Noots Letter: August's Gloop
August 2023
August has been a quiet and restful wrap up to the season. We’re still hearing about Barbie everywhere, people are still going to Beyoncé/TSwift concerts (how are those poor women still touring), and all of your friends still going off to Europe, leaving you wondering how any of them are able to afford it.
I have made a wonderful rediscovery in the form of ~car radio~ as I’ve been DRIVING again for the first time in 6.5 years! Firstly, the local classic rock station is the same as the one I grew up listening to (95.7 FM), which feels kismet. Secondly, radio is like thrift shopping—you have no control over what you’re going to get, so coming across a favorite track feels even more like a win.
Thankfully, this end of summer has also brought us some delightful new albums, many of which will land among my top picks of the year. Enjoy.
If you have “What’s your favorite Tiny Desk Concert?” on your dating app profile…
MARO, hortelã (2023). When I first saw clips like this one of MARO circulating various platforms, I was immediately struck by her rasp and richness of that alto voice. Lord knows I love an alto! Write that on my grave. The Portuguese singer has been touring with Jacob Collier, so you know she’s a capital M Musician.
If you want to be educated…
I hope there is a college course in development about Noname because Sundial (2023) is so poetic yet challenging, funny and biting, contemporary but timeless. She cleverly and actively calls out the contradictory nature of success. And for someone named Noname, she certainly drops a lot of names. Go listen, do research, and let me know if you hear how to audit the class.
If you follow TikTok dance trends…
Jungle is back with grooves on Volcano (2023). In particular, “Back On 74” has been picked up by the rest of the internet thanks to its ear worm harmonies and funky choreography. My only complaint is that it came out a little too late in the summer. Oh well. We will wish for a warm and lively fall.
If you enjoyed Everything Everywhere All At Once….
Son Lux, composers of the award-winning EEAAO soundtrack, released Alternate Forms (2023) this month. There are different features on every track, including Kishi Bashi, Sen Morimoto, and Anna B Savage. Just as atmospheric as you may expect.
If you want to be taken back to church…
Hozier, Unreal Unearth (2023). I feel like Hozier has been hyped for many years and I was never fully in, but now I can consider myself a member of the Church of This Very Tall Man. Sweeping, cinematic, gospel-infused, and indubitably Irish, this album lives up to its titular Unearthliness.
If you’ve ever watched the Jimmies…
Reneé Rapp released her debut album Snow Angel, taking the Olivia Rodrigo route by going from musical theatre nerd to popstar girlie. This record is performing quite well on the charts, but my main grievance is that we don’t hear her SIIING enough on it. And this gal can S I I I N G. So even if your world isn’t rocked by this new release, she’s one to keep an eye out for.
If you’re wondering what artist should be a household name…
With World Music Radio (2023), Jon Batiste cements that he is more than a jazz virtuoso, or a music director, or an Oscar-winning soundtrack composer. He blends R&B, soul, classical piano, pop and more in this cohesive concept album (listen in order!!) that makes me wish every radio station sounded like this.
If you’re a sucker for an anxious bop…
Shamir’s been a favorite of mine for a long time, and Homo Anxietatem (2023) doesn’t disappoint. With their DIY grit and trademark angst, I can’t wait for “Wandering Through” to join “On My Own” and “On The Regular” on my annual most-listened-to playlist.
If you want to know my new obsession…
In the early days of the pandemic, I was on an evening run and heard “Sunflower” by Dizzy come upon my Discover Weekly. And I mention this because it was one of those listens where you stop and remember exactly where you are the first time you hear your favorite songs. But while I loved it, I totally forgot about who sang it until similarly stumbling upon Dizzy’s Dizzy (2023)! If you are a fan of Miya Folick, Japanese House, Barrie, etc. (aka you are me), you’ll like this one.
If you appreciate intergenerational storytelling…
Cautious Clay, KARPEH (2023), felt like listening to a memoir about namesake and identity and family history, complete with jazz interludes and voice recordings. He’s had many brief moments in the spotlight via collaborations and writing credits with Remi Wolf, the Insecure soundtrack, and Taylor Swift, but deserves much more recognition for his buttery smooth vocals.
If you’re a fan of those clickbait articles that are like “Remember ____? You’ll Never Believe Where They Are Now!”…
Birdy skyrocketed to fame at age 12 after winning a British TV singing competition, and then released a cover of “Skinny Love” that was honestly (hot take) better than the original?? With Portraits (2023), she has moments that resemble pop stylings of Tom Odell, Lorde, and Florence & The Machine.
If you want to revel in luxury…
Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II (2023). This was… so shimmery, so velvety, so glorious. Although there was a previous JAGUAR and she has writing credits with Ariana Grande/Chloe x Halle/Kendrick Lamar, this is her first full-length studio album if you can believe! Listen to learn how to respectfully tell people to “Stop (Askin Me 4 Shyt)”.
If you appreciate classic singer-songwriters…
Iris DeMent gives us bright-timbred, authentic folk with Workin’ on a World (2023), with references to workers’ rights and outlaw country. In a similar but younger vein, Joanna Sternberg’s I’ve Got Me (2023) uses simple tunes and straightforward lyrics to carry her 70s singer-songwriter tracks.
If you want dance vibes but chiller…
Avalon Emerson rose to renown as a DJ in the Bay Area and in Europe, which is apparent in & the Charm (2023). If you want the feel of being out in Bushwick but you’re scared of the youths and prefer to have a more quiet night in, lay back and let Avalon Emerson save your life.
If you’re curious what I listen to 8 times per week…