For the past couple of years, I stopped listening to full length albums. I used to be obsessed with it in college and my early 20s -- there was something sacred about it -- sit through the entire album, listen to it the way it was intended and experience it as a whole.
Somewhere along the line, life got too stressful and I just didn't have the space or need to do this anymore. I became heavily reliant on shuffle to decide and manage my mood, and if I ever came across a new artist I liked, I'd just listen to the one song and move on.
Which I think is totally understandable. Recently though, I've found myself in a slower mind brain position where I not only want to but actually am able to be present with a full-length album and its an extremely rewarding experience. I forgot just how good this feels.
In October last year, I listened to Ego Death at a Bachelor Party by Hayley Williams
Being an emo teen and long-time fan of Paramore, I have also been keeping tabs on Hayley's solo music. This is her first independent record after her 20-year long record deal with Atlantic music came to an end. It's most definitely a creative rebirth, and the most honest, vulnerable, and experimental I've ever heard her.
I feel especially connected to it because Hayley feels like someone I grew up with and who grew up with me. Its like we're going through the phases of life together, and I love that she is someone that continues to resonate with me. She's just cool as hell and her music translates that perfectly.
Favorite tracks
Kill Me
Mitrazapine
Love Me Different(!!!!!!)
Ego Death at a Bachelor Party
True Believer
I've also listened to two whole albums on repeat this month (the injured ankle is also definitely a motivator to just sit there, be present and do the damn thing!!)
The Mountain by Gorillaz
I think this album is rightly hyped. It's magical -- especially when you listen to it as a whole. I think I mentioned in my last blog post that I believe art has a way of finding you when you need it most, and this is especially true when it comes to this album. I really really needed it right now. Since the minute the title track came on, I felt all this grief bubbling up from inside of me and I could actually stay with it and hold it -- feel held by the music. Also Asha Puthli and Asha Bhonsle on an album with Gorillaz is truly something that I wouldn't think of in my wildest fantasieZ.
Favorite Tracks
The Mountain
The Hardest Thing
Orange Country
The God of Lying
Delirium
Damascus
The Shadowy Light (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Trying Times by James Blake
Thanks to chats about music with a friend, I got back in touch with love for James Blake! I used to listen to him so much in college and my early 20s. It still hits just the same!! This rediscovery was right in time for his newest album release. I took the momentum and used it to listen to the whole thing. SO SO WONDERFUL!!!! I love this guy. He makes the weirdest, most poetic melodies. I've been listening to him obsessively since (IDK when the ADHD brain will lose interest, but we enjoy it while it lasts.)
Favorite Tracks
I Had a Dream She Took My Hand
Trying Times
Days Go By (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Doesn't Just Happen
Rest Of Your Life
Feel It Again
OKAY BYE!