But there’s still feeder bird watching at least. Really enjoying the couple of gray catbirds that come around lately to throw seed everywhere until they find the one (1) raisin they’re looking for in the tray. Also my GOAT, the Carolina wren that comes around and keeps the deck garden pest-free 🙏

It’s hot as balls, I still struggle with the bane of TREE LEAVES, and I have a giant banana plant out back, which while shady and beautiful, really gets in the way of any decent views of the backyard when bird activity is hopping.

Papillon - NMIXX

It’s overwhelming how confidently this song mixes staccato rap with a languid hook on top of nearly overstuffed instrumentation. But there’s a pleasure in becoming defenseless enough to get bowled over by a butterfly. (Also whole album is incroyable 😘🤌)

youtu.be/qQhEwaHszKo?...

Crash - Rescene

Some of us are still in 2015 listening to CRJ Emotion on repeat. Rescene dropped this song for us. It’s so dreamy yet aching with desire to break through the veil that separates you from the world, believing that to crash is to connect. To be seen again.

youtu.be/_ivLUJ3R62U?...

1&Only - XLOV

Glad this is getting some traction overseas bc again a song with excellent execution! The MV is very compelling (obsessed with the wings made of white gloves), and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Kpop should never leave tropical house behind.

youtu.be/NBZgirj_C2Y?...

Another Life - Riize

A b-side, and this one is an absolutely brilliant album closer. Headphones recommended bc the production gives me ASMR tingles every time, but I also think this is the first time I’ve really heard what Riize are capable of as vocalists. Mad props.

youtu.be/QNRbCqS_bhs?...

Gnarly - Katseye

I have so much. I could say about Gnarly. But every time I try. My wo. Rds staaaart to loose means and sy la bles ⛓️‍💥 of signification. Anyway, this release made me fucking reread Saussurean semiotics. Enough said.

youtu.be/R2-yomhYAj4?...

Groundwork - KiiiKiii

Another example of SSE giving their artists something a little crunchy to work with this year. It’s a bold statement for a debut girl group to break out Talking Heads-inflected grungy new wave. But it musically and lyrically works so well for me. 🔥👎🌎

youtu.be/8NpCghW0Hkw?...

The Chase - Hearts2Hearts (DEBUT)

Took a while to warm up to it, but once I did, it was like my brain was hot-wired to play the pre-chorus (IS IT? WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THIS SONG?) on repeat. Also I think the MV is really cool and smart about desire, capture, and film…

youtu.be/kxUA2wwYiME?...

Also for pretty much everything I drop in this thread, the albums are worth a full listen!! Idk if I’m listening more broadly this year, but it feels like I’m discovering more releases that feel really cohesive and thoughtful in refreshing ways!

SET NET GO?! - Cravity

Roller coaster of a rollout for a roller coaster of a song. After the egg-centric rebirth concept photos, the title track had to deliver something off the wall. And did! It’s funky, it’s fuzzed out, it’s like if the Mystery Machine was a kpop song.

youtu.be/IV6yrrLyhCA?...

Stunner - Ten

This is almost certainly my song of the year. Hands down. Nobody reinvents the (2000s pharrell production) wheel here. They just build a nigh perfect performance vehicle on top of it. I love experimentation, but, to me, pop is about execution. This kills.

youtu.be/LfoIQZf9Hqs?...

Lollllllll…I have a lot of mixed feelings on this era for them as a whole. I do think there’s a good mini album’s worth of songs in there tho!

Jokes aside, this was my favorite Twice release in quite some time! Idk if they’re going to do another Oct album for the official 10th anniversary, but this felt pretty satisfying already for the occasion.

Like what do you *mean* TWICE dancehall track in which Sana attempts a little bit of patois and it’s all about masturbation and/or fingering your bestie. Good for them!!

This also happened to me as an adult! It sucks sooooo much. Sending you vibes for a speedy recovery 🙏🙏

Oh Leesa I’m so sorry!! Many many hugs 🫂🫂🫂🫂

Album is solid af. I’m glad the egg nonsense made me tune into them again 🥹 youtube.com/playlist?lis...