Maciek Smółka
@macieksmolka.bsky.social
Popular music researcher. Assistant professor of American studies at Jagiellonian Uni. Studying popular culture for a living. Gaming for fun. Posting in English and Polish. He/him.
The Sound of a City is out now: https://www.peterlang.com/document/1369553
The Sound of a City is out now: https://www.peterlang.com/document/1369553
Pinned
Maciek Smółka
@macieksmolka.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Hi all! I think a short introduction is in place. I'm a popular music and American studies scholar, so if you're into music or trying to understand what's happening in the US, I'm here. Also, I'm a steady provider of pop cultural analyses, video-game content, and LotR-related memes. You're welcome.
I think I'm getting older because I'm unequivocally in love with Pulp's new album, More. The album is, for the most part, about aging, passing, and a reflective view of life. One of the best LPs this year + one of Pulp's best LPs.
More
Pulp · Album · 2025 · 11 songs
open.spotify.com
June 9, 2025 at 10:41 AM
I think I'm getting older because I'm unequivocally in love with Pulp's new album, More. The album is, for the most part, about aging, passing, and a reflective view of life. One of the best LPs this year + one of Pulp's best LPs.
Nie wiem, mi tam przypomina Wish You Were Here, które wychodzi parę lat po szaleństwach The Piper at the Gates of Dawn i eksperymentach Meddle i TDSOTM. Nie ma co stać w miejscu, rozwijamy się!
Lucro sucio; Los ojos del vacio
The Mars Volta · Album · 2025 · 18 songs
open.spotify.com
April 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Nie wiem, mi tam przypomina Wish You Were Here, które wychodzi parę lat po szaleństwach The Piper at the Gates of Dawn i eksperymentach Meddle i TDSOTM. Nie ma co stać w miejscu, rozwijamy się!
Ależ sprawnie marketingowo pomyślana jest struktura nowej płyty Bon Iver, Sable, Fable:
✅ Sentymentalny Sable a la stary Bon Iver
✅ Radykalny przeskok w kierunku nowych brzmień
✅ Kłopotliwe i dość średnie piosenki w środku Fable
✅ Mocna końcówka, która ma dać poczucie, że to dobry LP.
✅ Sentymentalny Sable a la stary Bon Iver
✅ Radykalny przeskok w kierunku nowych brzmień
✅ Kłopotliwe i dość średnie piosenki w środku Fable
✅ Mocna końcówka, która ma dać poczucie, że to dobry LP.
April 11, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Ależ sprawnie marketingowo pomyślana jest struktura nowej płyty Bon Iver, Sable, Fable:
✅ Sentymentalny Sable a la stary Bon Iver
✅ Radykalny przeskok w kierunku nowych brzmień
✅ Kłopotliwe i dość średnie piosenki w środku Fable
✅ Mocna końcówka, która ma dać poczucie, że to dobry LP.
✅ Sentymentalny Sable a la stary Bon Iver
✅ Radykalny przeskok w kierunku nowych brzmień
✅ Kłopotliwe i dość średnie piosenki w środku Fable
✅ Mocna końcówka, która ma dać poczucie, że to dobry LP.
What a time to be an American studies specialist, amirite? 🙃
March 1, 2025 at 7:40 AM
What a time to be an American studies specialist, amirite? 🙃
So it begins. Początek semestru w środę. 🤐
February 21, 2025 at 12:55 PM
So it begins. Początek semestru w środę. 🤐
Fun fact, this is the main line of defence from Spotify when it's being criticized from paying artists too little. We should be focusing on the specificity of labels and their contracts with musicians more.
“Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection. Labels, we got you — but do you got us?”
— Chappell Roan demanding labels to do better during her #GRAMMYs acceptance speech.
— Chappell Roan demanding labels to do better during her #GRAMMYs acceptance speech.
February 3, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Fun fact, this is the main line of defence from Spotify when it's being criticized from paying artists too little. We should be focusing on the specificity of labels and their contracts with musicians more.
Dla zainteresowanych: założyłem konto na Instagramie, gdzie będę bez skrępowania spamować fajnymi płytami: www.instagram.com/fajneplyty.
a cartoon of a person putting a record on a turntable
ALT: a cartoon of a person putting a record on a turntable
media.tenor.com
February 1, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Dla zainteresowanych: założyłem konto na Instagramie, gdzie będę bez skrępowania spamować fajnymi płytami: www.instagram.com/fajneplyty.
I saw A Complete Unknown. And, frankly, go watch I'm Not There. It's too long, a bit dull. Yes, a solid performence by Chalamet, but it trivializes Dylan, making him a wax figure in a Hollywood music bio romance historical drama.Popularizing Dylan? Yes. Something else? No. And long live Pete Seeger.
a poster for the movie a complete unknown shows a man talking on a cell phone
ALT: a poster for the movie a complete unknown shows a man talking on a cell phone
media.tenor.com
January 30, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I saw A Complete Unknown. And, frankly, go watch I'm Not There. It's too long, a bit dull. Yes, a solid performence by Chalamet, but it trivializes Dylan, making him a wax figure in a Hollywood music bio romance historical drama.Popularizing Dylan? Yes. Something else? No. And long live Pete Seeger.
I'm listening to Weyes Blood's Titanic Rising, a modern classic from 2019. Near the end, there's this song, Wild Time. I don't know if it's only me, but I can hear King Crimson's Moonchild there. It tells me two things: the timeless character of KC's classic and the longing appeal of this aesthetic.
Wild Time
Weyes Blood · Titanic Rising · Song · 2019
open.spotify.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:23 AM
I'm listening to Weyes Blood's Titanic Rising, a modern classic from 2019. Near the end, there's this song, Wild Time. I don't know if it's only me, but I can hear King Crimson's Moonchild there. It tells me two things: the timeless character of KC's classic and the longing appeal of this aesthetic.
Even though I firmly believe Magdalene was FKA Twigs's artistic apex, which will be hard to beat, EUSEXUA brings another layer of artistic complexity to her career. It's a beautiful achievement, confirming she is one of the most interesting voices in contemporary avant-pop and electro-pop.
EUSEXUA
FKA twigs · Album · 2025 · 11 songs
open.spotify.com
January 28, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Even though I firmly believe Magdalene was FKA Twigs's artistic apex, which will be hard to beat, EUSEXUA brings another layer of artistic complexity to her career. It's a beautiful achievement, confirming she is one of the most interesting voices in contemporary avant-pop and electro-pop.
There is something utterly fascinating about early progressive rock. The song is 54 years old, and it sounds old, but at the same time, its appeal is mesmerizing. Even though I understand how people may its pompous character, the complexity, creativity, and potential in it charms to this day.
Heart of the Sunrise - 2024 Remaster
Yes · Fragile (Super Deluxe) · Song · 1971
open.spotify.com
January 19, 2025 at 9:10 PM
There is something utterly fascinating about early progressive rock. The song is 54 years old, and it sounds old, but at the same time, its appeal is mesmerizing. Even though I understand how people may its pompous character, the complexity, creativity, and potential in it charms to this day.
Today's quick evening trip from Vavuniya (VCCV) to China Bay (VCCT). #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2024
January 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Today's quick evening trip from Vavuniya (VCCV) to China Bay (VCCT). #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2024
Yes, music is fun, but I flew from Santa Barbara (KSBA) to Palmdale (KPMD) yesterday and took some awesome photos. #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2024
January 19, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Yes, music is fun, but I flew from Santa Barbara (KSBA) to Palmdale (KPMD) yesterday and took some awesome photos. #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2024
Reposted by Maciek Smółka
it feels like when Bowie died.
January 16, 2025 at 6:51 PM
it feels like when Bowie died.
Time changes perspective. When I was in high school, IMD was a modern take on thr Prodigy. Now - I believe - it became a part of their canon. And oh my, it has aged so well.
Invaders Must Die
The Prodigy · Album · 2009 · 27 songs
open.spotify.com
January 14, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Time changes perspective. When I was in high school, IMD was a modern take on thr Prodigy. Now - I believe - it became a part of their canon. And oh my, it has aged so well.
Did I mention I love Microsoft Flight Simulator? All these are screenshots taken today.
January 11, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Did I mention I love Microsoft Flight Simulator? All these are screenshots taken today.
Labrini Girls' debut, Who Let the Dogs Out, is a fun, punk adventure—very punk. It contains many interesting ideas without any extraordinary measures, but it nicely fits as a commentary on modern society while maintaining the raw energy and not being over-intellectualized.
Who Let The Dogs Out
Lambrini Girls · Album · 2025 · 11 songs
open.spotify.com
January 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Labrini Girls' debut, Who Let the Dogs Out, is a fun, punk adventure—very punk. It contains many interesting ideas without any extraordinary measures, but it nicely fits as a commentary on modern society while maintaining the raw energy and not being over-intellectualized.
Franz Ferdinand has released their new album, the Human Fear. There's nothing new, just another fun, danceable LP, which doesn't revolutionize anything, or reach the same heights as their first two records. But if you love them, you'll love this album.
The Human Fear
Franz Ferdinand · Album · 2025 · 11 songs
open.spotify.com
January 10, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Franz Ferdinand has released their new album, the Human Fear. There's nothing new, just another fun, danceable LP, which doesn't revolutionize anything, or reach the same heights as their first two records. But if you love them, you'll love this album.
Such articles remind you that popular culture and social media are often bubbles and distorted visions of local realities. This is why a knowledgeable and critical consumption of popular media matters so much. We cannot overlook what's behind the glitter of popcultural imagery.
The Other Naples, Not Seen on Instagram
The southern Italian city has become fashionable for tourists, models and actors in a social media age. Yet it remains merciless for many of its youth.
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Such articles remind you that popular culture and social media are often bubbles and distorted visions of local realities. This is why a knowledgeable and critical consumption of popular media matters so much. We cannot overlook what's behind the glitter of popcultural imagery.
One of the best things about Amazon's The Rings of Power is its soundtrack by @bearmccreary.bsky.social. I'm so thrilled this record was recently added to my collection, and proudly stands next to Season One soundtrack.
January 7, 2025 at 11:13 AM
One of the best things about Amazon's The Rings of Power is its soundtrack by @bearmccreary.bsky.social. I'm so thrilled this record was recently added to my collection, and proudly stands next to Season One soundtrack.
Debi Tirar Mas Fotos sounds like a sentimental love letter to BB's homeland. I think I've heard that somewhere before. It resembles the general sound of 2024's biggest hits, segueing us softly into 2025. While it's sentimental, it is also raw, sincere, and a concept album that's fun to listen to.
BAILE INoLVIDABLE
Bad Bunny · DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS · Song · 2025
open.spotify.com
January 7, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Debi Tirar Mas Fotos sounds like a sentimental love letter to BB's homeland. I think I've heard that somewhere before. It resembles the general sound of 2024's biggest hits, segueing us softly into 2025. While it's sentimental, it is also raw, sincere, and a concept album that's fun to listen to.
It's been 5 days, and we already have an AOTY contender. DTMF may as well be Bad Bunny's career highlight. As a person who may spend considerable time researching music geography and regionalisms, I find this a wonderful piece of art.
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Bad Bunny · Album · 2025 · 17 songs
open.spotify.com
January 7, 2025 at 9:13 AM
It's been 5 days, and we already have an AOTY contender. DTMF may as well be Bad Bunny's career highlight. As a person who may spend considerable time researching music geography and regionalisms, I find this a wonderful piece of art.
It's always fun to look back at the previous year and revisit all those emotions and music related to them. To live it again, to learn from those experiences is to prepare yourself for what's to come. Here's my soundtrack to 2024, and my 20 favorite LPs.
macieksmolka.wordpress.com/2025/01/03/t...
macieksmolka.wordpress.com/2025/01/03/t...
The Best of 2024: A Year in Music
As we’re waiting for the unexpected follow-ups to yesteryear’s cultural phenomena, let’s relive those moments when we felt brat, when we sipped espresso, when we saw things come a…
macieksmolka.wordpress.com
January 3, 2025 at 10:36 AM
It's always fun to look back at the previous year and revisit all those emotions and music related to them. To live it again, to learn from those experiences is to prepare yourself for what's to come. Here's my soundtrack to 2024, and my 20 favorite LPs.
macieksmolka.wordpress.com/2025/01/03/t...
macieksmolka.wordpress.com/2025/01/03/t...
I've made a playlist with my favorite songs of 2024. I hope you'll enjoy it, or maybe even discover something interesting! open.spotify.com/playlist/4qG...
January 2, 2025 at 4:07 PM
I've made a playlist with my favorite songs of 2024. I hope you'll enjoy it, or maybe even discover something interesting! open.spotify.com/playlist/4qG...
My most listened-to LPs of 2024. Here's to many more in 2025.
January 1, 2025 at 12:53 PM
My most listened-to LPs of 2024. Here's to many more in 2025.