This week is all about leaning into the funky weird shit in the world. We begin with April March, a francophile American. The album is a little bit grunge, a little bit French twee, a little bit surf rock. It’s one of those albums that could exist in any era, though it’s clearly rooted in the sounds of the ‘60s. That is also how I’d describe Sababa 5, a group out of Tel Aviv. The synth work on this album is a blend of old school middle eastern sounds, African disco and pure retro eighties. Funky. Cosmic. Surprising to boot. This leads nicely into the ‘80s city pop of Tomoko Aran. It’s easy listening, like a romantic love scene in the rain. St. John Green is like that, too, but only if you include magic mushrooms. Finally, we descend into acid-jazz-pop madness with Vampyros Lesbos. It’s a wild, wild ride.
As always, the playlist rounds out the albums with a few other tracks that I’ve been listening to nonstop. A few people have asked me lately, “What are you listening to?” Every time, I’ve responded, “Italians.” Here’s to you, Mina.
The playlist is here.
Enjoy.
Monday
Chick Habit - April March (1995)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Tuesday
Sababa 5 - Sababa 5 (2022)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Wednesday
浮遊空間 - Tomoko Aran (1983)
Spotify (Only streaming here)
Thursday
St. John Green - St. John Green (1968)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Friday
Vampyros Lesbos ( Sexadelic Dance Party) - Vampire Sound Inc, Sigi Schwab, Manfred Hubler (1969)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Pair with:
Herb Pita and Turkish Eggs. I think this is technically for breakfast, but it seems like a stunning appetizer or snack to me. It’s too beautiful to keep to yourself.
Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa. This dish is perfect. Try to make the orecchiette yourself. Don’t worry, they will be really bad at first, but just keep going. Drink wine while you do it.
Herve Villemaude Cheverny Blanc. One of my favorite wines of all time by one of my favorite wine makers. Pairs with anything and everything.
Wiggle Glitter Ceramic Jug. I just bought this. It’s on sale for nearly half. It’s unbelievably incredible. It will be on my table for every dinner party until I die.
Enjoy.