From the team who brought you our weekly Streaming Suggestions compilation dedicated to movie and television fanatics, we're happy to present you with another weekly installment of encouraged accouterments. This time, however, we'll be suggesting full-length musical projects that span across a multitude of genres and decades. From Wu-Tang's Enter the 36 Chambers to the Little Women soundtrack, our boundaries will know no limitation and will encourage readers to expand their tight-knit Apple Music playlists and Spotify libraries, as well.
We have also curated our suggestions in the form of a Burbs Spotify playlist that will be updated weekly. Find it below:
Heaven To A Tortured Mind (2020) - Yves Tumor
I’ll refrain from opening with some cliche about how terrible 2020 was, but it was one of the best years for alternative music in recent memory. Eccentric artist Yves Tumor delivered one of the genre’s brightest highlights in the form of Heaven To A Tortured Mind—their boundary-pushing, critically-acclaimed fourth studio album.
If you’re looking for an album to expand your taste in alternative, Heaven To A Tortured Mind is an excellent start. - Evan Linden
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: “Gospel For A New Century,” “Super Stars,” and “Kerosene!”
The Life of Pi'erre 4 (2019) - Pi'erre Bourne
Whether you're a Playboi Carti connoisseur, trap advocate, or just a general music enjoyer, Pi'erre Bourne has something to offer for your illustrious taste. The producer-turned-rapper embodies the futuristic nuance that has become so attractive in modern rap. "Back to the future! / Did it all on computers / Bill Gates / Tryna keep my bills paid," he raps on "Right Now" off of Carti's Die Lit, which Pi'erre played a huge role in curating and assisting creatively.
TLOP4 has an ever-expanding venn diagram of tones and moods. From the downtrodden, nearly Shakespearean "Ballad" to the crew-anthem that is "How High," Pi'erre's standout project operates as a buffet of clever bars and hypnotizing instrumentals. An excellent album that operates as a mixtape to kick off your weekend with accompanied by a joint and a glass of red wine. - Ralph James
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Poof," "Routine," and "Romeo Must Die"
HEATWAVE (2018) - MICHELLE
I stumbled across MICHELLE, a collective group of 20-somethings out of New York, after indulging in yet another well-crafted Spotify playlist. The six-man troupe presents a teenage sound; one filled with curiosity, yearning, and evolution. Their songs diverge across pop, indie, and R&B genres, showcasing their versatility as a predominantly POC and queer band. Their first album, HEATWAVE (2018) bestowed breakthrough track “THE BOTTOM,” and my personal favorite, “STUCK ON U.” This record takes listeners on an expedition across New York’s vibrancy, through a set of six distinct blossoming eyes. Continuing to reign across various “Artists to Watch (2021)” lists, MICHELLE lives out every bedroom pop star’s dreams with growing popularity and anticipation. -Deja Williams
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "STUCK ON U," "THE BOTTOM"
Sublime (1996) - Sublime
It’s currently a scorching 16 degrees in Iowa City. The skies are mostly gray, and people’s driving abilities appear to have left alongside the summer sunshine. In these times, I find myself wanting to transport to the beach, watching the ocean waves and eating a hearty sandwich in the heat. For me, there’s no better portal to this daydream than Sublime (1996), the ska-punk band’s self-titled third album, and also their last.
The trio of singer/guitarist Bradley Nowell, bassist Eric Wilson, and drummer Bud Gaugh were the kings of the 1990s beach scene through their fusion of reggae, ska-punk, hip-hop, and hard rock. Nowell died of a heroin overdose shortly before Sublime finished recording, but left fans an album that has continued to live on almost 25 years after its release.
Headlined by classic radio hits “Santeria” and “What I Got,” the album takes listeners on a genre-bending ride that tackles anarchic impulses, the grasps of addiction, and toxic relationships. Tracks like “Jailhouse” and “Get Ready” are the exemplars of “ass-kicking jams, man” and make you want to commit misdemeanor arson while smoking a large joint. The band’s mystical cohesion shines on “Pawn Shop” and “Garden Grove,” using their wide-ranging musical influences to craft the perfect beach music. It’s my personal favorite album of all-time and will remain in my permanent rotation until the day I die. -Jack Martian
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Jailhouse," "Get Ready," and "Pawn Shop"
how you like them APPLES? (2020) - Donte Thomas
For the first-ever streaming suggestion, there was no better album that I would like to recommend.
how you like them APPLES? is the third album by the upcoming Portland phenomenon Donte Thomas. People always say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and after doing an extensive observational study, my hypothesis was correct—listening to this album does the exact same thing. This future classic dropped during the dying days of 2020, but it definitely should not be forgotten. Donte uses a compound of wavy beats, outstanding features and a soothing flow to create a collection of loveable and easygoing tracks. Donte’s approach to each song is extraordinary, somehow creating a relaxing feel with intelligent subject matter. With songs like my personal favorite track “apples to apples,” we can see an introspective outlook on Thomas’ own mindset and visions for the future. When I hear songs like this, I can tell have much thought and planning artists’ like him put into their work and it needs to be respected. So, if you like artists like Redveil, Blvck Svn, or Femdot, I really think you should give this creative album a listen. -Marty Gross
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "apples to apples," "la manzana," and "apple jacks"
Ponyboy (2019) - Jimi Somewhere
Amidst the insufferable, consistent atrocity that was 2020, I found copious amounts of joy through two young artists prevailing from a small town an hour outside of Oslo, Norway. Singer-songwriter, Jimi Somewhere, alongside his childhood friend and producer, Milo Orchis, consistently engineer a sound that resembles that of early Kevin Abstract, Jack Larsen, and EDEN. A sound that usually touts relaxed, colorful synthesizers, which tend to continually progress throughout. This “musical thriller”-like sound is seamlessly complemented by a combination of upbeat claps and a chime that resembles a magical, fluttering fairy. Throughout each track, you will find hints of drum and guitar solos that provoke reminiscent thoughts about the pop-punk music of the early 2000s. While the duo’s sophomore EP Ponyboy is only a quick six songs and 26 minutes, it boasts some tracks that will probably propel you into a state of awe. Hits like “1st Place” and “I Shot My Dog” provide a captivating combination of well-articulated, encapsulating coming-of-age stories and near musical mastery amongst altering genres. If you enjoy this EP, make sure to check out Somewhere’s debut album, Nothing Can Stay Gold, which is releasing February 5. -Finn Askin
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "I Shot My Dog," "1st Place," and "Blue Skies"
Untitled (Rise) [2020] - Sault
Midway through a shift with DoorDash, I decide to tune into Indie 102.3 — Denver’s premier independent radio station. Before I can take my fingers off the tuning knob, a funky ensemble of percussion, reverberated vocals and violin strings bursts from my Subaru sound system. I’m hypnotized, enamored, and most importantly, curious as to who the hell is blaring through my speakers. A week later, I sit down with Indie 102.3’s host and local music director, Alisha Sweeney, for a discussion on the future of local music. In the waning minutes of our conversation, I can't help but ask if she can name for me the artist I heard on her show seven days before. Her eyes light up; the response is immediate. “That’s Sault,” she tells me. “Who are they?” I retort. “I don’t know... no one does.” She concludes with.
There’s a pulling force that accompanies mystery in music. Sault — a genre-mashing ensemble from somewhere in the UK — is the physical and sonic epitomization of this. Their racially-charged lyrics are delivered delicately. The grooves that flow alongside these words are unlike anything I’ve heard in my lifetime. If Beethoven and Krautrock Can had a lovechild, and that lovechild grew up idolizing D’Angelo, you’d have Sault. I can’t confirm much about this faceless collective, but I know one thing is for certain — there’s beauty in anonymity. -Carter Ferryman
HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Free," "Scary Times," and "I Just Want To Dance"
Spotify:
(Apple Music coming soon...)
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