Crucial Recap: 2025.ep7
Time to stretch out and prep for the weekend... it's recap time! And maybe a little administrivia...
First up, I had some free time and instead of working on things I should be doing, I did the only reasonable thing: re-design the site and text logo. The font is Cartridge by Simple Bits and I love it. Brings back all of the memories... and I thought that feeling fit the site well. Theme-wise, I picked something more blog-y, because... well, this is a blog. I didn't mind the magazine feel of the other theme, but it was a little overkill for how often I post.
Second (and sort of related...) I am sending this here recap to newsletter subscribers AND publishing it on the site, for the first time. I just wrapped up our second annual record giveaway (winners have been contacted!) and was able to entice a whopping 1 new person to subscribe via email, despite very good chances of winning a free record. I get it though... I get way too many emails as it is and I certainly don't read every newsletter I subscribe to, so I get that a lot of people are hesitant to add another. No hard feelings! 😄
With that said, I will be publishing and sharing these recaps via all methods and mediums y'all read this site... because that is what I ultimately want: more people reading the awesome Crucial Tracks interviews. They've been so good lately... AND there is another one below!
As a reminder, if you want to follow along in real time, try subscribing to the RSS feed, as well as follow the official accounts on Bluesky (@crucialtracks.org) or Mastodon (@index@www.crucialtracks.org) – the social media accounts will get you more frequent updates, links, discussions, etc. The Mastodon account is the official, integrated-with-Ghost account they just released in beta, so I'll do my best to utilize that going forward.
As mentioned, this week we have another new Crucial Tracks interview and it's a good one. Take some time and check out Annie Mueller – one of my favorite bloggers on the internet. She's well worth a follow:
Jason
And it wouldn't be a recap without the latest new music for you to check out. Some of my favorite albums of the year were released in the last few weeks:
Jason
Jason
Here are some of the records I'm looking forward to checking out in the coming weeks:
- Song of the Earth by Dirty Projectors (April 4)
- Welcome to My Blue Sky by Momma (April 4)
- Jellywish by Florist (April 4)
- Forever Howlong by Black Country, New Road (April 4)
- Spring Grove by The Ophelias (April 4)
- Sable, fABLE by Bon Iver (April 11)
- Send a Prayer My Way by Julien Baker and TORRES (April 18)
- Tunnel Vision by Beach Bunny (April 25)
- Bloodless by Samia (April 25)
- viagr boys by Viagra Boys (April 25)
- If You Asked For a Picture by Blondshell (May 2)
- The Scholars by Car Seat Headrest (May 2)
- At Peace by Propagandhi (May 2)
- Who Will Look After the Dogs? by PUP (May 2)
Anything I miss?
Some of the YouTube videos I've been watching lately:
The Story of Fugazi
Bob Mould performs "When Your Heart is Broken"
Gouge Away live
Shudder to Think performs "X-French Tee Shirt"
Das Racist "Rainbow in the Dark"
That one got me into an early 2010's underground hip hop YouTube rabbit hole. So many vids I remember watching way back then, like this classic:
Despot, Mr. Mf'n eXquire, Killer Mike and El-P (Pre RTJ!)
It also wouldn't be a recap without some TV show recommendations!
First up, if you haven't watched it yet, is Adolescence (Netflix)... a heart wrenching limited series on the impact of toxic masculinity, bullying, and social media on kids and parents. I also loved talking to my kids about it. They are getting to the end of their high school years, but they had some refreshing takes and insight. Definitely worth a watch.
Next up is Dope Thief (Apple TV+), a series that's four episodes in and SO good. Two lifelong friends in Philly pose as DEA agents and grift small-time dealers, until they picked the wrong house. Great acting and plot, so far. Highly recommended.
Finally, is Running Point (Netflix), a comedy/light hearted series following the bumbling, but generally good hearted, wealthy family who just happens to own the fictional LA professional basketball franchise. Think Ted Lasso crossed with a tiny bit of Arrested Development. Kate Hudson stars... not mind blowing, but certainly enjoyable.
That's it for this week. Happy Friday!
--Jason
PS - yes, that is Moe stretching!
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