Around this time of year, things tend to get confusing. The one thing I know for sure is that March is the month during which I was born. And for whatever misguided, puffed-up reason, I’ve decided that my birthday will be the one time of year I put my donations page front and center. So if you’ve been enjoying the newsletter, and you feel financially able, please consider making a lil’ donation. I’ll only ask once annually. Here are some things that may help inform your decision to donate or not:
Regardless of a financial contribution, you’ll still find me yammering on in your inbox once a month. This newsletter is a deeply personal project and it’s important to me that it remain free to access. It’s fun, sometimes it’s challenging, and by and large it’s good for me. I’m grateful to have the time to invest in my passion and so pleased y’all are interested in following along.
I’ve pledged that all the money I receive will go back into music (meaning I’ll use it to buy lil’ music treats, go see shows, or support other music initiatives I admire). I started a tracking sheet for this and I’m honestly super surprised how many clicks it gets each month. Thank you spreadsheet nerds!
I’d be just as happy if you took your hard-earned money and put it directly in the hands of an artist / label / non-profit / collective you admire.
If, in lieu of a donation, you buy me a cassette copy of Boldy James’ The Price Of Tea In China (regular or deluxe), I’ll make you a personalized mixtape and mail it in time for your next birthday.
And thus concludes my funding drive. Now here are some more things to tide you over until spring begins to bloom at last.
click the cover to listen or go your own way ~~
Jimmy Campbell - Jimmy Campbell’s Album (1972)
Absolutely nothing about this album appeals to me on paper. It’s bookish, British, and melancholy in a way that’s usually a hard pass for me. Also that album cover? That font? No thank you. And yet, I implore you to give it a chance. It’s been a dear companion for many years. A great source of comfort on wet and weary days. There’s something rather odd and original in the way Jimmy Campbell puts a song together. Each one on here feels pretty special to me, and I’ll be damned if ‘Baby Walk Out With Your Darling Man’ ain’t a lost classic.
Maral - Setar Rock (2023)
I’ve been an admirer of Maral for a minute, still somehow her recent singles flew under my radar. She dropped three songs last year and each one is truly excellent. A reminder that dub is alive and well. But I suppose that goes without saying - dub is forever, yes? And ‘Setar Rock’ is the cream of the crop. Verrrrry excited to hear a new album.
Shawty Pimp - Comin’ Real Wit It (1995)
10/10 - no notes. Perfect cover, excellent font choices. The realest.
Juan Peña Lebrijano & Orquesta Andalusí de Tánger - Encuentros (1985)
This unlikely heater came to me c/o Jace Clayton aka DJ/Rupture. Instead of reading my half-baked musings on it, just take two minutes of your life and watch him describe this record with great delight, enthusiasm and true depth of knowledge. Nothing quite like a great recommendation, amirite?
Succumb - Succumb (2017)
There’s footage floating around of Morbid Angel’s founder Trey Azagthoth on German television circa 1998. He’s traipsing through the swamp near his house in Florida, intermittently bushwhacking and chatting with the show’s host. During the interview, he offers an inspiring take on satanism. It’s brief and straightforward (perhaps even obvious to some), but inspiring nonetheless. It invites a well-considered reading of death metal that skirts any over-analysis and goes straight for the guts. In this spirit, I share with you the contorted frenzy of Succumb.
ICYMI, I started a donations page. 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 also includes 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
Andrew- It’s been a minute since I revisit Campbell’s work, so this is a refreshing reminder that I have some rereads and relistens to do. I appreciate it.