music blog ♪ #20

bro i'm outdoors right now and I'm writing on my computer. only stopped to look at my phone like 5 times. anyone have suggestions for entry level gestures for someone just getting into being kind? JK JK I'm an angel obviously. anyway, about the music...

dr. octagon - dr. octagonecologyst (1996)
genre: abstract hip hop, east coast hip hop
FFO: the pharcyde, deltron 3030
rating: 9/10

when I first heard this a few months ago I thought it was quirky and offbeat, but the playful humor and diggable beats kept me coming back for more. here dr. octagon reminds me of MF DOOM with his colorful descriptions of the human body (I've never heard a record paint a picture of human rectums so frequently) and  references to nerd culture. the infectious beat of "blue flowers" produced by DJ shadow is a standout on this record for good reason. it features that trippy production we came to know and love from DJ Shadow. my personal favorite track on the album is the revisited version of blue flowers. if you're going to listen to this album really dig in from top to bottom! one of my top recent favorites.

worldpeace DMT, rowan please - the velvet underground & rowan (2025)
genre: noise pop, twee pop
FFO: go sailor, beat happening, heavenly
rating: 9/10

this album is like a miniature diorama complete with toy horses that wind up and down and around and around. the sweet sentiments conveyed remind me of Go Sailor's self-titled, which you can check out in the youtube link. I would in fact compare the saccharine vocals of rowanpls with those of the legendary rose melberg (go sailor, tiger trap, the softies) and they hold up. would recommend for any fans of the niche genre I'm referring to as "clown-core" with the added zest of funky electronica and orchestral production. there are even a couple songs with the combined vocals of Leo and Rowan. <3 songs I would recommend: the ledge (fleetwood mac), marina, shoes, untitled DMT.

syd barrett - the madcap laughs (1970)
genre: garage rock, psychedelic rock, folk
FFO: the stooges, the kinks
rating: 9.5/10

this album kind of blew my mind when I first heard it. recognizable melodies with uncommon vocal timing and syntax of phrases. this album was recorded during the solo years of pink floyd's lead, syd barrett. I didn't know what he looked like but songs like "no good trying" clued me in that he was one fine specimen. and that is the case. so obviously there are entire fan pages dedicated to his youthful vibrance. I mean to say that this guy really has a light in him. how else do you become a mega popular rock and roll star? that being said the music really shines here. I don't have much to compare it to as I am not well versed in psychedelic rock (it's actually one of my least favorite genres) but the bare bones songwriting going on here really got my engine purring. it seems clear to me that he and everyone he knew at the time were doing a lot of drugs, I haven't looked into the history, that- or the creativity level of artists drifting with a guitar in the late 60's early 70's was off the charts. could be both, like I said I haven't looked into it. this album makes me want to pick up an acoustic. please listen in full this album is a masterpiece!

spoon - girls can tell (2001)
genre: indie rock
FFO: Enon, modest mouse
rating: 9/10

big fan of early spoon, here. I would call this album emotive and musically raw compared to other spoon releases. I love how they accompany the bleating guitar with dancing piano, and britt daniel has an enthralling voice. in my mind spoon is placed on the same tier as the stooges in terms of what they provided for rock and roll. this album is situated perfectly on the cusp of late 90's indie rock and it shines through. sex & drugs & rock. songs I would recommend: the fitted shirt, anything you want, everything hits at once, take a walk.

that's it for this round. I'm so happy I got to talk about go sailor as they are one of my all-time favorite twee groups, and I rarely get to listen to them anymore. let me know if you liked or hated anything! thanks for reading, no seriously. for real. I <3 U.

Lizzydothedishes