There was a moment early in my infatuation with Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS when it occurred to me that I could be listening to [cue Beethoven’s Symphony No.5: dun-dun-dun DUNNNNN…] My Favorite Album of 2025.
But, no, I told myself, I’ve known DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS for mere hours and there is so much year ahead, it would be silly and irresponsible to make such a bold claim during these earliest days of January, and, to be completely honest, I’m not even sure that DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is as good as I think it is, maybe this is all just excitement and lust mingling with my own simmering desire to be more Puerto Rican among other assorted insecurities, lacks of conviction, etcetera.
Well, I’ve listened to almost nothing else since DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS was released, its nuances have proven only more captivating, and its words, melodies, and rhythms have established residency within my mind and heart. I do expect this parranda to last all year.
It’s interesting, then, here in early January, to know with reasonable certainty (still hedging) that this album will land atop my year-end list. When one knows the future, how does one navigate the present? Viewed from another angle, what impact will this have on my relationship with music over the remainder of the year? If my personal favorite has revealed itself so soon, are new releases henceforth destined to disappoint?
These are probably stupid questions. Best to set them aside to make room for dance parties, listening parties, and space on my LP shelf for Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.
“What Are We Gonna Listen to Today?”
Asks Jula (@soundwavesoffwax) each day before selecting a record from her late father’s collection and sharing it with her rapidly growing audience.
Her posts are charming, informative, often very funny, and always entertaining. Even more impressive: The comments they inspire are often just as interesting, music lovers of all ages sharing their own relationships with the music and the ways in which they’ve navigated life and loss.
Jula was recently profiled by The Washington Post — a beautiful read well worth the time.
So, what are we going to listen to today? Let us see…
El Gran Combo: Salsa Y Sabor (Salsa Y Mas Salsa)
Rose City Band: Sol Y Sombra (Thrill Jockey)
Matt Berry: Heard Noises (Acid Jazz Records)
Waldo’s Gift: Malcolm’s Law (Severn Songs)
Anna B Savage: You & i are Earth (City Slang)
Benjamin Booker: Lower (Fire Next Time Records)
Mac Miller: Balloonerism (Warner Records)
FKA twigs: EUSEXUA (Young Recordings Limited)
Ghais Guevara: Goyard Ibn Said (Fat Possum)
Mogwai: The Bad Fire (Temporary Residence)
John Zorn & JACK Quartet: The Complete String Quartets (Tzadik)
John Zoen & Mary Halvorson Quartet: The Bagatelles, Vol.1 (Tzadik)
Jeshi: Airbag Woke Me Up (Because Music)
Tunng: Love You All Over Again (Full Time Hobby)
Laura Cahen: De l’autre côté ([PIAS] Recordings France)
