Staff Pix 11/23

The Milk Crate staff’s favorite tracks of the week, presented with blurbs worthy of a promotional sticker on a jewel case. Tune in Tuesdays from 1-2 EST to the Staff Pix radio show.

Maura Cowan

erase me by Lizzy McAlpine (feat. Jacob Collier)

In a collaborative power move that I would never have seen coming, but cannot imagine living without, soft-spoken rising indie star Lizzy McAlpine teams up with genre-bending Grammy darling Jacob Collier. The result is “erase me,” a surprisingly danceable ballad that blends McAlpine’s folksy sensibilities with Collier’s experimental beats. With a bouncy synth that pushes against an acoustic guitar line and layered harmonies that seem to scratch at the ear, it truly is the track’s contradictions that make it work so well.

Sara O’Connell

The Walls Are Way Too Thin by Holly Humberstone

Holly Humberstone’s second EP has come out with a mix of vengeance and turmoil. 80s-inspired instrumentals accompany Humberstone’s deep pop sound as she laments not being wanted by the one she loves. She is able to encapsulate what it feels like to be trapped in a situationship that’s going array. This EP was released the same week as Taylor Swift’s newest rerecord and was completely overshadowed so I highly recommend giving Holly Humberstone a listen. 

Will Ingman  

The Problem of Other Minds by Animals as Leaders

“The Problem of Other Minds” is the latest in progressive-metal titans Animals as Leaders’ magnificently mathematical discography, and heralds the upcoming release of their album Parrhesia, expected in March of 2022. It’s both a return to form and a bold direction for the band, with a twisting and spiraling melody backed by both their signature seismic guitar thump and a newer electronic flair.

Sarah Fournell

Nothing New (Taylor’s Version)(From the vault) by Taylor Swift ft. Phoebe Bridgers 

As part of her efforts to reclaim ownership of her masters, Taylor Swift is rerecording her old works, and is including songs that didn't make the initial cut of the album. “Nothing New” featuring Phoebe Bridgers is off of Red (Taylor’s Version), the album so nice, I wrote about it twice. It is a poignant tribute to the introspective aspects of aging, asking “How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?” The track takes the perspective of aging female artists, who are consistently resisting being pushed from the spotlight to make room for the next young starlet.

Karenna Umscheid 

I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) by Taylor Swift ft. Chris Stapleton

Returning with a fiery fun music video directed by her friend Blake Lively, Taylor Swift brings her fabulous country twang and anger against her ex-boyfriends in a fun ballad. Best screamed together with friends, “I Bet You Think About Me” is the spunky end of a breakup. Ditch the sappy longing and thinking, and instead choose the confidence and triumph of your ex.

Kyle Woolery

Holiday by Confidence Man

Although we are rapidly approaching winter up north, it’s almost summer down under, and Australian electropop up-and-comers Confidence Man are evidently prepared, channeling the carefree energy of the season into their latest single, “Holiday.” No matter where you are in the world, “Holiday” will warm you up and make you feel like you are on vacation, soaking up the sun at a ritzy oceanfront resort as you melt into a poolside chaise and temporarily forget about all your responsibilities. Janet Planet and Sugar Bones share vocal duties on the track, guiding it along with ease as it builds up to an epic synth breakdown reminiscent of 2 Unlimited’s ‘90s rave classic “Get Ready for This.” It’s a moment of pure ecstasy. “Holiday” is the first taste of Confidence Man’s forthcoming sophomore record, Tilt, due April 1st, 2022.

Harry Bates

I Drink Wine by Adele

Hearing Adele’s voice again is like reuniting with a friend after so much time apart. She has this deep emotion in her vocals, and it is conveyed so clearly to the listener in this album. I just can’t help but get lost in the cloudy mist of magical piano riffs and bass drum in “I Drink Wine.” It hits the heart, and that’s why we listen -- to get in touch with our inner-selves and others in new ways.

Lily Hartenstein

Time Escaping by Big Thief

On the recent announcement of the release of their new album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, frontwoman Adrienne Lenker said: “One of the things that bonds us together as a band is pure magic”. I couldn’t agree more after listening to the final single of the album, “Time Escaping”; it sounds like an auditory collage, a patchwork of warm, rhythmic elements that harmonize into a crescendo of joy.

Nia Tucker

Intimidated by Kaytranada ft. HER

Just ahead of his first tour dates for his comeback, Kaytranada dropped two major new releases. This song opens the new EP, Intimidated, with a refreshing R&B/House feel that has me reminiscing about getting ready for nights out during the summer. As a DJ, Kaytranada has reinvigorated the house genre while also creating his own distinct sound marked by tinny drums, quick snaps and melodic and effortless vocal production. He’s playing here in Boston in December so get tickets if you can!