Because even though the doors are wide open, I cannot leave Madonna jail. Here for your pleasure, are my five favorite arcane little stories that emerged from my weeks and weeks of Madonna research:

1. Madonna (most likely) dated Michael Gira of Swans

And I’m going to prove it here! Let’s get into it:

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Natalia Mantini is a New York based photographer and director, and someone I’ve known for a long time. She’s shot photos for The New York Times, i-D, Vogue, Paper Magazine and so much more. I’m such a fan of her visual sensibility, her general vibe, and of course, her music taste (she’s a deep head who once very briefly played in a Flipper cover band as a teen how cool is that).

Here is Natalia’s Monday Mixtape:

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Natalia Mantini
Scorpio sun, Scorpio moon, Gemini rising
NY

How do you find/discover music?

Close, heady friends, Malibu’s NTS show- united in flames,

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

I woke up with “YES GODDD” by Slayyyter in my head. I think that says a lot about me.

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

“Throw Yourself to the Sword” by Die Spitz- the cutie redhead really channels Lemmy. It’s so relieving to see, God bless those girls. “American Porn” also goes crazy. They switch off on instruments and vocals and this one feels a little bit like Distillers / L7- ish. They give me hope.

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

“Don’t Need You” by Luster - beautifully pure shoegaze. (ed note: shout out Luster in this house we love Luster)

A song off your work-out playlist:

I always think about the fact that most studios don’t play great music, respectfully. When I’m in class I often fantasize about what I’d play as a teacher. I think a goth hot pilates class would be so cute. Maybe “Head Like A Hole” (by NIN). Imagine doing squats to Skinny Puppy. Would that not slay. (ed note: yes, and I do listen to Skinny Puppy when I work out).

What song do you put on first at a photoshoot?

It definitely depends on what we’re making. I’ve been playing a lot of SOPHIE. If it’s an intimate vibe, I’ll put on “Cherish the Day” by mother Sade. obviously “Human Nature” (by Madonna) is always fun for the girls.

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

Quite a few because I’m obsessive. The discography of Depeche Mode and Björk. I usually open up with “I Wanna Be Adored” (by The Stone Roses).

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

That’s hard because that’s around when I started getting really immersed in punk and going to shows nonstop. I guess my first thought would be “Jerk Off” by F.Y.P. I very poorly played bass covering that song with my friends during a Halloween backyard show. It’s a sacred core memory.

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

“So Broken” by Björk orrr if i really want to lean in, “I’m So Depressed” by Abner Jay.

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

“Bull in the Heather” by Sonic Youth :) One of my favorite music videos. that or “Funeralopolis” (by Electric Wizard).

What is your favorite cover song?

“Goin’ Blind” by The Melvins. I positively do not listen to KISS however thank God they made that song. I’ve cried to it multiple times.

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

“All Is Full Of Love - Strings” by Björk on the craziest speakers ever. I hope to be in nature, preferably a forest with lots of moss.

All the songs on Natalia’s Monday Mixtape live here

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is the front woman and main creative engine (beep beep) of one of my favorite contemporary bands, Wednesday. I’m fairly certain if you read this newsletter you already fuck with Wednesday, but if not I implore you to correct that for your own life’s improvement. She’s like Flannery O’Connor with blue lipstick and an electric guitar (and more use of interiority) - her detail-rich lyrics about the bars, ticks, and smoking weed out of a Pepsi can, her sharp observation of her Southern existence braided through with her universally resonant expressions of pain and heartbreak make for some of the best albums (last year’s Bleeds and 2023’s Rat Saw God especially) I’ve heard in a long time.

Karly is not your typical band t-shirt collector - she’s not out here dropping $350 on a singular t-shirt (dragging my own ass to hell here). Instead she transforms new shirts into something new through actual artistry and craft.

Here is her Tee Time:

KH: Almost all of my fave band tees are modern ones where I cut out the graphic and sew them on vintage shirts myself. I’m very picky with fit and comfort level of my tees. I can’t wear modern Gildan or any of those type of brands really. I’ll pick up 70s-00s blanks for the sole purpose of making them into these tees.

I think it’s really really cool to find and buy original vintage merch from the 90’s and aughts bands I love but I can almost never rationalize paying the prices the go for. I appreciate the value of t-shirts as archival items but like .... defo don’t tolerate some of the price gouging I see on sites like Grailed.

Usually I will buy the modern merch directly from the band unless their shit is totally out of print.

KH: I wear the Unwound tee, the Belle & Sebastian, Drop Nineteens and Swirlies tanks constantly....

The Swirlies one is especially exciting to me right now cause the shirt I cut the graphic from was sent to me by the original bassist of the band, along with some other really sweet memorabilia. His hand writing is tattooed on my arm cause he wrote some text on one of their covers and I ripped it for the tat on my wrist!

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On the day, I took a morning swim at El Matador beach in Malibu with my friend Issy, followed by a lunch of crab cakes and fries at Neptune’s Net (where I procured some absolutely phenomenal Dali-ass sandals courtesy of Issy), followed by a trip to my favorite designer vintage store in Los Angeles, Replika, where I did a small amount of damage that we don’t need to discuss in detail here. (Should I do a round up of all my go-to vintage spots in LA? Does anyone want that? Or just RAWK music?).

I closed out the big Tuesday with a dinner of Goop Kitchen and Taco Bell (everyone always asks so my order is: Crunchwrap Supreme sub beans for meat, Mexican Pizza, and if it’s my birthday, Nachos Bell Grande) with some Vueve with a few of my girls. I finally finished filming all the Madonna month content (I hope you’ve been listening/enjoying) and while I probably needed to check into hospital, this was a good salve in the meantime.

I also accidentally went on a press tour this past week? It was an absolute thrill and honor to be featured in the LA It-Girl Index (no longer an LA It-Girl, not yet an LA It-Woman) where I share my LA essentials for beauty, repairs, groceries, and more, plus my dream LA date. I was also featured in one of my other favorite Substacks, , where I got to talk about some of my favorite things: food, spirituality, and going to bed at 9:30pm. As if that wasn’t enough (embarrassment of riches/that’s enough please go away I’m sick of your fucking face/voice/existence) I got to list out my loves and hates for and gab for two hours with one of my favorite podcasters Dan Allegretto, who is on here as .

And lastly (sorry! SORRY), the incredible Miranda Sawyer wrote up Bandsplain and our Madonna Month programming for The Observer (!!!!) getting me every so slightly closer to my goal of becoming England-famous so that I can finally move there and find my toothy husband, eat Gregg’s once a week, and very slowly develop the Madge accent. I’ll be honest as much as I love attention (and I really love attention) after doing any interview I feel absolute full beat clown make-up and tend to spiral for days :) Anyway now I need to not be perceived for three full weeks/shoot my phone.

Also whispers: a reminder that I’m chatting with my friend, the brilliant author Mary H.K. Choi at the LA stop on her book tour for her fantastic new book Pool House. It’s at Skylight Books on 6/11 and you can get advance tickets HERE.

Okay here are the seven things I loved this past week (besides TALKING ABOUT MYSELF apparently):

A SONG

I feel like I haven’t talked about Badvril, a San Francisco based band with a backwoods Washington State sensibility that was seemingly custom made in a lab to suit my exact musical sensibilities - floaty, lush, narcotic, sludgy perfection. (Have you ever taken a lot of Klonopin, but in a beautiful way not a dark way? No me neither). If you’ve ever ordered a custom playlist from me, chances are high I’ve included a Badvril song on there. They have a new album called Lethal coming out soon (not to be a bitch but I’ve heard it all and it’s truly wonderful). The latest single, “Push It Down,” came out the day after my birthday (thank you Baddies) and I’ve had it pretty much on repeat all week as I attempt a single seven day period of bohemian layabout cosplay. Bliss!

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Shaad D’Souza is one of my most favorite music writers working right now (the list is THIN babe). He’s brilliant, insightful, perfectly droll, and has fabulous taste (an increasingly rare currency these days). He’s also one of two people who consistently puts me on to new music I actually like (the other of course being ).

His Shaad Magazine on Instagram is the most inventive use of the medium I’ve seen (annoyed I didn’t think of it!!!), and is honestly way too good to be available for free but that’s between him and god. He’s also one of the rare writers who is also an excellent talker - you might have heard him on an episode of Bandsplain earlier this year about the music we were looking forward to this year. And lastly, we both love “Rock Music” by (which is honestly the correct opinion sorry).

I’m extremely pleased to present Shaad’s Monday Mixtape:

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Shaad D'Souza
Leo
London, England 

How do you find/discover music?

Through friends, on youtube, from PRs, by trawling nina/bandcamp

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

“One Fine Day the Sun Admitted She Was Just a Shadow” by Sergeant, and then “Choosin Texas” by Ella Langley

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

“Someday” by Hekt and Valeria Litvakov (ed note: this song is so fucking good)

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

“Life’s A Party” by Prophetic Justice Ministry

A song off your workout playlist:

I don’t work out lmao

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

“Leave A Light On” by Belinda Carlisle

What’s a song that gets you in your LAD-bag?

I kind of don’t understand the question1, but I guess I liked “450” by Bad Boy Chiller Crew during their moment, if we’re talking like what I was churning and gurning to in high school it’s “How Deep Is Your Love Chris Lake Remix” by Calvin Harris yassss

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

“It’s Real” Real Estate or “Video Game” by Lana Del Rey

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

I always want a lobotomy, but I guess “Passionfruit,” which always makes me feel good always (ed note: same re: lobotomy, though not same re: Drake)

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

Not much of a wallower, maybe “In Us” by Lexie

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

“Passionfruit”

What is your favorite cover song?

Weird choice but I love Avalon Emerson’s very faithful cover of “Long-Forgotten Fairytale”

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

“Passionfruit” (ed note: never loved anything as much as this man loves this Drake song, respect)

All of the songs on Shaad’s Monday Mixtape live HERE

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Also I’ll be in conversation (love to converse) with my longtime, brilliant friend for the LA stop on her book tour for her excellent new book Pool House. It’s at Skylight Books on 6/11 and you can get advance tickets HERE.

What else? Did some Madonna cosplay (need hospital), spent an undisclosed sum on The Real Real in a fugue state, and was in a Weezer promo video “playing” a massive bitch (see below).

I’m sure you know by now that has the best newsletter about Los Angeles, and this week she interviewed the owner of one of my favorite LA eateries (half the year anyway) with one of the best vibes in the city, Sal’s Place.

Speaking of gay interests, I like the new Charli XCX song “Rock Music.” I like the glitchy guitars and the 90s alterna-pop sensibility put through the Charli prism, I like how short it is, and I really like the video. And yeah I love power chords. Sue me! Shaad D’Souza’s review in Pitchfork is a great read though in general, I feel like a lot of you guys are overthinking it.

It’s not the song I love this week though. But I do like it. Anyway, enough edging. Let’s get to it:

SONG

In “We Are So Back” news, Ceremony put out a new song called “Other Hells” and it fucking rips. It’s got like an 80s hardcore punk feel (return not to form per se, but next door to form?) with some tastefully places synths and a real slam your body down and wind it all around energy. It’s two minutes long and I have listened 200 times? I love it, I love it, I love it.

A FILM

I was lucky enough to attend the premiere of the new film Backrooms, directed by 20 year old (!!!) Kane Parsons and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, and Mark Duplass. It’s a horror film (sort of). I wasn’t super familiar with the very popular web series Parsons did under the same name, but I had seen the original creepypasta image floating around the internet and was definitely into those liminal spaces memes (were they memes?) that were a thing for a while.1 Probably because, much like the film, they echoed something chilling and nauseous about the world we live in. The film is excellent - it has just enough plot to create a cohesive and engaging experience but not so much that you’re not able to let your mind spin out all kinds of meaning from the incredibly rich metaphor of an endless series of antiseptic but increasingly uncanny and bizarre rooms. I love a movie that doesn’t hit you over the fucking head with what it’s about. To quote my own Letterboxd review (calm down Roger Ebert), it’s: “a real Rorschach test of modern misery and dread, both personally and socioculturally, with measured deployment of levity and blood pressure blows.” A kink of mine is when my thoughts are provoked. The sound design is AMAZING and there’s a brand new, fucking sick Boards of Canada song over the credits. It it officially out in theaters May 28th.

SKINCARE PRODUCT

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Chicago indie band Ratboys have been around for a minute, and it’s my bad that I only recently got into them, because they’re really, really good. Their latest album, Singin’ To An Empty Chair is both vulnerable and earnest and also calming and soothing at the same time (album as Xanax). It’s cornballs to say, but there’s something about listening to it that lulls my nervous system into remembering that actually not only is it okay for me to be earnest goes to camp myself, it’s actually what creates a more emotionally expansive and rich life (echoing their emotionally expansive and rich music). Anyway I’ll be heading out now to meditate atop cringe mountain.

Here’s lead singer and guitarist Julia Steiner’s Monday Mixtape:

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Julia Steiner
Virgo Sun, Leo Moon, Sag Rising
currently on tour, but Chicago is home

How do you find/discover music?

Stereogum, newsletters like this & Josh Terry’s , r/indieheads, my bandmates putting on records in the van, a Music League I’m in (that’s been going for 5+ years now!), buying random cassettes at record stores

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

“Jacking the Ball” by The Sea and Cake.. and then let the whole album ride. Every Sea and Cake record is excellent. Great for long drives

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

“Lose Control” by Missy Elliott ft. Ciara & Fatman Scoop. We’ve been playing this as our “walk-off” song each night when we finish our set.. it feels like the perfect exclamation point at the end of a rockin show. It blows my mind that Missy produced this, she’s such a genius

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

“The Sound It Made” by Robber Robber. One of the most compelling “Track 1’s” I’ve heard in a long time.. The whole record is really cool & I’m excited to get to know it more

A song off your workout playlist:

I wish I worked out :( But back when I briefly belonged to a gym in 2012 it was “Blodtørst” by Kvelertak

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

Being radically honest here, “Where Is The Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas. I’ve tried to forget the lyrics after all these years, but alas… it’s the cross I bear. (ed note: Here’s the thing…BEP have bangers)

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

“The Mixed Tape” by Jack’s Mannequin. I used to listen to Everything In Transit every single day on the way to 8th grade. God bless my mom for putting up with me

A good lake song:

“People’s League” by Fishplate. This whole album! Absolutely essential summertime record outta NOLA. Honorable mention goes to “At Least There’s Beer”

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

“Sympathy is a knife” by Charli XCX. That chorus vocal melody straight up alters my brain chemistry. Alt option (I guess I’m getting two lobotomies): “I Want to Be Well” by Sufjan Stevens. Listening to this song feels like pulling apart my heart and brain and putting them back together again (a good thing). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’ll be ready when it’s time for the Sufjan Bandsplain. Bang my line. (ed note: You’re on the shortlist)

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

“It’s Okay” by Land of Talk. Nothing else like it.

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

“¡Que Llueva!” by Juana Molina. This whole record, all of her records! Juana gives me life!

What is your favorite cover song?

“Poor Poor Pitiful Me” by Linda Ronstadt. Linda took the god awful third verse in Warren Zevon’s original and not only rewrote it to make it better but made it the best part of the whole song. Well except for all those fuckin roto-tom hits, which get me hyped like nothing else. I wanna drink a beer with this cover. Love you Linda.

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

“Shade and Honey” by Sparklehorse. I’ll die happy.

All the songs on Julia’s Monday Mixtape live HERE

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Whenever I’m not here as much it means I am in the Google Doc trenches fighting for my life, eyes burning from screen time, Post-It book flags blanketing my desk and turning up in the most unexpected places (in my bed, attached to multiple items of clothing, on my dog’s paws). The official announcement of the next mini-season will be on Monday but I think that if you haven’t gleaned it from my obsessive IG story posting, the content of this letter will give you an idea of what’s to come.

In general I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a Pop Star™️, both these days and in the past. It’s been an interesting and unplanned mixture of casually taking in some but certainly not all of this month’s Coachella performances from my couch, my Work, a special trip to The Abbey, and a blockbuster film that I had to see for podcasting purposes.

Here are some stray but bullet-pointed thoughts on Michael, what it means for Madonna to continue to feel free, and the limits of the theory of the Imperial Phase:

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I realize whenever I sit down to write this that it sounds like I’m exaggerating the excellence of the subjects, but the truth is I only feature people on here that I think are excellent. This includes , the coolest person in the beauty space, bar none, and also the most exceptional. She is the brand strategist and product developer behind many of your favs and recently launched her Substack . She has a level of discernment and instinct around skincare and wellness that makes her pretty much the only person I look to for guidance in this area, and I suggest you do as well.

She’s also funny as hell and has exquisite taste in music, which is why I’m so happy to have her Monday Mixtape:

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Alexis Page
Libra Sun/Virgo Moon/Libra Rising
East Village, Manhattan

How do you find/discover music?

I’m not so great at keeping up with this like I used to. The fanatical research part of my brain has shifted to other things, but mostly I end up hearing about new music from friends. If I see a name enough times, eventually I’ll bite. Months later it will make its way into some version of my content consumption. Anything that you or Patrik post I’ll look into, and then of course I’m always being bombarded with new names of new stars via Greg. More often, my “discovery” is me going down a rabbit hole of old music I just don’t know enough about.

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

“That’s the Way Love Is” by Ten City. This is Sunday morning music to me, while I fold laundry and do my little chores.

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

“Closer to the Heart” by Rush. I’m currently at my parents’ house and my mom is a huge Rush head. I dug out her old records and it’s all Rush this, Rush that. They’re distinctly a band for men, but she’s been to like a million shows and I was raised on Rush. Maybe explains a lot, I don’t know.

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

I’ve been listening to variations of the same music for over 30 years...

A song off your workout playlist:

“Head On” by The Jesus and Mary Chain (ed note: same)

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

“Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

“Sunday Morning” by No Doubt. It was illegal to be a 13 year old American girl in 1995 and not idolize Gwen. I can only imagine what it felt like for you in Torrance. I understood but didn’t fully get on board with “Just A Girl”. I really loved “Sunday Morning”. (ed note: yeah maybe I hot glued rhinestones to my bra strap in the 8th grade and what of it)

What is a song that makes you feel beautiful?

Have developed a taste for surprise, so I’ve been utilizing the “Alexis Page’s Station” on Apple Music. I do not understand the interface of Spotify and never will. The other day, “These Are Days” by 10,000 Maniacs came on in the car and - 1) Didn’t even know this song existed on my phone? 2) Inexplicably broke down in tears? I listened to it over and over because it mysteriously appeared in a moment of spiritual crisis and makes you remember that life is really weird and really beautiful. When you are driving, and crying, and the sun is shining, and somehow Natalie Merchant is singing, you are alive! (ed note: god definitely lives inside this song)

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

“Anemone” by The Brian Jonestown Massacre. I don’t participate in drugs anymore but this song fulfills that feeling in some way.

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

Trick question, I have so many. I feel really sure that if I were ever hired for an acting role, I’d be able to cry on cue by listening to one of these songs - “Norman fucking Rockwell” by Lana Del Rey, “Save Me” by Aimee Mann, “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones, “Sunny” by Morrissey, “Let Down” by Radiohead, “On Some Faraway Beach” by Brian Eno, “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica.

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

“The Cutter” by Echo and the Bunnymen. When I’m ready to wrap up the wallowing, this song shows up to feel both yearning and hopeful. The last fifty seconds gently usher you back into the world.

What is your favorite cover song?

“Please Don’t Go” by KWS

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

“Asleep” by The Smiths, the most dramatic of exits.

All the songs on Alexis’ Monday Mixtape can be found HERE

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Like most of the best people, it’s sort of impossible to describe . He has like, Mensa level IQ and unimpeachable taste, the kind of self-respect and integrity Joan Didion wrote essays about, wit like a razor-blade, and (and here’s the real magic) is one of the most caring and thoughtful friends one could dream to have. In his own words: “I am, unfortunately, a writer. I was born a writer and I will die a writer. Of this, I’m painfully aware.”

His recently launched Substack is an absolute gift. He’s also one of the only people on earth whose taste in music I both connect with and respect (Sorry! You either have taste or you don’t, as Patrik likes to say).

Here is Patrik’s Monday Mixtape:

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Patrik Sandberg
Sagittarius sun, Aries rising, Libra moon
Hollywood, where it all happens

How do you find/discover music?

Obsessively, religiously, and continuously. As a medium-elder millennial, I started with the bulk CD purchases from the Columbia House catalog that came in the mail, graduated to saving my allowance and buying CDs at the Wherehouse, then came Napster, Limewire, and finally the greatest music discovery machine ever invented, which was MySpace. Once MySpace ended and before streaming took off, there was a dead zone during which Pitchfork and other indie music sites were integral to the culture but something was lost. We had to go to forums to talk about music and learn about artists. I think we’re finally back on track now with the often-too-maligned “algorithm.” I love mine deeply. We are in a toxic codependent relationship. You have to invest in it to get the results you want.

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

“Drugs in my Body” by Thieves Like Us

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

“OLD FLING$” by Slayyter

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

“Hijacked” by Odonis Odonis (ed note: Patrik put me onto this band and I am SO into them)

A song off your work-out playlist:

“Playgirl” by Ladytron

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

“China Girl” by David Bowie was my go-to for a long time. I did it at Pieces Bar and they 86’d me for being racist? I thought that song was about heroin.

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

“Blue Monday” by Orgy. The real answer is actually “Malibu” by Hole, but considering that song has been with me in my life at every age, it’s less thirteen-specific to me now. But I was thirteen when Celebrity Skin came out and it was nothing short of seminal.

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

Less lobotomy-coded but I do like to zone out and listen to beautiful psych rock, goth rock, and shoegaze while driving down California’s Highway 1, so I’ll say something like “Rosaries” by Weekend.

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

“Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure.

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

“Dreams Never End” by New Order.

What is a song that you find genuinely sexy?

“Human Nature” by Michael Jackson. I’m gonna get crucified for that one.

What is your favorite cover song?

“Better Off Alone” by SALEM (ed note: god tier)

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

“Ceremony” by New Order

All the songs in Patrik’s Monday Mixtape can be found HERE

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It’s Coachella weekend 1 which brings me great pleasure because Los Angeles empties out and you can move about freely and park easily and get good restaurant reservations. It seems neither Scott Speedman or I go to the festival anymore.1 I think the last really joyful year, for me, was when Dr. Dre and Snoop brought out the Tupac hologram. It just used to be so much more stupid in a good way? But I am happy for everyone. I’ll be using god’s Brick (phone in the other room) this weekend because I have a lot of work to do and I can’t look at one single other grotesquely protruding celebrity shoulder bone this week.

A few other things before I get into my list, which to be clear is just my 26 favorite songs of the year so far with no context (I trust your ears to serve you). Objective “best of” lists are not real but I’ve started to dabble in provoking via subject line and social media post because once you remove yourself from the energetic exchange, it’s really fun to observe. Also they’re not really in any order (you know how I feel about ranking things). Just a bunch of great songs for you. And if you like this, (almost) every week on my Instagram I put up a video of 5 songs I loved that week. Also, Chris Ryan and I discussed some of these artists in more depth on the Bandsplain episode about…our favorite music of 2026 so far (I am like a three trick pony at best).

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Anyway first some news:

• is on Substack now and you should all get involved with because his view of the world is unique and surprising (rare these days), his taste is basically perfect, and his throwaway writing is better than anything I could craft after forty drafts.

• My friend put out his first cookbook To Entertain: Instructions for a Dinner Party! He is bitingly funny and much like myself, deeply devoted to researching his niche interests, one of which is traditional British cuisine. He’s always making something called like “milk fish” that I think will be disgusting but is actually delightful. I have had the extreme good fortune to attend a dinner part or two with food cheffed up by Jago, and let me tell you, you want to buy this book (once you can in America? Not sure when that will be).

• BLIND ITEM: I got to listen to a new album by a band you guys love (me too) that isn’t announced yet and it’s absolutely fucking incredible. (Stretching the outer limits of how annoying one person can be over here). Hint: they’re playing Coachella.

• Found Time, the new book by Caroline Goldstein from , has the protagonists meeting at a Jeff Buckley concert, if that is your sort of thing (it is very much my sort of thing but I have to read three more unauthorized Madonna biographies before I can get into it).

• Not really related to music but I contributed my non-scientific research on hair loss and hair care2 to ’s fabulous newish Substack . One of these days I’m going to get it together and create a second Sub for all my deeply researched, lightly provocative wellness/health/skincare thoughts and findings and then it will be over for at least a few hoes (or at the very least I’ll get a PR package that isn’t a stack of vinyl).

Moving on…

THE 26 BEST SONGS OF 2026 SO FAR:

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Dan Allegretto is one of the funniest people I have ever known. I’ve cry-laughed at things passed onto me second-hand that he has said; that is how powerful his humor is. One of my greatest goals (besides learning to play guitar and sing and subsequently becoming a middle aged Banger Sister style rocker chick) is to one day be in a group chat with him.

Dan is a podcaster (you must tune in to #Dial Dan if you love both the quotidian and also pissing your pants laughing), an accomplished home cook, a pioneer of colonizing Beacon, NY, and a general bon vivant (I know this is the second time I’ve used this term, I just happen to know a lot of gorgeous little bon vivants because I am #blessed).

He’s brilliant and amazing and I’m thrilled to have had him make a Monday Mixtape for us.

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Dan Allegretto
Virgo Sun/Virgo Rising/Libra Moon
Just moved to Beacon, NY after 15 years in Brooklyn. If any Yasi heads live around here, please reach out. I don't have a whole lot going on these days...

How do you find/discover music?

Listening to new music scares me and makes me feel like shit inside, quite frankly. What if it’s bad and I waste three minutes of my precious life? What if it makes me feel OLD? Well, usually it does both! But I’ve found some bands new and old I like from your Instagram stories.

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

Lately I only listen to podcasts in my car or just the regular degular ass FM radio. I have a Spotify playlist called spaghetti dinner for one I’ve been adding to for over a decade that has every single one of my favorite songs. It’s 55.5 hours long and basically made to put on shuffle at a party. The English language doesn’t yet have the verbiage to describe how much of a crowd pleaser this little collection is. I’ll pick a recent addition and listen to that one song over and over again for about a month until I tire. (ed note: this playlist BANGS also important to note that within like the first 30 min you will hear a song by Farrah Abraham).

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

David Guetta ft. Rihanna “Who’s That Chick?” Someone on Twitter claimed this was RuPaul’s favorite song of the 2000’s. They were prolly lying but honestly, it’s perfect.

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

I’m trying so hard to think of a recent song. Like, any recent song. One that no one has heard of yet? My god…

A song off your work-out playlist:

I’m fat and completely out of control. Next question, please!

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

I haven’t been able to do karaoke since I did “Pretty When You Cry” off Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence in 2014. The manager of the gay bar Metropolitan whisked me off stage midway through. My ex-best friend has a video of this and still to this day I’m afraid of its release.

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, “Ms. Jackson” by OutKast, “Lady Marmalade” by P!nk, Mya, Christina Aguilera, and Lil Kim… the list truly goes on. I’m looking at the Wiki for Top 100 songs from 2001 and it’s so lit. Sucks 9/11 killed the vibe…

What song makes you feel less alone?

Anything by Bradford Cox. He really gets it. (ed note: amen brother)

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

When Addison Rae’s album came out I went full Lobotomista for a couple weeks. But I’m back working with a full deck now and don’t want to return to that state for a while...

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

Anything by Bradford Cox. He really gets it.

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together (Mimi’s Late Night Valentine’s Mix [Extended])” It’s almost eight minutes long and she goes completely ballistic; scatting, harmonizing, going on “runs.” I have no idea if these musical terms actually apply but I’m begging you to listen. It came out during Covid lockdown and I would lay on my floor and weep at its profound beauty and Mariah’s divine talent. From strange and sublime songwriting to other worldly vocalizing, everything she does is on full display here. I’m so grateful to be alive at the same time as her.

What is your favorite cover song?

“Jealous Guy” by The Weeknd is incredibly underrated. He was catching a bunch of shit when The Idol came out because everyone said he’s a bad actor. I did a rewatch a few weeks ago and the haters could not be more wrong- he’s fantastic. Also, a musical genius. “I’m On Fire” by Electrelane is a close runner-up.

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

I already know I’m going to Heaven and God will let me listen to whatever I want once I get there, but the Les Baxter version of “Clair De Lune” would be such a freaky deaky way to enter the pearly gates.

All the songs on Dan’s Monday Mixtape (I took some liberties) are HERE

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What is going teenager mode? Glad you asked. (Even though I am sure you can just guess it’s pretty right there in the name).

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Petra Cortright is an extraordinarily talented interdisciplinary artist, a brilliant thinker, a classic beauty, and also my old neighbor. We met at our old weight lifting gym and I am continuously inspired by her art, her mind, her strength, and her incredible hair. She has exquisite and off-the-wall taste so I am thrilled to have her contribute a Monday Mixtape:

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Petra Cortright
Cancer sun, Capricorn moon, Libra rising
Arcadia, CA

How do you find/discover music?

Friends, The Internet

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

501Bryze - Tell It

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

501Bryze - Rapid Fire

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

501Bryze - BOP

What song do you put on when it's art making time?

DJmegan23 - Aphex Castles

A song off your work-out playlist:

Chief Keef - Love Sosa

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

Too $hort - Blow the Whistle (ed note: sorry but is this actually the best song in the world?)/ Blink 182 - Adam's Song / The Offspring - Self Esteem

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

Garbage, No Doubt, Aqua (if i had to pick A song No Doubt - Just a Girl)

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

501Bryze - Nelly Freestyle

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

Lana Del Rey - Video Games / The Smiths - Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

Raffi - Thanks a Lot

What is your favorite cover song?

Snow Strippers - Under Your Spell (Sorry.. is this actually a Desire - Under Your Spell cover??! in my mind it is??) (ed note: I feel like yes?)

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

Gigi D’Agostino - L’Amour Toujours (my favorite song of all time) (ed note: absolutely god tier banger), The Highwaymen - Highwayman (gotta go out like a cowboy)

All of the songs on Petra’s Monday Mixtape can be found HERE

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Geoff Rickly is the frontman of the band Thursday, a gorgeous novelist, an incredibly chic flaneur, excellent former (and hopefully future!) Bandsplain guest, and just a generally wonderful person/iconic Pisces. He also recently launched his own Substack, , which is filled with his beautiful and taut writing, little musical treats (like acoustic performances), and deep dives into his specialty interests (like fragrance, for example). Click on over.

As you can see, his taste (in podcasts to appear on and otherwise) is pretty impeccable so I’m thrilled he agreed to do a Monday Mixtape:

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Geoff Rickly
Pisces
Greenpoint, BK, NY

How do you find/discover music?

Mostly, I watch what my cool friends post, I hear about a band from one of my neighbors(Matt McGreevey of Epitaph/Anti-, possibly the man who sees the most shows on a yearly basis, lives next to me, and his wife Emily also has incredible taste). I try and stay interested in things that I don’t understand. If I pick up a sandwich at a deli and hear a song that makes literally no sense to me, I’ll ask the person at the register twenty questions about the band.

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

I use Christopher Willits’ The Art of Listening score as a guided meditation. Feels like a bit of a cheat but that was the first thing I heard today. I’m in the studio right now so the second thing I heard was a song called “We Let the Devil In” (by Absent Colors).

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

Stu, who I work with has been going through a Dean Blunt resurgence so we listened to some of his stuff a bunch, but especially the Brit poppy song with the singer of Iceage. I think it has an unhelpful title: “4.”

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

crushed “exo”/ “starburn” (absolutely wild opening pair of songs). (ed note: In this house you already know we are obsessed with crushed).

A song off your work-out playlist:

End It “Familia Finito”

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson, “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Down” by 311 (ed note: hell yeah brother)

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

Probably “Down In It” by Nine Inch Nails. My angsty little self was already well obsessed with them before downward spiral came out on my 15th bday, but then again you already know this from Bandsplain!

What is a song that inspires you to create?

I’m endlessly inspired to create. Everything makes me think of something I’d like to add. I think the huge lesson of hardcore for me was that music doesn’t have to live in isolation. Music can be a communal phenomenon, each song informing the next. So if I hear a great song, I always want to reply. In a very real way, Thursday started at an Ink & Dagger show, when Tom and I stood there absolutely destroyed by “Full Circle.” Now I’m often inspired by late style: Kim Gordon’s “Get Yr Life Back.” Arto Lindsay “Grain by Grain.” Where do artists go when the style they made their name with is codified?

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

Tommy Richman, “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” is what I listen to after I get my weekly lobotomy. It’s so basic but it scratches some itch. To give myself a lobotomy, I like noise music, or if I’m feeling more musically minded I’ll put on Uniform’s American Standard record.

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

So many, Yasi, I’m a Pisces. Cat Power “Metal Heart”, “Bad Religion”… Wye Oak “Civilian”. Mount Eerie “Through the Trees Part 2”. Majical Clouds, “Heavy.” Daughter, “New Ways.” (ed note: god I love Majical Clouds).

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

Deafheaven “Sunbather”, Mary Jane Dunphe “Opening of a Field”, Envy “Chain Wandering Deeply”.

What is your favorite cover song?

Cat Power “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”. I’ll be honest she has half a dozen covers that could slot in with this. At one point I thought Ryan Adams “Wonderwall” was my fav cover but I may have worn it out.

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

Spiritualized “Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space”.

All of the songs on Geoff’s Monday Mixtape can be found HERE

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ANYWAY I’ve been noting with interest how much incredible music is coming out of Ireland these days so I thought I would ask three artists from Ireland that I love to give us their recs, because I figured they know ball a bit more than I do (I can’t even drink more than one and a half pints of Guinness, absolutely shameful).

Here are some fab recommendations from rockers Cardinals, singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, and actor Lola Petticrew:

CARDINALS

This quintet from Cork is Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C.’s favorite Irish band. I love their poppy, post-punky, goth-tinged rock, especially with the addition of traditional Celtic elements (particularly that goddamn gorgeous accordion). Their debut album Masquerade is soooo good. It’s romantic, it’s dramatic, it’s catchy, she’s got it all babe.

Their recs:

• Olan Monk is a rock musician from Connemara, in the west of Ireland. Their album ‘Songs For Nothing’ came out in late 2025. The record is stacked with fascinating instrumentation and features the textures of accordions, violins and whistles. The guitar lines ooze cool and the vocal deliveries give the record a very gothic feel. Maria Somerville also features on the record, who put out her own album ‘Luster’ last year. (A phenomenal album)

• Cellbridge rapper deathtoricky really excites me at the moment. His record #ikfly has a really infectious feel to it. Coming in hot with 12 tracks in 21 minutes, it’s super fun stuff. The production on his tracks have a fresh yet timeless feel to them. Head rocking drums, 808s, and catchy samples are all over his music. Favourites of mine include ‘ryanair’ ‘polo’ and ‘quest’.

• Pebbledash are a noise rock band from Cork. Their last two EPs are really stunning. Vocals from members Fionnbhar Hickey and Asha McCutcheon have this really nice call and response feel to them which is a particular highlight of their live set. They’ve always reminded me hugely of Sonic Youth, but they have a tendency to nod towards Irish traditional music. I’ve always thought this was a hard thing to do right that many try and fail to do. Pebbledash capture it so well and with so much class. Favourites for me are ‘Asha’s Waltz’, ‘Cartography’, ‘Tiles & Moss’ and their rendition of the traditional O’Carolan composition ‘Sí bheag sí Mhór’

• Rua Rí is a Cork based folk artist who plays a mix of original music and lesser known folk songs. His voice has a dreamy quality to it, he has a unique presence on stage and you can’t help but feel drawn in by his live performances. His guitar work is amazing, employing complex fingerpicking patterns and does not shy away from harmonics. I believe he has an album coming out this year. If you listen to anything at all this year, make sure it’s that record. The last working title I heard about was ‘tell your ma I saved your life’.

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I’ve been listening to Morgan Nagler’s debut album I’ve Got Nothing To Lose, and I’m Losing It (exquisite name) in repeat since it came out because I find it both soothing and comforting and also subtly thought-provoking which is such a great combination - like you’re just vibing to the music but then one of her excellent lyrics gets hooked in the craw of your mind and next thing you know you’re working out some knotted emotional issue that’s been causing you a quiet ulcer for the last six months. (“You”).

I know it’s nowhere near the whole story (she contains many layers!) but I personally love that at least PART of the story here is that Nagler put out her first album at the age of forty-seven, and it’s fabulous. Guess what. You kind of can do whatever you want whenever you want, especially if you’re doing it like Nagler - honestly, with an open heart and a great vibe and just a slight wink. It’s probably not a coincidence that a through line in her music is that a full life requires risk (I’m paraphrasing). Maybe I will finally learn to play that damn electric guitar this year. (Insert “there’s a 56 year old woman here” meme).

Here is Morgan Nagler’s Monday Mixtape:

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Morgan Nagler
Aries
Monte Nido CA

How do you find/discover music?

Word of mouth

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

‘Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)’by Elle King because I wanted to remember what her country hits sound like. Because I’m so obsessed with the clips of the new vibe she’s been posting … “I know that these days only motherfucker you can trust is the dog” - just wow

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

Beck’s cover of ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’ originally by the Korgies. The combination of Jon Brion and Beck and this song is some kind of magic. I simply can’t get enough of it’s perfect pocket.

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

Everyone should know about ‘System’ by Prewn. I am very excited about this artist. (ed note: SAME)

A song off your work-out playlist:

‘Denial is a River’ by Doechii - can’t stop won’t stop

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

‘Will You Still Live Me Tomorrow’ by Carole King

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

‘Don’t Cry’ by Guns N’ Roses- wore out the cassingle

What song best embodies California for you?

‘California’ by Joni Mitchell - my fave song of all time to sing along to

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

‘Rock Bottom Riser’ by Smog

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

‘Good Woman’ by Cat Power

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

‘Car Wheels On a Gravel Road’ - the entire album by Lucinda Williams or ‘Come On Home” by the Lijadu Sisters

What is your favorite cover song?

Currently ‘Years’ by John Anderson covered by Sierra Ferrell

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

‘Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die’ by Willie Nelson

All the songs on Morgan’s mixtape can be found HERE

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I don’t know what wave of emo we’re on now (seven?) but wherever we are, Tigers Jaw is near the top of that heap. They make the kind of emotionally-gripping, sweeping, beautiful music that oscillates between nostalgia and newness so fluidly that it kind of blurs them together. I’ve heard the new album (brag) and it’s fab and guess what you WILL cry. I personally was hot eyed watching the band perform at Something In The Way fest a few weeks ago (what, I’m not going to be moved by an entire crowd swaying and scream-singing the song back to the band? I’m only human my guy).

Tigers Jaw will release their new album, Lost on You, on March 27, 2026, via Hopeless Records. All four singles that have come out so far are so good but as for me, I can’t stop listening to “Ghost.” Goddamn gorgeous etc etc.

I asked front people (persons?) Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins for their Monday Mixtapes.

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Ben Walsh
Capricorn
Philadelphia, PA

Brianna Collins
Cancer
Kingston, PA

How do you find/discover music?

BEN: Looking at who cool bands are bringing to open up their tours, recommendations from friends, and sometimes the dreaded algorithm.

BRIANNA: Mostly recommendations from my husband and friends

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

BEN: Allen Wachs - “Adventures of the Invisible Dog”

BRIANNA: New Order - “Blue Monday”

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

BEN: Militarie Gun/Manchester Orchestra - “My Friends Are Having a Hard Time”

BRIANNA: Tigers Jaw - “BREEZER” (ed note: same tbh)

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

BEN: Momma - “Rodeo”

BRIANNA: Lana Del Rey - “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter”

A song off your work-out playlist:

BEN: Third Eye Blind - “Graduate” (ed note: IKTR)

BRIANNA: Justin Bieber - “Sorry”

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

BEN: Tears for Fears - “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”

BRIANNA: The Cardigans - “Lovefool”

What song do you listen to before you go on stage?

BEN: Fontaines DC - “Starburster”

BRIANNA: ABBA - “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

BEN: Osker - “Motionless”

BRIANNA: Fall Out Boy - “Chicago is So Two Years Ago”

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

BEN: David Bazan - “Hard to Be”

BRIANNA: The Verve - “Bittersweet Symphony”

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

BEN: Land of Talk - “It’s Okay”

BRIANNA: Tegan and Sara - “You Wouldn’t Like Me”

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

BEN: Oasis - “Acquiesce”

BRIANNA: Oasis - “Roll With It” (ed note: love this harmony)

What is your favorite cover song?

BEN: Karl Blau - “Fallin’ Rain”

BRIANNA: Slow Pulp - “Hanging By a Moment” (ed note: bangs!!)

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

BEN: Tom Petty - “Wildflowers”

BRIANNA: Dustin O’Halloran - “Opus 17”

All the songs on Tigers Jaw’s Monday Mixtape can be found here

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I have been here five days and have somehow not bought anything but beef jerky sticks and some questionable moisturizer. The night before last I got rockegnized at Takahachi (still honestly love when this happens even though I am severely luteal atm) while eating sushi with , who finally heeded the prayers of thousands and joined Substack. She is a genius in beauty and beyond, and is really one of the only people whose opinion I trust on skincare (and honestly, everything else). Her post today both guided me towards mollifying my chronic overwhelm and informed me of a new sauna opening in my hometown (if anyone at Bathhouse is reading this, I live nearby and am very interested in becoming a sweatfluencer).

Trying out a new format title (as I’m wont to do periodically because who cares, let’s have some fun). A few things that delighted or interested me this past week, plus five fab songs to listen to this weekend:

• this Twitter account called CIGARETTEMOVIES which highlights “real smoker movies” and quantifies how many cigarettes per minute each film highlighted contains.

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Stuart Braithwaite is the guitarist of the post-rock band Mogwai. I could take a bunch of time and words to describe them but I think all you really need to know is that they are one of Robert Smith’s favorite bands (The Cure has taken them out on tour multiple times just to prove it). Real heads will be up on Mighty Joe Young and his part in the supergroup Minor Victories. Real REAL heads will know him from his legendary appearance on the most Scottish episode of Bandsplain to date, the one about Jesus and Mary Chain.

Mogwai put out a new album last year called The Bad Fire. It rips. So does this:

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And so does Stuart’s taste. Here is his Monday Mixtape.

Stuart Braithwaite
Taurus
Glasgow, Scotland

How do you find/discover music?

I usually get recommendations from friends in record stores or gig promoters though I also hear stuff from tv, movies, and skate videos.

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

“The Passenger” by Iggy pop or “Girl/Boy Song” by Aphex Twin

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

“Law of Life” by Farah

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

“JCMF” by Alan Sparhawk

A song off your work-out playlist:

“Bring the Noise” by Public Enemy

What is a song by a Scottish artist you think is underrated:

“Harbour” by Kathryn Joseph

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

“Plainsong” by The Cure (ed note: god tier song, maybe the goddest tier)

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

“I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Ramones

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

“To Be Of Use” by Smog

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

“Ace of Spades” by Motörhead

What is your favorite cover song?

“Song to the Siren” by This Mortal Coil (ed note: a weeper)

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

“Outside” by The Dead C

All the songs on Stuart’s Monday Mixtape can be found here

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