In no particular order, here are some of the albums that I have had on repeat since quarantine started. Some old, some new, but all will have you forgetting about your problems and focusing on something wonderful. If you're looking for playlists with similar sounds check out my Spotify @maddyflagg and look at playlists 19, HELLO!!!, play when bored, and you drive ill aux.
1. Tales from the Backseat by The Academic
I just recently found this album a few weeks ago when I was captivated by the cover art and the title of the opening track, "Permanent Vacation." When I left school for what I thought was just going to be spring break but turned into an extended stay, it felt a bit like a permanent vacation...until online classes started. This feel-good indie album always makes me want to drive around with the windows down on a 75 and sunny day.
My favorites: Permanent Vacation, Bite My Tongue, Bear Claws
2. Fuzzybrain by Dayglow
I'm not going to lie, I discovered Dayglow when I heard one of his songs on Tik Tok entitled, "Can I Call You Tonight?" I instantly fell in love with his relaxed, alternative pop sound; it is effortlessly magnetic. I can listen to this album on repeat without ever getting bored, and it's perfect for lazy naps in a hammock with a glass of ice-cold lemonade. Full disclosure, I have also danced alone in my room to his music. Fuzzybrain is the ultimate soundtrack to a coming-of-age teen movie-- in a good way.
My favorites: Run The World!!!, Can I Call You Tonight?, Listerine, False Direction
3. Pony by Rex Orange County
I was waiting for two years to get a new album out of Rex Orange County and he did not disappoint with "Pony." This past October I was literally counting down the days until I could hear the musical magic that he always creates. I've been listening to it a lot now because it feels like stories are being sung to me. Every song is a different tale to be told and a lesson to be learned. Rex Orange County's bedroom pop is a mixture of 70s soul with modern influences of jazz and a California groove.
My favorites: Face to Face, 10/10, Pluto Projector, Never Had The Balls
4. Landmark by Hippo Campus
If you couldn't tell, my music taste all has some major summer vibes, and that is because (I think we can all agree) we are the happiest in the summertime. Hippo Campus's "Landmark" fits right into any poolside playlist. I always listen to this album when I miss having the sun on my face and there is no time when I crave this feeling more than right now. What I love most about Hippo Campus is their range of ambiance, literally every one of their songs is different and they can evoke such a different feel every time you listen.
My favorites: Vines, Way It Goes, Buttercup, Tuesday
5. channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean
It doesn't matter the time or the place, listening to Frank Ocean is always a good idea. He is the king of R&B and a lyrical genius, his music is so soulful and worldly. When he sings I listen, Ocean's words are important even when they may seem random. Many people listen to music just to have something on in the background but Frank Ocean's music is not just a tune, it's a rhythmic atmosphere. If you have nothing to do for an hour, throw on this album and be transported to his world and experience his idiosyncrasies.
My favorites: Sweet Life, Forrest Gump, Super Rich Kids, Pilot Jones (just listen to the whole album already)
6. What's That Sound by Haley Reinhart
Haley Reinhart is my all-time favorite singer so I am a bit biased putting her on this list because I listen to her music all the time. But I also want everyone else to know how awesome she is. This album is mainly covers of songs from the sixties by big-name artists like The Beatles, Buffalo Springfield, The Kinks, etc...but she put her own spin on them. Haley's voice is insane, with a jazz and rock background her music has a soul that's rooted in 1969. I've seen her in concert a few times (I even met her!!!) and she is just as captivating live. Haley Reinhart is an undiscovered gem by most but listening to her music is like throwing on your favorite tie-dyed band t-shirt, familiar.
My Favorites: Time Of The Season, Can't Find My Way Home, For What It's Worth, Bring The Love Back Home
7. Heatwave by HARBOUR
I've been looking for new music that fits my ~taste~ of indie/pop/rock and I discovered HARBOUR and their happy-go-lucky music. This album sounds like it is the soundtrack to one of Netflix's shitty rom-coms where the only good part of the movie is the music. I picture a couple on their first date (they were best friends for years, he is the boy next door...you know the type) skipping down the Venice beach boardwalk. They have some great drums and a lively sound, I will definitely be blasting their songs this summer.
My favorites: Judy You Hung The Moon, Hell Yeah, Waittyn, Oh No!
8. Where the Light Is by Surfaces
By now you should know Surfaces and their music because it is EVERYWHERE (as it should be)!. They own the summer vibe and can pull off releasing albums with just instrumental tracks because people are listening. Surfaces is just purely optimistic and I think that's why they have been on repeat since quarantine started. Their music is very easy to listen to, partly because it is calypso and reggae meeting breezy pop. Easily one of my new favorite albums, I had a hard time deciding between this one and their new album "Horizons."
My favorites: Heaven Falls/Fall On Me, Sunday Best, This View
9. Mt. Joy by Mt. Joy
Mt. Joy's music gives me the image of "a reunion of old friends" of sorts. Interestingly enough, the band's creators were old high school friends that found each other after many years and decided to make music together, and their songs instantly give you that vibe. My friends can attest that this is the album that I play in long car rides just because it's upbeat and joyful. They also give me major campfire vibes so if you miss camp, this is a good go-to.
My favorites: Silver Lining, Julia, Astrovan, I'm Your Wreck
10. Pure Heroine (Extended) by Lorde
Yes, this album came out when I was twelve and yes I still listen to it. "Pure Heroine" is teenage evolution. When you first hear it, you're young and hungry for life ("Royals"). As you listen more, you get to that tortured awareness that all fresh teens feel when they simply attempt to exist ("Bravado"). Next is the anger and frustration about, well, everything ("Buzzcut Season"). But then the realization that you're growing up and you have one chance to live your life at this age ("Ribs"). Eventually, when you're nineteen years old and still listening to the same album you don't feel any stress to conform and you realize you're alright ("Still Sane"). As you can tell, this album means a lot to me especially at this time in the world, there is no better moment to listen to it.
My favorites: The Love Club, Tennis Court, A World Alone, White Teeth Teens
I hope that you found some new music that you would not have normally heard. Have a safe and healthy quarantine and try to find the good in this situation :)
