Ross Belsome
belsome.bsky.social
Ross Belsome
@belsome.bsky.social
Is it safe?
1/10/24
Artist: Chappell Roan
Album: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023)

Changing things up a little bit, because why not? I’ve heard all the singles but this is the first time through the whole album.

Every song could be a hit. I don’t know if there’s much more to say…
January 11, 2025 at 4:31 AM
1/9/24
Band: Steely Dan
Album: Gaucho (1980)

With this one done, the only SD studio album I haven’t listened to is their last: Everything Must Go.
I’m convinced they are musical deities. Maybe 2AN didn’t wow me, but it was still consistently “good”. Aja is still the best, but Gaucho is great.
January 10, 2025 at 3:58 AM
1/8/24
Band: Purity Ring
Album: shrines

I found this band after starting a rewatch of Search Party. Most of the album is standard modern synth-pop, similar to CHVRCHES. "obedear" (the Search Party theme song) is the only clear standout, but "lofticries" was also fun.
January 8, 2025 at 11:07 PM
1/7/24
Band: of Montreal
Album: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (2007)

At this point this is just a log to help me remember what I listened to this year.
How did I miss this when it originally came out? So much fun. Definitely should give it a re-listen.
January 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
1/6/24
Artist: Laurie Anderson
Album: Big Science (1982)

I have a pretty high tolerance for avant garde. I get this album, but it was tough to get through. Kinda have to be in the right frame of mind. Apparently O Superman was a hit, but it’s actually one of the weaker songs in my opinion.
January 7, 2025 at 5:41 AM
1/5/24
Band: Vulfpeck
Album: Thrill of the Arts (2015)

Never heard of the band. The album might be a new favorite. I was looking for newer stuff like Steely Dan. This actually reminds me more of Todd Rundgrenn’s Something/Anything. Lots of funky tracks, but Back Pocket deserves the repeat button.
January 6, 2025 at 5:30 AM
1/4/24
Band: Steely Dan
Album: Two Against Nature (2000)

I am unironically a Dan Fan, but I might have been oversold with this winning a Grammy. It’s fine. I’d put it on for a dinner party if the lyrics weren’t quite as odd. Too many sax solos, too much of a good thing? It all kinda blends together
January 5, 2025 at 2:23 AM
1/3/24
Artist: Harry Nilsson
Album: Nilsson Schmilsson (1971)

Are there any real people on here? Nilsson was that coconut song guy to me. I like the album, but the songs are short. Strong ideas that don’t go too far. Except an awesome 7 mins of Jump into the Fire. Should have ended the album there.
January 3, 2025 at 11:14 PM
1/2/2024
Band: MGMT
Album: MGMT (2013)

Am I doing this wrong because I didn't say #MusicChallenge last time? Anyway, wasting space... Nothing stood out to me on this one. Alien Days never grabbed me as the lead off. I'm still a fan of MGMT, but I wouldn't favor this one over their others albums.
January 3, 2025 at 4:40 AM
1/1/2024
Band: MGMT
Album: Little Dark Age (2018)

Decided to listen because title track's a TikTok thing? I've been a fan of MGMTs first 2 albums, but missed others. This one's good but feels a little "safer" compared to the more psychedelic Congratulations, which I enjoyed for its boldness.
January 3, 2025 at 4:36 AM