Carissa Marques

If you’re a JME newsletter subscriber, you might be familiar with the notion that top streaming platforms like Spotify aren’t great for artists and often fall short of their commitment to promoting music discovery. Instead, digital streaming platforms, particularly Spotify, push users toward songs they already listen to via “personalized” playlists.

For yearning ears searching for the tune that will scratch the right itch in their heart and brain, Glixen’s latest single, “all tied up,” is sure to satisfy. The Phoenix shoegazers have shared the fuzzy and atmospheric single ahead of their upcoming EP, quiet pleasures, out February 21. “All tied up is about feeling completely consumed by someone,” says vocalist Aislinn Ritchie.

What is even the point of albums? Though it has long been the predominant way for musicians to cohere and disseminate a singular artistic vision, the origin story of the album-oriented format is less about practicality, function or even aesthetics.