Spotify probably thinks I died because of how little I have listened to music this month. I must get overwhelmed in new environments, and music can become quite overstimulating. I have actually found peace in the quiet. Or not necessarily the quiet, but the natural sounds of life. The roads and the people are so foreign to me everywhere. I like to take it all in as is.
However, I have managed to stay on top of new music (I think). The two albums releases I was most interested in were Childish Gambino’s “Bando Stone and The New World” and Clairo’s “Charm.”
“Charm” – Clairo
When Clairo released her first teaser of the album, “Sexy to Someone,” I knew she was about to drop something pretty fire. Previously, I wasn’t even aware that she was still releasing new music because I listen to more of her old stuff like “Pretty Girl,” “4EVER,” and others off of “Immunity.” Actually now that I am looking at her Spotify, it looks like she hasn’t released anything major since 2021. I guess that means this album was a pretty big deal.
I’d say she pulled through. My first listen all the way through was on a pretty short plane ride, which turned out to fit the vibe perfectly. It has a kind of autumnal and nature-esc vibe that transports you the park when the crunchy leaves are falling off the trees. The entire album, front to back, very consistently transmits this feeling. Someone told me it reminded them of Charlie Brown, and I would have to say that I agree. You should trust me on the subject, as I am an avid “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” listener. I’d say the songs on the album that most accurately reflect the Peanuts are “Slow Dance” and “Terrapin.”
When I listen to this album, I like to just press play at the top and listen all the way through. It’s strolling music. It’s homework music. It is classic-whisp-me-up-and-carry-me-away-Clairo music. Sometimes albums like this can turn into undifferentiated versions of the same song, but I honestly appreciate the consistency of this one. It’s 38 minute experience. If I had to pick a few of my favorite songs, I’d say I like “Nomad” and “Sexy to Someone” the most. In conclusion, it was nice to hear Clairo come out with another big project like this. If it takes another three years to come out with another, so be it.
“Bando Stone and The New World” – Childish Gambino
As for Donald Glover… the listening purpose of his new album is much different than Clairo’s. I gave it one listen all the way through, and that’s probably all I needed. I did pull out a few songs that scratch a big fat itch in my brain. One of those is “In The Night,” which is absolutely magnificent. Even from the initial little hums at the start, I am drawn in. Jorja Smith’s luring and beautiful voice matches the lustful vibe of the song. Like who are they dreaming of??? It really gives “Feels Like Summer” energy and provoked me to give some of his other discography a listen.
I also really enjoy the 7-minute jungle experience that is “No Excuses.” The song starts with a soft beat but then toys in and out with additional instruments and more complex beats by the end. It’s just a quality listen. I definitely could’ve put it on the soundtrack of walking from miradouro (viewpoint) to miradouro late at night in Lisbon with random new friends. It’s nothing too complex but enough to spice up the time.
Outside of these two albums, I have recently found myself gravitating towards more of Tommy Richman’s music. Yes “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” was his major attention-grabbing release, but he definitely has more to offer if you just look at his profile. So far I have liked “Upset” and “BUNKER/PREROLL.” There’ll probably be more, so I’ll report back as I continue diving into his stuff.
Well if you stuck around this long, thanks for reading through my July update. I’ll come up with a fun name for these kinds of posts soon.
Iz FM 
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