We are dedicated to sharing the music we love. Below each of us here at The Spider, Michael, and Abby, have provided our music favorites from last month. While the list goes on and on for both of us, we've limited it to a handful of categories for you.
Michael Swartz (Writer) Favorites
Written by: Michael Swartz
Song: Carolina by Taylor Swift
Rating: 9/10
'Carolina' is Taylor’s first new solo single since releasing songs “From The Vault” off 'Red (Taylor’s Version)', her highly praised re-record of her hit 2012 album. This song hails from the soundtrack to the film, “Where The Crawdads Sing.” In this song, Swift (32) displays haunting vocals and backwoods charm reminiscent of her 'Folklore' era. This track is another effort with 'Folklore' collaborator Aaron Dessner. This song is another prime example of why this superstar has been dubbed “The Music Industry” by her peers and Swifties alike. Her songwriting and vocals always manage to transport you to whatever world she is singing about.
Music Video: 'Absolute Zero' by Sharon Needles
Rating: 8.5/10
'Absolute Zero' is the return of the ever-controversial winner of season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Sharon Needles. Needles (40) may be shrouded in negativity as of recently, but that hasn't stopped her from dropping her fourth studio album, ‘Absolute Zero’.
Why I love this video: Staying true to her quirky spooky nature, the video is Sharon at her best; always strange and unusual filled with trippy visuals, and there’s a rare glimpse of Sharon outside drag.
Album: 'Absolute Zero' by Sharon Needles
Rating: 8/10
Released on July 22, 2022, this is the fourth studio album by season 4 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and it couldn't be more true to Sharon’s personality. From the slow disco-sounding ‘Absolute Zero’ to a cover of Blue Oyster Cult’s (Don’t Fear) ‘The Reaper,’ there is sure to be something for everyone with this gem. You can listen to it here.
Artist Discovery: Paris Jackson
Rating: 9/10
The debut album, 'Wilted,' from Paris Jackson, daughter of “The King of Pop” himself, Michael Jackson, has been a long-time favorite! I first heard the single 'Let Down' in late 2020, around the time 'Wilted' was released, and I was absolutely in love. Somehow I managed to lose it in the chaos that is the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of last month, I rediscovered this album. Needless to say, I have been hooked ever since. She definitely has inherited her father's musical talent, but we need not compare her to her famous father. Though she hails from the Jackson family, an American music dynasty, she can hold her own when it comes to her dad, aunts Rebbie, Latoya, and Janet, as well as the other members of the Jackson family. There are really no traces of her family's notable musical styles, as she has opted for a more indie-pop sound. This album speaks for itself and solidifies her place in the legacy her family has created by living the American dream. I expect a long career from Paris. She is definitely her own person, and we are living for it. You don’t want to sleep on this album. You can listen to the album here.
Abby (Founder, Writer) Favorites
Written by: Abby Johnson
Song: 'Riptide' by Beartooth
Beartooth released their first single since the release of their 4th album in 2021. When I tell you I have had this song on repeat for a solid month, I’m not kidding. 'Riptide' is a metalcore anthem about tossing self-loathing and self-pity to the side in an effort to live your life the best way possible. This track is slightly different, audibly speaking than what I would typically anticipate from Beartooth. While the lyrics and main vocal parts are paired with brighter riffs and fast-paced cymbals, there are some absolutely nasty (in the best way) breakdowns that make an excellent auditory contrast.
Music Video: 'Wicked Ways' by Halestorm
Halestorm released their official music video for 'Wicked Ways' on July 20th. The powerful use of religious imagery is a perfect visual pairing for this self-empowering track.
Album: 'Nocturnal' by Mothica
Oklahoma native, Mothica, released her sophomore album, Nocturnal on July 1st. This haunting series of tracks tell a narrative of self-destruction, rehabilitation, and justice narrative. A few of my favorite tracks include ‘Casualty’ (my favorite single from the album), ‘Absinthe’, and ‘The Reckoning (feat. Polyphia). You can stream the album here.
Artist Discovery: The Warning
Toward the end of July, my weekly discovery consisted of ‘MONEY’ by Mexican rock trio, The Warning. These three women are taking rock and making it theirs. I was immediately hooked, and I'm excited to share that they released their sophomore album, 'ERROR,' in June of this year. The Warning is for fans of Royal Blood, Lilith Czar, Halestorm, and The Killers.
We hope you discovered something new that you love as much as we do. We're always looking for more music. You can share what your current favorites are in the comments!
Where else to find us:
Sharon needles still exists?