A New Sound, A Deep Memory: _BY.ALEXANDER's Latest Reflection
How _BY.ALEXANDER Blends Grief, Jazz, and Funk in a Genre-Defying Album
Ahem. Mic check 1, 2. 1, 2. Is this thing on?
Hi. It’s been a minute. This year, I’ve been in go mode—pushing through deadlines, chasing goals, and rarely giving myself a moment to breathe. And, well, my body decided it had enough. Post Thanksgiving week, I was knocked out by the common cold. I was completely incapacitated, forced to rest, and honestly, it was overdue. Sometimes, life reminds you to slow down, whether you like it or not.
That downtime gave me space to reflect on everything I’d been avoiding, which brings me to this week’s album. _BY.ALEXANDER’s MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY released November 8, 2024 is the perfect companion for that kind of pause. It’s an emotional, genre-blurring journey that makes you sit with yourself—your grief, your joy, your everything—and confront it head-on.
Let’s dive in.
The Black Noise Rating System
Before we start, a refresher on how I rate albums:
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire - modern classic, must listen These albums are my top recommendations. They are modern classics that you absolutely must listen to.
🔥🔥🔥 High Heat - potential classic, highly suggested listen These albums have the potential to become classics and are highly suggested listens for any fan of the genre.
🔥🔥 Warm Glow - for any fan of the genre These albums are great for any fan of the genre and will definitely keep you warm and satisfied.
I only talk about albums I liked in this newsletter, so even the “Warm Glow” albums are still good. 😉
Memories For Sale: A Dance Between Grief and Renewal
This album is personal—deeply personal. _BY.ALEXANDER has always been one for experimentation, but here, it feels like his grief is driving the creative wheel. "Dear Dad" hits hard with its spoken-word monologue over a crackling fire. The repeated calls to “Papa” are haunting, and the inclusion of French (a language I spoke with my own father) felt like a direct line to my own memories of loss. It’s intimate, wrenching, and stays with you long after the track ends.
But grief isn’t linear, and neither is this album. From the meditative sadness of "DEAR DAD," we’re jolted into "BLUH BLUH BLUH" a Brazilian jazz-funk fusion that practically demands you move and dance through the pain—a reminder that life doesn’t pause for mourning. It’s chaotic, unexpected, and oddly comforting in its own way.
Track Highlights: My Personal Favorites
1. "FOCUS" (ft. HAWA, Julius Rodriguez)
Listen Here: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
An earworm if I’ve ever heard one. This track balances hyperpop energy with a smooth, dynamic beat that hooks you immediately. It’s bright, addictive, and offers a brief escape before the heavier emotional moments on the album.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire – A true standout track.
2. "DEAR DAD"
Listen Here: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
The emotional centerpiece of the album. This track confronts grief head-on, with a rawness that’s almost difficult to listen to—but in the best way. The layered monologue, the fire crackling, the unanswered calls to “Papa”… it’s devastating yet beautifully cathartic.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire – Hauntingly real.
3. "BLUH BLUH BLUH"
Listen Here: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
Brazilian jazz-funk meets the chaos of mourning. This track is a wild swing from the previous tone, and I’m here for it. It perfectly mirrors the way life forces you to keep moving, even when you’re still reeling from loss.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat – A much-needed burst of energy.
4. "FIRE WITH FIRE" (ft. A$AP Ferg, HAWA)
Listen Here: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
This track brings the party energy—sharp, driving beats paired with a killer feature from A$AP Ferg. It feels like the party you throw to remind yourself life is still worth celebrating, even when it’s hard.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat – A party anthem with depth.
5. "TRUMPETS (ReTake)" (ft. 070 Shake, Nutty Nys)
Listen Here: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
The remake of "Trumpets" feels brighter and less heavy than the original, which is a shift I didn’t fully connect with. The baseline at the beginning is infectious, though, and it’s still an enjoyable listen.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥 Warm Glow – Solid but not my favorite version.
Final Thoughts
MEMORIES FOR SALE ---AT---> 66 GREENE ST SOHO NY is more than an album; it’s an experience. Its inventive fusion of genres and deeply personal narrative make it a standout project in _BY.ALEXANDER’s discography. While some samples may feel repetitive at times, the album's emotional core and sonic ambition easily overshadow any minor missteps.
It’s a reflection on grief, legacy, and the complex layers of memory. It’s also a bold step forward, proving that _BY.ALEXANDER is not content to rest on his laurels but is carving out a unique space in the ever-evolving world of music.
If this is the future of his sound, consider me hooked.
Oh, and before I sign off—get ready. Starting next week, I’ll be counting down my Top 50 Albums of 2024. It’s been an incredible year for music, and I can’t wait to dig into the best of the best with you.
Let’s talk—hit me up in the comments or find me on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky (@st_vrgl).
Until next time, STAY NOISY, FRIENDS! ✌️
—Saint Virgil