Here it is, the Optimistic Underground list of best ambient albums ever made. Inspired by all the discussion surrounding Pitchfork’s list of the genre, I decided to lay out my favorites. This is a sound that I’ve been in love with my whole life, so the only problem was narrowing it down. Lots of people … Continue reading 32 Best Ambient Albums Ever Made
This week brought some genuine surprise to the music world. Frank Ocean finally crashed the hype train into public view, dropping his long-awaited sophomore album on a weekend night. After four years, nobody expected it to appear so randomly, but here we are. This is the state of music in 2016. The pendulum of control is truly swinging back … Continue reading What I’m Into This Week (8/21 – 8/27)
Did you know DJ Shadow released a new album this year, and that it’s pretty good? Nobody Speak is of the unquestionable highlights, a team-up with hip-hop superheroes Run The Jewels. Now there’s a hilarious, action packed video to go along with it.
Lately I’ve had to remind myself that, in the long run, art has always said more about humanity than the news ever has. This is one idea that’s helping keep me sane and clearheaded as 2016 rolls on. It’s also something that motivates and inspires me. Let’s see what else helped this week.
Since you’re seeing this a day late, you might have gathered the fact that I was busier than normal this week. After Memorial Day left me only four days to take on a new project at work, I barely got around to writing about music, which always feels pretty bad. Still, I’m thankful for a … Continue reading What I’m Into This Week (5/29 – 6/4)
Sometimes there’s no better way to discover music than aimlessly sliding through the dark dream of the internet. One day at the office I was looking for something that I could drift to. I wanted a sound that stretched like taffy until it reached the horizon. I needed my surroundings blurred beyond recognition, smeared into … Continue reading 2 8 1 4 – 新しい日の誕生
Today I decided to make the best Saturday possible. I hit the farmer’s market for fresh Michigan asparagus and got a massive taco from the truck, eating in the sun. I got home and listened to my new ATLiens and Endtroducing vinyls before leaving on an extended bike ride along the lake shore. A lot … Continue reading Street Riding Man // On Engaged Listening
Optimistic Underground 