Animal Tooth

In an ocean of buzzy new bands who’s albums seem to fall flat, there’s a couple that rise to the top. The debut LP by English Teacher is one of those.

Most reviews lazily try to compare this band to any number of other random acts, but I find them to be unique in approach, while having a comfortable familiarity, as if this sound were inevitable and just waiting for the right group to arrive.

If you’ve not heard it, it’s remarkable and worth the listen.

Placing somewhere in the top 10 for 2024 is This Could be Texas by English Teacher.

In a most unattractive shade of green vinyl.

Love these 3d printed enclosures for the Mac Mini by @jerrod@mastodon.social. Just amazing how small the new Mini is.

There’s a bunch more here

Listening to an album by an artist I’m not familiar with and finding it to be remarkable is a great joy of life.

I’ll be the first to admit I totally slept on Helium (and Autoclave, Wild Flag, and Hammered Hulls and the majority of her work) and really only know Mary Timony from Ex Hex and two solo records, but really didn’t have a solid opinion on her work.

This album has been creeping on me since it’s release in February, it’s definitely one of those albums you think “yeah, that’s good” but every spin reveals a new bit of magic you didn’t catch on the previous listen. The end result is a “Fuck, that’s a great album” moment.

So, placing somewhere in the top 10 for 2024 is Untame the Tiger by Mary Timony

And on fantastic pink vinyl to boot!

Unexplained scientific fact: Gordon Lightfoot sounds even better on bright sunshiny winter days.

Diving into 1st episode of Creature Commandos

Looks to be fantastic. Not sure what’s new, as most of the early Jimmy Page footage has been used in several other documentaries, but count me in.

Note: I’m considered a casual fan, love about 40% of their songs and ignore the other 60%… but that 40% is nigh perfect

According to Apple Music, this is my top 5. Wish it would be constantly Shazam-ing and tracking my vinyl spinning as well. 🎵

Trying Obsidian with a plugin called Micro.Publish.

Originally picked up Obsidian as a quick substitution for BBEdit on the iPad and am finding it to be decent.

Not good enough to replace Apple Notes as my daily writing app, but I’m liking the publishing features, the daily note and the plugin architecture.

2-Headed Messenger with Many Legs by Fidalis Buehler (2024), acquired from the fine folks at Modern West

I’m going to have to move some things around to find wall space, but it’s already one of my favorites!

I don’t care how overplayed it is, Tubthumping by Chumbawamba will never not be great.
I get back up again

Starting the Yacht Rock documentary on Max! Music nerdery!

Not much new music coming out the end of year, but two gems are available today.

The Weightless Hour by Juanita Stein

Another great LP from the former lead singer of the Howling Bells 

Midwinter Swimmers by The Innocence Mission

If you know this band, this is more of the same.. which is to say it’s amazing and beautiful. 

LInks are to Apple Music

Woke up to a dusting of snow

Beans in repose

Love this bit of UX observation. LEGO UX Interfaces

I’ll be swapping a few in and out, but here’s the end of year playlist of songs that made 2024 astounding.
24 for 24 Playlist on Apple Music