LOTW: Triste Janero, Being Dead, Joanna Sternberg
As I’ve continued through my journey of cataloging a select few listens from each month for the first half of 2023, there have been more and more records, songs, or moments that I’ve wanted to talk about. For the second half of 2023, I’ve decided to do just that: some casual, weekly rundowns of my favorite tunes that might not get their time in the spotlight in the monthly roundup (aka, Listens of the Week). July is already packed to the brim with exciting listens, so here’s what the first week had in store for me.
“A Beginning Dream,” “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” & “T.J. Blues,” Meet Triste Janero, Triste Janero (1969)
The first and only album from the Dallas-based trio, Meet Triste Janero is the easy summer listening of your dreams. Light but prominent vocals, a mix of contemporary pop/rock with classic Brazilian motifs and instrumentals, I can’t think of a sweeter record to play on a sunny morning. Barbara Baines’ vocals could simultaneously lull me to sleep and lift me from my greatest depressions. This record is also the definition of going out with a bang: the eight-minute closer, poppy jazz “T.J. Blues,” comes somewhat out of left field, and leaves you wondering where else this group could have gone if not for its split in ‘71.
Truly, all they had to do was bring the theme from “A Beginning Dream” back into their version of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice” and they had me.
Listen if you like: Bosso nova, The Beatles, dreamstates, strolls in the sun, loving someone and having a great time doing it, involuntarily moving to the beat
“Underworld” & “Apostles’ Prom,” Fame Money Death by Drive By, Being Dead (2019)
A new addition to Bayonet Records’ roster, I’d listened to a few 2023 singles from the Austin band’s catalog (a favorite being “Muriel’s Big Day Off”) (I guess I’m loving Texas-based groups this week?), but hadn’t ventured into their pre-record deal release, Fame Money Death by Drive By. The EP goes in a multitude of different directions, both between and within the songs themselves: “Underworld” opens with a horror movie-level scream, then immediately pivots to a doo-wap motif, which ends up getting coupled with the most psychedelic of psychedelic synth patterns. The creativity and playfulness alone is enough to make the 14 minute EP an enjoyable listen.
Listen if you like: The combination of full throttle + full volume, screaming into a pillow, being earnest, never knowing what the plan is, sarcasm
“People are Toys to You” & “The Human Magnet Song,” I’ve Got Me, Joanna Sternberg (2023)
On I’ve Got Me, Joanna Sternberg explores themes around self acceptance, growth and healing, and coming out of hardship in the most mature and dignified of ways. Between calling out those that have done them wrong (“People Are Toys to You”) and exploring the feeling of finally coming back to themselves after a time of dependence (“Drifting on a Cloud”), Sternberg took me places I was not expecting to go on a Wednesday morning. Throughout I’ve Got Me, I was encouraged to look at my past self with compassion and to be proud of the things I’ve overcome, even if I may not be 100% content with life’s current status.
Below are some lyrics I’ve been thinking way too much about since my first listen (from “People Are Toys to You,” “Mountains High” “Stockholm Syndrome,” “Drifting on a Cloud,” respectively).
“You said you stayed ’cause you felt bad for me / How sweet of you to call me charity / And maybe part of me did agree / I deserved all your pity”
“I often wonder why these thoughts keep crossing my mind / They run in circles, and always keep me falling behind / But when I look back, look back on the years / I see all of the time that I wasted on tears”
“Did you keep your room so dirty / So I’d feel like I had the flu? / Did you expect me to clean it / Like your mom must’ve done for you?”
“How long has it been / Since my laughter was bright, and I felt this light? / How long ago has it been? / I wish for this so long / I don’t know what was wrong / Just hope that it’s gone”
For my lovers of all things folk, this one is for you.
Listen if you like: Self love & reflection, Joni Mitchell, independence, lyrics that make you feel like the artist took them from the inner most parts of your brain never to be seen/heard by others and put them on display for all to hear, entrancing piano, improving your life for yourself and no one else.
Whew! What a week that was. I may not have disclosed every favorite (have to save some semblance of surprises for the monthly roundup), but as always, refer to the ever-evolving playlist for more favorites.
