Images & Words: Wet, “You’re The Best”

Posted on October 24, 2013 by TP1.COM in Images & Words | Comments Off

Wet “You’re The Best” Wet (out now on Neon Gold) Every once in a while, a band comes along that you just kind of want to paint your flag on. That’s currently happening for me with this downtempo, unGoogleable Brooklyn trio. Their debut EP is an affecting collection of simple, direct songs that dig their little fingers into you and simply refuse to let go. Vocalist Kelly Zutrau’s haunting vocals and plaintiff lyrics are deftly framed by swaths of reverb-soaked guitars and … →

Hot Jam of the Day: Katy Perry, “Birthday”

Posted on October 18, 2013 by TP1.COM in Featured, Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Katy Perry “Birthday” Prism (out October 22 on Capitol) No matter how many records she sells, the Santa Barabra native remains an under-appreciated force in pop music. At her best, Perry is capable of transcendent slabs of window-down magic, and I’d argue that “Teenage Dream” is easily one of the best, most intoxicating pure pop songs of the last ten years. Admittedly, she’s also responsible for her fair share of tepid, paint-by-numbers arena rock dross (see: Prisim‘s lifeless first single, … →

Stream This Shit: CFCF, Outside

Posted on October 16, 2013 by TP1.COM in Download This Shit | Comments Off

CFCF Outside (out 10/22 on Paper Bag) Montreal’s keyboard genius Michael Silver threw his hat into the “Best Album of the Year” ring today with the stream of his sumptuous, essential second LP. Only a few months after his stunning Music for Objects EP dropped, the young composer’s Outside is a cavernous, reflective masterclass, bridging the gap between the head and heart masterfully. He is truly one of the unique, fascinating, and versatile voices in music today.

Images & Words: Kwes, “36”

Posted on October 14, 2013 by TP1.COM in Images & Words | Comments Off

Kwes “36” ilp. (out 10/15 on Warp) The South London R&B dreamer’s debut LP drops tomorrow and is one of my most anticipated albums of the year. Its undeniable second single, “36,” gets an adorable, touching treatment, dealing with a high school love in a way that everyone can relate to. All hail, King Kwes!

Hot Jam of the Day: Lee Bannon, “Place/Crusher”

Posted on October 14, 2013 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Lee Bannon “Place/Crusher” Place/Crusher EP (out now on NinjaTune) Listed as a one-song EP, the Sacramento native’s debut for legendary UK label Ninja Tune is an engulfing 23-minute ride through the murky mind of one of the best young beatsmiths around. Bannon gained notoriety through his excellent work with Pro Era (Joey Bada$$, especially), but he truly shines on his experimental, expansive solo work. Place/Crusher‘s genre-hopping movements keep the journey fresh, and Bannon’s deft use of negative space and urbane, melancholic … →

Stream/Download This Shit: Lil’ Durk, Signed to the Streets

Posted on October 10, 2013 by TP1.COM in Download This Shit, Featured | Comments Off

Lil’ Durk Signed to the Streets Mixtape The wait is over! After an interminable number of delays, Chicago’s most interesting young MC finally drops the highly-anticipated successor to last year’s awesome, Life Ain’t No Joke. Lead single, “Dis Ain’t What U Want,” is undoubtedly one of the songs of the year, and early returns indicate that Signed to the Streets is going to be an absolute stormer. Featuring melodic, imposing production from longtime collaborators Paris Beuller, Young Chop, and Zaytoven, Durk Banks’ sing-song flow and raw, … →

Best Song Ever Wednesday: Cass McCombs, “County Line”

Posted on October 9, 2013 by TP1.COM in Best Song Ever Wednesday, Featured | Comments Off

At my old magazine, my editor and mentor Jocelyn Hoppa had a column called “Best Song Ever Wednesday” where she wrote about (YOU GUESSED IT!) her favorite songs. I’ve been wanting to borrow (read: steal) this column for some time, and as Crawdaddy! is now RIP, I feel pretty ok about it. This isn’t meant to be a list or catalog of my favorite songs, rather a place for me to write about a classic song that means something to … →

Hot Jams of the Day: R. Kelly, “Cookie” & “Genius”

Posted on October 8, 2013 by TP1.COM in Featured, Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

R. Kelly “Cookie” & “Genius” Black P***ies* (out 12/3 on RCA) I’m frankly conflicted about both of these tracks. Though they are both unquestionably fantastic boner jams, they are both a bit too reminiscent of my dude The-Dream for me to fully buy in. Production-wise, the rolling bass, heavy synths, and hi-hat patters are pure Terius, and vocally, Kellz the Great sounds quite a bit Dream-ish, especially on the propulsive former. That said, both cuts are deliriously fun and stupid … →

Hot Jam of the Day: Saada Bonaire, “You Could Be More As You Are”

Posted on October 7, 2013 by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off

Saada Bonaire “You Could Be More As You Are” Saada Bonaire (out Nov 12 on Captured Tracks) This is really cool. The always reliable Captured Tracks is re-releasing this forgotten LP from this 80’s new-wave/disco duo from Bremen, Germany. In the midst of recording back in 1984, EMI pulled the plug on the album due to budget constraints, and nearly thirty years later, the disc gets its proper release. Superb lead single, “You Could Be More As You Are,” is … →

Quick Jam: Haim x Twin Shadow, “Edge”

Posted on October 7, 2013 by TP1.COM in Quick Jam | Comments Off

Haim “Edge” Days Are Gone (Deluxe UK Edition) (out now on Polydor) It’s ironic that the SFV sisters’ best song is named the exact thing their music often lacks. “Edge” — co-penned by the intrepid George “Twin Shadow” Lewis Jr. — brings a welcome tension to their airy, Laurel Canyon sound. Buoyed by a monster, slapped bassline and wrapped-so-tight guitarwork, Danielle Haim’s melancholia-twinged vocal absolutely soars with heart-rendered angst and palpable (you guessed it!) edge. Turns out, it’s exactly what … →

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