May Sounds

by Spenser Vannerson

We are now one week into June, which means I’ve given myself ample time to sit with all of May’s releases and compiled my Top 10 for the month. If you read this list and say “what about _____!!” I will say that there were many albums I genuinely liked and spent time with that didn’t make it on the list. There’s also the possibility that I didn’t hear what you love - in which case tell me!! My music listening totaled 10 full days (plus one hour!) In the month of May so know, at the very least, I’m TRYING Jennifer. 

And remember, this is not a ranking - they are in order of release! True rankings are for the end of the year people. So without any more interruption - I hope you enjoy these 10 picks! Let them be the gateway to loving more and listening to more and most importantly supporting more art!! 

Lucius - Lucius (5/2)

“Do It All For You” // “Stranger Danger” // “Old Tape”

There is deep nostalgia in the pop-folk forward, harmony driven sound of Lucius. I’ll spare you the recency bias that tells me this is their best work (it probably is though!) and just say this is a GREAT album. The cohesiveness really drives it home, courtesy of drummer Dan Molad, who hasn’t been the sole producing name since their debut LP, 2013’s Wildewoman. The album feels like whatever mood you put it on in, as there are songs for every occasion. Something to wake up to (“Mad Love”), something to go to sleep to (“At the End of The Day”, something sweet (“Do It All For You”), something to let loose with (“Old Tape”), something WE NEED. Each listen has put a genuine smile on my face (namely the second half of “Stranger Danger”) and if this is in your wheelhouse I know it will do the same for you!!

Jenny Hval - Iris Silver Mist (5/2)

“To be a rose” // “You died” // “I want the end to sound like this”

My most abstract rec could also be your most rewarding listen! Jenny has a knack for challenging you just as much as she comforts you. Making your way through the first three tracks will give you three different vibes, but none of them feel wrong. From experimental alternative, to electronic, to ambient - the journey is only just beginning. If you feel the urge to stop or skip I would ask that you commit to one full listen as the album, like most albums, works better in full. A fractured listen will remove the cohesion and can feel disjointed. After that, using what you gleaned from a PROPER listen, is up to you. I crave some songs as standalones while others only work as a combo. Either way, sink your teeth in. Expand those cravings. And if you find yourself needing more, her 2022 record Classic Objects will not let you go hungry!

Men I Trust - Equus Caballus (5/6)

“Come Back Down” // “Where I Sit” // “Billy Toppy (2025)”

In my HUMBLE opinion Men I Trust are never better than when they lean heavy into a big baseline and let it ride. Now, be forewarned, this album being on the list might be entirely because their 2022 single (and jammiest jam), “Billie Toppy,” finally has a home on an album and it I want to celebrate it. The reality is that the whole album just feels GOOD. Earlier this year they released the VERY chill (but also great!) Equus Asinus. Given the weather at the time of release (I am all about the weather as it pertains to sound, I will not stop talking about) it hit just right. So it’s only fair that as the temperature changes we get something to complement it. Warm synths, 808s you can feel, some twangy guitar. It’s all there. It’s put me in a trance each time I throw it on. Let it take you!

Erika de Casier - Lifetime (5/9)

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” // “December” // “Lifetime”

While the sound may be familiar it might take a second to recognize why. After a few songs you’ll come to realize her sound, or rather her instincts as an artist, bring to mind a late 90’s / early 2000s R&B. Her last release, the steely-groovy Still, so it was to my surprise (and joy!) to have a follow up so soon. Even better, the album is a beautiful exploration of the more sensual sounds of the era. Where Still channeled Janet and Aaliyah, Lifetime gives us more Sade, keeping the vibe relaxed. It evokes the feeling of being dipped in cold water on a hot day. Something I’ll be needing all Summer long, just like this album.

Kali Uchis - Sincerely, (5/9)

“Lose My Cool” into “It’s Just Us” // “Silk Lingerie,” into “Territorial” // "Angels All Around Me” into “Breeze”

Dare I say my favorite first listen of the year? You know those albums that, with every move they make, it’s exactly what you want to hear? That was this for me. I am a sucker for a cohesive project - give me a FLOW, give me transitions, give me themes, give me INTENTION! Credit to Kali, who always put thought into her albums. For someone at her level of popularity it would be easy to just pump out a singles driven record, many in her position do, instead she is meticulous in her execution - the mark of an ARTIST, and one that continues to grow in every way. 

Which brings me to the album - classic, cinematic, sensual! I can’t remember the last time a steady, mid-tempo dominant album has given me so much life. There is no repetition, each song is very much it’s own, and yet the blend is stunning. Once you start the only time it feels right to stop is when the album finishes. This will be spinning for quite awhile so stop by, stay awhile, join me for a listen! 

Lido Pimienta - La Belleza (5/16)

“Ahora” // “¿Quién Tiene La Luz? (El Perdón)?” // “Busca La Luz”

It’s felt like forever since Lido gifted us with Miss Colombia back in 2020. It was in my Top 5 for that year - a sacred and coveted honor. It was big, it was beautiful, it was catchy…what we’re given here is no different when it comes to ambition and scope. This plays more like a night with a baroque orchestra - loud and brassy one second, string forward with a choir backing the next. I hesitate to call these tracks songs as they feel more like movements. Classical music is as near to my heart as an true version of a genre can be, so to listen to it incorporated in such a wonderful way from an artist who is clearly boundless in vision and it ability, well…enough can’t be said. I know this will be high on my year end list, just as her last album did. Special special stuff. 

Tune-Yards - Better Dreaming (5/16)

“Never Look Back” // “Limelight” // “Get Through”

Their first album in four years is also their most inspired work in a decade. Their energy is explosive, their sound is big, their style is joyous, and this album is DANCEABLE. With their last few releases being quitter, more introspective, this album feels like it was shot out of a rocket. Vocalist Merrill Garbus sounds incredible. Her unorthodox phrasing and delivery style are matched this time around with a melody forward approach that makes this their most accessible record. That being said, it’s still very much a Tune-Yards record, which will mean something to fans weary of change. Nate Brenner, Garbus’ partner and co-head of the band, pulls out all the stops on the production side giving us some of their grooviest tracks to date. And if you think they sound fun on the album just wait until you see them live! They’ll be in NY on 10/9 this year, mark your calendars.

Miso Extra - Earcandy (5/16)

“Good Kisses” // “Ghostly” // “Don’t Care”

I know I know, I constantly speak of summer fun and yet I don’t give you a pop album to bounce to. Enter Miso Extra with a debut that has all the makings of a star turn. The album has something for everyone - giving us a 1:1 ratio of dance all night / chill all day. Sitting in the producers chair is coveted engineer / mixer Ricky Damien (Sampha / Jorja Smith / Yebba), who works wonders for the albums package as a whole. So often we have 10 different producers and a collection of singles - keeping things steady by using an ear like Ricky’s shows the intention for the project to be more than a generic pop record. The album’s title is a perfect descriptor, it IS ear candy. It’s perfect for dancing alone in your room, walking around the city, driving around with friends, really there’s no reason not spin it. Get on board early, it’s only going up from here!

These New Puritans - Crooked Wing (5/23)

“Waiting” // “Bells” // “A Season In Hell”

I just chose the first three songs of the album because it really works best as a single, complete listen

If you’re tired of me saying “this is a great album for Summer!” then look no further weary traveller, for ye can finally rest. This will carry the most weight in the wee hours of the morning or the in the darkest hours of night. What you may not know about me (yet!) is that I tend to gravitate towards more melancholy sounds. I like what brings me peace, I like music I can dream to. Enter Crooked Wing, the 5th album from brothers Jack and George Barnett. It’s a BEAUTIFUL exploration of chamber music, creating atmosphere and ambiance at every turn. Their work has leaned in this direction for years and this album feels very lived in as a result. I love classical music and all the sub-genres at it’s disposal, but a chamber orchestra paired with choral music might sit atop the ranking. This is a wonderful alternative to the other records on the list and come Fall it’s going to land an even bigger punch. Enjoy now, love later!

Obongjayar - Paradise Now (5/30)

“Moon Eyes” // “Sweet Danger” // “Just My Luck”

While Obongjayar might not be a household name, once you’ve heard him you won’t forget as he employs one of the most distinctive voices in music. The gravelly, soulful, sometimes growl-esque quality he projects is what you’ll notice first, but there is a beautiful softness he can switch to (“Moon Eyes” and “Born In this Body”) showing range a that isn’t often celebrated. The album features his usual collection of genres: afro beats, electro pop, R&B, alternative, etc. While this may seem like a lot, he weaves them together seamlessly, possessing a quality few have, which is that every genre sounds at home coming out of his mouth. Like many of the albums I’ve enjoyed this month it’s a perfect fit for the warm weather that’s starting to hit. Hit play with confidence! And gusto!

They say alls well that ends well and with that in mind I’ve got one more thing - two EPs as quick suggests because 1) I love the artists 2) I love a quick hit 3) it’s a way for me to sneak in more recs.

Naomi Sharon - The Only Love We Know (5/9)

Smooth, sensual, romantic…I have played her debut, 2023’s Obsidian, into the ground. She is the closest thing we have to new Sade and I will always need as much of that as possible. Drift away in the best way possible. 

Kilo Kish - Negotiations (5/16)

Hearing the single “enough” was all I needed to know this was something I would become addicted to. It’s electronica, it’s glitchy, it’s groovy - this release is a great complement to her continued exploration of different sounds and textures. If this speaks to you then hop over to her last LP, 2022’s AMERICAN GURL.