The Juxe: Favorite Newish Music - May 2020

[I have a very convoluted system for processing new music, so it often takes me a while to get to new releases. That’s why this series refers to “newish” music, i.e., stuff from the last year or so.]

Divorce by Alex Cameron (Alternative Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter - Sydney, Australia)

I’ve never been divorced, so I’ve never had an acrimonious divorce. I don’t know if that makes me more or less capable of appreciating this song.

Listen for: That first line in the chorus. I like when things don’t sound like song lyrics. That sounds like something you’d overhear from a couple arguing in a booth at Applebees.

Party Animal by Phantom Planet (Rock - Los Angeles, California)

Listen for: The stupid but catchy chorus. “Part animal, part party-animal,” is a great way to describe yourself in a job interview or in your online dating profile so people know you’re a cool dude who likes to party.

Search for Life by Dirty Projectors (Experimental Pop Folk - Brooklyn, New York)

Listen For: The moment the backing vocals go from “Ooh” to “Aah.”

The strings on the studio recording are nice, but this live version really emphasizes the backing harmonies which are gorgeous.