Crucial Track for August 29, 2025

"Painkiller" by Beach Bunny

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What was the first album you ever bought? Pick your favorite song off that album.

The first album I acquired was Beach Bunny's "Honeymoon", but that was gifted to me by my dad! (Shoutout!) So I think it technically doesn't count... The first vinyl I bought on my own was Beach Bunny's "Prom Queen" EP I believe! Followed closely by Cavetown albums and some others, it all blurs together. I wished I listened to vinyl more, since I have a small and slowly growing collection. But I am thankful I brought some of my favorites to college with me, and am able to listen to them- specifically "Honeymoon" right at this moment -in my dorm room on my roommate's fancy record player! (Shoutout Jack!) This album and band is very nostalgic for me in many ways; my first concert I truly wanted to go to and BEGGED to go to (at a favorite venue of mine where I have many memories, including my ACTUAL first live concert). As well as being a band I drummed to many times during that journey, and one of the first bands in general I listened to as I was exploring my music taste beyond radio pop (believe me, I still love Shawn Mendes very much though). Falling down the rabbit hole of indie and rock at as a middle schooler with my iPod Touch was something I'd like to give a lot of thanks and credit to my parents for, especially as they introduced me to a lot of music and bands- including Beach Bunny -and live music! Live music is something I forget I love until I'm standing in the hallway of my dorm building outside of a neighbor's dorm where they have their door propped to display the jazz band of strangers playing (which would later lead to a noise complaint and a GOAT of an RA- shoutout RA Anthony). But I could not be more thankful for the musical journey I've had in exploring many artists and their art, and myself as well- even if I've just ended up back with Broadway Cast Recordings filling my "Recently Played" anyways. Moral of the story, Beach Bunny has been a considerate part of how music makes up who I am.

So, my favorite song from the "Prom Queen" EP is probably "Painkiller", with an HM (honorable mention) of "6 Weeks". I also love their single "Sports" that's been included on the vinyl, but I won't count it.

And I'm gonna give a few of my favorites from "Honeymoon", since it's a banger of an album even if not technically my first bought:

Ms. California

Cuffing Season

April

HM: Cloud 9 and Colorblind