F*ck the Algorithm - Issue 007
Getting older loosens your grip — literally, I’m told, and figuratively, I can confirm.
At 40, I’ve started to feel the quiet relief of not giving a shit about what I’m supposed to like. The invisible checklist of acceptable taste - the bands I name-check, the genres I dismiss, the things I pretend not to enjoy - has lost its authority.
When you stop caring what you think you should be listening to and just get on with it, you open doors you’d previously kept closed - not because the music wasn’t good, but because it didn’t fit the image of yourself you were trying to project.
Everyone has their own version of this shift. A lifelong pop obsessive might drift towards the raw and unvarnished. A committed cultural hermit who abandons their musical idols at the merest whiff of mainstream approval might allow themselves to enjoy the warm embrace of the perfect pop chorus.
This week’s playlist is a peek behind my curtain – eight tracks I wouldn’t have admitted to liking in the past - or genuinely wouldn't have liked.
Maybe you’ll agree. Maybe you’ll think I’ve lost the plot. Either way, I’m less concerned than I used to be.
Track Notes
1. Ian Lynch – Old God Rising
I am growing increasingly obsessed with Irish horror folk. In its own way, this track which forms part of the original soundtrack for the film All You Need Is Death, is just as heavy as much of the metal I listen to. Its swelling crescendo of tension and doom is one of the most unsettling things I’ve heard in ages and I’m completely addicted.
Bridge back: A tricky one this as I’ve only recently found my way into this sound – but the building intensity, tension and smothering soundscape sort of remind me of Deftones. Even if the music is worlds apart.
2. Fust – Spangled
I have never found a way into country music. I’m not a lyrics guy, preferring soundscapes, rhythm, and musicality to get my kicks. And since country is so much about the story telling over quite formulaic musical structures (come at me country people) I never got it. But I really like the laid-back indie-infused feel of this track. It’s not in the least bit challenging and sometimes that’s fine.
Bridge back: I hear elements of Beck, Pavement or even Kurt Vile’s less cynical moments.
3. Fionn – What Do You Do?
This may be laced with sardonic venom, and I’m not sure they would thank me for saying this, but it’s an absolutely banging pop song. It’s got that novel chorus structure and a chorus catchier than chicken pox, all underpinned by instruments with just enough bite to keep it from sounding too saccharine.
Bridge back: This reminds me of The Beths, Weakened Friends or Alex Lahey.
4. Bilmuri – BETTER HELL (Thicc boi)
I’ll be honest, it took me a while to sound the name out and get the joke. If this music was taking itself seriously I’d hate it but since it doesn’t I really love it. Check out all the accompanying sleeve artwork, it’s hilarious. This track is a sort of tongue in cheek rock anthem but with some solid musicianship hidden behind the sarcasm.
Bridge back: The vocals and harmonies are very mid noughties pop-punk but there’s way more depth here.
5. Emily Scott Robinson – Appalachia
Having said I don’t like country, I’ve included two tracks that fit the genre in this playlist. This has a twee, folky feel but is just so beautiful it’s impossible not to enjoy. There’s no jeopardy, it’s just an easy listen – a perfect Sunday morning coffee soundtrack.
Bridge back: Some of the harmonies and folk overtones remind me of the staves but this is far more innocent than their darker tonality.
6. Djo – Link
I’ll be amazed if Djo is news to anyone by this point. Playing one of the core characters in Stranger Things tends to put you on a lot of radars. I wasn’t expecting much from Steve ‘the hair’ Harrington but was really pleasantly surprised. Crux isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a very good pop record.
Bridge back: There’s everything from The Beatles to Fountains of Wayne in here.
7. unpeople – the garden
It may start off with an unashamedly brash riff but there’s a lot more nuance buried in this track from unpeople than you might pick up from the first listen. It’s über catchy, well written, has a stonking vocal performance and nicely produced. It’s heavy pop done really well. If you like it, also check out Press To Meco.
Bridge back: Press To Meco, unsurprisingly… They also remind me of Reuben or ealier Marmozets.
8. Florence + The Machine – Sympathy Magic
How dare I bring an artist with over 27.5m monthly listeners on Spotify to a music discovery blog?! Because if like me you never got bitten by the Florence bug back in the day then maybe give this a try. It’s superb. This track is a good starting point but try out the whole album, just leave your ego at the log in.
Bridge back: Big Kate Bush energy going on here.
Thanks for reading all the way through this - now why not leave a comment below? Good music deserves conversation.
