Crucial Releases: September 19

This week was always going to be about Wednesday. It was one of the albums I was really looking forward to this year, after 2023's Rat Saw God made my "best of" list that year. That album became even more of a favorite since then, if that's possible.

It's not only about Wednesday, though... much to my surprise, I actually really liked two other albums this week: Altar by NewDad and come back down by Total Wife. Read about those below in the Honorable Mentions area... they are both definitely worth your time.

OK, so Bleeds by Wednesday (Listen)... Wednesday for those new to the band, combine the alt rock of bands like Dinosaur Jr. with alt country, indie rock, and even shoegaze. Not to mention superb storytelling about everyday living in the south. The whole package is pretty amazing.

At this point, I like Bleeds more than Rat Saw God. The songwriting is tighter and more refined. Not in the sense of being "less messy", which is definitely a big selling point for Wednesday... but more refined in the sense they really know who they are as a band and are hitting at all cylinders right now.

The best part, for me at least, is they announced a show in Buffalo today. SO EXCITED.

Favorite tracks:

Honorable Mentions

Altar by NewDad (Listen)
Their 2024 debut album Madra made my best of list for the year. This one is way better. Definitely worth your time.

come back down by Total Wife (Listen)
They've replicated the my bloody valentine sound, but they do it very well and add some of their own twists. Some really solid tunes on this album.

String Theory by TRSH (Listen)

AM I THE DRAMA? by Cardi B (Listen)

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