Ari’s latest album is very solid but completely unmemorable music. She sings well throughout. Her production is great. If you want some new Ariana music, this album has you covered. If you want something that sticks, this album has nothing for you. It has none of the charm of her Wicked work nor the honesty of thank u, next. It is just workmanlike, competent pop.
Archive | September, 2026
The Durutti Column – The Return of the Durutti Column
18 SepOf course The Durutti Column did as they pleased on their own album. You cannot be a Manchester post-punk band and aim for conventionality. However, they were genuinely different. Who else would do a Brubeck reimagining? Who else would call their debut their return? Who else would copy the Situationist joke of sandpaper covers?
It is wonderful then that this is so listenable. Factory producer Martin Hannett was at his sharpest in this era and The Durutti Column gave him a lot to work with. This is immersive, scene-setting, endlessly interesting music and benefits greatly from expansion and remastering.
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Phoebe Bridgers – Lost Weekend
12 SepLost Weekend is the best music that Phoebe Bridgers has ever made. She has much more musical experimentation in this album than in her earlier work and the album really benefits for it. In particular, both “Lost Boys” and “Kill Me” are magnificent, layered, immersive indie rock.
However, I’m not parasocial enough to get anything from her lyrics. There are no razor blades in the candyfloss. There are no epigrams. As Tolstoy once wrote, all songs about happy relationships are exactly the same and “Bobby” has no impact as a result.
The result is some truly excellent music but an album that makes little impact. I am still happy to have it on but I do not think I will ever return to it.
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Nas – Light-Years
3 SepI do not need to ever hear about “Mr. Cryptocurrency Scarface.” I do not need a third “NY State of Mind.” I do not need to hear a rapper shout out both the Mets and the Yankees like he is Andrew Cuomo. I do not need “Madmen” to poorly rehash Nas’ older, better work. I do not need the insincerity of “Bouquet.” I absolutely do not need a second crypto song.
This album is not as bad as my complaining. DJ Premier is workmanlike here, as is Nas’ flow. Neither one shows any of the inspiration or effort of their best work, but they can get a groove running every now and again. However, I do not need this album.
