Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 2)
Alice Phoebe Lou – Glow The first of two records released by Alice Phoebe Lou in 2021, Glow is filled with yearning. The South African artist discusses matters of the heart among cool, sparse soft rock. Vocals on the title track have a sassy lilt that embraces the guitar progression, all of which amounts to Lou’s brand of psych rock. There is much beauty in simplicity, … Continue reading Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 2)
Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 1)
Bryan Away – Canyons to Sawdust On the pastoral Canyons and Sawdust, Bryan Away’s storytelling is given the perfect stage. Among the tales he sings is a nod to Ingmar Bergman’s miniseries (you may know its adaptation with Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain) and that track’s direct foil, the jaunty “Scenes from a Wedding.” The title of Away’s summer LP derives from an analogy in an … Continue reading Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 1)
Best Songs of 2021
As is every list published on this blog, these “best songs” of the year are my opinion. That said, I am nixing the best videos list this year and so I felt it was only right to extend the songs list again. Scroll on to enjoy my favorite fifteen songs of the year. YouTube and Soundcloud playlists are available for your convenience; be advised that … Continue reading Best Songs of 2021
A Year Without Music
This year, the blog turned six. Not that I count the birthdays of Sawdust & Gin at all. (I often forget that I created it just days before my own birthday, so the festivities get muddled.) Its fifth year was easily my favorite—the onset of the pandemic gave me a challenge, one that I overcame with a surprising amount of resolve. There were a few … Continue reading A Year Without Music
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos & Spooky Season with “La Maldita Bruja” by Nancy Sanchez
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. It’s spooky season, and while you prepare an elaborate Halloween costume, give a listen to the haunting melodies of Nancy Sanchez. The LA-via-Mexico singer/songwriter is known for her rich blend of musical styles, culminating in a genre which she has coined Mexican-American art pop. Her latest single is more a dirge compared to her notable high tempo tracks, and it … Continue reading Celebrate Dia de los Muertos & Spooky Season with “La Maldita Bruja” by Nancy Sanchez
Ambar Lucid Reveals More of Herself in ‘Mixto’ X Spotify Singles
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Everyone is falling in line behind the passionate artistry of Ambar Lucid. With support from YouTube Music, television syncs, and the folks who sold out her forthcoming Troubadour show, her star is just beginning to shine at maximum lumens. The Mexican-Dominican musician released Get Lost in the Music EP earlier this year and, more recently, has revealed two exclusive singles … Continue reading Ambar Lucid Reveals More of Herself in ‘Mixto’ X Spotify Singles
Illuminati Hotties’ Release Mesmeric Single “Threatening Each Other Re: Capitalism” Ahead of Tour Supporting Death Cab For Cutie
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Photo credit: Lissyelle Laricchia. As we near the release date for their new album, Let Me Do One More, illuminati hotties deliver a new slow-burning single. The local tenderpunk band, helmed by Sarah Tudzin, recently announced a tour accompanying Death Cab For Cutie, as well as a local show at Zebulon to celebrate the new record. The unhurried new track “Threatening Each Other Re: … Continue reading Illuminati Hotties’ Release Mesmeric Single “Threatening Each Other Re: Capitalism” Ahead of Tour Supporting Death Cab For Cutie
Will Jay Loses His Sense of Time and Self in Bright Indie Single “Was It Even Real?”
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Will Jay is not the only one who has lost track of time. Since 2019 still feels like “last year,” Will Jay must be riding high from the release of his debut album which came out last summer. Perfectionist indicated a new direction for the local artist’s career, one that is paved with happy and innovative indie pop. Now he … Continue reading Will Jay Loses His Sense of Time and Self in Bright Indie Single “Was It Even Real?”
Rico Nasty Drops Music Video for Summer Single “Magic”
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. If anything was a cultural reset in the past three years, it was Rico Nasty’s “Smack a Bitch.” The iconic single and its remix appear on Rico’s debut album Nightmare Vacation, which was released only last year. The punk-rap star from the DMV has wasted no time with new material—her forthcoming mixtape Rx will include new single “Magic,” which has dropped alongside a … Continue reading Rico Nasty Drops Music Video for Summer Single “Magic”
Elohim Promises To “Treat You Better” as Part of Self-Exploration Culminating with ‘Journey To The Center Of Myself’ Vol. 2 EP
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Few contemporary independent pop artists approach the level of insight that we have come to expect from Elohim. The Los Angeles dance-pop musician pours herself into her songwriting, moreso now than ever before; the second volume of her four-part Journey to the Center of Myself EP series will show a continuation of Elohim’s creative reinvigoration after she set up a … Continue reading Elohim Promises To “Treat You Better” as Part of Self-Exploration Culminating with ‘Journey To The Center Of Myself’ Vol. 2 EP
