Monday Morning Roundup
Be like the squirrel, girl
Picture this: it’s 2003 and you’re sitting in the backseat of your dad’s Volvo. He’s playing one of his new CDs and you’re barely paying attention. Until! A song opens with a news report about a woman who’s inspired to handle her problems by watching a squirrel out her window. Once the reporter is done, the song breaks into screeching, distorted guitars and crashing drums and the lead singer is chanting, “be like the squirrel, girl.” You, an 11 year old, are transfixed as this is both the funniest and most interesting song you’ve ever heard.
Wouldn’t ya know it, but that is the story of how I first heard “Little Acorns” by the White Stripes and became a fan of the music of Jack White. White’s latest album, Fear of the Dawn, came out this past Friday. It is the first of two albums he is releasing in 2022. Luckily for all of us, it’s as loud and weird as ever. I’ve included my current favorite track on this week’s mix, but I recommend it as a whole. I also recommend “Little Acorns” always.
Here are 9 songs (new and rediscovered) I loved over the past week:
Fear of the Dawn, Jack White- The title track off the new Jack White album and one of the many songs on this album where he plays every single instrument- can you even imagine?!
Little Acorns, The White Stripes- “Be like the squirrel, girl” is not only an iconic lyric, but in the context of this song it is also some pretty solid advice.
That’s Where I Am, Maggie Rogers- After months of teasing this song, Maggie Rogers released the lead single for her upcoming album, Surrender, this past Friday. It’s cowritten with Kid Harpoon who she worked with for “Light On” from her first album and who has cowritten extensively with Harry Styles. There is a theory floating around TikTok that Maggie and Harry as well as Lucius attended a songwriting bootcamp put together by Brandi Carlile and inspired by Joni Mitchell and that we will see some collabs between these artists on their upcoming albums…. We can only hope!
Too Late Now, Wet Leg- Wet Leg drew attention a couple months ago when their song “Chaise Lounge” went viral. With the release of their debut album this past Friday, Wet Leg is proving to be more than a one-off viral moment. This is a good album of indie rock/pop that’s funny and irreverent, and any music bro talking shit about Wet Leg can absolutely shut up.
Overnight, Claud- Claud is on Phoebe Bridgers’s label, Saddest Factory Records, so as a Pharb I feel obligated to support the label. This is the opening track to their 2021 album, Super Monster.
Bite Me, Avril Lavigne- I have not yet talked about Avril’s new album, Love Sux, on this newsletter which is a crime (big thanks to Subscriber Madi Smith for the initial recommendation). Avril is the #1 rock chick and is still out here screamin’, hollerin’, and breakin’ things better than most. Can’t recommend this album enough if you too need to scream, holler, and break things.
We Can’t Stop X Where Is My Mind (Live), Miley Cyrus- Sorry to Miley (and to everyone who knew me in high school) because I used to be pretty annoying about not liking her, but I’ve come around. She’s found the right place for her voice (love a lower-range pop star!) and right vibe for her music. I really like this live version, mashup of “We Can’t Stop” and “Where Is My Mind?” by the Pixies. Unexpected but cool!
Treat Me, Chloe- FINALLY- I have lived long enough to see Ms. New Booty get the sample treatment! The latest from Chloe (of Chloe x Halle) is a bop.
First Class, Jack Harlow- Unfortunately, I am not strong enough to resist the charms of Jack Harlow and this track features another incredible sample choice, Glamorous by Fergie.
WOW, thank you for making it this far! Enjoy this exclusive photo of Rilo sharing some thoughts on final edits as a token of my appreciation:
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