From Beach House to Not for Radio to Mitski & Xiu Xiu
In this series, Jaden (@vinyl4evermore) takes on our March 9–11 prompts, moving from a dream-pop revival wish to an intimate album on repeat to a collaboration she’s been quietly gatekeeping.
Which artist needs to have a revival?
Though they’re definitely relevant, I would love for Beach House to have a revival of sorts. A lot of their most well-known tracks are from around a decade ago, but I’d love to see the general public have greater appreciation for their newer releases (and for whatever sonic landscape they end up exploring in their next project). Once Twice Melody (2022) and the Become EP (2023) are two under-appreciated gems from such an incredibly iconic band!
Which album has been on repeat a lot lately?
“Melt” by Not for Radio has been on repeat for me lately. It’s an incredibly rich, warm album that expands on the aspects that make The Maria’s discography so incredible: soft vocals, layered production, and an undeniable romantic quality… I love how she explored a darker sound for this project; it adds to the intimacy of each track. When I listen to this record, I imagine existing in solitude, quietly reflecting on love. It doesn’t need big crescendos to show the deepness of the feelings she paints… The delicacy of the instrumental & vocals does more than enough. It shows an ethereal romance impossible to not melt into. I love it.
What’s a song you’ve been gatekeeping a little?
A song I’ve been gatekeeping a little (haha) is Between the Breaths by Mitski & Xiu Xiu, made for the How to Talk to Girls at Parties soundtrack. I adore how the song is composed & find it really interesting to hear Mitski step into another artist’s world because her music is usually rooted in her own self expression and lived experience. It’s upbeat, a bit melodramatic, and incredibly fun!!!
