Noots Letter: April Showers
April 2024
Happy namesake-of-Avril-Lavigne month! All these showers are finally bringing us flowers, and I can’t wait to get outside and see more of it in Justin Timberlake month tomorrow! This past Sunday, I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon, and in true Noots McGoots Virgo form, I crafted a playlist to align with each mile stretch out of 13.1. There were new earworms, there was classic rock, there were middle school bangers, there were Favorites of All Time. You can listen to the full playlist here, and subsequently get inspired to start a running club (I’ll join).
I spent a good chunk of this month leafing through the only thing I love more than Lore, which is Discourse. If I see a controversial headline, best believe I’m in the comments before I even get to the article. I want to know the critiques of the critiques of the critiques. I want to know why people love the things they love and why they hate the things they hate and also know why I am so interested in what 1000 strangers across the globe have to say about other people who will never know we exist. This is all to say that opinions are subjective, but they are also empowering, as knowing what we like and prioritize helps us craft fuller versions of ourselves! How cool.
That’s why I love writing this Noots Letter, because it forces me to make a decision ~in the moment~ about how I feel toward a piece of art. I may be swayed in my opinion of certain music as I glean context about the artist or their role in popular culture, but I try to maintain consistency as much as I can. As I listen to an album every day, I almost always give it a full listen, regardless of my opinion. Then, if it is a 2024 LP (not a re-release or deluxe edition or EP, sorry), I assign a value 1-10 to it. Here are some arbitrary qualities that affect my opinions on what I’m listening to:
Repetition: If three songs in a row start in the same key, for instance, it’s a no from me dawg. A mark of true album to me is variation–take me on a journey! I want to experience the arc!
Lack of originality: I’ve heard a good lot of music in my little lifetime, so my preference is always going to be towards newer or unique sounds. This is not to say that the classics don’t hit, but more often than not, my highest rated albums at year end are those most unlike anything I’ve heard before.
Overproduction: If it’s too clean, sorry, your wealth is showing!! Unfortunately I did feel like this about the recent Stones album—like just let old people sound old. We’re not expecting Mick to hit all the notes at the ripe age of 80. I’d prefer something that sounds human rather than the hologram he will inevitably become in a few years.
Confusion: On the opposite side of cleanliness is chaos. Believe me, I wish I were more metal but I cannot do sustained noise (and that’s from someone whose iPhone is constantly alerting them that I’ve hit my maximum decibel levels for the week). Musically, I do appreciate good experimentation, but take it too far and sometimes it hits a point that is so unsettling… The audacity some music has to make me feel dumb :/
LIES: Okay this one is tricky, but so often I see a band with a girly name or like an album cover featuring a femme body and then come to find this band is full of cis BOYS!!!! Ugh I hate getting played.
I think this over-explanation is all stemming from a fantastic article I read from Stat Significant about when we stop listening to new music (author says around age 33 😱😵💀). I don’t want to run out of curiosity, or decide too permanently my mind is made up, or become complacent in my listening habits any time soon. And I don’t want that for you either! So here are my suggestions of the month:
If you’re in a constant state of wistfulness…
It’s spring, you’re yearning, who can blame you. Lizzy McAlpine, Older (2024) for the emotional folks. Katie Pruitt, Mantras (2024) for the ones with religious trauma. Maggie Rogers, Don't Forget Me (2024) for the romantics. Leyla McCalla, Sun Without The Heat (2024) if you want something new.
If you love a redemption arc…
Sheryl Crow, Evolution (2024). Though she’s been overlooked throughout her career in comparison to her male counterparts, she’s such a rockstar.
If you’re vibing out in the park…
Picnic season! Charge up your JBL Flip and queue Khruangbin, A LA SALA (2024). This is the one exception I’ll make to my repetitiveness rule—if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Also, Pharell released a surprise album (under the name Virginia?) at www.blackyachtrock.com, aptly called Black Yacht Rock (2024). And if those picnic vibes float on into the evening, try Justice, Hyperdrama (2024).
If you wish you lived in Girls-era Greenpoint…
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us (2024). Black Keys, Ohio Players (2024). Local Natives, But I'll Wait For You (2024). I was walking around Williamsburg with a canvas WNYC tote whilst listening to these; I felt that with each step I took, the swish of my ponytail whispered, “🎀gentrification!🎀”
If you haven’t checked in on your Discover Weekly recently…
I had not, because I don’t trust bots to #DoTheWork, but boy was I proved wrong! They hit me with Francis of Delirium, Lighthouse (2024), one of my new favorite albums of the year, and the similarly lush Any Light (2024) by Loving.
If you wish new music sounded old…
You’re in luck–this is my favorite genre! Absolutely delighted by Fabiana Palladino’s stunning debut, Fabiana Palladino (2024), which sounds straight out of the ‘80s. Also obsessed with Sinkane’s We Belong (2024), which at times feels reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire. It’s modern disco, baby!
If you know how to pronounce “Appalachia” the right way…
Sierra Ferrell, Trail of Flowers (2024). I don’t have full context to weigh in on whether or not she’s “sold out” throughout her rise to acclaim (saw this comment on an IG video of her smh), but she’s got honest grit with the purest country vocals I’ve ever heard.
If my above testimonial inspired you so much that you have decided to also train for a half marathon…
GloRilla, Ehhthang Ehhthang (2024). Anitta, Funk Generation (2024). Nia Archives, Silence Is Loud (2024). These three are like the Holy Trinity of stamina building and cheek clapping.
If you cuff your jeans…
Girl in Red, I'm Doing It Again Baby! (2024). This was a bit trite for me, but the gays are allowed to be mid because that’s true #equality.
If you love altos…
Grace Cummings, Ramona (2024). I heard the first note and I was LOCKED IN. You’re in for something rich here.
If your all-time fave is my all-time fave…
St. Vincent, All Born Screaming (2024). And you know why? Because none of her albums sound the same. I’m always enthralled by what direction she’ll turn next. This one in particular is perfect for being in love during the apocalypse, a.k.a. another day in the life.
If you’re a Swiftie…
I don’t need to tell you, you’ve already listened.