Matthew B
@hew-brew.bsky.social
The best movies I saw for the first time in May 2025:
June 2, 2025 at 12:53 AM
The best movies I saw for the first time in May 2025:
The best movies I saw for the first time in April 2025:
June 2, 2025 at 12:51 AM
The best movies I saw for the first time in April 2025:
The best movies I saw for the first time in March 2025:
April 2, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The best movies I saw for the first time in March 2025:
The best movies I saw for the first time in February 2025:
March 2, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The best movies I saw for the first time in February 2025:
#28. Astrud Gilberto - The Astrud Gilberto Album (1965)
Very pleasant way to end this year’s #MWE, with Gilberto’s steady vocals and easy Latin jazz sounds. A carefree listen that highlights why Gilberto is the voice of Bossa Nova.
Very pleasant way to end this year’s #MWE, with Gilberto’s steady vocals and easy Latin jazz sounds. A carefree listen that highlights why Gilberto is the voice of Bossa Nova.
March 1, 2025 at 12:30 AM
#28. Astrud Gilberto - The Astrud Gilberto Album (1965)
Very pleasant way to end this year’s #MWE, with Gilberto’s steady vocals and easy Latin jazz sounds. A carefree listen that highlights why Gilberto is the voice of Bossa Nova.
Very pleasant way to end this year’s #MWE, with Gilberto’s steady vocals and easy Latin jazz sounds. A carefree listen that highlights why Gilberto is the voice of Bossa Nova.
#27. Angus & Julia Stone - Angus & Julia Stone (2014)
Really strong collection of folk-pop that is frequently gentle and beautiful. The duo’s chemistry is excellent, and the record builds its mood towards a powerful ending with a trio of longer tracks that punctuate the affair. #MWE
Really strong collection of folk-pop that is frequently gentle and beautiful. The duo’s chemistry is excellent, and the record builds its mood towards a powerful ending with a trio of longer tracks that punctuate the affair. #MWE
February 27, 2025 at 10:24 PM
#27. Angus & Julia Stone - Angus & Julia Stone (2014)
Really strong collection of folk-pop that is frequently gentle and beautiful. The duo’s chemistry is excellent, and the record builds its mood towards a powerful ending with a trio of longer tracks that punctuate the affair. #MWE
Really strong collection of folk-pop that is frequently gentle and beautiful. The duo’s chemistry is excellent, and the record builds its mood towards a powerful ending with a trio of longer tracks that punctuate the affair. #MWE
#26. Carolina Chocolate Drops - Genuine Negro Jig (2010)
The trio succeed in making the traditional feel fresh and exciting, without losing the history and debt to the past. They’re perhaps even better at taking the present back to tradition, as in the standout reworking of Blu Cantrell. Great. #MWE
The trio succeed in making the traditional feel fresh and exciting, without losing the history and debt to the past. They’re perhaps even better at taking the present back to tradition, as in the standout reworking of Blu Cantrell. Great. #MWE
February 26, 2025 at 12:06 PM
#26. Carolina Chocolate Drops - Genuine Negro Jig (2010)
The trio succeed in making the traditional feel fresh and exciting, without losing the history and debt to the past. They’re perhaps even better at taking the present back to tradition, as in the standout reworking of Blu Cantrell. Great. #MWE
The trio succeed in making the traditional feel fresh and exciting, without losing the history and debt to the past. They’re perhaps even better at taking the present back to tradition, as in the standout reworking of Blu Cantrell. Great. #MWE
#18. The Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up the Girl
I like the way he sings with passion, and I really like it when they turn up the instruments and just rock out. It’s got great energy and is just easy to listen to, even when it gets loud and heavy. My top 3 songs are “Iris,” “Broadway,” and “Bullet Proof.”
I like the way he sings with passion, and I really like it when they turn up the instruments and just rock out. It’s got great energy and is just easy to listen to, even when it gets loud and heavy. My top 3 songs are “Iris,” “Broadway,” and “Bullet Proof.”
February 26, 2025 at 12:43 AM
#18. The Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy Up the Girl
I like the way he sings with passion, and I really like it when they turn up the instruments and just rock out. It’s got great energy and is just easy to listen to, even when it gets loud and heavy. My top 3 songs are “Iris,” “Broadway,” and “Bullet Proof.”
I like the way he sings with passion, and I really like it when they turn up the instruments and just rock out. It’s got great energy and is just easy to listen to, even when it gets loud and heavy. My top 3 songs are “Iris,” “Broadway,” and “Bullet Proof.”
#25. 21 Savage - I Am > I Was
Mumble rap isn’t usually my favorite, but 21 Savage whispers his way to a winner here, proving he and Metro Boomin are about as good as it gets for this style. Despite a few high profile guests, 21 Savage is the star, proving he’s his own best featured artist. #MWE
Mumble rap isn’t usually my favorite, but 21 Savage whispers his way to a winner here, proving he and Metro Boomin are about as good as it gets for this style. Despite a few high profile guests, 21 Savage is the star, proving he’s his own best featured artist. #MWE
February 25, 2025 at 11:26 PM
#25. 21 Savage - I Am > I Was
Mumble rap isn’t usually my favorite, but 21 Savage whispers his way to a winner here, proving he and Metro Boomin are about as good as it gets for this style. Despite a few high profile guests, 21 Savage is the star, proving he’s his own best featured artist. #MWE
Mumble rap isn’t usually my favorite, but 21 Savage whispers his way to a winner here, proving he and Metro Boomin are about as good as it gets for this style. Despite a few high profile guests, 21 Savage is the star, proving he’s his own best featured artist. #MWE
#24. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - What Love Has… Joined Together (1970)
No skips, top tier R&B/Soul record. Smokey always sounds amazing, and the arrangement and song selection here are perfect. The title track and their take on “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” are standouts. #MWE
No skips, top tier R&B/Soul record. Smokey always sounds amazing, and the arrangement and song selection here are perfect. The title track and their take on “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” are standouts. #MWE
February 25, 2025 at 11:21 AM
#24. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - What Love Has… Joined Together (1970)
No skips, top tier R&B/Soul record. Smokey always sounds amazing, and the arrangement and song selection here are perfect. The title track and their take on “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” are standouts. #MWE
No skips, top tier R&B/Soul record. Smokey always sounds amazing, and the arrangement and song selection here are perfect. The title track and their take on “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” are standouts. #MWE
#23. Judy Collins - Wildflowers (1967)
Judy Collins has a voice that could sing the phone book, but thankfully she sticks with songs from the likes of Cohen and Mitchell here, and the result is delightful. The arrangement and her interpretation of “Both Sides Now” is particularly great. #MWE
Judy Collins has a voice that could sing the phone book, but thankfully she sticks with songs from the likes of Cohen and Mitchell here, and the result is delightful. The arrangement and her interpretation of “Both Sides Now” is particularly great. #MWE
February 23, 2025 at 9:50 PM
#23. Judy Collins - Wildflowers (1967)
Judy Collins has a voice that could sing the phone book, but thankfully she sticks with songs from the likes of Cohen and Mitchell here, and the result is delightful. The arrangement and her interpretation of “Both Sides Now” is particularly great. #MWE
Judy Collins has a voice that could sing the phone book, but thankfully she sticks with songs from the likes of Cohen and Mitchell here, and the result is delightful. The arrangement and her interpretation of “Both Sides Now” is particularly great. #MWE
#22. Open Road - Gary Barlow (1997)
Robbie became the solo megastar & got the biopic with a CGI primate, but Barlow proves he has the chops for solo success with a solid debut. Was not expecting a Joe Diffie cover, but I liked it, and the live “Back for Good” closer is a nice nod to his roots. #MWE
Robbie became the solo megastar & got the biopic with a CGI primate, but Barlow proves he has the chops for solo success with a solid debut. Was not expecting a Joe Diffie cover, but I liked it, and the live “Back for Good” closer is a nice nod to his roots. #MWE
February 22, 2025 at 3:08 PM
#22. Open Road - Gary Barlow (1997)
Robbie became the solo megastar & got the biopic with a CGI primate, but Barlow proves he has the chops for solo success with a solid debut. Was not expecting a Joe Diffie cover, but I liked it, and the live “Back for Good” closer is a nice nod to his roots. #MWE
Robbie became the solo megastar & got the biopic with a CGI primate, but Barlow proves he has the chops for solo success with a solid debut. Was not expecting a Joe Diffie cover, but I liked it, and the live “Back for Good” closer is a nice nod to his roots. #MWE
#21. Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is (2005)
Great example of the hip-hop influenced, mainstream R&B of the early 2000s. Cole tackles heartbreak and scorned love with attitude and confidence over some slick rhythms. Kanye’s production on “I Changed My Mind” is a reminder of what we used to have. #MWE
Great example of the hip-hop influenced, mainstream R&B of the early 2000s. Cole tackles heartbreak and scorned love with attitude and confidence over some slick rhythms. Kanye’s production on “I Changed My Mind” is a reminder of what we used to have. #MWE
February 22, 2025 at 2:47 PM
#21. Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is (2005)
Great example of the hip-hop influenced, mainstream R&B of the early 2000s. Cole tackles heartbreak and scorned love with attitude and confidence over some slick rhythms. Kanye’s production on “I Changed My Mind” is a reminder of what we used to have. #MWE
Great example of the hip-hop influenced, mainstream R&B of the early 2000s. Cole tackles heartbreak and scorned love with attitude and confidence over some slick rhythms. Kanye’s production on “I Changed My Mind” is a reminder of what we used to have. #MWE
#20. Daryl Hall & John Oates - H2O (1982)
“Maneater” and “One on One” were the big hits that had me give this one a spin, but the rest of the record keeps pace with the standout singles delivering a great set of blue-eyed soul and fun dance-rock. #MWE
“Maneater” and “One on One” were the big hits that had me give this one a spin, but the rest of the record keeps pace with the standout singles delivering a great set of blue-eyed soul and fun dance-rock. #MWE
February 20, 2025 at 9:34 PM
#20. Daryl Hall & John Oates - H2O (1982)
“Maneater” and “One on One” were the big hits that had me give this one a spin, but the rest of the record keeps pace with the standout singles delivering a great set of blue-eyed soul and fun dance-rock. #MWE
“Maneater” and “One on One” were the big hits that had me give this one a spin, but the rest of the record keeps pace with the standout singles delivering a great set of blue-eyed soul and fun dance-rock. #MWE
#19. Procol Harum - A Salty Dog (1969)
The title track is a prog rock masterpiece, and the entire affair is ambitious and exciting. Brooker’s vocals are complemented by the polished orchestral arrangements and all the (literal) bells and whistles. #MWE
The title track is a prog rock masterpiece, and the entire affair is ambitious and exciting. Brooker’s vocals are complemented by the polished orchestral arrangements and all the (literal) bells and whistles. #MWE
February 19, 2025 at 10:56 AM
#19. Procol Harum - A Salty Dog (1969)
The title track is a prog rock masterpiece, and the entire affair is ambitious and exciting. Brooker’s vocals are complemented by the polished orchestral arrangements and all the (literal) bells and whistles. #MWE
The title track is a prog rock masterpiece, and the entire affair is ambitious and exciting. Brooker’s vocals are complemented by the polished orchestral arrangements and all the (literal) bells and whistles. #MWE
#17. Sheryl Crow - Tuesday Night Music Club
She tries lots of different styles, from more rock sounding to slow and even a little jazzy, and they all sound great. There are lots of instruments, which is fun. My top three songs are “Leaving Las Vegas,” “All I Wanna Do,” and “We Do What We Can.”
She tries lots of different styles, from more rock sounding to slow and even a little jazzy, and they all sound great. There are lots of instruments, which is fun. My top three songs are “Leaving Las Vegas,” “All I Wanna Do,” and “We Do What We Can.”
February 19, 2025 at 1:14 AM
#17. Sheryl Crow - Tuesday Night Music Club
She tries lots of different styles, from more rock sounding to slow and even a little jazzy, and they all sound great. There are lots of instruments, which is fun. My top three songs are “Leaving Las Vegas,” “All I Wanna Do,” and “We Do What We Can.”
She tries lots of different styles, from more rock sounding to slow and even a little jazzy, and they all sound great. There are lots of instruments, which is fun. My top three songs are “Leaving Las Vegas,” “All I Wanna Do,” and “We Do What We Can.”
#16. Beyoncé - Lemonade
She’s a really great singer, and the beats are good for dancing. I like the way she brings in other singers and rappers to change things up. My top three songs are “All Night,” “Love Drought,” and “Formation.”
She’s a really great singer, and the beats are good for dancing. I like the way she brings in other singers and rappers to change things up. My top three songs are “All Night,” “Love Drought,” and “Formation.”
February 18, 2025 at 11:07 PM
#16. Beyoncé - Lemonade
She’s a really great singer, and the beats are good for dancing. I like the way she brings in other singers and rappers to change things up. My top three songs are “All Night,” “Love Drought,” and “Formation.”
She’s a really great singer, and the beats are good for dancing. I like the way she brings in other singers and rappers to change things up. My top three songs are “All Night,” “Love Drought,” and “Formation.”
#18. Big Time Rush - 24/Seven (2013)
As manufactured, TV-ready tween pop goes, this is listenable & perfectly pleasant, but lacks any real artistic identity. These boys can sing, but there’s less that stands out about them than other groups of the time like One Direction or the Jonas Brothers. #MWE
As manufactured, TV-ready tween pop goes, this is listenable & perfectly pleasant, but lacks any real artistic identity. These boys can sing, but there’s less that stands out about them than other groups of the time like One Direction or the Jonas Brothers. #MWE
February 18, 2025 at 10:15 PM
#18. Big Time Rush - 24/Seven (2013)
As manufactured, TV-ready tween pop goes, this is listenable & perfectly pleasant, but lacks any real artistic identity. These boys can sing, but there’s less that stands out about them than other groups of the time like One Direction or the Jonas Brothers. #MWE
As manufactured, TV-ready tween pop goes, this is listenable & perfectly pleasant, but lacks any real artistic identity. These boys can sing, but there’s less that stands out about them than other groups of the time like One Direction or the Jonas Brothers. #MWE
#17. BIGBANG - MADE (2016)
I am far from an expert in K-Pop, but the beats, harmonies, and party-pop energy here make this one a fun ride. It’s impressive how both the English and Korean lyrics are delivered with equal enthusiasm. #MWE
I am far from an expert in K-Pop, but the beats, harmonies, and party-pop energy here make this one a fun ride. It’s impressive how both the English and Korean lyrics are delivered with equal enthusiasm. #MWE
February 18, 2025 at 10:06 PM
#17. BIGBANG - MADE (2016)
I am far from an expert in K-Pop, but the beats, harmonies, and party-pop energy here make this one a fun ride. It’s impressive how both the English and Korean lyrics are delivered with equal enthusiasm. #MWE
I am far from an expert in K-Pop, but the beats, harmonies, and party-pop energy here make this one a fun ride. It’s impressive how both the English and Korean lyrics are delivered with equal enthusiasm. #MWE
#15. Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster (Deluxe Edition)
Her voice is really powerful, and the songs are danceable and fun. The choruses are great to sing along to, and the whole album is like a party. My top three songs are “Bad Romance,” “Boys Boys Boys,” and “Alejandro.”
Her voice is really powerful, and the songs are danceable and fun. The choruses are great to sing along to, and the whole album is like a party. My top three songs are “Bad Romance,” “Boys Boys Boys,” and “Alejandro.”
February 17, 2025 at 12:09 AM
#15. Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster (Deluxe Edition)
Her voice is really powerful, and the songs are danceable and fun. The choruses are great to sing along to, and the whole album is like a party. My top three songs are “Bad Romance,” “Boys Boys Boys,” and “Alejandro.”
Her voice is really powerful, and the songs are danceable and fun. The choruses are great to sing along to, and the whole album is like a party. My top three songs are “Bad Romance,” “Boys Boys Boys,” and “Alejandro.”
#14. Joni Mitchell - Blue
Her voice is able to go to such a high register that it sounds so sweet and fragile, and her lyrics are like she’s telling a story through a poem. The sound is quiet and calm, but also peaceful and a little sad. My top three songs are “California,” “River,” and “Carey.”
Her voice is able to go to such a high register that it sounds so sweet and fragile, and her lyrics are like she’s telling a story through a poem. The sound is quiet and calm, but also peaceful and a little sad. My top three songs are “California,” “River,” and “Carey.”
February 16, 2025 at 4:37 PM
#14. Joni Mitchell - Blue
Her voice is able to go to such a high register that it sounds so sweet and fragile, and her lyrics are like she’s telling a story through a poem. The sound is quiet and calm, but also peaceful and a little sad. My top three songs are “California,” “River,” and “Carey.”
Her voice is able to go to such a high register that it sounds so sweet and fragile, and her lyrics are like she’s telling a story through a poem. The sound is quiet and calm, but also peaceful and a little sad. My top three songs are “California,” “River,” and “Carey.”
#16. Origami Angel - Somewhere City (2019)
This is top-tier modern emo, with a lot packed into the sound over a quick 30 min. Punk rock track lengths, with variety in the arrangements, and vocally he keeps the screaming fairly limited, which is to my taste. This is one I’ll be coming back to. #MWE
This is top-tier modern emo, with a lot packed into the sound over a quick 30 min. Punk rock track lengths, with variety in the arrangements, and vocally he keeps the screaming fairly limited, which is to my taste. This is one I’ll be coming back to. #MWE
February 16, 2025 at 4:31 PM
#16. Origami Angel - Somewhere City (2019)
This is top-tier modern emo, with a lot packed into the sound over a quick 30 min. Punk rock track lengths, with variety in the arrangements, and vocally he keeps the screaming fairly limited, which is to my taste. This is one I’ll be coming back to. #MWE
This is top-tier modern emo, with a lot packed into the sound over a quick 30 min. Punk rock track lengths, with variety in the arrangements, and vocally he keeps the screaming fairly limited, which is to my taste. This is one I’ll be coming back to. #MWE
#13. The Gaslight Anthem - The ‘59 Sound
I like his lyrics and the way the band rocks. The songs make me want to play air guitar, and his voice is clear but tough. My top three songs are “Great Expectations,” “The Patient Ferris Wheel,” and “Meet Me By the River’s Edge.”
I like his lyrics and the way the band rocks. The songs make me want to play air guitar, and his voice is clear but tough. My top three songs are “Great Expectations,” “The Patient Ferris Wheel,” and “Meet Me By the River’s Edge.”
February 16, 2025 at 2:04 AM
#13. The Gaslight Anthem - The ‘59 Sound
I like his lyrics and the way the band rocks. The songs make me want to play air guitar, and his voice is clear but tough. My top three songs are “Great Expectations,” “The Patient Ferris Wheel,” and “Meet Me By the River’s Edge.”
I like his lyrics and the way the band rocks. The songs make me want to play air guitar, and his voice is clear but tough. My top three songs are “Great Expectations,” “The Patient Ferris Wheel,” and “Meet Me By the River’s Edge.”
#15. Jodeci - Diary of a Mad Band (1993)
Solid collection of 90s hip-hop soul tracks. Slick beats, and the quartet are in fine voice. Maybe nothing quite as iconic as “All My Life” here, and like most records from the genre/era, it’s about 15 min longer than necessary. #MWE
Solid collection of 90s hip-hop soul tracks. Slick beats, and the quartet are in fine voice. Maybe nothing quite as iconic as “All My Life” here, and like most records from the genre/era, it’s about 15 min longer than necessary. #MWE
February 15, 2025 at 8:39 PM
#15. Jodeci - Diary of a Mad Band (1993)
Solid collection of 90s hip-hop soul tracks. Slick beats, and the quartet are in fine voice. Maybe nothing quite as iconic as “All My Life” here, and like most records from the genre/era, it’s about 15 min longer than necessary. #MWE
Solid collection of 90s hip-hop soul tracks. Slick beats, and the quartet are in fine voice. Maybe nothing quite as iconic as “All My Life” here, and like most records from the genre/era, it’s about 15 min longer than necessary. #MWE
#14. The Linda Lindas - Growing Up (2023)
It’s impossible to ignore how young the band is, and it’s truly impressive to see such attitude & creativity from a group so young (Linda Linda 4 was 12 years old). The lyrics and energy capture adolescence, and these girls can rock (in two languages!). #MWE
It’s impossible to ignore how young the band is, and it’s truly impressive to see such attitude & creativity from a group so young (Linda Linda 4 was 12 years old). The lyrics and energy capture adolescence, and these girls can rock (in two languages!). #MWE
February 14, 2025 at 9:29 PM
#14. The Linda Lindas - Growing Up (2023)
It’s impossible to ignore how young the band is, and it’s truly impressive to see such attitude & creativity from a group so young (Linda Linda 4 was 12 years old). The lyrics and energy capture adolescence, and these girls can rock (in two languages!). #MWE
It’s impossible to ignore how young the band is, and it’s truly impressive to see such attitude & creativity from a group so young (Linda Linda 4 was 12 years old). The lyrics and energy capture adolescence, and these girls can rock (in two languages!). #MWE