“A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.” – Herbert Simon — Monday December 9th — —

“What art does — maybe what it does most completely — is tell us, make us feel that what we think we know, we don’t. There are whole worlds around us that we’ve never glimpsed.” Greil Marcus — Monday December 9th — —

The idea is to die young as late as possible. — Ashley Montagu — Monday December 9th — —

Cindy Lee —
Diamond Jubilee

Dreamy, lo-fi aesthetics on our favorite album of 2024

As we gear up to share our favorite music of 2024 later this month, one album that won’t be on our official list —but has undoubtedly been our top pick— is Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee. Unfortunately, it isn’t available on Apple Music or Spotify, making it a hidden gem that lives outside the mainstream. This hauntingly beautiful record deserves its own spotlight as one of the most captivating releases of the year.
Diamond Jubilee is the perfect example of not following conventions and highlights the project’s signature blend of haunting melodies and raw, vintage textures. Created by Patrick Flegel, formerly of the band Women, this album explores themes of heartbreak, isolation, and transcendence, enveloped in dreamy, lo-fi aesthetics. Critics, including Pitchfork, praised its ability to evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia while maintaining a deeply emotional core, solidifying its place as one of the year’s standout releases.

“Two hours, 32 songs, each one like a foggy transmission from a rock’n’roll netherworld with its own ghostly canon of beloved hits.”

—Andy Cush on Pitchfork

Initially, Diamond Jubilee was only available via digital download from Cindy Lee’s Geocities page or through YouTube. Recently, the album was made available on Bandcamp for streaming, and a vinyl release is scheduled for February 2025 under the Superior Viaduct label. This release strategy aligns with Cindy Lee’s penchant for non-traditional distribution, emphasizing an underground ethos that resonates with fans of avant-garde and experimental pop; a defiant standout in an era dominated by predictable marketing cycles.
The album’s mix of ethereal vocals, melancholic instrumentals, and theatrical influences has captivated listeners, drawing comparisons to acts like Scott Walker and Julee Cruise. Despite limited mainstream availability, Diamond Jubilee has generated significant acclaim and reaffirmed Cindy Lee’s status as an essential figure in contemporary experimental music​.

“A defiant standout in an era dominated by predictable marketing cycles.”

Follow the rabbit hole on Pitchfork, Talkhouse and the rest