Music Visions: October 2024
KA - The Thief Next to Jesus (2024)
I wish I could be recommending this album at a better moment. With the passing of KA, The Thief Next to Jesus feels a lot more haunting and prophetic than it should. While this kind of music may not be for everyone, I implore everyone give it a chance. It's on streaming or you can buy it on his website. He was a musical hero for me, and it's a shame he wasn't given enough flowers while still alive. Rest in power.
Favorites: Beautiful, Tested Testimony, Lord Have Mercy, Such Devotion
Litku Klemetti - Funny Girl (2024)
I've been perusing this project since 2021's Kukkia muovipussissa (shoutout to Flint) and I've been loving it ever since. This new one is just the right amount of New Wave kookiness and fun pop structures. Dare I say, it's becoming a big favorite of mine this year.
Favorites: Rakastan sun exää, Kis kis beibi, Jos olisin koira, Mun mutsikin bailaa rankemmin
Sade - Love Deluxe (1992)
In terms of music that isn't totally current, I've been exploring the ins and outs of Sade's discography, with Diamond Life and Promise being big highlights for me. Something about Love Deluxe feels so effortless. It's smooth soul that borders on ambient pop. Her voice is incredible on this album, too. You can sense the lived-in warmth, and her words cast the sweetest dreams. Sade's catalog has been getting the reissue treatment, so consider getting it at your local shop.
Favorites: No Ordinary Love, I Couldn't Love You More, Pearls, Mermaid
The Irrepressibles - Yo Homo (2024)
The fourth and latest album from Jamie Irrepressible's weirdo orchestral pop project, Yo Homo is the next step forward that I've been craving from him since discovering songs off Mirror Mirror. The rock guitars have an organic edge now. There's a flow between tracks that felt missing from the last album, Superheroes. This will sadly be one of the more overlooked albums this year, but I will stick here to champion its merit.
Favorites: Will You?, Two Hearts, In the Rhythm, Destination