 5th

“maybe we’ll hug each other in a past life” - EP by three lices and a molly

I felt melancholy yet warm while listening to this. It’s weird and dreamy, my favorite combination! It definitely felt like the album cover. It was depressing but also comforting. The formatting for the album was as if you were listening to a haunting and other-worldly radio station. 

It’s definitely perfect for getting lost in the woods at night.

September 6th

“Vegetable Soul” - Album by Louie Zong

This album is absolutely perfect. It’s a soul, rock, and jazz “soup” where each song is named after a vegetable! It wasn’t just adorable but also a nod to the artists’ musical prowess. Every track is precious and has an incredible groove.

If you want to smile, this is the project for you!

September 7th

“Sax Sex” - LP by The Limelites

This rare album from the 70s Brazillian cover band is a certified hidden-gem! This is their only record and for good reason; I’m not sure how they could top this! While it’s a shame that we have a limited selection of groovy tunes from such talented musicians, we’re lucky to enjoy them now.

This album is composed of various instrumental covers of great songs, such as “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song”. However, the production is so entrancing that you’ll forget you even knew these songs and you’ll fall in love with them all over again!

September 8th

“Get Up!” - Album by Akira Iskiwaka & His Count Buffalos

The songs on this 1970s record are as electric and vibrant as the cover art! It’s sure to put you in a great mood as you go about your day with this as your background track. The instrumentalism and passion is palpable and a clear demonstration of the artists’ great abilities. I will definitely be looking into more from Akira Ishiwaka.

September 9th

“Dream Desert” - Album by desert sand feels warm at night

I don’t think I’ve delved into vaporwave before, but I definitely won’t be turning back. While this project and the genre as a whole is new to me, there’s a nostalgic and welcoming feeling to it. My mind felt clear and calm as I listened.

This album alone is over 3 hours in length, with most of the songs being over 20 minutes! The time and dedication it took to have created this is astounding. The message and imagery is also clear as day… or night! The ability to create music from the experience of walking through the desert sands is amazing to me.

September 10th

“Road Trip” - EP by Berzingue

This is a very fun, funky, and groovy record if you’re looking for something quick to jam to! It’s composed of more electronic beats and concise rhythms. I was pleasantly surprised by this the moment I turned it on. Like the cover, it’s very colorful.

September 11th

“no tenes cara” - Album by chinwezz

Short and sweet, but an incredible listen! Go about your day doing anything you want - cleaning, cooking, walking - but put this on to brighten and romanticize the experience. 

I’ve always loved exploring different genres of Spanish music, and this was quite the find! I really, really enjoyed it.

September 12th

“Slow Burn” - EP by Baby Rose & BADBADNOTGOOD

It’s hard to beat Baby Rose’s unique and sultry vocals paired with BADBADNOTGOOD’s expert production and creativity. This is a very exciting project that recently came out. There’s a clear passion in the lyrics and delivery, and the instrumentalism absolutely sweeps you away.

It’s fascinating to find tracks that are so fresh yet carry such a vintage emotion. It’s obvious that we’ll look back on these songs as “classics” one day.

September 13th

“Antiphon” - Album by Alfa Mist

A different kind of jazz project, but you can never go wrong with that. This album paints a color scheme that skews from heavy and ponderous, to electric. The ambient speaking and vocals on certain tracks are definitely a profound touch! The energy was cool, but maybe not in the way you’re thinking.

September 14th

“Novembre” - EP by Nymb

This is a brief, yet passionate listen perfect for the chilly fall night when you’re up late pondering. This isn’t the kind of music I usually listen to, but it was interesting to step out of my confort zone a bit. I still don’t think this was for me necessarily, but I can see it being perfect for a lot of other people.

This is one of the first projects by this Chicago-based alternative rock band. It was from the late 90s but still feels fresh and relevant.

September 15th

“Metaphorical Music” - Album by Nujabes

Just go listen to this album or any of his music, it’s so good.

September 16th

“Eye To Eye” - Album by David Versace

An incredibly artistic, spacious, and charming group of jazz tracks that have a swelling ambiance. They’re also somewhat puzzling. When I listened, I envisioned them being paired with an absurdist play from the 80s. 

The cover art on the album almost reminds me of Mel Bochner.

September 17th

“The Magazine” - EP by Zinadelphia

This EP just came out, and I can tell we’re going to see a lot more from Zinadelphia in the future. There was a clear vision, and although this is not usually the kind of music I listen to, I was roped in with “Love Over Glory”. My favorite track had to be “Advice From Ray”, though.

Zinadelphia’s musical style is swanky and entrancing, and I would argue that her vocals are similar to those of Gracie Lawrence’s from the band Lawrence. Definitely another new, talented artist to watch out for!

September 18th

“Ovary Action” - Record by Yeastie Girlz

If you’re a fan of TV Girl, you might as well find out where some of their most famous samples come from. However, the 13 minutes of vulgar and explicit 80s raps might turn your previous perception around a little bit! Each track is coordinated and cleverly thought up by these three women, and they are all radical in nature. They go from chanting against FCC radio censorship and regulations, to sexuality, to safe sex, to pleasuring yourself and your partner, and more. 

Many of this can be attributed to the monotonous experiences that women must go through; and they’re sick of it.

September 19th

“Sevilla Breeze” - Album by Himiko Kikuchi

I’m completely biased because I studied-abroad here for 4 months, but this album perfectly captures the gorgeous and historic city of Sevilla, Spain. My only regret is that I didn’t find these songs sooner, they would’ve been perfect for my daily walks around town. The jazzy melodies reminded me of the charming architecture, culture, music, weather, people, the list goes on. Some tracks also nod to the popular myth of Carmen in the titles, which is popular in Sevilla.

All I can say is I loved this album, and it made me miss one of my favorite places. 

September 20th

“Pillow Talk” - EP by Trickpony

This was one of the first times I’ve sat down and listened to Electronica, and I really, really liked it! The rhythm paired perfectly with the ambient melodies and distant vocals. I could imagine myself in a blurry montage having a night out under the neon club lights. I’ll definitely be revisiting this project again!

September 21st

“Love that Loves Back (Deluxe)” - EP by Ehaesi

If you read the newsletter not too long ago, you’ll recognize this artist! Of course, I had to look into her discography. Needless to say, it was incredible. From the vocals, to the creativity in the lyrics, to the emotion, we’re lucky to have Ehaesi’s art and flow!

September 22nd

“Shower” - Album by Danny Scott Lane

This smooth, gentle, and entrancing series of tunes might feel vintage and classic, but after listening I was surprised to find out that this project was released last year! It’s always a treat to find something new that feels so nostalgic and takes on the best influences from music’s past, present, and future. 

I would argue that the feelings embedded in these songs are ones that we’ve all experienced between generations. This album was a premium jazz experience.

September 23rd

“Swimmer” - Album by Tennis

I stumbled upon this album by chance, and I’m really happy I did. The listening experience was refreshing and warm. Despite this album being released in the last few years, the 80s influence is absolutely clear as day; from the production to the album cover. Because of this, the songs had a familiarity to them. These tracks will definitely be on repeat in the future!

September 24th

"1686" - Album by Ekathe

Yet another jazz album, but just as fabulous as the others. The tones for each song were adventurous and colorful, an amazing listen from start to finish. I was blown away by the talent that this group possesses. I could tell by the cover alone that this would be impressive and gorgeous, and I was absolutely right!

September 25th

"Usted Senalemelo" - Album by Usted Senalemelo

Truth be told… this isn’t actually a new album that I listened to for the first time this month. However, it’s so good I had to go back! I feel like whenever I’ve tried to listen to this album from start to finish, I’m not fully focused on it. This was a great opportunity to finally sit down and give it my full, undivided attention. To me, this album is fun and exciting, but also emotional.

If you haven’t listened to alternative Spanish rock, this is the perfect introduction. I highly recommend giving this project a listen!

September 26th

“People Are Machines” - Album by Skelephant L.B.R.

What really blew me away while listening to this was the instrumentation, especially the guitar. This is clearly a very well thought out project, it had me entertained the whole time. It’s easy to accredit the artist with clear talent and artistic creativity. I recommend this if you’re looking for something a little more alternative and experimental.

September 27th

"I forgot how to talk" - EP by wormtower

This is a brief piece of art I found by a smaller creator on YouTube. That description isn't too far off from some of the other projects I’ve listened to this month, but this one reminded me of just how therapeutic it can be to make music. Like any artistic medium, it can be uncomfortable and emotional. These tracks, while condensed in a limited period of time, impressed me. This was very alternative and fascinating.

September 28th

“epathogen” - Album by WILLOW

I don’t normally listen to much of WILLOW’s discography, however I was excited to hear that she came out with a jazz album. Truthfully, I did not think that the categorization for “jazz” was compatible with most of the songs on this album, however I could definitely hear some experimental influence on a few of the tracks.

Nevertheless, WILLOW is incredibly talented and I believe that we’re lucky to have her art! Her voice is beautiful and she’s very creative. This is a short album and worth the listen!

September 29th

“DX3” - EP by Ed Winn

Another local artist who was given a shoutout in the BDMC Newsletter! Of course, I had to listen to his stuff, and I was certainly impressed! If the newsletter wasn’t enough to convince you to check out Ed Winn, let me take the opportunity to convince you once more. His beats and lyrics give the audience an immaculate flow that makes his style perfect for an exciting party, a chill kick-back, or anything in between! 

We have so much talent here in Bloomington, and Ed Winn is a prime example. I’m excited to see what he does next!

September 30th

"Metamorphosis Complete" - Album by Infinity Song

This was one of the most beautiful albums I think I’ve ever come across, at least from this year. I’ve been meaning to sit down and listen to this extremely talented group of siblings for months after hearing their amazing harmonies and storytelling from small clips circulating around the internet because I knew the full product would be inspiring. Of course, I was right!

This album is an essential listening experience.

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