Re: The University as state apparatus, Aphex Twin's [mostly mellow], other detainments, Wittgenstein on meaning and purpose of existence.
Research, reviews, reflections, and reactions
Good afternoon everyone,
Today’s letter features reading recommendations, reflections on the news, my essay “The River is Also the Mountain,” and some (thoughts on) curated playlists—the result of a bit too much time spent on Resident Advisor. I hope you find something you like!
Re: is a midweek recap of my research, reviews, and reactions, featuring curated short-form responses to the world and objects of culture, politics, art, architecture, and more. Published alongside my weekly essays on Sundays, Re: is inspired by the culture and practice of responding.
• Aphex Twin recently curated a playlist titled “[mostly mellow]” for the clothing brand Supreme. I gave it a listen this morning while working on my newsletter, but I couldn’t really get into it. I hope Supreme has enjoyed it though. Still, it got me thinking about the art of playlist-making—how personal and methodical it can be. Like, how do different people put together playlists? Is it based on genre, vibe? For me, it’s usually seasons or months that become way of cataloging or capturing what I’m hooked on at the moment. How does everyone else curate their playlists?
• Speaking of Aphex Twin, I just listened to “Different” from Barry Can’t Swim’s upcoming album Loner (dropping July 11, 2025 on Ninja Tune): it was a fun tune and someone in the comments said it sounds like if “Chemical Brothers and Aphex had a baby…”