James
@freemonster80.bsky.social
Shouting into the Blue void to see who answers.
Looking for cats, records, books and horror with less nonsense. #MusicChallenge #MusicSky
ROC born & raised, sometimes missing my adopted JC home.
Looking for cats, records, books and horror with less nonsense. #MusicChallenge #MusicSky
ROC born & raised, sometimes missing my adopted JC home.
This month for my #ArtistFaveLP …
Misguided pop trash or a mid-career panic attack put to music to fantastic effect? Why not both?
Robbie’s much maligned but brilliantly bonkers ‘Rudebox’ has always fascinated me. My one complaint is that it is too long, this challenge fixes that perfectly.
Misguided pop trash or a mid-career panic attack put to music to fantastic effect? Why not both?
Robbie’s much maligned but brilliantly bonkers ‘Rudebox’ has always fascinated me. My one complaint is that it is too long, this challenge fixes that perfectly.
January 18, 2026 at 1:56 AM
This month for my #ArtistFaveLP …
Misguided pop trash or a mid-career panic attack put to music to fantastic effect? Why not both?
Robbie’s much maligned but brilliantly bonkers ‘Rudebox’ has always fascinated me. My one complaint is that it is too long, this challenge fixes that perfectly.
Misguided pop trash or a mid-career panic attack put to music to fantastic effect? Why not both?
Robbie’s much maligned but brilliantly bonkers ‘Rudebox’ has always fascinated me. My one complaint is that it is too long, this challenge fixes that perfectly.
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Smashing Pumpkins - Gish
Monumentally important to teenage me as it was for many at the time. Still an incredible record but not Top 5…don’t tell my 13-year old self, he wouldn’t believe you.
Smashing Pumpkins - Gish
Monumentally important to teenage me as it was for many at the time. Still an incredible record but not Top 5…don’t tell my 13-year old self, he wouldn’t believe you.
January 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Smashing Pumpkins - Gish
Monumentally important to teenage me as it was for many at the time. Still an incredible record but not Top 5…don’t tell my 13-year old self, he wouldn’t believe you.
Smashing Pumpkins - Gish
Monumentally important to teenage me as it was for many at the time. Still an incredible record but not Top 5…don’t tell my 13-year old self, he wouldn’t believe you.
This is the face of a little girl who just stuck her head in the garbage to lick the butter wrapper…she’s lucky she’s cute and lovey when she wants to be. #CatsofBlueSky
January 14, 2026 at 9:32 PM
This is the face of a little girl who just stuck her head in the garbage to lick the butter wrapper…she’s lucky she’s cute and lovey when she wants to be. #CatsofBlueSky
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
The Breeders - Pod
Another lock for my top 5, Kim’s approach to music is so uniquely hers and always wonderful; an incredible record from, in my opinion, possibly our greatest living songwriter…it’s glorious.
The Breeders - Pod
Another lock for my top 5, Kim’s approach to music is so uniquely hers and always wonderful; an incredible record from, in my opinion, possibly our greatest living songwriter…it’s glorious.
January 14, 2026 at 4:24 PM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
The Breeders - Pod
Another lock for my top 5, Kim’s approach to music is so uniquely hers and always wonderful; an incredible record from, in my opinion, possibly our greatest living songwriter…it’s glorious.
The Breeders - Pod
Another lock for my top 5, Kim’s approach to music is so uniquely hers and always wonderful; an incredible record from, in my opinion, possibly our greatest living songwriter…it’s glorious.
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Portishead - Dummy
I don’t think I’ve listened to this since Oct 9, 2011 when I saw the most soul-crushingly disappointing live show I’ve been to; a real burn all their records moment, I was devastated. To be honest, I’m still not sure I’m over it.
Portishead - Dummy
I don’t think I’ve listened to this since Oct 9, 2011 when I saw the most soul-crushingly disappointing live show I’ve been to; a real burn all their records moment, I was devastated. To be honest, I’m still not sure I’m over it.
January 14, 2026 at 3:48 PM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Portishead - Dummy
I don’t think I’ve listened to this since Oct 9, 2011 when I saw the most soul-crushingly disappointing live show I’ve been to; a real burn all their records moment, I was devastated. To be honest, I’m still not sure I’m over it.
Portishead - Dummy
I don’t think I’ve listened to this since Oct 9, 2011 when I saw the most soul-crushingly disappointing live show I’ve been to; a real burn all their records moment, I was devastated. To be honest, I’m still not sure I’m over it.
One of my favorite ever record store finds was the CD pressing of ‘Dry’/‘Demonstration’ at Princeton Record Exchange for $1.99 about 10 years ago; it didn’t have its original case (so no numbered sticker), but can’t pass that up. (This LP cost me a pretty penny in the 90s so it evens out.)
January 14, 2026 at 3:07 PM
One of my favorite ever record store finds was the CD pressing of ‘Dry’/‘Demonstration’ at Princeton Record Exchange for $1.99 about 10 years ago; it didn’t have its original case (so no numbered sticker), but can’t pass that up. (This LP cost me a pretty penny in the 90s so it evens out.)
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
PJ Harvey - Dry
She arrived fully formed with an album that has lost none of its brutal beauty over the last 34 years; the start of an incredible 6 album run, but I don’t think she ever bettered this one. This will absolutely be in my Top 5.
PJ Harvey - Dry
She arrived fully formed with an album that has lost none of its brutal beauty over the last 34 years; the start of an incredible 6 album run, but I don’t think she ever bettered this one. This will absolutely be in my Top 5.
January 14, 2026 at 3:02 PM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
PJ Harvey - Dry
She arrived fully formed with an album that has lost none of its brutal beauty over the last 34 years; the start of an incredible 6 album run, but I don’t think she ever bettered this one. This will absolutely be in my Top 5.
PJ Harvey - Dry
She arrived fully formed with an album that has lost none of its brutal beauty over the last 34 years; the start of an incredible 6 album run, but I don’t think she ever bettered this one. This will absolutely be in my Top 5.
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Marilyn Manson - Portrait of an American Family
I was the target audience for this one when it came out and I was INTO it; it’s still a blast to put on and shout along with every once in a while.
Marilyn Manson - Portrait of an American Family
I was the target audience for this one when it came out and I was INTO it; it’s still a blast to put on and shout along with every once in a while.
January 9, 2026 at 4:32 AM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Marilyn Manson - Portrait of an American Family
I was the target audience for this one when it came out and I was INTO it; it’s still a blast to put on and shout along with every once in a while.
Marilyn Manson - Portrait of an American Family
I was the target audience for this one when it came out and I was INTO it; it’s still a blast to put on and shout along with every once in a while.
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Sugar - Copper Blue
This would be in my top 10 no questions but others I have a more personal connection with will likely keep it out of my top 5; a cornerstone for the decade whose power hasn’t dulled a bit over the years.
Sugar - Copper Blue
This would be in my top 10 no questions but others I have a more personal connection with will likely keep it out of my top 5; a cornerstone for the decade whose power hasn’t dulled a bit over the years.
January 8, 2026 at 4:41 PM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Sugar - Copper Blue
This would be in my top 10 no questions but others I have a more personal connection with will likely keep it out of my top 5; a cornerstone for the decade whose power hasn’t dulled a bit over the years.
Sugar - Copper Blue
This would be in my top 10 no questions but others I have a more personal connection with will likely keep it out of my top 5; a cornerstone for the decade whose power hasn’t dulled a bit over the years.
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Belly - Star
One that has only gotten better with age, the coulda-been-second-Breeders-LP stands on its own as a triumph of the era; an outside shot at making my Top 5, but a very special LP that deserves every ounce of praise it gets.
Belly - Star
One that has only gotten better with age, the coulda-been-second-Breeders-LP stands on its own as a triumph of the era; an outside shot at making my Top 5, but a very special LP that deserves every ounce of praise it gets.
January 7, 2026 at 8:22 PM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Belly - Star
One that has only gotten better with age, the coulda-been-second-Breeders-LP stands on its own as a triumph of the era; an outside shot at making my Top 5, but a very special LP that deserves every ounce of praise it gets.
Belly - Star
One that has only gotten better with age, the coulda-been-second-Breeders-LP stands on its own as a triumph of the era; an outside shot at making my Top 5, but a very special LP that deserves every ounce of praise it gets.
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Deee-Lite - World Clique
I’ve seen this one mentioned a few times already so let me throw my hat in the ring: a kaleidoscopic journey through house-pop that deserves way more credit than it gets these days. An absolute gem of an album.
Deee-Lite - World Clique
I’ve seen this one mentioned a few times already so let me throw my hat in the ring: a kaleidoscopic journey through house-pop that deserves way more credit than it gets these days. An absolute gem of an album.
January 5, 2026 at 2:54 PM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Deee-Lite - World Clique
I’ve seen this one mentioned a few times already so let me throw my hat in the ring: a kaleidoscopic journey through house-pop that deserves way more credit than it gets these days. An absolute gem of an album.
Deee-Lite - World Clique
I’ve seen this one mentioned a few times already so let me throw my hat in the ring: a kaleidoscopic journey through house-pop that deserves way more credit than it gets these days. An absolute gem of an album.
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Velocity Girl - (Ultra)Copacetic
An underrated gem from the era, Sub Pop did a lovely reissue/remix of it in 2024; not top 5 for me but one that’s great to revisit. (They’re doing similar for ‘¡Simpatico!’ next month, I need to pre-order it.)
Velocity Girl - (Ultra)Copacetic
An underrated gem from the era, Sub Pop did a lovely reissue/remix of it in 2024; not top 5 for me but one that’s great to revisit. (They’re doing similar for ‘¡Simpatico!’ next month, I need to pre-order it.)
January 5, 2026 at 1:48 AM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Velocity Girl - (Ultra)Copacetic
An underrated gem from the era, Sub Pop did a lovely reissue/remix of it in 2024; not top 5 for me but one that’s great to revisit. (They’re doing similar for ‘¡Simpatico!’ next month, I need to pre-order it.)
Velocity Girl - (Ultra)Copacetic
An underrated gem from the era, Sub Pop did a lovely reissue/remix of it in 2024; not top 5 for me but one that’s great to revisit. (They’re doing similar for ‘¡Simpatico!’ next month, I need to pre-order it.)
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Helmet - Strap It On
A riff-tastic monster that is beautiful in its primitiveness, “Rude” in particular is breathtaking. The start of one of my favorite ever four album runs and a lock for my top 5.
Helmet - Strap It On
A riff-tastic monster that is beautiful in its primitiveness, “Rude” in particular is breathtaking. The start of one of my favorite ever four album runs and a lock for my top 5.
January 5, 2026 at 1:15 AM
#NowListening #MusicSky #5DebutAlbums9094
Helmet - Strap It On
A riff-tastic monster that is beautiful in its primitiveness, “Rude” in particular is breathtaking. The start of one of my favorite ever four album runs and a lock for my top 5.
Helmet - Strap It On
A riff-tastic monster that is beautiful in its primitiveness, “Rude” in particular is breathtaking. The start of one of my favorite ever four album runs and a lock for my top 5.
This record meant everything to 14-year old me and I completely forgot to include it in my #5DebutAlbums9094 long list. We’re now up to 7 non-negotiables, this isn’t going to be easy.
January 4, 2026 at 1:34 AM
This record meant everything to 14-year old me and I completely forgot to include it in my #5DebutAlbums9094 long list. We’re now up to 7 non-negotiables, this isn’t going to be easy.
I had a CD purge a few years ago when one of my shelving units collapsed so I don’t own physical copies of many of these anymore, but choosing for #5DebutAlbums9094 is gojng to be rough…or possibly easy since I’ve got 5 non-negotiables in mind already; some great listening in the weeks to come.
January 4, 2026 at 1:01 AM
I had a CD purge a few years ago when one of my shelving units collapsed so I don’t own physical copies of many of these anymore, but choosing for #5DebutAlbums9094 is gojng to be rough…or possibly easy since I’ve got 5 non-negotiables in mind already; some great listening in the weeks to come.
My number one with a fucking bullet for #5DebutAlbums9094
January 3, 2026 at 7:56 PM
My number one with a fucking bullet for #5DebutAlbums9094
Bah, I’ve already realized I’ve forgotten one of the most important ones, but I have no idea what I’d cut…so a bonus 26th for the first day of 2026 then.
January 1, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Bah, I’ve already realized I’ve forgotten one of the most important ones, but I have no idea what I’d cut…so a bonus 26th for the first day of 2026 then.
25 Favorite Albums of the last 25 Years, roughly chronologically and likely forgetting about something important.
December 31, 2025 at 7:47 PM
25 Favorite Albums of the last 25 Years, roughly chronologically and likely forgetting about something important.
#NowListening #MusicSku
Hilary Woods - Night CRÍU
And number 1 for #5Albums25 without question: an impossibly intimate album, as if you’re hearing someone working out their innermost thoughts via music through the floorboards of an old house. It’s a proper mood, and what an experience it is.
Hilary Woods - Night CRÍU
And number 1 for #5Albums25 without question: an impossibly intimate album, as if you’re hearing someone working out their innermost thoughts via music through the floorboards of an old house. It’s a proper mood, and what an experience it is.
December 30, 2025 at 2:26 AM
#NowListening #MusicSku
Hilary Woods - Night CRÍU
And number 1 for #5Albums25 without question: an impossibly intimate album, as if you’re hearing someone working out their innermost thoughts via music through the floorboards of an old house. It’s a proper mood, and what an experience it is.
Hilary Woods - Night CRÍU
And number 1 for #5Albums25 without question: an impossibly intimate album, as if you’re hearing someone working out their innermost thoughts via music through the floorboards of an old house. It’s a proper mood, and what an experience it is.
#NowListening #MusicSky
Gruff Rhys - Dim Probs
2nd for my #5Albums25 list; it’s crazy to think that Gruff has as many solo as SFA LPs now - more if you count soundtracks - and while he never disappoints, this one is particularly fantastic; probably in my top 3 of his solo albums.
Gruff Rhys - Dim Probs
2nd for my #5Albums25 list; it’s crazy to think that Gruff has as many solo as SFA LPs now - more if you count soundtracks - and while he never disappoints, this one is particularly fantastic; probably in my top 3 of his solo albums.
December 30, 2025 at 1:49 AM
#NowListening #MusicSky
Gruff Rhys - Dim Probs
2nd for my #5Albums25 list; it’s crazy to think that Gruff has as many solo as SFA LPs now - more if you count soundtracks - and while he never disappoints, this one is particularly fantastic; probably in my top 3 of his solo albums.
Gruff Rhys - Dim Probs
2nd for my #5Albums25 list; it’s crazy to think that Gruff has as many solo as SFA LPs now - more if you count soundtracks - and while he never disappoints, this one is particularly fantastic; probably in my top 3 of his solo albums.
It was a good year to be an SFA fan. (Side note: I ordered the ‘Love Kraft’ reissue from Rough Trade US in October since I couldn’t find it locally and thinking it would be faster and cheaper than importing it and it just arrived today, guess that’s the end of that relationship.)
December 30, 2025 at 1:07 AM
It was a good year to be an SFA fan. (Side note: I ordered the ‘Love Kraft’ reissue from Rough Trade US in October since I couldn’t find it locally and thinking it would be faster and cheaper than importing it and it just arrived today, guess that’s the end of that relationship.)
#NowListening #MusicSky
Pictish Trail - Life Slime
In at number 3 on my #5Albums25, sonic trickster Johnny Lynch goes for a more straightforward, reflective tone on this song cycle about, well, the slime that makes up life; an absolute stunner.
Pictish Trail - Life Slime
In at number 3 on my #5Albums25, sonic trickster Johnny Lynch goes for a more straightforward, reflective tone on this song cycle about, well, the slime that makes up life; an absolute stunner.
December 30, 2025 at 1:00 AM
#NowListening #MusicSky
Pictish Trail - Life Slime
In at number 3 on my #5Albums25, sonic trickster Johnny Lynch goes for a more straightforward, reflective tone on this song cycle about, well, the slime that makes up life; an absolute stunner.
Pictish Trail - Life Slime
In at number 3 on my #5Albums25, sonic trickster Johnny Lynch goes for a more straightforward, reflective tone on this song cycle about, well, the slime that makes up life; an absolute stunner.
Wait, ‘Hit’ and ‘Old Red Eyes Is Back’ came out on the same day? What a fucking day! @whatafuckingrecord.bsky.social
December 30, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Wait, ‘Hit’ and ‘Old Red Eyes Is Back’ came out on the same day? What a fucking day! @whatafuckingrecord.bsky.social
#NowWatching
Man, ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special’ really is unlike anything else, isn’t it? 💖
Man, ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special’ really is unlike anything else, isn’t it? 💖
December 27, 2025 at 11:17 PM
#NowWatching
Man, ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special’ really is unlike anything else, isn’t it? 💖
Man, ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special’ really is unlike anything else, isn’t it? 💖
Shout out to @mcapriglioneart.bsky.social for the adorable cartoon of our Dusty; she did our Mega last year as well and I cannot speak highly enough of her work. If you need a pet commission, look no further! #CatsofBlueSky
December 26, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Shout out to @mcapriglioneart.bsky.social for the adorable cartoon of our Dusty; she did our Mega last year as well and I cannot speak highly enough of her work. If you need a pet commission, look no further! #CatsofBlueSky