Rating albums at the mid-point of the year, just to re-rate them in six months seems dumb, so I decided to go with an NBA Draft-style tier system to pick out a few of my favorites so far. TIER 1: THE FAVORITE Stormzy Gang Signs and Prayer #Merky The Londoner’s debut LP is an epic in every sense of the word. Gang Signs and Prayer very much feels like that special kind of debut that took an artist’s whole life to make. From … →
Tyler, The Creator “Boredom” Scum Fuck Flower Boy (out 07.21 on Odd Future) Though my understanding of psychology is limited, I do know that boredom and emptiness tend to go together. And while this subdued new single from Tyler is named after the former, it is actually rooted in the latter. Much of the pre-release chatter around SFFB is centered around his sexuality, but I’ve been struck how much of it seems to be about emotional emptiness — the kind that … →
Nite Jewel “How It Was” Real Low (out now on Gloriette) Ramona Gonzalez has been on an absolute tear this year. She’s already dropped an excellent LP and a 12” on Italians Do It Better, and now there’s a new collection of b-sides for us to sink our teeth into. The disc also comes with a new video for the seductive and gentle ballad, “How it Was,” which originally appeared on the IDIB release.
Pi’erre Bourne “Water Boy” Life of Pi’erre Vol 2. (self-released) Already the architect of one of the best rap singles of 2017, the Atlanta native is also building a burgeoning solo career of his own. Like his production work, Bourne’s solo stuff is driven by delicious, glossy synths and wobbly percussion. To me, he sounds more comfortable when he’s singing than when he’s rapping, and “Water Boy” is an excellent representation of his potential as a songwriter and a vocalist.
Kamaiyah “Build You Up” Don’t Get it Twisted (out soon) While her growing army of fans wait patiently for her follow-up to last year’s incredible A Good Night in the Ghetto, the East Bay native hooks us up with this feel-good new single. Packed with undeniable melodies, an uplifting message, and all sorts of delicious 90s vibes, “Build You Up” is an ode to the restorative power of true friendship. It also highlights her developing talent as a singer, which will help cement her place as … →
AJ Tracey “False 9” Digital Single This video combines two of my favorite things, grime and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Spurs have let me down many times in my life, but this new single to commemorate the 2017 kit is a 5-0 win against Ar**nal. BRB, gonna go buy three of those new track jackets. 😍😍😍
The National “Guilty Party” Sleep Well Beast (out 09.08 on 4AD) Though their relevance has wained since their triumphant mid-00’s run, the Brooklyn quintet is still capable of crafting beautiful miserabilism like this. The overarching feeling captured here is resignation, the grim realization that something important to you is slipping through your fingers. As per usual, Matt Berninger’s downcast vocals are the song’s centerpiece, and they are swallowed up gorgeously by its powerful outro. I’ve found it difficult to muster much excitement … →
Mhysa “Bb” fantasii (out 07.21 on Halcyon Veil) The new single from the Philly-based, multi-platform artist’s debut LP is a sprawling, modern slice of down-tempo R&B. Across six engulfing minutes, Mhysa lets her mind glide back to memories of a past relationship, wondering if her ex is somewhere out there thinking of her. Her feelings are still strong but aren’t raw anymore, thanks to the way time smooths over our frayed feelings and rough edges. That gives the track a clear-eyed quality … →
Future “PIE” (f/ Chris Brown) Digital Single The fuel all your summer midsummer misadventures, Future and Chris Brown’s new surprise single is an infectious bop that celebrates their hedonistic personas. The duo is armed with a pair of earworm verses, a nasty hook, and enough drug references to make Hunter Thompson blush. It’s hard to tell what kind of staying power it will have, but it definitely has the potential to stick.
Turnover “Super Natural” Good Nature (out 08.25 on Run for Cover) The Virginia trio has been a longtime favorite around these parts, since their excellent 2015 LP, Peripheral Vision. Much of their previous work reminds me of the alt-rock of my pre-teen years (weirdly, especially the Gin Blossoms). But the lead single from their forthcoming album feels (a little too much) like a Real Estate song to me. It’s a solid, if unspectacular first step that will hopefully lead to much … →
