"Onion Man" - Mac DeMarco
Genre: Instrumental, Indie
RIYL: Macabre Plaza, Lamp

After an eight year wait that left fans scrounging the internet for bootlegged scraps, Mac DeMarco has finally graced streaming platforms with the unannounced re-release of his 2015 album Some Other Ones. Another instrumental release from indie’s always silly, ever-elusive uncle, Some Other Ones unearthed a time capsule of Mac’s early sound; a post Salad Days, pre Another One touchpoint for these classic album’s constituent tunes. Reminiscent of some of his more buoyant tracks like “Let Her Go” or “The Way You’d Love Her,” “Onion Man” cheerfully floats in one ear and out the other, dishing out upbeat indie for the soul. Throughout “Onion Man,” his guitar does the singing, slipping and sliding through the song’s undulating synth and skipping drums. It’s an easy listen, light and fun and repetitive in a comforting way, with catchy riffs and soothing melodies that feel so characteristically Mac. Like all good instrumentals should, Mac’s build an ambiance that tells a story. In this way, “Onion Man” is a sunny breeze, inviting listeners to hitch a ride as it drifts along its merry way, perfect for a bright bike ride or a temperate Sunday sunset.

-Gia Canto

"Better Than Snow" - Norah Jones & Laufey
Genre: Holiday, Jazz, Pop
RIYL: Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Billie Holiday

There comes a time near mid-November when the holiday roll-out gets its careful start. Mariah Carey slowly defrosts out of a three-season hibernation, cafés start to release all-new artery-clogging flavors, and Target’s aisles of discount Halloween candy get replaced by DIY gingerbread houses, instant hot-chocolate, and cutesy Christmas ornaments. As we round out the month, gratefully rejoicing in bountiful Thanksgiving meals with finals looming overhead, a lovey-dovey Christmas song is exactly what everybody needs right now. Norah Jones and Laufey give the gift of love this season, warming our hearts with their recent collaboration, “Better than Snow." An ode to Christmas in L.A., “Better than Snow” ushers the holiday season with its lovingly romantic waltz. Eliciting images of decorated palm trees and sand-castle snowmen, Jones and Laufey’s equally comforting, gloriously soothing vocals sway every so elegantly through the light harmony of the acoustic guitar and piano that accompany them. It’s a holiday love song that’s just the right amount of Christmas, as they tug on our heartstrings with subtly festive adorations, singing, “I'll take the warmest/ Day of the year 'cause/ Christmas with you is/Better than snow.”

-Gia Canto

"Sunday" - Momma
Genre: Indie Rock
RIYL: Soccer Mommy, Wolf Alice

Riding the high from their 2022 release Household Name, Indie rock band Momma is back with a brand new track, Sunday. The song is guided by the heavy guitars and drums you would expect of this genre, with a punching, climactic chorus. In a simple message, the band sings “Fall in love/ See things through/ And know I've had enough of it.” This song feels like the morning after, waking up to reality from a hazy dream. The title lends itself to this feeling and the unrest that comes with it. Momma gives us a catharsis for the pain of seeing something with fresh eyes and knowing it has to change.

-Cordelia Janow

"Press On" - John R. Miller
Genre: Country
RIYL: Margo Price, Lyle Lovett

American songwriter and country musician John R. Miller is back with his fourth album, Heat Comes Down. In the album, Miller ruminates on his misery, past lovers, and the sad state of the world. However, the album takes a hopeful turn with its closing track “Press On.” In “Press On” Miller offers a simple yet motivating solution to finding your way through life: “Press On.” Backed by a twangy guitar and soulful backup singers, Miller’s southern drawl and deep voice are on full display in this lighthearted track. With just enough self-awareness to stay positive, Miller encourages listeners to “Keep it going / but keep it going slow”, acknowledging that you have to love forward no matter how slow you go. The endearing melody and warmth of the song would make even the most skeptical of listeners want to tune in. Heat Comes Down is out now.

-Cordelia Janow

NEW ADDS: Mac DeMarco, Norah Jones, Laufey, Momma, John R. Miller