did someone cool send this to you? sign up for the newsletter here. this newsletter is brought to you by our friends at see your sounds. use code MTIG for 20% off at checkout.

*just here for this week’s playlist? click here.

what’s up team. we’re keeping things short this week since i am coming at you from a cabin in upstate new york, and the snow covered sidewalks of Hudson beckon. still, it’s worth mentioning that Usher’s half time show was a beautiful feast for millennials, and i’m shocked that his shirtless rendition of “Confessions” didn’t grab more headlines (our super bowl watch party lost its fucking mind.) to me, his performance had the modern effect of Marvin Gaye’s iconic rendition of the national anthem in 1983 in terms of it’s culturally destabilizing sexiness. i digress 🥵

title tracks

QUANTIFYING THE DIVA-NESS of 138 NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCES (THE PUDDING)

a beautiful visual essay depicting how many creative liberties were taken across over 100 performances of the national anthem. in a shocking twist, Fergie was not awarded with the highest diva award for her 2019 rendition that made Stephen Curry burst out laughing. a shame.

BEYONCE IS GETTING PLAYED ON COUNTRY RADIO. COULD HER SUCCESS HELP OTHER BLACK WOMEN? (NPR)

this week, Beyonce made a big ol’ splash with her announcement of a country album coming later this year. she joins Post Malone and Lana Del Ray in what will likely be the year of country. in this article, NPR addresses the historical nature of the country scene to diminish the contributions of black women in its expansive history. only time will tell if Beyonce’s contributions will flip the script for both the demographic and political fabrics of a genre inextricably linked with southern culture.

A TRULY MESSED UP WIKIPEDIA PAGE (WIKIPEDIA)

and you thought your band was fucked up? a quick scroll through the history of these black metal founders will make every other band seem like The Brady Bunch. needless to say, the genre has (ever so slightly) tip-toed closer to a less chaotic equilibrium, but damn was this a traumatic origin story.

best new albums

rated on a scale of “👍really good” to “👍👍👍 really really really good”

💿Where we’ve been, Where we go from here (rock)
👍👍 really really good - frenetic punk rock with an indie twist that keeps you guessing
⭐ Standout Tracks: “Where We’ve Been” “Crashing Through” “Cardinal”

💿 Forget About Me by Pouty (rock)
👍👍 really really good - a raucous debut album from a glitter pop rocker who is off to a running start with some truly catchy and energetic hits
⭐ Standout Tracks: “Salty” “Virgos Need More Love”

ten good songs

bonus tracks

• no bonus tracks this week, please forgive me 🙏