Finding Tranquility in the Noise

Musical influences through the ages and my current favorite records

Since I was child, music has been an important part of my life. Hell, my mom named me after Elvis (my middle name is Aaron).

Until I was around ten years old, I listened to the music of the 50s, 60s, and early 70s, what I still affectionately think of as “the oldies.” Acts like The Temptations, The Ronettes, Chubby Checker, and The Mamas & the Papas. In the early 90s, I discovered rap, hip hop, and R&B. Folks like Salt-N-Pepa, Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Aaliyah, Tupac, and Bone Thugs. After that I became a “rocker” (if you were a teen in the mid- to late-90s, you may relate) listening to Radiohead, Weezer, Yo La Tengo, Modest Mouse, The Dandy Warhols, and Travis. In this period though, I also discovered electronic music, enchanted by the “electronica” surge of folks like The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, Massive Attack, The Prodigy, Propellerheads, UNKLE, and so many more.

My taste has always been eclectic because of my innate curiosity. Wanting to know and learn more has always driven me in all aspects of my life. I have a vivid memory of sitting in my bedroom late one night watching 120 Minutes on MTV. Back then, it was on Sunday’s at from midnight to 2am. Half paying attention, I remember the most disturbing video came on. A grainy, dystopian world. An old woman walking her dog amongst filth and debris. Children with matching faces attacking bystanders, and grotesque monster rising out of a television and screaming at a frightened old woman. What. The. Fuck. Is. This. As it turns out, this was my introduction to Aphex Twin (and the brilliant Chris Cunnigham) and it was the music video for “Come to Daddy.” That was a pivotal moment for me.

All of this to say, the eclectic listening of my past has informed so much of my current taste. And I feel super lucky to live in Barcelona, which has a great music scene. We often go to SOUNDIT, a local music event series that brings fantastic DJs from around the world here to perform. Just this last weekend I was able to see Todd Terje, DJ Tennis, Call Super, Hunee and more for €15. It’s affordable, the crowds are chill (for the most part lol), and we can ride bikes to the usual venue, an retired bullfighting ring.

So today, I’m going to share some new music I’ve been into. These are records that I’ve been coming back to repeatedly. I’m a person who listens to an album front to back, and many times, I’ll leave these on repeat to fully soak them in. Hope you enjoy and find something new. If there’s anything you’re listening to that you feel I should check out, do me a favor and leave your recs in the comments.

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Shuta Husanama / Unpeople — (Electronic)
Really hard to define this record. Starts of chaotic, feels electronic, wanders into jazz territory, Cornelius guests on a track. Be ready for a journey.

Jungle / Volcano — (Dance)
If you’re on TikTok, you know Jungle’s new record. A soulful album that sounds like it was released in the 70s yet so very of-the-now. And the video for “Back on 74” is easily one of the best of the year.

Troye Sivan / Something To Give Each Other — (Pop)
The best pop album of the year so far. My god, it’s so queer and joyful. I sing along to this album constantly. Absolutely top ten of the year.

Oneohtrix Point Never / Again — (Electronic)
Daniel Lopatin is back with one his best albums yet. Taking a more refined, yet no less challenging and deep approach, he’s yet again built a world inspired by the music of his teen years, reinterpreted.

Levon Vincent / Sacred Geometry (Techno)
Just an absolute banger of an album. If you want to feel like you’re being chased by an army of synthetic beings in a cyberpunk flick, this is it.

David Edren & H. Takahashi / Flow | 流れ — (Electronic)
This record feels like a raucous journey down a turbulent river. It’s a nuanced record that’s great for writing or focusing on something, your brain will be constantly satisfied by sounds.

Eartheater / Powders — (Experimental)
One of my other favorite records of the year. If you love great female vocals set over lush musical landscapes, you’re gonna love this. The range of styles on this record is surprising.

MoMa Ready / Turn and Look — (Electronic)
His FOURTH release this year. MR is insane, and this album is so good as well, his love letter to New York. Go to his Bandcamp and listen to everything.

Purelink / Signs — (Ambient)
Pretty sure this album is going to pop up on a lot of music nerds best of lists. Ambient, chilled out auditory bliss. Subtle and magical, great for early mornings or late nights.

J Foerster & N Kramer / Habitat II — (Ambient)
I was very excited for this record, a follow-up to their last release, and it lived up to my expectations. A deconstructed assemblage of music and sounds, coming together for a sublime experience.

Leo Takami / Next Door — (Jazz)
A beautiful little record that feels so cozy. Very Japanese in feeling, it’s tender and intimate in the best ways. Save this one for your rainy days.

Sampha / Lahai — (Electronic)
This one came out over the weekend and it’s a joyous record. Sampha is a one-of-kind artist and his voice and POV on this record is incredible.

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