71: Second quarter report – the best music of 2026 so far
Summary
Henry Bruce Jones joins the No Tax podcast to review their favorite releases of the year, starting with a pop corner that highlights Kalela’s new album, Chanel Beads, and a discussion on Charlie XCX’s latest work. The conversation shifts to electronic and dance-adjacent music, covering DJ Plead, Kay Watter, and the resurgence of dub techno. They also explore niche finds like Dance Fountain and Leland, debating how context and genealogy influence the enjoyment of experimental electronic sounds.
Topics discussed
Introduction and London street sounds
Discussion on mobile DJs and cultural authenticity
Review of Oscar Scheller's new album
Analysis of songwriting and Prefab Sprout comparisons
Brief mention of Sam Fender and Olivia Dean
In-depth discussion of Charli XCX's new record
Legacy and the Cronenberg outro song
Quick picks: Christian gospel and Kendressa
JBL in the fireplace: Electronic and dance-adjacent records
Dub techno renaissance and listener appetites
Northern electro and glitchy micro-music
The role of context in enjoying electronic music
Grime, jungle, and garage influences on new releases
Smallest dance floors and sexy dubstep
Rolling techno and the 'Silly Hat' artist
Free party music and baseline aesthetics
Rage rap comeback and aggressive production
Sexy dubstep and French party rap
Toronto music scene and listener preferences
Bittersweet Hope Wrap: DMV rap and Swedish trance
UK rap: Tony Bana, Kibbo, and grime absurdism
N Roster Steel and experimental disco/folk
Paradise Metal and devotional drone music
Horse Lords and electronic rock symbolism
Laurie Anderson live album and ambient records
Final picks and book promotion
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