I’ve not eaten much Polish food in my life, but I automatically respect any cuisine that take dumplings very seriously. I’ve been wanting to try Eat Pierogi Make Love for a bit now, and had such a delicious and interesting meal with a couple mates there the other night. Along with having a downright brilliant name for a restaurant, the food was warming and flavourful - and perfect for sharing. Many pierogis were consumed, of course (we went with smoked Polish sausage, and potato and cheese) along with herring tartare, black sausage and a pork and cabbage roll. We clearly weren’t there to kid around. And while I’m not much of a vodka drinker, when in Poland (via Brunswick), one simply must. And this lot has a bloody good martini on offer. Pierogi? Tick. Love? Tick, tick.
listen
I can’t seem to stop stumbling across completely smashable albums lately - a good problem to have, for sure. (Sidenote: has anyone else been feeling over the last couple years that - despite this era of streaming and algorithms and daylists - the album is well and truly back?) So! Here are five records I’ve had on high rotation recently.
One of a Kind by The Heavy Heavy
I’ve written about the Heavy Heavy before - they’re fast becoming one of my favourite bands. Their latest album, One of a Kind, was released earlier this month and it’s everything I love about this lot - warm, folky, catchy, retro.
Vibe: 2020s does 1970s.
Favourite tracks: Because You’re Mine, Feel, Cherry.
Listen when: your feet are up and the sun is shining (or you just wish it was).
F-1 Trillion by Post Malone
Post Malone has made us a country album and it might just be the most fun thing you listen to all year. Now if Post Malone doing country sounds questionable on paper, or just not quite your cup of tea - fear not. Give it a whirl and I don’t reckon you’ll regret it.
Vibe: drinkin’ beer and wearin’ double denim.
Favourite track: I Had Some Help is a single for a reason. It’s an absolute country pop banger.
Listen when: you’re driving down some (ahem) country roads, with some mates, preferably as the sun goes down, on the way to a line-dancing class.
Metamorphosis Complete by Infinity Song
I can’t believe that I’m now at a stage where I’m discovering new music through TikTok (but it’s 2024, so I guess I should just go ahead and accept it.) (Also, any time the app is delivering sweet tunes and not rotting my brain is a good thing.) Infinity Song is made up of four siblings, who are truly doing the classic family band in the coolest way possible.
Vibe: gorgeous gospel and heavenly harmonies.
Favourite tracks: Hater’s Anthem, Sinking the Boat, Dreams (a divine Fleetwood Mac cover).
Listen when: you’d like to be soothed into a relaxed state in the most blissful way possible.
Fools & Clowns by Mark Harrison
Another artist here I’ve only learned about recently (I’ve got Spotify to thank for this discovery). Fools & Clowns is folk-y, blues-y, roots-y goodness. A super solid record, with some excellent songwriting and storytelling.
Vibe: easy, easy, easy listening.
Favourite track: Them and Us.
Listen when: you’re looking to play some music your parents would enjoy.
Natural Disaster by Bethany Cosentino
I’ve loved Best Coast for essentially my entire adult life, so I’ll listen to anything associated with them - especially a solo album by lead singer Bethany Cosentino. If you’re a fan of Best Coast, you’ll be a fan of this. Bethany knows how to write a pop banger, and she knows how to write about this crazy thing we call life.
Vibe: Bedroom hairbrush sing-a-long.
Favourite tracks: Natural Disaster, It’s Fine.
Listen when: you just want to feel your feelings.
The hits just keep on comin’ this week! A nice blend of old and new in this month’s mix. Enjoy!
Stay good,
Lisa xx
Mmmm I'm still thinking about that pierogi! I wonder if they'd be hard to make? Surely easier than soup dumplings, for eg...
As someone moving to an area known for his Polish food, this was a very exciting read for me. I have some (very expensive!) frozen pierogis taking up space in my freezer and I'm keen to get them going for dinner now!