Day Drifter
A curation of essential records that warrant your attention
It’s been a minute since I shared what I’ve been listening to lately, and honestly, the below recommendations are a small collection of what I’ve listened to over the last couple months. The goal here is to share things you may have not heard, records that are outside of anything Spotify might recommend or you’d hear on the radio. There are all kinds of genres represented and I’ve given some context on the situations or time of day that these records might sound best. The right vibes, you know?
My hope is that you discover something new that you love. If there’s an album that you’re obsessed with right now, new or old or whatever, feel free to email me back or leave a comment letting me know.
Jessica Pratt — Here in the Pitch →
Like something from another time, Jessica Pratt’s new release Here in the Pitch transports you back to the sounds of the 50s and 60s. A time of floating melodies, glistening harmonies and analog musical arrangements. When Kyle put this record on I was immediately floored! I haven’t heard a record so serene and beautiful in such a long time. I have a hard time imagining a person who wouldn’t like listening to this record. It’s perfect for lazy Sunday’s or driving around late at night.
Christopher Bear & Daniel Rossen — Past Lives Soundtrack →
Shout out to my friend Lindsay for this recommendation! Sadly, I still have not watched Past Lives, and I did not realize the soundtrack was written by 1/2 of the Grizzly Bear boys, Christopher Bear (yes, his real name) and Daniel Rossen (my favorite Grizzly Bear boy). The Wikipedia page states, “Bear and Rossen wanted to capture the passage of time with their music, as the film travels from time periods and cities,” and I get such a feeling of time slowly passing when I listen to this. Highly recommended for early mornings and times when you need to focus.
Ulla & Ultrafog — It Means A Lot →
A very off-kilter, ethereal sounding ambient album, Ulla Strauss and Kouhei Fukuzumi (aka Ulla and Ultrafog) have teamed up to create spaced out bliss. Plunky guitar riffs hover in the air, distorted vocals appear from nothing. I find this album is a perfect late night listening, slowly lulling you to another realm and space.
Meitei — Komachi →
Hiroshima-based producer Meitei created Komachi as a means to find with “a lost Japanese sound,” as well as being inspired by his grandmother who passed away at the age of 99. This is a gentle album that fills in the corners of your mind, and I highly recommend listening for the first time with your headphones. That way you don’t miss anything.
Shygirl — fabric presents Shygirl →
Maybe one of the best mixes of the year so far, Shygirl brings the heat. It’s a nonstop dance party, featuring tracks from folks like Jacques Greene, Nikki Nair, and Elkka. If you need an album to get you moving, throw on at the pool, or just need some positive energy, you can’t go wrong here.
Frank & Tony — Ethos →
Deep house is one of those genres of music that resonates deep in my core. Subtle and pulsing, Frank & Tony have created an album that flows and moves effortlessly, surrounding you in deep bass and ambient textures. I highly recommend “Too Poor for Movies, Too tired for Love” which they made with electronic artist Lawrence. This is the perfect album for a dinner party.
Cindy Lee — Diamond Jubilee →
Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the year, Diamond Jubilee by Cindy Lee is being hailed as the best album of the year by many. The sound of the album is similar to the way I described the Jessica Pratt album above, out of time from contemporary music. I saw a good description somewhere saying that it sounds like it was beamed from another decade through an old AM receiver. I’ve had this album on repeat since it was released, it’s an honestly an instant classic that you shouldn’t miss.
Onra — Nosthaigia →
Boomkat’s review of this album nails it on the head, “Think Dilla digging in Bangkok.” Nostalgic, timeless beats with a Thai perspective make this album a very worthy follow up to his 3 part Chinoiseries albums. If lo-fi beats are your thing, I would start with his newest album and go back from there. Absolutely perfect for focusing, studying, or lounging around the apartment.
Stray Thoughts —
Are you watching the new season of Drag Race? The All-Stars edition? I find it to be an absolute struggle to watch, and Jason Frank’s piece on that last episode sums up everything I’ve been saying. Nina West must be stopped!
I’m immensely intrigued by the Daylight Computer, which is sort of a Kindle and iPad melded together to create a simplified day-to-day computer. I’m all here for products once again being simpler and more singularly focused. See also: the tinyPod.
T Magazine has a piece on Moonlight Rollerway, LA’s incredible rollerskating rink that is still a hub of culture and life in the city. It reminded me of when I worked at Disney and my team did a photoshoot there, good times.
Can you make a warehouse feel chic? That’s the impression I get with this atelier for the practice of Giampiero Tagliaferri. The light diffuses in the space in such a beautiful way and I love all the books and objects everywhere, like a modern day sorcerers storeroom.
Maybe it’s time to rethink our diets? — “People should consider eating a greater and wider variety of wild fish species like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies to get more essential nutrients straight to their plate.”