bagagwaa
@bagagwaa.bsky.social
my name is Ben. no colon, no masters. antizionist jew. I'm writing about music and life at traumaangel.substack.com
all pronouns are fine, I'm too old to care how you perceive me
all pronouns are fine, I'm too old to care how you perceive me
Pinned
bagagwaa
@bagagwaa.bsky.social
· Nov 15
It has to start somewhere
And unfortunately for you, that place is an unwieldy post in which I work to regain my footing as a writer
open.substack.com
It's here! It's here! My new blog/newsletter, Trauma Angel, is now live. It's a music site but also not just a music site. Read, share, subscribe, or don't. I'm not your mother. Short reviews of new music by Thank, Chat Pile, Ardente, Melted Bodies, and so much more. Thanks for your time and love.
Reposted by bagagwaa
Seeing hugely talented people getting laid off from the handful of remaining music journalism jobs really makes me want to go on a rant about whose fault this is because there is a LOT of blame to go around... but I will say: when these laid off journos start newsletters, become PAID subscribers
December 8, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Seeing hugely talented people getting laid off from the handful of remaining music journalism jobs really makes me want to go on a rant about whose fault this is because there is a LOT of blame to go around... but I will say: when these laid off journos start newsletters, become PAID subscribers
Every time a guest at my work is visiting from the Netherlands, I can tell from their accent and I get a little thrill. It's been nearly eight years since I've attended a Roadburn, but I get such homesickness for it. I need to return soon.
December 8, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Every time a guest at my work is visiting from the Netherlands, I can tell from their accent and I get a little thrill. It's been nearly eight years since I've attended a Roadburn, but I get such homesickness for it. I need to return soon.
good morning
Fela Kuti - Observation No Crime
YouTube video by Fela Kuti
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
good morning
I had a great time listening to music this week. Did you?
December 8, 2025 at 6:43 AM
I had a great time listening to music this week. Did you?
Going to work should be illegal when a sweet puppy wants to be held
December 7, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Going to work should be illegal when a sweet puppy wants to be held
good morning
Coil - Things Happen
YouTube video by caloo9bu
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM
good morning
I’m 38 and have never heard an LCD Soundsystem song before, even though it’s supposedly the music for people my age. Is it just nostalgia or would it work properly if I hear it for the first time now?
December 7, 2025 at 12:42 AM
I’m 38 and have never heard an LCD Soundsystem song before, even though it’s supposedly the music for people my age. Is it just nostalgia or would it work properly if I hear it for the first time now?
good morning
Kate Bush - Breathing - Official Music Video
YouTube video by KateBushMusic
www.youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:58 PM
good morning
Crisp, cold electronics for your bandcamp Friday consideration
December 5, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Crisp, cold electronics for your bandcamp Friday consideration
If we are friends, you should tell me about your favorite music that I should hear this bandcamp Friday (it doesn't have to be new). I'm rather open-minded, so throw whatever you've been enjoying my way.
December 5, 2025 at 7:28 PM
If we are friends, you should tell me about your favorite music that I should hear this bandcamp Friday (it doesn't have to be new). I'm rather open-minded, so throw whatever you've been enjoying my way.
I like this album because it feels devious and sinister while also being oddly charming and sweet.
Strangers From The Universe, by Thinking Fellers Union Local 282
14 track album
tful282.bandcamp.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:21 PM
I like this album because it feels devious and sinister while also being oddly charming and sweet.
Wish more post-punk bands would go for nervous, wretched energy like this instead of just doing the Joy Division paint by numbers stuff. Love to punish myself by listening to Whispering Sons.
Several Others, by Whispering Sons
10 track album
whisperingsons.bandcamp.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Wish more post-punk bands would go for nervous, wretched energy like this instead of just doing the Joy Division paint by numbers stuff. Love to punish myself by listening to Whispering Sons.
I've lived in New York for nine years and still don't own any winter clothing more practical than a heavy peacoat. Thinking this might be the year that finally gets me to actually buy things meant to handle cold, wet weather.
December 4, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I've lived in New York for nine years and still don't own any winter clothing more practical than a heavy peacoat. Thinking this might be the year that finally gets me to actually buy things meant to handle cold, wet weather.
Finally checked out the couple NIN tribute albums on bandcamp and I REALLY wish it hadn't been handled by a label that specializes in stoner rock. There's a few interesting and noteworthy additions but a LOT of mediocre covers by bands whose names I've already forgotten.
December 3, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Finally checked out the couple NIN tribute albums on bandcamp and I REALLY wish it hadn't been handled by a label that specializes in stoner rock. There's a few interesting and noteworthy additions but a LOT of mediocre covers by bands whose names I've already forgotten.
Listening to '80s Sepultura this morning and you can tell just how much they loved Celtic Frost, which is awesome because I also love Celtic Frost (and Sepultura)
December 3, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Listening to '80s Sepultura this morning and you can tell just how much they loved Celtic Frost, which is awesome because I also love Celtic Frost (and Sepultura)
I had so much fun in California but I’m very happy to be back in New York just in time for the shift into the holidays.
December 3, 2025 at 2:12 AM
I had so much fun in California but I’m very happy to be back in New York just in time for the shift into the holidays.
I haven’t flown much since before my illness and it’s wild how terrified I was flying in July and how it grows easier with each flight now. I’d still rather not be on a plane, but my anxiety is now mostly replaced with frustration about the seats being uncomfortable.
December 2, 2025 at 8:29 PM
I haven’t flown much since before my illness and it’s wild how terrified I was flying in July and how it grows easier with each flight now. I’d still rather not be on a plane, but my anxiety is now mostly replaced with frustration about the seats being uncomfortable.
At the airport and heard “2000 Miles” by The Pretenders while buying some gum and water for my flight and it got me emotional in a way I wouldn’t have expected.
December 2, 2025 at 6:50 PM
At the airport and heard “2000 Miles” by The Pretenders while buying some gum and water for my flight and it got me emotional in a way I wouldn’t have expected.
Awesome ad I just saw. Unfortunately I have decent taste and cannot be compensated for my lack of it.
December 2, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Awesome ad I just saw. Unfortunately I have decent taste and cannot be compensated for my lack of it.
December 2nd, 7:51am at Beanstalk Cafe in San Francisco. I have heard my first Christmas song of the year, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” Made it pretty late in the season, I think. I’m okay with this.
December 2, 2025 at 3:53 PM
December 2nd, 7:51am at Beanstalk Cafe in San Francisco. I have heard my first Christmas song of the year, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” Made it pretty late in the season, I think. I’m okay with this.
Ended up in San Francisco unexpectedly and I'm just kicking around for the night. All my friends who live here are at work or otherwise busy, so I'm just going to take myself out for a nice meal to unwind before I have to return to NYC. Life could be worse.
December 2, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Ended up in San Francisco unexpectedly and I'm just kicking around for the night. All my friends who live here are at work or otherwise busy, so I'm just going to take myself out for a nice meal to unwind before I have to return to NYC. Life could be worse.
I had a wonderful time listening to music this week. Did you?
December 1, 2025 at 3:21 AM
I had a wonderful time listening to music this week. Did you?
Incredible sunset from my folks’ backyard today. NYC may be home but I sure am spoiled getting to visit a place this beautiful.
November 30, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Incredible sunset from my folks’ backyard today. NYC may be home but I sure am spoiled getting to visit a place this beautiful.
Paid a visit to the taco truck that fed me a couple nights a week in high school. 22 years later and the veggie quesadilla plate tastes exactly the same and it’s still incredible.
November 29, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Paid a visit to the taco truck that fed me a couple nights a week in high school. 22 years later and the veggie quesadilla plate tastes exactly the same and it’s still incredible.
Too much idle time in my childhood home. Hurting my own feelings with music because there's little else to do.
beautypill.bandcamp.com/track/prison...
beautypill.bandcamp.com/track/prison...
November 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Too much idle time in my childhood home. Hurting my own feelings with music because there's little else to do.
beautypill.bandcamp.com/track/prison...
beautypill.bandcamp.com/track/prison...