Bully-Lucky For You (2023)

Why I Like It:

A trend that I've noticed, or maybe it's just me because I have personal stake in this, is some of the most emotional songs I've heard are about pets. This year, for example, one of saddest songs I've heard is about the loss of a pet rat. It makes sense, pets are there unconditionally there for you and many times they are the most stable relationship you have in your life. It's a universal thing that millions of people can relate to. Heck I made a whole playlist with songs referring to pets already! So this has definitely been a theme for me this year. Luckily not because I lost a pet (knock on wood) but they were a big part of me getting through some depressive times, that I will just leave at that. So when I discovered the album Lucky For You, where the whole concept is about grieving the loss of Alicia's pet dog, lets just say I was in the right headspace to hear it.

I didn't even know the album was about the death of a pet dog when I first listened to it. It just sounded really good to me and seemed to resonate emotionally for some reason. Then I listened to a couple interviews and discovered what the album is actually about. Afterwards listening to Lucky For You again hit in a different way. Losing and grieving for a pet can be devastating, especially if it's the only companion you live with. Picking yourself up from that takes personal strength, which I commend Alicia for doing. 

The music itself is actually more uplifting sounding. The soundscape goes from breezy and carefree whispers to growly loud riffs and it keeps the album propulsive (that's my big word of the day). It's an easy and enjoyable rock album to listen to. 

So in conclusion, give this album a spin and give your furry companion a big hug while doing so! I know I will be :) 

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Days Move Slow - "Sometimes when I zone out at night/I forget you're out of sight"

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Similar bands to check out:

Ratboys, Soccer Mommy, The Beths, Wednesday

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Reviews and links to check out:

Stereogum.com- Review

91.3WYEP Live and Direct Session with Bully

Sound Mind Live- Bully on Mental Health and Overcoming Substance Abuse

Bullythemusic.com

Jack Adamant-Obscure Places and Cupboards (2022)

 

Why I Like It:

This a first for my blog. Someone actually reached out and asked for me to give their music a listen! For other popular blogs/content creators this might be common, but for me this is special. Jack Adamant politely asked if I would consider writing about his album and I was enthusiastic to give it a go. Now, I only write about albums I genuinely like on here, so there was some anxiety with my first listen. What if this is music not up my alley? I would have hated to say sorry but this might not be the album for my blog. Luckily this was far from the case!

When I first started looking up Jack, the thing I noticed right away is this guy hustles. He's been in many podcasts and interviews over the last few years (the fact he found my tiny blog is testament to his hustle). The second thing I noticed is he lives and breaths music. This artist creates his art with intention and purpose, not to go with the trends of now, but to play what he loves. This comes out in the quality of the album and songs he creates. 

What stood out to be about Obscure Places and Cupboards right away is this album is an album. What I mean is that there's a start and finish to it and all the songs flow together in a logical pattern. Every song seemed distinct and had a spot. It made the listen easy to get lost within the music. I said earlier that this album was a definite yes for me to review and that's because it has the alternative rock sound from the 90s that I love. It's hard to explain but it's not just the songs sounding like this sound but the whole aesthetic to Jack's presentation (everything from the music videos and album art) feels like the music came from a time before social media and I am here for it. 

If anyone has liked the music that I've written about so far, then this album should be up your alley! I look forward to following Jack and seeing what he releases next!

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

You First-"We’re part of something that means a lot more /Just for who decides to care"

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Similar bands to check out:

Washing Machine, Coast Fire Dept., Church Girls, Kiwi Jr.

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Reviews and links to check out:

Thoughtswordsaction.com- Review

Albumreview.net Podcast- Interview

Jackadamant.com- Do newer artists still do websites? I think it's pretty cool!

Faithless Universe (Live)- An acoustic version that sounds awesome