It’s true, there is a public Spotify playlist of every album I’ve recommended in 2024. How else would I keep track? But more importantly, why am I hiding it from you? idk. Here it is, sounds good on shuffle:
Let it be the little song on your radio ...
Brave New Brief 05.19 album recommends are live here: https://bravenewworldtricia.substack.com/p/brave-new-brief-let-it-be-the-little
I’m no fan of Grey May as we call this month in currently cloudy coastal So Cal. But these albums are getting me through it.
Hanging on to the sunshine ...
Brave New Brief 04.14 album recommends are live here: https://open.substack.com/pub/bravenewworldtricia/p/brave-new-brief-im-hanging-on-to?r=7qecv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
A longer than normal brief, because it’s not your imagination, there are a LOT of new albums right now. Don’t panic, I listened to absolutely everything and have highlighted here only the eight I consider mandatory listening, as in, your life might not be quite complete if you don’t at least give them a chance. Have at it!
Here's a dream …
Brave New Brief 03.03 album recommends are live here: https://open.substack.com/pub/bravenewworldtricia/p/brave-new-brief-heres-a-dream-that?r=7qecv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
A spring indie rock newsletter pretty much writes itself. Now is when indie bands all want to release their new albums so they can set up their spring/summer tours, and also not compete with the blockbuster Top 40 albums that tend to drop around retail holidays. It’s not your imagination, there are lots of albums to love right now!
Give Me A Reason …
Brave New Brief 01.29 album recommends are live here: https://open.substack.com/pub/bravenewworldtricia/p/brave-new-brief-give-me-a-reason?r=7qecv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I’m feeling pretty bullish on 2024 music based on what I’ve heard so far. Usually January is a graveyard of new releases but we have four solids here. I threw in a few from 2023 that I did not get around to featuring then. Happy New Year!
Best Albums of 2023
I both love and hate this year-end exercise ... I'm thrilled to have a chance to highlight some faves but agonize over the process every year. I'm quite happy with the final list though.
My top 5 albums are by Jeffrey Martin, Slow Pulp, Shamir, Cat Power, and Will Johnson. Click below for details and the rest of the list!
click image for full list of my favorite albums of 2023
Sneak Preview, Best of 2023 ...
The artist you wished you'd seen at Zebulon on Saturday night ... this album is such a gift in a messed-up year.
Jeffrey Martin "Thank God We Left The Garden"
(ps subscribe here to get my full Best of 2023 list later this week: Brave New Brief)
click image for links to streaming services
Brave New Brief, November
Remember, remember, the best of November ... highlights of the month's listening are here now.
World Kindness Day
Happy World Kindness Day! I was pleased to be able to assist The Harmony Project in clearing the rights for this beautiful song "Give" for their "10 Days Of Kindness" campaign involving their Prison Arts Program. It is truly moving to watch this community come together and sing their hearts out.
Brave New Brief, October
All treats, no tricks. Just a few album releases worthy of your time, plucked from my October listening.
Brave New Brief, September
Slightly new venture ... collecting my favorite new albums monthly into one easy newsletter as opposed to trusting social media algorithms. Give it a try, I'm liking Substack as a place to find thoughtful writing, good recommendations, and zero advertising.
Remember six months ago this week ...
Remember six months ago this week when this album came out and it was all anyone could talk about?
Still that good. Especially when Lucy sings. :)
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When you want to be surprised by every single track...
Shamir - "Homo Anxietatum"
Evolved indie-rock with a twist, shaken not stirred.
https://album.link/bnw015
click image for links to streaming services
Most appropriately named ...
Most appropriately named band award goes to ...
Slowdive - "Everything Is Alive"
Scuba gear on, descend, float, experience wonder & awe.
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When you want to treat yourself
When you want to treat yourself AND support Bandcamp Friday ...
Literate, bittersweet, melodic.
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Sound Of Freedom - Playlist & thoughts
I think its safe to say that no one with whom I worked on this film imagined it would turn into a box office phenomenon, even though we all believed in the importance of shedding light on this horrific subject. In a further twist, now the far right have made the film part of their culture war against mainstream media, something I disagree with vehemently. Please take a moment to read an enlightening interview with the director, published by the LA Times, that gives the whole story. My viewpoint mirrors his. And I made a playlist of the gorgeous music in the film so you can listen while you read!
PS Join me on substack for monthly music recommendations! Brave New World Substack
Who’s bringing the serenity ...
Who’s bringing the serenity into your day ...
Angelo De Augustine “Toil and Trouble”
Making introspection oh so soothing.
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When you need a little lightness in your week ...
When you need a little lightness in your week ... while still acknowledging that the world is falling apart.
Chris Farren
”Doom Singer”
Perfect example of indie power-pop.
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When you need a fresh new Friday afternoon playlist
Young Fathers
"Heavy Heavy"
Indescribable in most sublime way.
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When you can’t decide if you want to have a dance party or be really angry, have both …
Sweeping Promises
”Good Living Is Coming For You”
B-52s meets Sleater-Kinney.
click image for links to streaming services