Collaging Album Recs

In the past year or so, I have received sooo many album recommendations. I can’t say I’ve gotten around to listening to them all. However, over block break three, I chose six of these album recs and listened to them all the way through in one sitting. As I listened, I collaged.

Below are my album collages and thoughts in the order I listened to each album.

Moneyball by Dutch Interior

I received this album rec after a night out with friends. It was the result of lovely music convo, and by the end of the night I had like five new albums saved in my Apple Music library. Of those new albums, I chose this one randomly, and it might be my favorite of the six I listened to. There’s something very warm and comforting about its sound, perfect for the 10 pm listening I was doing. I haven’t been able to stop listening to Dutch Interior since.

Favorite Song(s) on the Album: “Fourth Street” and “Life (So Crazy)”

Ideal Setting for Album Listening: A chilly fall walk. It’s been perfect for my morning and evening walks across campus.

Color(s) I Would Assign This Album: Burnt Orange

Girl with Fish by Feeble Little Horse

Okay, I must say this album is a bit of a cheat to include. This wasn’t my first time listening, but it’s one of my favorite recs I’ve ever received. Crammed in the back of a CC geo van, I laughed with new friends on the way to a campsite for a natural hazards trip. We shared all sorts of music, but this was the album that stood out to me the most. Listening to it again, I really appreciate both its chaos and whimsy.

Favorite Song(s) on the Album: “Slide”

Ideal Setting for Album Listening: Your bedroom. I find myself dancing to this album alone in my bedroom quite often.

Color(s) I Would Assign This Album: Pale Pink

Pride by Phosphorescent

It has been nearly a year since I received this album rec on a beautifully handwritten playlist. Somehow, on my final night in Ireland last fall, a friend of mine managed to slip a playlist and tiny watercolor painting into the interior pocket of the leather jacket I was wearing. The next morning, I wore the same jacket to the airport, and I only noticed the contents of my pocket once I sat down at my gate. I immediately added the playlist to my library and listened to it multiple times during my flight. However, I never got around to listening to the album rec that was squeezed in at the bottom of the page until now. This album feels like warm light pouring from an old lamp, and there’s a beautiful sadness to it that I really enjoyed.

Favorite Song(s) on the Album: “Cocaine Lights”

Ideal Setting for Album Listening: My friend wrote a note that this album was perfect for an interesting night in. I would agree.

Color(s) I Would Assign This Album: A Warm Brown

Lived Here For A While (Deluxe Edition) by Good Looks

My very best friend recommended this album to me over text. She lives back home in Texas, but I talk to her every single day. One of my favorite ways that we keep in touch is just by sending each other lyrics from songs we’re loving at the moment. We do this very randomly. Not too long ago, she sent me lyrics from “If It’s Gone.” I LOVED it, but for whatever reason I didn’t go back to listen to the whole album. Last week, she told me she needed my album thoughts, so here I am. This album takes me right back to high school and the origins of our friendship. It’s exactly the type of album we would’ve listened to together in art class. For me, this album feels somewhat nostalgic. I thought it was the most fun listen of the six albums.

Favorite Song(s) on the Album: “Desert” and “Self-destructor”

Ideal Setting for Album Listening: In the car with a friend, sunroof open and windows down.

Color(s) I Would Assign This Album: Baby Blue

Schlagenheim by black midi

I received this album rec from friends as we stood in line for the bathroom at a house party. I will always default to talking music in these situations. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting from this album, but it wasn’t this. Believe it or not, I do mean that in the best way possible. I would describe listening to this album as being similar to a fever dream. The vocals itch my brain perfectly, and each song has its own experimental feel. This album is just awesome.

Favorite Song(s) on the Album: “953” and “Of Schlagenheim”

Ideal Setting for Album Listening: There’s a venue under a bridge in Berlin that I think would be perfect for listening to this album live.

Color(s) I Would Assign This Album: Black and Deep Green

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake

About ten minutes away from campus is my favorite record store, Leechpit. Most of the time, I just go in there when I’m bored to look around and talk to the employees. However, one time, I visited with the intention of buying an Elliott Smith record. Within a few minutes of arriving, I was walking around the store with Elliott Smith’s Either/Or in hand. One of the employees noticed, and we talked about how amazing Elliott Smith was for several minutes. He then recommended several similar artists and albums. Among his recommendations was Nick Drake’s Five Leaves Left. I thought this album was nothing short of magical. The instrumentals are beautiful in a way that makes the album feel timeless. I have a feeling I’ll be listening to this album every fall from now on.