TA Inskeep (they/them)
@tainskeep.bsky.social
Queer, non-binary trans writer, reader, Hoosier, breaded pork tenderloin aficionado. #MWE for Feb, other #MusicChallenge stuff cuz it's fun.
“I am large, I contain multitudes." - Walt Whitman
http://ohmanchester.substack.com
“I am large, I contain multitudes." - Walt Whitman
http://ohmanchester.substack.com
#CDFriday thanks to Wall of Sound in Seattle. $1! This was the first place I — and I suspect many Americans — first heard “Unfinished Sympathy.”
September 12, 2025 at 9:06 PM
#CDFriday thanks to Wall of Sound in Seattle. $1! This was the first place I — and I suspect many Americans — first heard “Unfinished Sympathy.”
This is a very important piece worth your time, which clearly enumerates some of my own thoughts this week.
But also, c'mon, how could it NOT make me think of this? (@sotoalfred.bsky.social I'm looking directly at you.)
But also, c'mon, how could it NOT make me think of this? (@sotoalfred.bsky.social I'm looking directly at you.)
August 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
This is a very important piece worth your time, which clearly enumerates some of my own thoughts this week.
But also, c'mon, how could it NOT make me think of this? (@sotoalfred.bsky.social I'm looking directly at you.)
But also, c'mon, how could it NOT make me think of this? (@sotoalfred.bsky.social I'm looking directly at you.)
This album cover -- to a genuinely classic debut -- is a fuckin' MOOD. One that I wish to inhabit every single day.
June 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This album cover -- to a genuinely classic debut -- is a fuckin' MOOD. One that I wish to inhabit every single day.
I think Mahler might've been a hottie.
June 5, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I think Mahler might've been a hottie.
One of my all-time favorite album covers. A damned fine album, too.
June 3, 2025 at 9:13 PM
One of my all-time favorite album covers. A damned fine album, too.
Tell me this photo doesn't just ooze cool.
May 7, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Tell me this photo doesn't just ooze cool.
A late #CDFriday post, thanks to @rockymtranger.bsky.social who knows what I love.
April 5, 2025 at 9:58 PM
A late #CDFriday post, thanks to @rockymtranger.bsky.social who knows what I love.
Canceled TV show you will never stop thinking about
March 28, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Canceled TV show you will never stop thinking about
Hey, cis folx: check in on the trans folx in your life. Regularly. Because THIS is what we’re dealing with now; I received this lovely letter in the mail today. 🏳️⚧️
March 27, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Hey, cis folx: check in on the trans folx in your life. Regularly. Because THIS is what we’re dealing with now; I received this lovely letter in the mail today. 🏳️⚧️
Me in the national security team group chat
March 25, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Me in the national security team group chat
Happy 340th birthday to Bach!
March 21, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Happy 340th birthday to Bach!
ALSO turning 50 in March.
February 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
ALSO turning 50 in March.
#MWE 2/28
Mary J. Blige, Gratitude (2024): An assortment of writers & producers give Blige all they can, w/ ‘90s rappers (Fabo! Fat Joe! Jadakiss!) & influences peppered throughout. She brings it all together as few can, her voice a little deeper now, still singing heartache better than anyone.
Mary J. Blige, Gratitude (2024): An assortment of writers & producers give Blige all they can, w/ ‘90s rappers (Fabo! Fat Joe! Jadakiss!) & influences peppered throughout. She brings it all together as few can, her voice a little deeper now, still singing heartache better than anyone.
February 28, 2025 at 2:34 PM
#MWE 2/28
Mary J. Blige, Gratitude (2024): An assortment of writers & producers give Blige all they can, w/ ‘90s rappers (Fabo! Fat Joe! Jadakiss!) & influences peppered throughout. She brings it all together as few can, her voice a little deeper now, still singing heartache better than anyone.
Mary J. Blige, Gratitude (2024): An assortment of writers & producers give Blige all they can, w/ ‘90s rappers (Fabo! Fat Joe! Jadakiss!) & influences peppered throughout. She brings it all together as few can, her voice a little deeper now, still singing heartache better than anyone.
#MWE 2/27
United Future Organization, Jazzin’ (1992): Early singles comp by the Japanese proto Acid Jazzers does what all the best jazz is supposed to do: it grooves & swings effortlessly. Their use of both samples & breakbeats is smart; this could’ve been on Mo’ Wax. These cats were pacesetters.
United Future Organization, Jazzin’ (1992): Early singles comp by the Japanese proto Acid Jazzers does what all the best jazz is supposed to do: it grooves & swings effortlessly. Their use of both samples & breakbeats is smart; this could’ve been on Mo’ Wax. These cats were pacesetters.
February 28, 2025 at 12:53 PM
#MWE 2/27
United Future Organization, Jazzin’ (1992): Early singles comp by the Japanese proto Acid Jazzers does what all the best jazz is supposed to do: it grooves & swings effortlessly. Their use of both samples & breakbeats is smart; this could’ve been on Mo’ Wax. These cats were pacesetters.
United Future Organization, Jazzin’ (1992): Early singles comp by the Japanese proto Acid Jazzers does what all the best jazz is supposed to do: it grooves & swings effortlessly. Their use of both samples & breakbeats is smart; this could’ve been on Mo’ Wax. These cats were pacesetters.
#MWE 2/26
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., I Hope We Get to Love in Time (1976): Long-married couple from 5th Dimension make lush pop-soul on their debut duo album, sounding completely in sync on both disco-y uptempos and love ballads (go figure). Every single track here works, esp #1 "Star."
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., I Hope We Get to Love in Time (1976): Long-married couple from 5th Dimension make lush pop-soul on their debut duo album, sounding completely in sync on both disco-y uptempos and love ballads (go figure). Every single track here works, esp #1 "Star."
February 27, 2025 at 5:12 PM
#MWE 2/26
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., I Hope We Get to Love in Time (1976): Long-married couple from 5th Dimension make lush pop-soul on their debut duo album, sounding completely in sync on both disco-y uptempos and love ballads (go figure). Every single track here works, esp #1 "Star."
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., I Hope We Get to Love in Time (1976): Long-married couple from 5th Dimension make lush pop-soul on their debut duo album, sounding completely in sync on both disco-y uptempos and love ballads (go figure). Every single track here works, esp #1 "Star."
#MWE 2/25 🎄
Erasure, Snow Globe (2013): Evenly mixed between standards & origs, this feels like Vince Clarke musically going back to his early (Yaz, DM) yrs. Most of it works, & those that do, excel (“Bleak Midwinter,” astounding Kraftwerk-meets-high Latin “Gaudete”). Andy Bell sounds good too.
Erasure, Snow Globe (2013): Evenly mixed between standards & origs, this feels like Vince Clarke musically going back to his early (Yaz, DM) yrs. Most of it works, & those that do, excel (“Bleak Midwinter,” astounding Kraftwerk-meets-high Latin “Gaudete”). Andy Bell sounds good too.
February 27, 2025 at 1:54 PM
#MWE 2/25 🎄
Erasure, Snow Globe (2013): Evenly mixed between standards & origs, this feels like Vince Clarke musically going back to his early (Yaz, DM) yrs. Most of it works, & those that do, excel (“Bleak Midwinter,” astounding Kraftwerk-meets-high Latin “Gaudete”). Andy Bell sounds good too.
Erasure, Snow Globe (2013): Evenly mixed between standards & origs, this feels like Vince Clarke musically going back to his early (Yaz, DM) yrs. Most of it works, & those that do, excel (“Bleak Midwinter,” astounding Kraftwerk-meets-high Latin “Gaudete”). Andy Bell sounds good too.
#MWE 2/24
Bertrand Chamayou, Ravel: Complete Solo Works for Piano (2016): The expressiveness, precision, & emotions with which this French pianist plays mostly romantic Ravel piano compositions! A rare instance in which I wish a double album went on longer, because I can’t stop swooning.
Bertrand Chamayou, Ravel: Complete Solo Works for Piano (2016): The expressiveness, precision, & emotions with which this French pianist plays mostly romantic Ravel piano compositions! A rare instance in which I wish a double album went on longer, because I can’t stop swooning.
February 26, 2025 at 11:12 AM
#MWE 2/24
Bertrand Chamayou, Ravel: Complete Solo Works for Piano (2016): The expressiveness, precision, & emotions with which this French pianist plays mostly romantic Ravel piano compositions! A rare instance in which I wish a double album went on longer, because I can’t stop swooning.
Bertrand Chamayou, Ravel: Complete Solo Works for Piano (2016): The expressiveness, precision, & emotions with which this French pianist plays mostly romantic Ravel piano compositions! A rare instance in which I wish a double album went on longer, because I can’t stop swooning.
#MWE 2/23
KC & the Sunshine Band, All in a Night’s Work (1983): He just couldn’t figure out how to move fwd from massive disco success: this is an odd, occ catchy mix of synths, ‘80s arr, his patented horns, and uh a lot of horniness. “Gimme Some More” and the deathless “Give It Up” are highlights.
KC & the Sunshine Band, All in a Night’s Work (1983): He just couldn’t figure out how to move fwd from massive disco success: this is an odd, occ catchy mix of synths, ‘80s arr, his patented horns, and uh a lot of horniness. “Gimme Some More” and the deathless “Give It Up” are highlights.
February 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
#MWE 2/23
KC & the Sunshine Band, All in a Night’s Work (1983): He just couldn’t figure out how to move fwd from massive disco success: this is an odd, occ catchy mix of synths, ‘80s arr, his patented horns, and uh a lot of horniness. “Gimme Some More” and the deathless “Give It Up” are highlights.
KC & the Sunshine Band, All in a Night’s Work (1983): He just couldn’t figure out how to move fwd from massive disco success: this is an odd, occ catchy mix of synths, ‘80s arr, his patented horns, and uh a lot of horniness. “Gimme Some More” and the deathless “Give It Up” are highlights.
#MWE 2/22
Dexter Wansel, Time Is Slipping Away (1979): I was excited for the 4th from the Philly Int’l stalwart thanks to the Terri Wells-featuring “Sweetest Pain,” a gorgeous Quiet Storm landmark. But most of this is warmed over disco-funk, even w/ pros like the Jones Girls involved. Disappointing.
Dexter Wansel, Time Is Slipping Away (1979): I was excited for the 4th from the Philly Int’l stalwart thanks to the Terri Wells-featuring “Sweetest Pain,” a gorgeous Quiet Storm landmark. But most of this is warmed over disco-funk, even w/ pros like the Jones Girls involved. Disappointing.
February 25, 2025 at 12:27 PM
#MWE 2/22
Dexter Wansel, Time Is Slipping Away (1979): I was excited for the 4th from the Philly Int’l stalwart thanks to the Terri Wells-featuring “Sweetest Pain,” a gorgeous Quiet Storm landmark. But most of this is warmed over disco-funk, even w/ pros like the Jones Girls involved. Disappointing.
Dexter Wansel, Time Is Slipping Away (1979): I was excited for the 4th from the Philly Int’l stalwart thanks to the Terri Wells-featuring “Sweetest Pain,” a gorgeous Quiet Storm landmark. But most of this is warmed over disco-funk, even w/ pros like the Jones Girls involved. Disappointing.
#MWE 2/21
Sonny & Cher, Look at Us (1965): Their quickly-assembled debut is cover-heavy (8 of 12 songs), but considering most of Sonny Bono’s songs, that’s not so bad. Poor song selection doesn’t help though; the same for his vocals. But goddamn if Cher didn’t have IT right from the start.
Sonny & Cher, Look at Us (1965): Their quickly-assembled debut is cover-heavy (8 of 12 songs), but considering most of Sonny Bono’s songs, that’s not so bad. Poor song selection doesn’t help though; the same for his vocals. But goddamn if Cher didn’t have IT right from the start.
February 25, 2025 at 12:07 PM
#MWE 2/21
Sonny & Cher, Look at Us (1965): Their quickly-assembled debut is cover-heavy (8 of 12 songs), but considering most of Sonny Bono’s songs, that’s not so bad. Poor song selection doesn’t help though; the same for his vocals. But goddamn if Cher didn’t have IT right from the start.
Sonny & Cher, Look at Us (1965): Their quickly-assembled debut is cover-heavy (8 of 12 songs), but considering most of Sonny Bono’s songs, that’s not so bad. Poor song selection doesn’t help though; the same for his vocals. But goddamn if Cher didn’t have IT right from the start.
#MWE 2/20
Olly Alexander, Polari (2025): Sweet queer baby Alexander’s first non-Years & Years-branded LP is very solid dance-pop, in a league with Troye Sivan’s last (though not quite that good). V good prod by him & Danny Harle, & I love the confidence with which he sings & writes. & it's *gay*.
Olly Alexander, Polari (2025): Sweet queer baby Alexander’s first non-Years & Years-branded LP is very solid dance-pop, in a league with Troye Sivan’s last (though not quite that good). V good prod by him & Danny Harle, & I love the confidence with which he sings & writes. & it's *gay*.
February 24, 2025 at 9:19 PM
#MWE 2/20
Olly Alexander, Polari (2025): Sweet queer baby Alexander’s first non-Years & Years-branded LP is very solid dance-pop, in a league with Troye Sivan’s last (though not quite that good). V good prod by him & Danny Harle, & I love the confidence with which he sings & writes. & it's *gay*.
Olly Alexander, Polari (2025): Sweet queer baby Alexander’s first non-Years & Years-branded LP is very solid dance-pop, in a league with Troye Sivan’s last (though not quite that good). V good prod by him & Danny Harle, & I love the confidence with which he sings & writes. & it's *gay*.
#MWE 2/19
Prepared, Module (2025): An astounding album on which a tight German trio of bass clarinet, prepared piano and drums make not jazz by most views, but very Reich-ian almost-drone almost-techno. This is hypnotic, worthy of close listening but also great background for reading. Breathtaking.
Prepared, Module (2025): An astounding album on which a tight German trio of bass clarinet, prepared piano and drums make not jazz by most views, but very Reich-ian almost-drone almost-techno. This is hypnotic, worthy of close listening but also great background for reading. Breathtaking.
February 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
#MWE 2/19
Prepared, Module (2025): An astounding album on which a tight German trio of bass clarinet, prepared piano and drums make not jazz by most views, but very Reich-ian almost-drone almost-techno. This is hypnotic, worthy of close listening but also great background for reading. Breathtaking.
Prepared, Module (2025): An astounding album on which a tight German trio of bass clarinet, prepared piano and drums make not jazz by most views, but very Reich-ian almost-drone almost-techno. This is hypnotic, worthy of close listening but also great background for reading. Breathtaking.