Insider Monthly #10
What’s the point of negative reviews? Also: a Halloween playlist, an EOY spoiler, and the highs and lows from October’s new releases.
Welcome to October’s Insider Monthly.
Before diving in, can we ask a small favour? We’ll shortly be closing our 2026 Reader Survey. If you haven’t already, please could you kindly let us know what you think about No Ripcord? It takes less than a minute to respond, and as supporters, your feedback is especially valuable to us. Click on the link below to help shape our future.
The plan is the same as ever. We’ll be sharing:
💿 A classic record we can’t stop playing
🎧 Our favourite album of the month
💔 Our biggest disappointment
🔜 The album we’re most excited for next
📝 Plus some personal notes and behind-the-scenes reflections from running the site
The opening section is free to read. Supporters receive the full edition each month.
💿 Old Favourites
Juan:
Here’s a bit of a cop-out: since I’m usually something of a hermit during every Halloween season, I took it upon myself to actually attend a party and even provide the playlist. While not perfect by any means, it offers a nice mix of goth, new wave, darkwave, and indie classics that should hold up well beyond the spooky season. Give it a listen below, if you feel so inclined!
David:
I‘ve been revisiting some of the year’s early releases in preparation for our Best Albums of 2026 feature. It’s surely no spoiler to suggest The Twilight Sad will feature highly. IT’S THE LONG GOODBYE is one of only two 9/10 ratings we’ve awarded this year, and while our ratings don’t necessarily track with EOY success, the fact that I love this record as much as Juan pretty much guarantees a decent placing. If you’re prepping your own list and The Twilight Sad aren’t in the mix, make sure you give this one a second chance.