Songs that Made Me Lose Aux Privilege With My Mom

My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a 10-song playlist around some theme. This week, Eythen Anthony presents songs he digs…much to his mother’s displeasure.

I like to think that I have a pretty close relationship with my mom. Not only are we able to joke around with one another, but I feel comfortable enough to talk to her about my life and ask her for advice. However, with all that being said, we do have our own disagreements. While I’m a fan of horror movies, she prefers action comedies. While I’m a fan of contemporary art, she’s more fond of Renaissance paintings. And while she listens to pop and rock music, I tend to enjoy more experimental pieces. Here’s a list of songs that my mom was not the biggest fan of:

1. “Excellent to Me” by Died

When thinking of music my mom didn’t like, a common theme is a lack of a consistent rhythm. Most of the songs employ other elements and are not afraid to veer off course, as is the case with “Excellent to Me.” Beginning with a heavy metal opening, the band ends with a melancholic conclusion and features crows cawing in the distance. This song is one of the highlights in Died’s 2018 EP Anonymized Internal Criminals.

2. “Immaterial” by SOPHIE

Hyperpop can be a difficult genre to get into given its emphasis on electronic music and heavily auto-tuned vocals: both of which my mom is not fond. Although all the songs on her album OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES are masterful, the prolific musician and producer hypnotizes listeners on “Immaterial,” in large part due to her rhythmic opening. If you are interested in getting into the genre, I would recommend starting with this song.

3. “Baby I’m Bleeding” by JPEGMAFIA

Found on his 2018 album Veteran, “Baby I’m Bleeding” is often used as an introductory song to JPEGMAFIA’s catalogue. Not only does it allow listeners to get an idea for his vocal styles and impressive lyric writing, but it also showcases his incredible music production skills. However, as my mom pointed out, the opening is a tad bit long with breathing and the occasional curse word making up the first 45 seconds.

4. “Rumpus Room” by Xiu Xiu

Xiu Xiu’s 2021 album OH NO exemplifies the group’s versatility with music genres, as each song is a collaboration with a different artist. From bedroom pop to ballads to, in the case of “Rumpus Room,” experimental indie rock. Working alongside Liars, the two groups crafted a lyrically difficult, but catchy, song.

5. “Something Underneath” by clipping.

Led by Hamilton actor Daveed Diggs, clipping. is an experimental hip hop group that’s not for everyone. From the lyrics being based on horror movie tropes to the industrial sounds especially prominent in Visions of Bodies Being Burned, the group requires multiple listens to be really appreciated. Although “Something Underneath” is more mainstream compared to their other works, the choppiness of the song turned away my mom.

6. “I Break Mirrors with my Face in the United States” by Death Grips

...in hindsight, I don’t know why I didn’t expect this response.

7. “Only Acting” by Kero Kero Bonito

When I first played “Only Acting” for my mom, she was really vibing with the enchanting vocals of Sarah Midori Perry. Then the song started glitching out, Sarah started screaming, and my mom subsequently changed her mind.

8. “the saboteur’s mirror” by BUSDRIVER

On his 2018 album electricity is on our side, BUSDRIVER mixes jazz instrumentals with an equally free-spirited lyrical pattern. “the saboteur’s mirror” best highlights these elements with the constant shifts in narrative structure and heavy emphasis on piano. While the song encapsulates the beauty of jazz, it is a song that takes time to enjoy.

9. “Ain’t it Funny” by Danny Brown

Danny Brown has made a name for himself in the world of rap. From his 2012 album XXX to his most recent album uknowhatimsayin?, Danny consistently crafts hits thanks to his unique music production and recognizable voice. His 2016 song “Ain’t it Funny” grabs listeners’ attention immediately and does its best to keep them invested for its 3-minute duration.

10. “Pills” by St. Vincent

Out of all the songs I’ve played for my mom, she has said this is her least favorite. While she enjoys it musically, her disinterest with St. Vincent’s song comes from the lyrics. While I interpreted “Pills” as exploring the downsides of a drug-fueled life, she found the song promoting a pill-popping lifestyle. Although “Pills” is open to interpretation, one cannot deny the addictive nature of the song.