Naming my favorite band is an ever-evolving, cyclical, impossible thing. But, without question, Ashtray Hearts would be in the conversation. What’s much easier is naming them my most consistent band ever. They have four records that I know of (if any band members want to share some other, maybe even live, stuff with me, I’m here for it), and every song on every single record is, at least, very good. If not excellent. They have not released a bad song.

There’s something about their writing, their amazing arrangements and Dan Richmond’s voice that just goes right to my cerebral cortex. I’ve said a hundred times that their songs sound like the inside of my head. Other bands- namely Wrinkle Neck Mules– have meandered around it. But no one moves me instantly the way just about every Ashtray Hearts song does (Flowers sounds like my wistful DNA put to music; I still get weepy hearing the opening chords, even after hundreds of listens). I made my own immersive Joaquin Sorolla– my favorite artist who also lives rent-free in my head- video with their utterly beautiful English.

So when I realized they have a new(ish) record, I dove for my Apple Music app to put it on repeat. And, let me be perfectly clear. This is an excellent record, and will likely be my record of the year. The StarTribune sums it up nicely:

“Gold Century captures the convergence of memory and reflection embedded in middle adulthood – the beautiful and the tragic. Gold Century is a quiet album. A record for late nights. Songs for the slow dance. So go on and break your heart.”

It’s hard to explain how solidly every single one of these songs lands on me, but those who listen to music the cathartic way I do know. As such, it’s hard to pick which songs to share, because everyone should hear every one.

“Turn out that porch light
Stay out here so we won’t wake them
Don’t lose your heart
Take my coat,
I hope it keeps you dry.”

I don’t know what that means to the writers, but I know it invokes all sorts of memories, stories, joys, regrets, etc. for me. Almost every Ashtray Hearts song is like a meditation prompt.

Go listen to this record. Seriously.