Figure 8 – Elliot Smith

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith was crafted and released in 2000 three years before his death at the age of 34. Among Elliott’s unique gifts were his incredibly creative chord progressions. “Son of Sam” opens the album with an amazing harmony throughout the song. The piano and vocals on “Everything Means Nothing To Me” are performed in unison and the track ends with a beautiful orchestral performance. Tracks like “L.A.” and “Junk Bond Trader” are very lively with both encompassing exciting riffs and lyrics. The album takes a turn with “In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)”/“The Roost” when Smith performs a honky tonk with very interesting chord changes. “Can’t Make a Sound” is one of the last tracks, and it is one of the best.

-Matthew Leighton-Jones ‘25

Two Star & The Dream Police – Mk.gee

Compared to an early Prince by Eric Clapton, Mk.gee is a unique guitarist, vocalist, and producer who explores a wonderful soundscape. Blending ‘80s synths, smooth R&B production, and a darker shade of psychedelia, his album from earlier this year ranges from somber to impassioned. Throughout, the dynamics and effects are distinctly manipulated to immerse the listener directly in his emotions. Mk.gee has commented that it follows the second coming of a hero, with the story woven through sonically and lyrically. Through his extraordinary live shows and YouTube performances, he even continues to evolve the album to a whole new level. This project creates an
atmosphere that’s unlike any other.

-Nick Hammond ‘25

SOUR – Olivia Rodrigo 

After the rough breakup with a boyfriend at the time, Olivia Rodri-
go stormed into the music industry with her debut studio album, SOUR.
Reaching the top charts in no time, Rodrigo uses passionate lyricism and genre-hopping pop to express issues that many teenage girls often experience. The album’s name refers to the “sour” emotions teenagers often go through, and the songs accentuate this theme. Ranging
from the rage shown in “brutal” to the heartache shown in “favorite crime,” Rodrigo sums up practically all the emotions the moody teens
express. This masterpiece is the perfect comfort album if you’re a struggling teenager filled to the brim with feelings you can’t describe.

-Matilda Hawkins ‘27

Headless Cross – Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath’s unholy council came together and concocted the wicked Headless Cross in April of 1989. With ungodly, atmospheric keyboards, “The Gates Of Hell” sets the tone for what this album has to offer. New member Laurence Cottle’s doom-soaked bass riffs provided the foundation for heavy metal godfather Toni Lommi’s mystic guitarwork to take center stage while also leaving
room for drumming veteran Cozy Powell to really shine. This expertise in haunting musicianship lays the groundwork for vocalist Tony Martin to relay his fantasy soaked, frequently magical lyrics to fans.
Headless Cross remains his most evil and blasphemous work to date.

-Jack Engelhardt ‘25