Obsessions (February 2026)
I started Five Obsessions as an homage to my long defunct Pigeons and Planes column “5 On It.” But why confine myself to five of my favorite songs or albums each month when I could simply list more things I like? Each month, typically every second Saturday (though definitely not the second Saturday this month), I’ll share some new songs. Some old. Some new to me. Some revisited. All the music I have on repeat.
You can listen to the running list of Applied Science favorites in the Spotify playlist below and read about this week’s specific picks below that. And if you’re looking for an archive of all my 2025 Obsessions, voila.
Tears For Fears - “Head Over Heels”
My wife was surprised I loved this song, but then again she also did not remember its pivotal use in Donnie Darko.
Sideshow - “ALENA(ኣለና)PARADISE LOST”
Rap is not dead, rap is still great.
Roc Marciano - “Yves St. Moron”
This sounds like if rap existed during the filming of Taxi Driver.
Don Toliver - “Body”
Continued evidence that Don Toliver could sing the roll call vote in a Congressional session and it would be absolutely enthralling.
Arima Ederra - “You’re my”
Transport me.
Lil Wayne - “Mahogany”
I think rap is the only musical form I think of in terms of athleticism and there have been many times over his career where Lil Wayne comes across as its best pure athlete (“Mahogany,” an overlooked song from a probably forgotten late period album, is one of them).
Fcukers - “L.U.C.K.Y.”
The soundtrack to a party I surely will not be at.
Brent Faiyaz - “other side.”
You don’t have to listen to Michael Jackson to listen to Michael Jackson.
Wand - “Melted Rope”
Transcendence pt. 1.
Talk Talk - “Myrrhman”
Transcendence pt. 2
LIIM - “Kicked Rocks”
Maybe the kids will be alright?
Roses Gabor - “PEACES”
Roses Gabor has the voice of a treasured companion and I hope she always has the means to release the music she wants
50 Cent - “Get In My Car”
Things I’m thinking about in 2026 that probably no one else is: If you cut 50 Cent’s The Massacre in half and add the songs he gifted to The Game, you get one of the best sophomore albums ever and a nearly flawless rap album? (and I also made it for you in case you want it)