Monthly Album Recap - July 2026
Probably the least amount of new music I pursued this year. Outside of a few standouts, it was more interesting to pursue catalogues of bands I already love. Am I washed? Yes.
New Spins
Smidley - Smidley // Post Emo
Yeah, it's from 2017, but expanding the Foxing universe is exactly what I wanted/needed.
Nixon Boyd - Every Time We Turn a Corner // Singer Songwriter
Summer music incarnate.
Show Me The Body - Alone Together // Post Hardcore
Talky rock with heavy guitars are a thing again, huh?
Work Money Death - A Portal to Here // Jazz
yeah, jazz is good.
Riley - To Live And Die In The American South // Emo
Yeah, this band keeps blending past with present emo in just very good, engaging ways. Oh, and this EP is longer than the whole YHWH Nailgun "album". funny thing, that.
Twisted Teens - Florida Water Blues // Rock
Reminds of a gruffer, groovier Black Keys. so it's fine.
Madonna - CONFESSIONAL II // Dance
This is a great dance album that really just fades to the back during moments. Great features, though.
Margo Price - Days of Unrest // Country
This felt like abrasive, fast-paced Kacey. But something didnt stick as much. Still pretty good!
Jack White - Frozen Charlotte // Rock
The worst Jack White effort is better than any Black Keys effort.
she's green - swallowtail // Shoegaze
Gen Z is turning shoegaze into the Marvel movies of music genres.
Kelela - New Avatar // R&B
There is nothing offensive or outstanding about this.
Nirosta Steel - MY SKYSCRAPER // Avant Pop
This felt like an interesting, art-house playlist more than an album. Some high moments, worth a revisit.
Akusmi - Terra Incognita // Jazz
This was another great little jazz record. Look at me, cultured with two records in one month.
Steve Lacy - Oh yeah? // Soft Rock
Of another time and, frankly, boring. Don’t neg people into listening to your album without delivering.
Syd - Beard // Lounge
Chill and laidback. Perfect coffeeshop experience.
Helado Tropical - Helado Tropical // Indie Spanish Pop
Airy and summertime vibes are immaculate. I only want to listen to this while camping.
Yard Act - You're Gonna Need a Little Music // Talky Rock
This style of music reminds me of a poetry night with more melodies.
Charli xcx - Music, Fashion, Film // Not Brat Pop
Reminds me too much of CRASH to be able to appreciate it. Sophie's influence is missed.
The Strokes - Reality Awaits // Washed Indie
The use of auto tune and quality record do not graph well. Unless if you're T-Pain
Tyla - APOP // Pop
Pop radio slop
Eartheater - Heavenly Body: If I'm the Bottle You're The Message // Pop&B
Entry level FKA Twigs.
IAN SWEET - Shiverstruck // Indie Pop
Easy listening pop that slowly fades the longer you listen
Nick Hakim - I Can See // Art Pop
Reminds me of late aughts art pop that sounds great in the moment, but I don’t have any inclination to pick it up again. Good sounds, though
Basic - BASIC // Experimental
Great, jammy record that blends a lot of sounds and vibes that is perfect for work and relaxing.
Swapmeet - Mount Zero // Shoegaze
Caught me be surprise at how much I enjoyed this. Nothing too groundbreaking, but it seemed to be done very well. Due for a re-listen
Widowspeak - Roses // Indie Rock
In a rare turn of events, the back half picks up the first half of the album. Wildly listenable, endlessly forgettable.
zayALLCAPS - My Uncle Told Me Some Real Ass Shit on the Phone Yesterday // TikTok Rap
I try to keep up with up and coming artists. The more I try , the more I realize I am washed and none of this is good.
Ariana Grande - Petal // Pop
Yeah, this was boring. Wicked can be blamed, I'm sure of it.
Re-Spins
Portishead - Third // Art Alt Rock
I slept on this band for far too long. Every revisit is great.
Run The Jewels - Run The Jewels 2 // Rap
Their best album.
Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre // Pop Punk
Max Bemis might be problematic person. But hot damn does he make good music. Also, see Brand New
American Football - LP2 // Midwest Emo
Prepping for the concert in August and I guess this is my life now.
Nilufer Yanya - My Method Actor // Indie Pop
Lovely little pop rock album that hits that late aughts nostalgia.
Hot Mulligan - you'll be fine // Modern Emo
They don’t miss.
Alexisonfire - Crisis // Post-Hardcore
This was one of my first, post-hardcore albums I purchased. It still holds up 20 years later.
Catalogue Revisits
Minus The Bear
Menos el Oso Highly Refined Pirates Planet of Ice They Make Beer Commercials Like This Lost Loves OMNI Infinity Overhead VOIDS
Wilco
Unofficial rankings: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Summerteeth Cousin Being There The Whole Love AM Sky Blue Sky Star Wars Wilco (The Album) Cruel Country Schmilco Ode To Joy A Ghost is Born
Ratboys
Singin' to an Empty Chair Printer's Devil The Window GN Happy Birthday, Ratboy