They say time flies when you’re having fun.
What began as a chance to share new music with The Journal’s readership and my friends has turned into one of the highlights of my month.
Putting my thoughts and feelings about music into words hasn’t always been easy when it’s something that feels so physical and personal to me. But this music time capsule is one that’s accurately represented the amazing new tracks of this school year.
So, for my final Sound Check, I’ve decided to zoom out a bit. While there’s no ignoring the one new song I haven’t been able to turn off, these picks reflect my top selections of the whole year, and the musical memories of my time at The Journal. It’s been a pleasure listening with you.
Song: “Sally (When the Wine Runs Out),” ROLE MODEL
ROLE MODEL owes my housemates a huge apology. Or rather, I do.
This song has been played at max volume in my room, in the shower, blasted throughout the kitchen, and even sung a capella without realizing. It’s reverberated throughout the bones of our crumbling student house, and for that, I’m sorry.
The latest release from ROLE MODEL’s deluxe version of Kansas Anymore, “Sally (When the Wine Runs Out)” encapsulates the feeling of non-committal freedom that comes with the final weeks of university. The end is so desperately near in sight, and this fun, catchy, carefree track is reminding me of warmer, freer days to come.
It’s more than just the 10 second clip that’s been doing the rounds on TikTok—it starts off slow and builds from strength to strength, with just enough twang and storytelling to walk the line of pop and country. Not to mention ROLE MODEL might be the internet’s newest crush. I think I can see the appeal.
Go Tucker—or should I say, @SaintLaurentCowboy.
Album: Two Star & the Dream Police, Mk.gee
I loved this album when it came out, and it’s somehow still up there at the top of my “on repeat” playlist all these months later.
When I first heard Two Star & The Dream Police in 2024, it marked something new from what I’d heard before. It felt so eclectic, and unique, yet so whole.
It’s an album that improves with each listen, and my favourite song continuously rotates. Some days I’m into the resigned confusion of “Are You Looking Up,” but others I’m ready for the emotional turmoil that “Alesis” brings. Most of the time though, “Candy” is my tried and true.
When Eric Clapton compared Mk.gee to Prince, I scoffed at the comparison. But now, almost a year later, I can see why.
Artist: The Tragically Hip
This year, I’ve had the joy of being more immersed in Kingston’s music scene than ever before.
Growing up with The Hip’s Road Apples (1991) album on in my household in New Zealand, I knew I liked their music. But it wasn’t until moving to Kingston, and seeing the unique music scene here, and in Canada more generally that I really understood it.
The Hip are woven into the fabric of this town and nailed Kingston onto the map as a music destination—not just a place to pass through.
Whether it was finally understanding Bobcaygeon’s “checkerboard floors,” after seeing The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, realizing the layers of tragedy behind “Fiddler’s Green,” discovering “I’m a Werewolf Baby” deep in the archives of CFRC, or hearing student bands cover “New Orleans is Sinking” and “Little Bones,” prove The Hip is engrained in the musical memory of a whole new generation.
Having one foot in Kingston’s musical past has helped me understand its present, something I’ll always be grateful for.
From the vault: Monkey Business, Black Eyed Peas
If I asked my friends for one piece of music to define me, this would be it.
Monkey Business (2005), The Black Eyed Peas’ fourth studio album, was officially released on my third birthday, and maybe that’s why I have such a cosmic connection to it.
My mum used to blast this album in the car on my way to school every day—even though “My Humps” is definitely not appropriate for young ears. It’s a truly magnificent record from top to bottom, starting with a killer duo with “Pump It” and “Don’t Phunk With My Heart.”
While I have my favourites, there are no misses on the album.
Underrated gems on the list include “Disco Club,” “Gone Going” and “Feel It,” which according to a trusted source, is “most representative of my spirit.”
Ending this with my favourite album feels right. Let’s check in in 10 years to see what’s changed.
Tags
Column, Music, Reccomendations, Sound Check, The Tragically Hip
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