iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Twenty years is a long time, if you're an LP. Today on Substack I'm rewriting my Top Albums Of 2006 list.

swanfungus.substack.com

Friend Of Time

Reassessing The Best Albums Of 2006

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

For a junk drawer to legally qualify as a real junk drawer, what is the ONE absolute mandatory item it must include? A pharmaceutical drug rep pen, or a pen advertising a hotel/resort no longer in existence.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Alex Kent is the maddest genius currently committing sound to [format], and I refuse to entertain anyone's opinion on the topic (or debate, or even acknowledge you've spoken) because you are so impossibly WRONG I would never deign to waste my time explaining why. Anyway, there's a new Shearling EP.

shearlingofficial.bandcamp.com

Don't Look at Me the Way a Dog Might Look at Your Leg, by Shearling

5 track album

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I was a sophomore when Glen (and The Frames) opened for Calexico in Philly. He was — I think— the third musician I ever interviewed for the school paper. Glen was so cool. Chatting with him felt effortless. I credit him with curing me of ever feeling pre-interview jitters again. Requiescat.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

New Mix Tape posted to Substack for paid subscribers only. Sorry, rest of the world, once again you're missing out on some good tunes and bad drawings of mine from pre-school.

swanfungus.substack.com

In Search Of 1988

A Mixtape Only A Millennial Could Love

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

If the first two singles off the upcoming Grace Cummings record are any indication, it's going to be something special.

youtube.com

Grace Cummings 'Fake' (MONO)

YouTube video by Grace Cummings

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

New Substack mixtape for paid subscribers only. Ordinarily this is where I'd write something like, "consider supporting Swan Fungus today!" but I know the truth. I've been doing this long enough. It's not for everyone. Sorry.

swanfungus.substack.com

The Complacent Americans

A Mixtape For Troubled Times

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Swan Fungus: not quite as popular as Robyn Hitchcock, but slightly more popular than Josh Rouse!

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

I've gone and written a quick (free!) new post on Substack detailing my recent travels in Georgia and New Jersey. Read it here:

swanfungus.substack.com

If I Forget Thee, Lowcountry

A Long Weekend In Georgia, A Week In Jersey

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

New posts for paid subscribers only (with a small free preview for everyone else): My ten favorite records of 2026 so far:

swanfungus.substack.com

My Lone Dark Lantern

The Top Ten Albums Of 2026...So Far

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Before @rollingstone.com claimed, "She Played On 'In Utero' And Never Talked About It." She talked about it. With me. More than 10 years ago. Rescued from my archives, here's that time Kera Schaley talked about it:

swanfungus.substack.com

Interview: Kera Schaley

A Chat With The Cellist From Swan Fungus' Archives

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Introduce yourself with ten bands you've seen live Shellac Wolves In The Throne Room David "Honeyboy" Edwards Boyz II Men Sunburned Hand Of The Man The Haxan Cloak Spiritualized Ya Ho Wha 13 Suishou No Fune Zwan

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

New free post on Substack! Regrets [when it comes to selling off my record collection]... I've had a few. Maybe ten. Read about 'em here.

swanfungus.substack.com

How Sweet I Roamed

Reflections On A Dwindling Record Collection

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Dug around for this LP to play over coffee and breakfast only to remember I sold it during lockdown. I think my next Substack is going to be my biggest regret vinyl sales from the pandemic. Anyone else in this boat?

music.apple.com

City of the Future by Tristeza on Apple Music

Song · 2000 · Duration 5:53

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

New on Substack for paid subscribers (with a somewhat lengthy, free intro): A trip to the desert inspires a mix tape. Will you enjoy it? Well, that all depends...

swanfungus.substack.com

Oh The Guilt

A Mix Tape That Requires Some Explanation

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

(“Stereo”) Listen to me I'm [Andruw] Monasterio, sterio

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Like an absolute child, for the first time in my life I literally covered my eyes to keep from watching Mark Vientos run through that stop sign at third base.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

New Substack post for free AND paid subscribers. On a recent trip back east I found the source tape from one of the first concerts I ever bootlegged. Wanna hear? Click through:

swanfungus.substack.com

I Was A Teenage Bootlegger: Grandaddy

Our Recent Trip Home Inspires A New Feature

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

WPIX, you have my attention. 🤫

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

@madkow.bsky.social do you need this for your archives? Found it on a hunt through my childhood bedroom. Need to make sure it plays/can be ripped but happy to share it if you want.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

New Substack post for paid subscribers only: What do The Bongos, Bob Theil, Doji Morita, and Whitehouse have in common? Subscribe and find out.

swanfungus.substack.com

Beauty Lies In The Eye

A Sisterly Mix Tape

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

New free Substack post for all subscribers. The title kind of says it all: Exploring the cross-section of True Crime and Vinyl.

swanfungus.substack.com

Ever Gentle, Ever Sweet

Exploring The Cross-Section Of True Crime And Vinyl

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Man, I miss Aquarius Records. Even more each time I come across a little reminder…

A photograph depicting The Gladiators’ 45 “Stick A Bush”.

A close up of the price sticker on the record’s sleeve: Aquarius Records in San Francisco charged $2.00 for this in 1978.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Please don't do this, ESPN. Don't put this out there in the universe. If only for my mental health.

a screenshot from ESPN's front page. The headline of the article is "First Title in 40 years? Inside the Mets' winter makeover

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

I'm home sick today, so I'm sharing one of my favorite interviews ever on Substack. No subscription required. Bill Holt, who is responsible for recording one of the most brilliant outsider psych records of all time, talks about his life and music.

swanfungus.substack.com

Interview: Bill Holt

A Chat With The "Dreamies" Mastermind From Swan Fungus' Archives

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Today on Substack for paid subscribers only: A mix tape culled *almost* exclusively from undocumented (read: no Discogs or eBay sales) 45s. Some highs. Some lows. Something for everyone? Probably not.

swanfungus.substack.com

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

A Mixtape Of Unknown Masterpieces And Disasterpieces

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Starting work on February’s mix tape, which will be comprised entirely of songs appearing on 45s that have never sold via Discogs or eBay. Some even have ZERO Google results. Is it an incredible, unknown bop? Is it a so-bad-it’s-good flop? Stay tuned… oh, and consider a subscription?

swanfungus.substack.com

Swan Fungus | Evan LeVine | Substack

Hated The Arcade Fire First. Click to read Swan Fungus, by Evan LeVine, a Substack publication. Launched 2 years ago.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

A free Substack post for all subscribers: My attempt at listening to every recommendation made by old Aquarius Records mail-order emails continues. These are the best discoveries I made in 2025: swanfungus.substack.com/p/did-you-sh...

swanfungus.substack.com

Did You Shut Your Eyes...

Two Years Into My Aquarius Records New Arrivals List Project

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

No matter how hard you party this New Year's Eve, you probably won't cause as big a stir as Kool Keith when he submitted his rider for his tour dates with Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2000. - No skimping on the booze or condoms. - Please package 1 chicken wing, 1 juice box & 1 wetnap per sandwich bag.

The cover letter sent along with the rider, which expresses consternation over Kool Keith's specific asks for hard alcohol and condoms. Also, concern as to whether or not the chicken wings might be used as projectiles during the show.

The rider itself. Sprinkled among the more normal asks (Coca Cola, Orange Juice, fruit and vegetable trays) are requests for Hennessy Cognac, Absolut Vodka, Moet champagne, a box of Trojan Magnum condoms, and the kind of absurd ask that one each of 50 fried chicken wings, 50 juice boxes, and 50 wetnaps be pre-packaged by someone on site into 50 individual sandwich bags. Oh, Keith...

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

New Substack Mix Tape for paid subscribers only. Looking forward to expanding the format next year.

swanfungus.substack.com

I See A Darkness

A Lethal Mix Tape To Conclude 2025

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

New! A quick post on Substack in which I share some stats on all the movies I watched in 2025. Make sure you follow along on Letterboxd in 2026 for thought-provoking reviews such as, "A real pleasure." (Stroszek, 1977)

swanfungus.substack.com

This Bloodless Art

Year Two As "OCD Levine" On Letterboxd

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Fellow #LFGM disciples, it's never been more over than it is right now.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Thinking about where the Shearling record will land on my Top Albums list, I keep going back to this set and moving it further up the list. Alex has taken the mantle from Michael Gira as weirdest, most cryptic noisemaker around and run so far ahead of the pack no one else can dream of catching him.

youtube.com

SHEARLING Live at The Windmill

YouTube video by Lou Smith

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

New post for paid Substack subscribers (with a free preview for everyone else). A month of Year-End lists begins with honorable mentions from my upcoming Top 50 Albums list. Stay tuned.

swanfungus.substack.com

All Stick & No Carrot

The Top 50 Albums Of 2025: Honorable Mention Edition

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

New free Substack post! A long weekend in Mexico City. I came, I saw, I ate a lot and then drank a lot -- then ate more and then drank more. Very gluttonous. Very fun.

swanfungus.substack.com

Debajo Del Simbolo Del Sol

Or: How I Spent My CDMX Vacation

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

New on Substack, a mix tape for paid subscribers only. What do Tori Amos, Afghan Whigs, The Cardigans, and Thou have in common? Subscribe to find out.

swanfungus.substack.com

Do You Believe?

Here I Go Compiling A Mix Tape Again

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Every bit of press this receives makes me happy and sad in equal measure. And, also, shout out to baseball. Some of my favorite arguments with Steve were about dumb baseball minutiae. Mounting side bets that were never collected. Declarative statements of crap or not crap. It really is the best.

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

ON THIS DATE twenty years ago: I was at Tonic in NYC (RIP) seeing this incredible lineup: @marissanadler.bsky.social: youtu.be/04HFY1_-ndY?... Paul Flaherty/Chris Corsano duo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypsk... Jackie-O Motherfucker: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_sQ... (date in title is wrong)

youtu.be

Marissa Nadler: Tonic, October 28, 2005

YouTube video by Abaton Book Company

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

New post on Substack: In which I drag my wife across Venice, Italy in search of memorable locations from my all-time favorite film. Yes, I know I am an insane person. swanfungus.substack.com/p/pass-the-w...

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

New Substack post for all subscribers. The conclusion of my recent trip to Italy. Lots more food, lots less information. Why? Because I have one more story to tell about my stay in Venice, hopefully next week. Stay tuned...

swanfungus.substack.com

Cercando Un Nuovo Confine (Parte Seconda)

Or: How I Spent My Italian Vacation (Part 2)

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

New Substack post for free and paid subscribers! The first installment in a two or three part series on my recent trip to Italy. The sights. The food. The...sheer quantity of food. Follow along here:

swanfungus.substack.com

Cercando Un Nuovo Confine

Or: How I Spent My Italian Vacation (Part 1)

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

New mix tape for paid subscribers on Substack: Grooving on some of my favorite Italian prog. (Alphataurus is not included, but the album art felt right)

swanfungus.substack.com

La Mente Vola

And Soon Too, Will I...

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Today on Substack for paid subscribers only. August's monthly mix tape looks back at -- and forward to -- camping! (it's slightly more interesting than it seems)

swanfungus.substack.com

Can We Camp At Your Feet

A Look Back At A Mixtape To Look Forward To

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Evan LeVine @evanlevine.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Hey, maybe you remember my old website swanfungus.com ? I was thinking about deleting it. All 18+ years worth of blog archives. You can read more about it and share your thoughts on my Substack, should you feel inclined.

swanfungus.substack.com

Forgetting You Is Like Breathing Water

Are Those Who Erase The Past Better Off?

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