By Tom Cameron
Winter is such a 50/50 time of year for many. It can be beautiful and joyous, and also very dark and saddening. But, hopefully here, there’ll be a record that fits your mood for this time of year.
Pink Moon by Nick Drake (1972)
Genre(s): Contemporary Folk, Singer-Songwriter
It took decades after his death in 1974 for Nick Drake to finally have his work be acknowledged, which is a shame, because Pink Moon’s minimalistic masterpiece, where Nick does a lot with a little. This record is gentle and cozy by nature, and beautiful. It may just be 28 minutes of a man and his guitar, but that’s partially what makes it so magical. Perfect for those quiet nights in.
Magdalene by FKA Twigs (2019)
Genres(s): Art Pop, Glitch Pop
This record got its name after Twigs felt inspired by St. Mary Magdalene, whose name was wrongfully dragged through the mud for centuries. Mary never got to speak her truth, but Twigs can, which is why among the cold isolated sound, Magdalene is cinematic and empowering, while staying raw and devastating at the same time. Twigs is a truly generational talent.
Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes (2008)
Genre(s): Chamber Folk, Indie Folk
The modern folk legend’s debut album sounds like it was specifically designed to be listened to by a fireplace, with a hot chocolate and blanket. It’s heartwarming ear candy.
White Tiger by 2hollis (2022)
Genre(s): Experimental Hip-Hop, Electroclash
2hollis is the big underground success story of 2024, which felt inevitable, as he effortlessly fuses many different electronic sounds of the last 15 years into a new sound. This sound he’s created can be just as ambient and mysterious as it is loud and explosive. Winter can be weird, lonely and confusing for some, and this embodies those feelings very well.
Disintegration by The Cure (1989)
Genre(s): Gothic Rock, Post-Punk
Easily the most popular record on the list, 35 years later, Disintegration remains not only one of the most beloved albums of the ‘80s, but of all time. Robert Smith’s melancholy is timeless and is backed with equally timeless ethereal ear candy. If you’re dramatic and very emotional, you’ll dig this.
Selected Ambient Works Volume II by Aphex Twin (1994)
Genre(s): Ambient, Electronic, Drone
Richard D. James’ two-hour behemoth is stunning, containing long, looping & addictive tracks that leave you alone with your thoughts. It’s feels as though it captures the whole spectrum of human emotion at times, with sounds that remain unfathomable 30 years later. Regardless of your state of mind, this record is perfect for staring out at the cold landscape, which could be either beautiful or bland and lifeless.
Kagayaki by Masakatsu Takagi (2014)
Genre(s): Neoclassical, Field Recordings, Chamber Music
This album feels like a fragment of life-esc dream that you don’t want to wake up from. It’s warming, and up-lifting. The field recordings sound as though Takagi was trying to reconnect with the beauty of nature in a way, and it absolutely worked. Kagayaki is like a warm hug from an old friend who always knows how to cheer you up.
Lil Peep Part One by Lil Peep (2015)
Genre(s): Emo Rap, Cloud Rap
The emo-rap legend’s debut tape sounds like it was made by a teenager in his room who was absolutely done-in and exhausted, and that’s because it was. It is gently sentimental and beautiful. It’s evident Peep had a heart of gold and felt a lot – that’s what makes him so beloved.
Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers (2020)
Genre(s): Singer-Songwriter, Indie Rock
Songwriting comes off as Phoebe’s sixth sense, and it’s very down to earth which is what made her so well-liked and popular. Pair this with very gentle vocals and gorgeous indie production, and you’re left with a truly lovely album that rewards several listens. Perfect for wondering the busy Christmas-rushed highstreets in the evening, acting as the perfect juxtaposition.
Weatherglow by Asian Glow & Weatherday
Genre(s): Noise Pop, Slacker Rock, Emo, Shoegaze
The two discreet internet rock artists came together for six tracks of loud, distorted and stunning emo-shoegaze. These two sing their hearts out, and every word shouted and sang feels rooted in nothing but absolute compassion, joy and sadness all at once. If you want to see the current state of left-field rock and feel overwhelmed with emotions, this EP is for you.
Photo by Diana ✨ on Pexels.com
