Shortly after my son was born, my partner set up a gmail account in his name. I’m not entirely sure why, but I suppose it was for some of the same reasons I immediately set up a library account in his name. He turned four this summer and still hasn’t shown much interest in emailing. Nor has he been terribly enthused about any music besides the songs he learns in daycare, or the themes from his favorite tv shows.
I’ve heard from other parents recently that their 4~5y/o is really into Nick Drake, or ‘Enter Sandman’. And like… damn, that rocks. I’m still weary of pushing music on my kid too hard, but I’ve gone ahead and used his gmail to sign him up for a free subscription to Music Regular. Who knows, maybe someday he’ll login.
Son, if you’re reading this, you’re welcome.
click the cover to listen or go your own way ~~
Jennifer Castle - Pink City (2014)
This is a record I imagine lots of ppl who read The Reg might be familiar with. It’s what we call a timeless classic ‘round these parts. For those unfamiliar with Jennifer Castle, it’s a little difficult to describe her particular brand of magic. I think of her as a kind of rad folkloric legend: absolutely revered for 20 odd years, always the same, always different. Spoken of with profound adoration, yet forever somewhat under the radar because she’s just TOO REAL. In this slow onset of autumn, nearly ten years on from its initial release, Pink City sounds as life-affirming as it always has/will.
Barenboim, Zukermann, du Pré - Beethoven Piano Trios (1970)
I don’t listen to much classical, but I find things here and there that really work for me. I discovered this through IG after a friend posted a clip from this performance video. There’s a lot to like in the video: the quote at the beginning is amazing, the setting is perfect, the quality of film, the eye language of the performers, the design of Jacqueline Du Pré’s dress, the sideburns on the other two. Oh and the music. The music rips.
Mike Midnight - Angel Hours (2022)
A lil’ downtempo gem that I was introduced to through this great episode of CS + Kreme’s NTS show. Angel Hours is perfectly tempered, nostalgia-laden trip-hop. It’s described in promo as having a “dark angel twyst¿¡” which feels totally accurate, inverted punctuation withstanding. I’m inclined to highlight the ‘angel’ because it’s the sweeter, more ethereal moments that really shine for me. An incredibly strong, spellbinding record through and through. I’ll be following Mr. Midnight closely from now on.
Unwound - Leaves Turn Inside Us (2001)
While my interest in rock-oriented music has waxed and waned over the years, this album has been a profoundly reliable companion. I turn to it regularly in moments of autumnal searching. I mean, it’s called Leaves Turn Inside Us ferchissakes - it’s basically the pumpkin spice of post-hardcore (sorry). The whole record is wildly innovative in terms of form and approach, though I’m particularly fond of two tracks on the latter half: ‘October All Over’ and the absolutely massive, moody singularity ‘Below The Salt’.
Steve Tibbets & Chöying Drolma - Selwa (2004)
This is a rrrrreal special one. I’ve never heard anyone who plays guitar quite like Steve Tibbets, a wonderfully nerdy-looking man from Minnesota who’s spent 40+ years worldbuilding in the outernational reaches of jazz/new age/ambient. What makes his playing so special to my ears, is the way in which it dissolves and meshes with the soundscape surrounding it. Here, he’s in duo with Chöying Drolma, a Buddhist nun from Nepal whose vocals feel effortlessly rich and potent. Tibbets has a very cute website that includes a great section of ‘Music-Travel’ photos that range from candid childhood pics to archival shots from the mountains of Nepal with Drolma. Seriously Deep.
ICYMI, I started a donations page for Regular Readers. All the money I receive will go back towards music (eg. purchasing physical/digital music, merch, concert tickets, supporting other music outlets, etc.). If you’re not able to support the newsletter financially (no presh!), you might also consider liking / sharing / following on Instagram.
ALSO, I started a ~*fun*~ tracking sheet that provides transparency on donations and spending. It includes a list of great tapes currently for sale as well as links to my Bandcamp + Discogs profiles. This is as much about accountability as it is an experiment in tracking my own financial investments in music over a calendar year.
I’m super interested in feedback / dialogue / suggestions. If you have ideas about the newsletter, want to share music with me, have specific questions / requests, don’t hesitate to get in touch. And please: share this newsletter with a pal if you feel so inspired!
Yrs.,
Andrew P.
andrewdanielpatterson [at] gmail [dot] com