april's musical favorites
in no particular order:
Jackson Wang x Number i - GBAD remix: Often times, kpop remixes are just sped up versions of the original song which adds nothing but when you're releasing 12 versions of the same album, i guess nothing adds up to something. that's all to say, i love jackson's exploration with number i, the added city pop layering and new verses gives it a very dream-pop, groovy layer that appeals to a larger audience. the mv also takes a pleasant departure from the cinematic, animaniacs-coded original. i want to say something deeper about the aspect ratios, the styling, but in the end, jackson looks really good and what more can i ask for.
Arca / Addison Rae - Arcamarine: coachella weekend is my favorite if not for the steep decline in la traffic but for pure musical discovery. i was watching arca's set, completely unhinged, low level of anxiety as the baseline undercurrent, i was convinced either someone would die or a bird will be slain at any given moment. and then they brought out addison rae who came out like jesus. look at the crowd. this is a spritual experience. when she sings, "i'm free", i thought wow, i could really be in a cult and love it.
Joji - Yeah Right: this not a new musical discovery but i forget how much i love Joji. it's the simplicity of the lyrics over ambient dreamy, hazy beats that just cuts to the point (yeah, you bet I know that she ain't never give a single fuck about me / yeah, you bet she know that we ain't never gonna be together, I see). listening to joji driving back from downtown at night. cinematic. also his annotations on genius? no notes.
Mariah Carey - Heartbreaker: we've been really into buying physical cds lately and moving away from Spotify. does it hurt my heart that i'm re-purchasing cds that i already own? a little but used cd prices are significantly cheaper than fueling our vinyl habit. this is my favorite mariah carey song of all time. (it's a shame to be so euphoric and weak / but when you smile at me and you tell me the things / that you know persuades me to relinquish my love to you). my summer anthem, a soft lovergirl anthem, bring back feeling things.