Days – The Mountain Goats

Had to get the pink vinyl. This physical record production on this is incredible and matches the high caliber of a release from the band. The vinyl has a beautiful die-cut design with an extensive booklet. Their 24th album finds them sifting through decades of memory with incredibly catchy songs. CANDLEBOX!!

Nothing’s About to Happen to Me – Mitski

The beginning of 2026 has blessed us with a beautiful rich album by Mitski.  Her eighth album, Nothing’s About to Happen to Me, wraps orchestral arrangements around a haunting narrative of a reclusive woman who’s an outcast to the world but free inside her own crumbling home.  It’s intimate, moody and sometimes devastating. Viola approved.

Jay Som – Belong

Really excited about this new release by Jay Som. Loved the singles and got it as soon as it came out. It’s been 6 years since Melina’s last album. One track has a collab with Hayley Williams, who also just had a new solo project out titled Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. That’s next on my radar.

 

All the gold and the guns in the world couldn’t get you off.

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.