The Triumph of Tired Eyes

Highlights:

• Jay Som
• Sparks
• Burial (interesting Jens Lekman sample
• The Beths
• Cloakroom
• Big Thief
• Ela Minus
• Men I Trust
• yeule
• McKinley Dixon

DARKSIDE with solid songs

Strong outing from Lucy Dacus

Sunflower Beam keeps getting rockier on each new release

New Panda Bear is great

New Beach Bunny is so catchy

I really wanted to like the new HAIM

Loving the new Momma

I’m mixed on the new Turnstile

Stereolab is back!

Is it ever gonna be enough?
Is it ever gonna be enough?
Is it ever gonna be enough?

This song from Metric came to mind with all the recent behavior from our leaders in the US.  The anxiety and fear they are manufacturing is unprecedented.

The growing wealth disparity in the U.S. is hard to ignore, with the richest 1% controlling more wealth than the bottom 90% combined. Unfortunately, the government seems more focused on preserving power and amassing wealth for itself and its allies than on improving the lives of everyday citizens. Politicians, often tied to big business through lobbying or career transitions, shape policies that benefit the wealthy, leaving many Americans struggling. Instead of creating a system that works for everyone, the political elite seem more interested in maintaining their influence and expanding their own fortunes. This shift towards oligarchy shows how broken the system can be — and until we demand change, the gap will only continue to widen.

As I think back to the brilliant album Fantasies by Metric, I can’t help but remember an unforgettable moment. I’m not usually one for birthday gifts, especially when it comes to music — always a tricky task for my friends. But my buddy Gordon, with whom I’ve shared countless amazing concerts, completely surprised me during my birthday dinner. He invited a special guest to our small, intimate gathering of four. I was absolutely floored when Josh Winstead, the bassist of Metric, walked in and sat down to join us. We spent the evening chatting about music and the good things in life, and it became a memory I’ll never forget. Thanks Gordon.