September 2022 — Playlist Odyssey

I also ‘Love Jennifer B’ thanks to Jockstrap; Santigold has me getting spiritual; Marina Allen marvels with ‘Centrifics’ and Maya Hawke is not just that ‘Stranger Things’ actress anymore

By Joshua Gutierrez - Editor

We’re entering the final quarter of 2022 and the AOTY discussion is not quite settled, especially after releases from Santigold, Jockstrap in the Below Radar category and Marina Allen in my Hidden Gem field.

For me, it’s hard not to start with Jockstrap, the London electronica, indie pop duo with connections to Black Country, New Road. It was hard not to ignore the critical praise from the community and established outlets, as “I Love You Jennifer B” was as sonically dynamic as it was original.

In much the same way as Indigo De Souza’s 2021 album “Any Shape You Take,” Santigold’s “Spirituals” mystified with tender lyrical connections and alluring dance rhythms. Already, “My Horror” has become a constant earworm and landed in my Top 25 songs of 2022 with only a few more months go.

One of the connections we as a society missed during the pandemic was live music and like many, I had that is built up eagerness for it. Opening for Waxahatchee in Grass Valley, Marina Allen became the first voice I heard live since early 2019. That made her album “Centrifics” that much more special, easily becoming a favorite Hidden Gem album of 2022.

While not enough to budge Santigold’s “Spirituals” from my September AOTM, Maya Hawke’s “MOSS” and Alex G’s “God Save The Animals” were both brilliant works and deserving of such praise. Shoot, I might place all three of the albums in my 1M+ AOTY category!

With Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” set to release in October, 2022 is still not done. I’m excited to find my final favorite songs and albums in what has already been a marvelous year.

Bye!!!!