The Contours

Monobody, “Country Doctor”

Monobody is one of those bands that has a real mismatch of names. For whatever reason, I don’t think this should be a math-rock/post-rock kind of band. “Monobody” seems like it should really be a garage rock outfit, all galloping guitars, distortion, and sneers. No horns should be involved.

Quelle Chris, “Guns”

The title track to his 2019 release, this was one of the best hip-hop albums released that year. The sort of dream-like production really sets off against the serious subject matter of the lyrics. A great album.

Do you love Five Songs?

Screeching Weasel, “You’ll Be In My Dreams Today”

It probably says something about me that I own a lot more Screeching Weasel than I do the Ramones. Specifically, it says how old I am.

Jay-Z, “I Know”

One of Jay-Z’s strengths is how he has a bunch of different flows that he uses on different songs. Unlike some rappers, including plenty of famous ones, he always seems to change things up to really play along with the beat. And Pharrell Williams put together a great one here.