Samantha
@samanthalopez.bsky.social
PNW 🌲/ ATX 🤠/ CHI 📍
Music Journalism + Creative Nonfiction
Words in Paste Magazine, Consequence, New York Times, etc.
Doing things the hard ways since 1994. ✌🏽
Let me write for you.
Music Journalism + Creative Nonfiction
Words in Paste Magazine, Consequence, New York Times, etc.
Doing things the hard ways since 1994. ✌🏽
Let me write for you.
My fiancé’s latest piece for @pastemagazine.bsky.social is up! Check it out.
www.pastemagazine.com/music/mad-se...
www.pastemagazine.com/music/mad-se...
30 Years Ago, Mad Season’s Above Offered Seattle a Needed Season of Hope
Paste Magazine is your source for the best music, movies, TV, comedy, videogames, books, comics, craft beer, politics and more. Discover your favorite albums and films.
www.pastemagazine.com
March 14, 2025 at 4:22 PM
My fiancé’s latest piece for @pastemagazine.bsky.social is up! Check it out.
www.pastemagazine.com/music/mad-se...
www.pastemagazine.com/music/mad-se...
AOTD: Can you believe I had only heard their hits/singles/ Stop Making Sense? god, I LOVE art-rock: a shaky, clearly neurotic voice accompanied by enigmatic funky guitar and a springy bass - creating melodic, fully danceable and angular songs. 4.5/5 ⭐️
March 12, 2025 at 2:57 PM
AOTD: Can you believe I had only heard their hits/singles/ Stop Making Sense? god, I LOVE art-rock: a shaky, clearly neurotic voice accompanied by enigmatic funky guitar and a springy bass - creating melodic, fully danceable and angular songs. 4.5/5 ⭐️
Should I include my fav/least fav tracks from the albums?
March 11, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Should I include my fav/least fav tracks from the albums?
I am so behind in posting but I’ve been doing my AOTD! Today it’s The Velvet Underground. I know them + Nico but have never listened to an album of just theirs all the way through. I know I chose the most digestible one but I sincerely loved it. Great singing/lyrics/instrumentation. 4.5/5 ⭐️
March 11, 2025 at 5:22 PM
I am so behind in posting but I’ve been doing my AOTD! Today it’s The Velvet Underground. I know them + Nico but have never listened to an album of just theirs all the way through. I know I chose the most digestible one but I sincerely loved it. Great singing/lyrics/instrumentation. 4.5/5 ⭐️
It’s been proving difficult to do an album a day, so I’ll just do as many as a can a week. With that being said, I’m burned out on 90s alt rn. We’re gonna do 70s art/punk, 80s new wave/postpunk/synth for a bit starting tomorrow! Send recs!
March 2, 2025 at 3:29 PM
It’s been proving difficult to do an album a day, so I’ll just do as many as a can a week. With that being said, I’m burned out on 90s alt rn. We’re gonna do 70s art/punk, 80s new wave/postpunk/synth for a bit starting tomorrow! Send recs!
By the way, if I give an album a 4 or higher it means that I will buy it on vinyl. This whole project is just a way to rebuild my record collection with only ones I truly love - not the ones I feel like I should own. 😌 for example, I don’t wanna own “Rumors” 😂
February 28, 2025 at 6:45 PM
By the way, if I give an album a 4 or higher it means that I will buy it on vinyl. This whole project is just a way to rebuild my record collection with only ones I truly love - not the ones I feel like I should own. 😌 for example, I don’t wanna own “Rumors” 😂
AOTD: I stumbled upon this band on a Spotify playlist. I absolutely love it. “College rock” is def more a term than a genre bc most bands in that category span so many eclectic styles. This album is jangly indie-pop meets punkish folk, meets just alternative. Love! 4.5/5 ⭐️
February 28, 2025 at 4:40 PM
AOTD: I stumbled upon this band on a Spotify playlist. I absolutely love it. “College rock” is def more a term than a genre bc most bands in that category span so many eclectic styles. This album is jangly indie-pop meets punkish folk, meets just alternative. Love! 4.5/5 ⭐️
AOTD: I knew I would enjoy this - is that going in biased? 😂
This follow-up just sounds so much more cohesive and interesting opposed to the first. Makes just as much a statement, still punk chaos, but more polished. Banger after banger. And obvi “rebel girl,” was a hidden anthem at the time. 4/5 ⭐️
This follow-up just sounds so much more cohesive and interesting opposed to the first. Makes just as much a statement, still punk chaos, but more polished. Banger after banger. And obvi “rebel girl,” was a hidden anthem at the time. 4/5 ⭐️
February 26, 2025 at 10:44 PM
AOTD: I knew I would enjoy this - is that going in biased? 😂
This follow-up just sounds so much more cohesive and interesting opposed to the first. Makes just as much a statement, still punk chaos, but more polished. Banger after banger. And obvi “rebel girl,” was a hidden anthem at the time. 4/5 ⭐️
This follow-up just sounds so much more cohesive and interesting opposed to the first. Makes just as much a statement, still punk chaos, but more polished. Banger after banger. And obvi “rebel girl,” was a hidden anthem at the time. 4/5 ⭐️
If you’re new here!! There’s like 25 of you lol -
This is what I’m doing. ☺️I’m a gigging music journalist on hiatus and just wanted to stay fresh. :)
This is what I’m doing. ☺️I’m a gigging music journalist on hiatus and just wanted to stay fresh. :)
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
February 20, 2025 at 1:06 AM
If you’re new here!! There’s like 25 of you lol -
This is what I’m doing. ☺️I’m a gigging music journalist on hiatus and just wanted to stay fresh. :)
This is what I’m doing. ☺️I’m a gigging music journalist on hiatus and just wanted to stay fresh. :)
AOTD: grew up listening to this record bc my parents are fans, so I wanted to revisit as an adult. Wow. Every aspect is fantastic - instrumentation, vocals, overall production. Atmospheric, ethereal, emotional dream-pop. Dolores’ voice cuts deep. Ugh I wish I had more room to write!! 4.5/5 ⭐️
February 20, 2025 at 1:02 AM
AOTD: grew up listening to this record bc my parents are fans, so I wanted to revisit as an adult. Wow. Every aspect is fantastic - instrumentation, vocals, overall production. Atmospheric, ethereal, emotional dream-pop. Dolores’ voice cuts deep. Ugh I wish I had more room to write!! 4.5/5 ⭐️
AOTD:
Ok, this one took me TWO days to get through. I tried. My partner who is doing this project with me said this to me not liking it, “of course not, you’re not a white guy from the 90s,” and I think that’s accurate. The rap-singing, the weird jazz elements, the pop-rock combos…1.5/5 ⭐️
Ok, this one took me TWO days to get through. I tried. My partner who is doing this project with me said this to me not liking it, “of course not, you’re not a white guy from the 90s,” and I think that’s accurate. The rap-singing, the weird jazz elements, the pop-rock combos…1.5/5 ⭐️
February 18, 2025 at 10:22 PM
AOTD:
Ok, this one took me TWO days to get through. I tried. My partner who is doing this project with me said this to me not liking it, “of course not, you’re not a white guy from the 90s,” and I think that’s accurate. The rap-singing, the weird jazz elements, the pop-rock combos…1.5/5 ⭐️
Ok, this one took me TWO days to get through. I tried. My partner who is doing this project with me said this to me not liking it, “of course not, you’re not a white guy from the 90s,” and I think that’s accurate. The rap-singing, the weird jazz elements, the pop-rock combos…1.5/5 ⭐️
AOTD:
Boy, I wanted to love this so bad. As a music critic, I understand the hype and respect when ppl say it’s a significant grunge album, but as a listener it was hard to get through, too long, and too much of the same. 🤷🏻♀️
For these reasons, averaging both of my scores, 3/5 ⭐️
Boy, I wanted to love this so bad. As a music critic, I understand the hype and respect when ppl say it’s a significant grunge album, but as a listener it was hard to get through, too long, and too much of the same. 🤷🏻♀️
For these reasons, averaging both of my scores, 3/5 ⭐️
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
AOTD:
Boy, I wanted to love this so bad. As a music critic, I understand the hype and respect when ppl say it’s a significant grunge album, but as a listener it was hard to get through, too long, and too much of the same. 🤷🏻♀️
For these reasons, averaging both of my scores, 3/5 ⭐️
Boy, I wanted to love this so bad. As a music critic, I understand the hype and respect when ppl say it’s a significant grunge album, but as a listener it was hard to get through, too long, and too much of the same. 🤷🏻♀️
For these reasons, averaging both of my scores, 3/5 ⭐️
AOTD:
What a weird, wonderful mix of early pop-punk. You know “Lump,” and “Peaches,” but the rest of the album is just as charming and catchy!
4/5 ⭐️
What a weird, wonderful mix of early pop-punk. You know “Lump,” and “Peaches,” but the rest of the album is just as charming and catchy!
4/5 ⭐️
February 11, 2025 at 8:01 PM
AOTD:
What a weird, wonderful mix of early pop-punk. You know “Lump,” and “Peaches,” but the rest of the album is just as charming and catchy!
4/5 ⭐️
What a weird, wonderful mix of early pop-punk. You know “Lump,” and “Peaches,” but the rest of the album is just as charming and catchy!
4/5 ⭐️
I haven’t forgotten about Album Of The Day - I’ve been sick. Last one was Superchunk’s S/T debut.
3/5 ⭐️
Today’s will be posted by this evening! ☺️
3/5 ⭐️
Today’s will be posted by this evening! ☺️
February 11, 2025 at 6:32 PM
I haven’t forgotten about Album Of The Day - I’ve been sick. Last one was Superchunk’s S/T debut.
3/5 ⭐️
Today’s will be posted by this evening! ☺️
3/5 ⭐️
Today’s will be posted by this evening! ☺️
AOTD:
Okay, so I love lo-fi 90s indie. I totally get the hype around this album, BUT, I don’t think I’m its audience. Fun, eclectic drumming, solid riffs, great vocals but I still was just like, “eh. This is good.” It’s def a “coming-of-age as a white dude” record. 3.5/5 ⭐️
Okay, so I love lo-fi 90s indie. I totally get the hype around this album, BUT, I don’t think I’m its audience. Fun, eclectic drumming, solid riffs, great vocals but I still was just like, “eh. This is good.” It’s def a “coming-of-age as a white dude” record. 3.5/5 ⭐️
February 6, 2025 at 10:20 PM
AOTD:
Okay, so I love lo-fi 90s indie. I totally get the hype around this album, BUT, I don’t think I’m its audience. Fun, eclectic drumming, solid riffs, great vocals but I still was just like, “eh. This is good.” It’s def a “coming-of-age as a white dude” record. 3.5/5 ⭐️
Okay, so I love lo-fi 90s indie. I totally get the hype around this album, BUT, I don’t think I’m its audience. Fun, eclectic drumming, solid riffs, great vocals but I still was just like, “eh. This is good.” It’s def a “coming-of-age as a white dude” record. 3.5/5 ⭐️
Today’s AOTD:
Wow. I only knew his “hits,” and living in ATX for a bit, only knew this idea of him. This record is hauntingly beautiful and so sad. It’s his descent into madness (his mental illnesses). 4.5/5 ⭐️
Wow. I only knew his “hits,” and living in ATX for a bit, only knew this idea of him. This record is hauntingly beautiful and so sad. It’s his descent into madness (his mental illnesses). 4.5/5 ⭐️
February 6, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Today’s AOTD:
Wow. I only knew his “hits,” and living in ATX for a bit, only knew this idea of him. This record is hauntingly beautiful and so sad. It’s his descent into madness (his mental illnesses). 4.5/5 ⭐️
Wow. I only knew his “hits,” and living in ATX for a bit, only knew this idea of him. This record is hauntingly beautiful and so sad. It’s his descent into madness (his mental illnesses). 4.5/5 ⭐️
Today’s AOTD deserves its own post. I only knew “Anenome” by The Brian Jonestown Massacre. It happens to be one of my fav songs.
I was NOT expecting this record at all. It’s nothing like what the cover suggests. This is psychedelic folk rock done well. 4/5 ⭐️
Curious to hear their others.
I was NOT expecting this record at all. It’s nothing like what the cover suggests. This is psychedelic folk rock done well. 4/5 ⭐️
Curious to hear their others.
February 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Today’s AOTD deserves its own post. I only knew “Anenome” by The Brian Jonestown Massacre. It happens to be one of my fav songs.
I was NOT expecting this record at all. It’s nothing like what the cover suggests. This is psychedelic folk rock done well. 4/5 ⭐️
Curious to hear their others.
I was NOT expecting this record at all. It’s nothing like what the cover suggests. This is psychedelic folk rock done well. 4/5 ⭐️
Curious to hear their others.
Today’s album is Marcy Playground’s S/T debut
Again only knew “sex and candy,” but it’s a decent debut, but ultimately forgettable 2.5/5 ⭐️
Again only knew “sex and candy,” but it’s a decent debut, but ultimately forgettable 2.5/5 ⭐️
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
February 4, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Today’s album is Marcy Playground’s S/T debut
Again only knew “sex and candy,” but it’s a decent debut, but ultimately forgettable 2.5/5 ⭐️
Again only knew “sex and candy,” but it’s a decent debut, but ultimately forgettable 2.5/5 ⭐️
Today’s album was Blind Melon’s self-titled debut.
Besides “No Rain,” I can understand the critics scores. 😬
I give it 1.5/5
Besides “No Rain,” I can understand the critics scores. 😬
I give it 1.5/5
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
January 31, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Today’s album was Blind Melon’s self-titled debut.
Besides “No Rain,” I can understand the critics scores. 😬
I give it 1.5/5
Besides “No Rain,” I can understand the critics scores. 😬
I give it 1.5/5
Okay, 2.5/5. He’s sexy but cannot write lyrics 😂 “machinehead” is still a banger tho
Today’s album is ‘Sixteen Stone’ by Bush
Love me some Gavin Rossdale 😋
Love me some Gavin Rossdale 😋
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
January 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Okay, 2.5/5. He’s sexy but cannot write lyrics 😂 “machinehead” is still a banger tho
Today’s album is ‘Sixteen Stone’ by Bush
Love me some Gavin Rossdale 😋
Love me some Gavin Rossdale 😋
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
January 30, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Today’s album is ‘Sixteen Stone’ by Bush
Love me some Gavin Rossdale 😋
Love me some Gavin Rossdale 😋
Reposted by Samantha
Libraries are an investment. Not an expense
November 28, 2024 at 9:51 PM
Libraries are an investment. Not an expense
Ok second album of the day is ‘Superunknown’ by Soundgarden guess I’m doing 90s first 😂
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
January 30, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Ok second album of the day is ‘Superunknown’ by Soundgarden guess I’m doing 90s first 😂
Today’s album is ‘Purple’ by Stone Temple Pilots.
Another I just knew the hits from.
Another I just knew the hits from.
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
January 30, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Today’s album is ‘Purple’ by Stone Temple Pilots.
Another I just knew the hits from.
Another I just knew the hits from.
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.
January 26, 2025 at 4:44 AM
My 2025 #musicgoal is to listen to more albums opposed to playlists. I grew up making mixed cds and playlists - I know more songs than actual full records. I’m excited to start this. I just threw on “Siamese Dream” by The Smashing Pumpkins. First time giving it a full spin.