Hi. I’m Syd, and I review a lot of music on my blog sydboyxxxmusic. On substack, I’m going to start doing monthly wrap-ups of my favorite albums (any genre) and books from the month. Let me know in the comments any thoughts and/or requests for more music to review! I’ll also post my interviews on here maybe.
Fav Album That Came Out This Month: “Way To Be” by youbet
I’ve been obsessed w the (sophomore) album “Way To Be” by Brooklyn lofi indie rock band youbet, which came out 5/10/24 w Hardly Art. Just such innovative and new stuff, which I feel can be rare these days. Blending genres and getting awesome guitar tones. A bit weird, so if you’re not down for that then maybe it’ll be offputting for you, but if you can take a little bit of weirdness, it pays off in spades. Read my full review here.
Fav Album That Didn’t Come Out This Month: “Tago Mago” by CAN
Been in a super Krautrock and No Wave phase recently as I’ve been doing some reading up on the two genres. I’ve known about the German band CAN for a while and liked a few of their songs but knew them more for their 1972 album, “Ege Bamyasi” than this 1971 album. But I think I like this one even better! Just so groovy, and I love the drumming a lot. Haven’t reviewed it on my blog, but I’m sure I will soon. Then I’ll link it. If you like Pink Floyd or any kind of Krautrock, I’d highly recommend.
Fav Live Performance I Saw This Month: Cindy Lee + Freak Heat Waves at the Sinkhole (St. Louis)
This month, I was fortunate enough to see Cindy Lee, Panchiko, and Water From Your Eyes, so a tough line-up to stand out in. But man, Cindy Lee was truly life-changing. One of the top 3 concerts of my life. Their stage presence is just so breath-taking, and the guitar playing is so so good (Jessica Pratt just said Cindy Lee is her fav living guitarist). Dang. And the venue was tiny tiny and I was in the very front. If you ever get the chance to see Cindy Lee live, take it w/o hesitation.
Fav Book I Read This Month: Our Air by Nora Treatbaby (poetry)
Truly a revelation. Maybe the first time ever in my life I thought a book of poems was perfect. And the green text?? Wow. I hope one day I can write a book that touches someone as much as this book touched me.
Alright that’s all I’ve got for today. If there’s another category you want me to do for next month, let me know!