Dear Rocka readers,
Would you look at that? When I am not under the chains of academia or employed for a few weeks at a time, I can manage a posting schedule.
Spicing up the order of this newsletter and starting off with the spotlight track, “Life is Swell” by Evening Elephants. This song is magic, and it’s one of those that you hear for the first time and kick yourself because how did you get this far in life without hearing it? The answer is because it was released in 2023, but NOW that’s last year. You’d really better catch up.
Like I said, magic. It’s funky, fun, and dare I say fresh. I don’t bring it up often, but I exclusively listened to aussie rock/stoner music for many years. This song gives me some of that beachy nostalgia while also possessing a sense of confrontation. Confrontation with life’s troubles and emerging triumphant. I’ve been listening to it on repeat for a few weeks now, and am very interested with EE’s trajectory.
The rest of January’s mix, titled 111, follows a similar carefree, joyous, fun vibe. At least I hope it does — I often veer toward melancholic without meaning to. Starting you off with “Summer Rain” by Zimmer90 which is a gentle nudge in the good vibes direction and then ones like Passion by RAC & Louis The Child which is the sonic equivalent of an upper. Some Sade, the newest from mynameisntjmack & Wiseboy Jeremy, and new Carter Ace! Treats all around to start your new year. I also redesigned by template, so please compliment me.
My only anecdote for this newsletter is that my Spotify generated the funniest algorithmic mix last night, and it made me realize why curators and music snobs still play an important role in society. Honestly, tax payer dollars should be sent in my direction in some way. My Venmo is @alexanbhall if you’re feeling generous this New Year’s Eve.
Goodnight moon,
Ally