This issue has two parts: quick takes on the 2026 Grammys, plus backfill of niche albums.
🏆 2026 Grammy Review
Record of the Year
Luther - big traffic is just that powerful.
Not expecting a return to TPAB or GKMC form, but GNX’s production is clearly no match for the Lama’s previous so-so record Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, no? And Luther doesn’t hit like Gloria from GNX, no? Whatever… after all, among the nominees there’s a song that straight-up plagiarized without even putting on an act. Maybe this is just a down year for music.
Album of the Year
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS - just got into it, not bad at all. The concept is great, and it genuinely reaches a certain empathy — maybe that’s a Latin American gift. None of the other nominees’ albums seem able to sit steady in this seat, so maybe it’s a keep-everyone-happy pick.
🎵Debí tirar más fotos de cuando te tuve
I think a lot of humans can feel this line, in every sense of the word. Maybe I should have heard this song sooner.
Song of the Year
Wildflower - I take back half of my harsh comments on the 2025 Grammys, but these make-up awards aren’t all that convincing.
…so when does the ‘22 HTE award get backfilled…?
Backfill: Last Time’s Niche Near-9s
Fly From Here - Yes will forever be upstaged by Close to the Edge, but this one is genuinely good — prog from the academic school.
Moonmadness - calm, faraway.
The New Abnormal - the songs of a very dark stretch for me; I may not be able to review it properly.
Winelight - one listen and I turned into an old white man.
We Will Always Love You - top-tier sampling and a real sense of the ethereal.
Stay tuned for BrightFork！
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