For Your Listening Pleasure: Ariana Grande, LCD Soundsystem, Panda Bear, Xiu Xiu, and More

Written by: Christian Jatar

We got another FYLP for Y'all! Yes, it’s been a (internet-less) couple of weeks, but, guys, there were rarely any albums worth talking about, so really, don’t worry about it.

thanku(cover).jpg — *thank u next*

Ariana Grande

Ariana is back with a new album minus a Pete Davidson. thank u next follows the very recent success and release of Sweetener. An album as sweet and hopeful as it title suggested. If you need a new dose of Miss Grande’s towering vocals, well, what are you waiting for?

lcd(cover).jpeg — *Electric Lady Sessions*

LCD Soundsystem

New LCD Soundsystem alert! Yes, it’s just live recordings of songs, mostly, from their latest album American Dream, but there are some covers: “Seconds”, “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” and “I Want Your Love” and a few LCD classics (“You Wanted a Hit” anybody?). Don’t miss out on this lil’gem, ‘cause, honestly, any new LCD Soundsystem is cause for celebration, especially if it’s some live performances.

Screen Shot 2019-02-08 at 1.07.18 PM.png — *Buoys*

Panda Bear

Panda Bear, of Animal Collective fame, brings us some more of his trademark beautiful melodies with new album, Buoys. If you don’t know Panda Bear, you really gotta start off with Person Pitch, one of the oddest, most unique listening experiences of the past decade. After you do so, just put on Buoys for a slim, and quick, 37-minutes of Panda Bear doing what he does best: Lulling you into a deep state of comfort (or sleep? You decide).

xiuxiu(cover).jpg — *Girl with Basket of Fruit*

Xiu Xiu

Xiu Xiu are an odd bunch. A really, really odd bunch. They are tough to explain and are, honestly, at times, tough to listen to. If you’re into very, very left-field punk music, then this band is for you. If not, then maybe steer away. Xiu Xiu once made a cover album of the iconic soundtrack for one of the best shows ever made, “Twin Peaks.” That cover album was nothing short of amazing, but at the same time, it was easily one of the darkest, most haunting collection of covers ever assembled. Then, in 2017, they returned with FORGET. A beautifully weird album that featured some of the more pop-leaning songs to date. Now, in 2019, they’re back it again, and honestly, I really don’t know what to expect. But, without a glimmer of doubt: Count. Me. In.

Screen Shot 2019-02-08 at 12.55.13 PM.png — *Quiet Signs*

Jessica Pratt

If you’re in need of some acoustic folk or some chamber pop, here’s your fix. Quiet Signs is only nine songs, 28-minutes long and is already garnering rave reviews all across the board. This would be me first Pratt album so, I really can’t say much besides, hope it’s as good as it appears to be!