January 2026

Blue Lines

Massive Attack

Dark and moody album that defined Trip Hop. More rap-focused than Mezzanine.

Been wanting to listen to this for a while! I enjoyed it, but I definitely prefer Mezzanine. Listened to this while I was in a rotten mood coming home from a hike, so I had a lot of trouble paying attention to the lyrics, which seemed important especially since most of the tracks on Blue Lines are rap tracks rather than the more melodic stuff on Mezzanine. I definitely want to listen again when I can really get into it.

Favorite Track: Safe From Harm



Kindred

Octavia Butler

A Black Woman mysteriously time travels to antebellum Maryland, where she must pretend to be a slave in order to survive.

Not only for sci-fi fans, but also anyone into historical fiction!

Octavia Butler remains one of the most powerful authors I've read, but also one whose books are the most difficult (mentally) to read. Parable of the Sower seemed terrifyingly prophetic, and I was sick with doom the entire time reading it; Kindred is similarly dark. There's a lot in it I still have to think about, but I already know it's going to stick with me. LITERALLY could not put this book down and read it in a single day; the pacing is just perfect, and it gives you a sense of how confusing Dana's reality (or need to balance two realities) was. I do wish I read it when I was a bit more mentally sound; it's a truly horrifying book, both in her unconsensual, unplannable time travel to the past and the horrors of slavery. However, it's a work everyone should read at some point, especially during a time when US history is being actively suppressed; Butler uses time travel to question how modern Americans are haunted by ancestral trauma. NOT great press for my beautiful home state unfortunately... but I also experienced some pretty nasty racism growing up there so I guess that checks out.



Of Time and Turtles

Sy Mongomery

Author interns for a turtle rescue organization.

Anyone who read All Creatures Bright and Beautiful growing up.

I had a pet turtle named Muffin growing up that my dad built a paludarium for. I hope he's still doing OK out there... miss you Muffin, even if you were a terror to our fish. Anyways, this was a sweet book! It's nothing life changing, but it was a pleasant read and inspired me to continue helping all creatures in need. Everyone's passion for turtles is infectious, and it was a delight to follow the healing journeys of individual turtles. The illustrations in this book are also fantastic, and it certainly succeeded in endearing me towards the little critters. I found some of the platitudes a bit cliche, but it's alright, as that's the kind of book this is. Also cold emailed the artist and he got back to me, which I really appreciate... A hopeful and digestable read, great book to start the new year with.



Era Extrana

Neon Indian

THE chillwave album of the 2010s. Totally dreamy, like a summer vacation kiss.

This album, especially Polish Girl, were EVERYTHING to me as a teenager. Needed to give this a relisten for 2016 2026... it still holds up (to me!). These songs are such classics to me, and the first half of the album is so dancable. If you somehow haven't listened to this already, you should -- it's a dreamy throwback!

Favorite Tracks: Polish Girl, The Blindside Kiss, Hex Girlfriend



Only Cry in the Rain

Chuu

Pop EP from Loona's CHUU!

Nobody jump me, but I've been a bit disappointed with Chuu's post-Loona work... I'm happy that she is living her best life! But her new music is just so generic to me, and I feel like her amazing vocals don't shine. Also kiss a kitty just makes me cringe... I'm so Sorry... I do think the album art is really cool! Back in town is a fun track too. But it's just not for me.

Favorite Track: Back in Town



Illusion

Soulstice

For fans of Sade's Kiss of Life, Eusexua Afterglow, Morcheeba, Pinkpanthress, Early 2000s enthusiasts

Broody pop album with Sade-Like vocals and bossa nova influence

This is like... disgustingly good; I can't believe I haven't heard of it until now. My go-to for January and perfect for taking brisk walks to; if you are a girl living in the big city, this will speak to you. It has dark, introspective tones, but the strong DnB-inspired rhythm and jazz influence keeps it dancable! This paired with Kiss of Life is total perfection. I cannot reccomend it enough, and people WILL be hearing it at parties.

Favorite Track: Fall into You



Mind Fruit

Opus III

For anyone who loves to dance! And PinkPanthress + Aphex Twin fans.

A hopeful dance classic

You've definitely heard It's a Fine Day sampled by Goreshit, but I feel the original is even better! And the whole album continues to be dance perfection. Kristy Hawkshaw's vocals are ethereal and hopeful, while the instrumental backing is irresistable to move your body to. This was a relisten; I've loved this album for a while. If you haven't listened, do it now!!!! Put this on at a party, and the mood will instantly lighten. Times are dark right now, but this album is a bright flash back to a more hopeful collective mood.

Favorite Tracks: It's A Fine Day, Evolution Rush



Love in the Time of Science

Emiliana Torrini

For Now, Now and Bjork fans.

Super-Duper moody icelandic alt-rock(?) with incredible vocals and lyrics full of dread.

They are putting something crazy in the Icelandic water. I was obsessed with Dead Things as a teen, but I don't think I've ever actually listened to the full album. Thank God I finally did! It's incredible, and I'm suprised I don't hear people talk about Emiliana more! This is the perfect album for brooding; Tuna Fish is just the most depressing song ever, but in the best way. How days creep by indeed... but it ends on a surpringly sweet note! Her lyrics are doom-infused, but not childish at all; despite the genre, there is a mature sensibility. This is THE perfect wallowing companion when you feel wronged by the world.

Favorite Tracks: Dead Things, Wednesday's Child, To be Free, Tuna Fish



A Short Hike

Adam Gryu

Breath of The Wild fans will LOVE this... trust...

Hiking up a mountain, but with like 1 million side quests.

This is my favorite game to curl up in bed with after a bad day. It's very short, but there's so much packed in to the experience! The graphics are nostalgic and sweet, and the sound design is perfection; I always love nature-forward video games. Kind of similar to Breath of the Wild (unfortunately, one of my favorite games of all time) in that there is only one main goal, but there are so many little quests you can do along the way, and the ambience is the point. Every single bit feels like love and attention to detail was put into it -- the dialogue is witty and charming, and the movement is so well developed and fun! Never went to summer camp or left the house much as a kid, but I feel like this is faithful to the outdoorsy summer vacation experience; it definitely feels like one of those days when you are just let loose to do nonsense in the city (except out in the country). I can't reccomend this enough; it's short, but it's so cheap, and you'll find yourself replaying it over and over again.