Noots Letter: The Grammys, The Gam Gams, The Meemaws, Etc.
February 2025
February, the objectively worst month, was made better by the Grammys actually getting it right this year. As pictured above on the left, my #1 ranking of last year’s listens was rightfully echoed by the old men who make these decisions. Also, the general public was introduced to the brilliance of Doechii, as noted in a top-tier text from my mother.
In response, I have assembled superlatives for some of my most memorable listens of 2024. Of course we have the classics:
But there are also a few extra that I, Noots, would like to call attention to. Less the Grammys, more like The Gam Gams:
The Meemaws, even:
Congrats to all of the winners! Now for your monthly recs.
If you’re fascinated by musical mysteries…
I am riveted/haunted by tales of extraordinary artists who disappear or face early tragedy only to reach fame posthumously: Connie Converse, Judee Sill, Eva Cassidy, etc. So you best believe I’m currently captivated by Q Lazzarus and Goodbye Horses: Many Lives of Q Lazzarus (Soundtrack) (2025). While the documentary has yet to be publicly released, it details this incredible singer’s rise and sudden disappearance. Twenty years later, a film director got into a cab and realized Q Lazzarus was her driver, and now they made a movie about it! As if this coincidental tale weren’t enough, the music is electrifying (I do generally wish every song was a rock song from the ‘80s). Look out for the doc in theaters in March, and maybe chat with your Uber driver once in a while?
If you want to know my guilty pleasure…
Inhaler, Open Wide (2025). OMG I feel like I understand how my forefathers felt about U2. Starring Bono’s literal genetic son as lead singer, Inhaler makes me feel like I’m in a late ‘90s Julia Robert flick!!!! Inhaler—as long as you don’t forcefully put any of your albums on people’s iPhones like your dad did—they could never make me hate you.
Another throwback!
1970s funk-soul group Cymande has made a triumphant return to the stage and to my ears with Renascence (2025). If you’re wondering where hip-hop’s favorite samples come from, you can thank Cymande for an iconic few.
If you want to hear two of the most inventive artists of today…
Bartees Strange, Horror (2025). Bartees Strange is the ultimate style-bender, with one Tiny Desk journalist calling him “genre-agnostic”.
Leon Thomas, MUTT (2024). Sick to my stomach I missed this last year because it would have landed among the top. His voice is insane and “MUTT” is a top tier title track.
If you have a lot of followers on Letterboxd…
As if a shape-shifting phenomenon, Puma Blue’s antichamber (2025) felt more like a film screening than an album. Can almost guarantee that the guy you have a crush on is really into Puma Blue rn.
If you’re a BUSY WOMAN…
You don’t have time for a full album! You just have time for the 4 extra tracks on Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n' Sweet (Deluxe) (2025)! Do these brand new tracks probably sting a bit now that Barry Keoghan did, in fact, “prove [she’s] right/embarrass [her] like the others”? Sure! Do they still slap? Yep! Also forecasting Sabrina’s return to Broadway right now: “Please Please Please” remix with Dolly Parton is giving young Dolly in the new Dolly Parton Musical, and “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” is practically modern “Hopelessly Devoted To You” from Grease.
If you loved La La Land…
Saint Motel, Saint Motel & the Symphony in the Sky (2025). This band is sooooo LA to me. And look at that album cover. That’s literally the sky that Mia and Sebastian tap-danced under in Griffith Park.
If you like Ethel Cain…
In a shocking turn of events, apparently Ethel Cain loves Tate McRae, So Close to What (2025). Okay women supporting women!
If you want to familiarize yourself with the most consistent woman in rock music…
Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory, Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory (2025). This is a no-skip album, and I think the same could be said about maybe her entire discography? She! Is mother.
If you require stunning vocals…
Nadia Reid, Enter Now Brightness (2025). I had no prior familiarity with Nadia, but DAMN am I glad I listened. Just so pure.
If you’re knowledgeable about planets being in retrograde…
Nao, Jupiter (2025). Absolutely love this and loved listening to this in the rare moments of sunlight this month. This album is very much like if SZA had an absolutely incredible soprano tone. Highly recommended if you believe your life and loves were written in the stars.
If you’re considering picking up the autoharp…
Basia Bulat, Basia's Palace (2025). Some vocal moments are giving folky Natalie Merchant? Should I pick up the autohapr!
Sneaking in just in time on the final day of February…
Miya Folick, Erotica Veronica (2025). Her album Roach was one of my top picks of 2023, and this one is sure to be on repeat. I’ve been rooting for her since Strange Darling in 2015, and it’s so fun to watch her grow her artistry and fan base over the past 10 years.
Last but not least, my favorite album of this month…
Saya Gray, SAYA (2025). I’ve listened to this artist’s previous works a couple times, but this one really stood out in terms of production value and general catchiness and also just kind of being weird in a great way.
If you like musicals…
I didn’t get as much time to listen to MUSICALS this month because I was busy being in one! We’re recording an EP for Synonyms for Goodbye next month, and you can support via merch or donations to Chloe-Selavka on Venmo ;)
FEBRUARY TOTAL LISTENS: 27 (26 new, 1 previous year)