Lana Del Rey"Doin' Time"Sublime OST (out soon on Universal)If you grew up in California in the early 2000's, it was just about impossible to get in someone's car or go to a party that wasn't playing one of those two Sublime albums. Evidently, the same was true in wherever Read more
Stormzy"Vossi Bop"Digital SingleAfter a little while away, the London kingpin looks to be getting back in the game. "Vossi Bop" is a perfect comeback track because it is such a pure distillation of what makes Stormzy a true-one off. Over a tasty, yet simple beat, Big Mike goes in Read more
Even though we're a solid week into the second quarter, better late than never right? Here's a quick round-up of some of my favorite songs of the last three months. To keep numbers manageable, I didn't include anything from any of my favorite albums list and prioritized songs I Read more
Gah, I can't believe we're already 25% through 2019. That said, Spring is in the air, and we've enjoyed an excellent, diverse crop of music during these first three months. Have a look at some of my favorite LPs of the year so far in no particular order.
Dawn Richard
“New Read more
Chief Keef
"Ain't Gonna Happen"
GloToven (Glo Gang / RBC)
The Chicago stalwart's new project with the legendary Zaytoven is unsurprisingly full of weird and wacky sounds, moving in innumerable unexpected and exciting ways. Its most powerful moment is its starkest, as a heartbroken Keef floats freely over Zay's gorgeous piano.
"Face dried Read more
A couple of people have asked me why I still take the time to do this every year, even after the magazine I used to write for shut down. It’s two things. For one, I’m a pop music anorak. I love taking the time to explore the year’s trends (alternative R&B, future garage) and the genres that have faded by the wayside (witch house, chillwave). Pop music is so ephemeral in the Internet Age, and it only takes going over a few past year-end lists to see that. Secondly, I love having these lists as timestamped overview of my year. It’s a great way for me to reflect and add context to the year that I’ve just experienced.
On to the songs. As every year, I have a few rules that I try to stick to so that this list doesn’t get completley impossible to make.
1. Mostly attempt to stick to the “singles,” whenever possible, just to make it a bit easier. 2. Only pick one song from each artist. 3. Try to avoid picking remixes. 4. Try to avoid picking Nickleback songs.
Listen to most of it on a Spotify Playlist, especially if Soundcloud is being wonky. You will miss some tracks though.
51. Inc.: “5 Days” from 5 Days Single
We kick the list off with one of the sexiest songs of the year. The Prince-obsessed Angelinos’ drop their debut on 4AD in February. It should be special.
50. Lemonade: “Neptune” from Diver Brooklyn synth-pop heartthrobs wax lyrical about drunk dialing. (Lena Dunham voice) You know, what? They just get me. (Giant spoonful of ice cream). They. Just. Get. Me.
49. John Talabot: “Destiny” (f/ Pional) from fin An exquisitely-crafted swirling slab of Balearic joy from the Spanish producer’s long-awaited first LP. #popthemollyimsweatin
10. Kevion “KeVante1” Barkley
One of the most interesting things about the Internet is it gives people the platform to do basically whatever the fuck they want. And while this isn’t always a good thing (see: Nazis, gay bashers, Verizon Wireless), Kevion Barkley’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel is an example of this phenomenon at its best. I know absolutely nothing about this guy, except that he is a big fan of progressive emoticons, Jodeci-frontman Devante Swing, and slowwww jams (dude’s YouTube channel is called SLOWJAMZ-4-LIFE!!!!!!!!!!). His feeds are full of his “SLOWJAM” music videos, which are basically super obscure R&B and gospel jams that he slows down just a touch. I may be the only person on the planet who is following these feeds, but I am sure happy that I do. Majestic can go fuck itself.
9. Robin Carolan (Tri Angle Records)
A couple years ago, Tri Angle Records rose as one of the driving forces in independent electronic music. Fallaciously pegged as the first label of Witch House, 2011 was an incredible year for label, scoring massive success with releases from artists du jour like How to Dress Well, Balam Acab, and Clams Casino. And though witch house fell away as quickly as it came, Carolan adjusted with the times and consolidated Tri Angle’s status as one of indie music’s foremost tastemakers with progressive releases from AlunaGeorge, Evian Christ, and Holy Other.
Jessie Ware x Benzel
“If You Love Me”
Digital Single
I’ve run out of ways to praise Jessie Ware. If you haven’t gotten into her stunning debut by now, I give up. The Internetz has failed you. And I have failed you too. As if I could love her anymore, she goes and caps off her unbelievable 2012 with this beautiful victory lap: a flawless cover of one of the true classics of the fabeled middle-school dance/slowjam genre. Ware handles Brownstone’s original with grace, class, and her effortlessly alluring voice. Besides being a fucking great track, it really serves to underline what a seismic year she’s had and what a serious force she’s become. This is Jessie Ware’s world; we’re just reveling in it.
Springing from the suddenly scalding Berlin club scene, Schwarz Don’t Crack is yet another group that is striving to refine and redefine R&B. Their sound is built by the Crisco-smooth tenor of American vocalist Ahmad Larnes and the emotive, herky-jerky production of Germany’s Sebastian Kreis. The duo form one of the most exciting new groups of the second half of this year, and it certainly feels like we’ll be hearing a lot more from SDC — and the city they call home — in 2013. Though they’ve only fully released two songs this year, I’m calling it; they are going to be absolutely huge in eight months time. If you don’t believe me, check out the rest of the snippets on their Soundcloud. Fucking huge, I tell you.
Angel Haze
“Song Cry” Classick (Out now and self-released)
It’s amazing how quickly exhilaration turns to tedium in music, especially in hip-hop. In the last few years, I can rattle off a laundry list of rappers who looked set to stamp their unique voices on the industry — Wiz Khalifa, Nicki Minaj, Azealia Banks — but fell at the first hurdle, crushed by the weight of expectation and major label commercial expectations. I have a different feeling about Detroit-cum-NYC rapper Angel Haze. One of the most talented young MCs to rise this year, Haze’s new mixtape, Classick, highlights both her incredible lyrical talent and impeccable taste. Her brutal, unbelievably affecting remake of Eminem’s “Cleaning Out My Closet” has rightly taken much of the plaudits, but her remake of the Jay-Z classic also highlights her impeccable storytelling, loquacious flow, and mature voice. Hopefully, Universal will stay out of her way and let her do her thing on her highly-anticipated major label debut. If they do that, she’ll have an incredible career.
Around 2009/10, I had a running joke with my editor about my inability to get through my old singles column without using the word ‘Balearic’ at least once. Artists like Air France, jj, and Boat Club expertly enmeshed the dancefloors of Ibiza with the gentle breeze of Scandinavian pop to devestating effect. No matter what the weather was like, it was always sunny in my speakers. And while I’ll always have a sweet tooth for that sound, it hasn’t been quite as en vouge in the last few years (I blame Witch House).
That said, there are still a ton of excellent artists doing it — Chad Valley and Beat Connection spring to mind — and this young Hamburg native is definitely one of them. “Soleil,” the b-Side of his breakthrough single, is a buoyant, shimmering slice of Balearic Bliss with an engaging, gentle vocal and a languid, beachy arraignment. In short, it’s a great way to hang on to the last flittering strands of summer, and it serves to remind us that summer is a state of mind, not a season.
When MTV stopped playing music videos, many prognosticators claimed that the music video would go the way of the dodo. How wrong they were. Nowadays, music videos are better than they’ve ever been, and every weekend, I’m going to round up the best music videos released that week.
Note: Please read all of the blurbs in a sultry, Daisy Fuentes accent.
5. M83: “Steve McQueen” In an era where fully realized albums are few and far between, Anthony Gonzalez’s decision to make the most important album of his career into a double LP was incredibly balsy. Luckily, it paid off, as Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming managed to hit heights not even reached by its seminal predecessor, Saturdays = Youth. The best thing about its length is that a year later, we’re still digesting it, and gems like “Steve McQueen” (the album’s 19th track) keep popping up as I go back through the album. It’ll take some time for the true scope of the Frenchman’s vision to become crystal clear, and you can’t help but feel that a few years from now we’ll be looking at it as one of the high watermarks of this decade.
4. Chromatics: “Looking For Love” Who wants to spend five minutes checking out a bunch of people who are taller, better looking, and more stylish than them? When it’s backed by a track this deadly? Everybody.
3. Wild Nothing: “Paradise” My roommate and I had an argument/heated discussion about Michelle Williams last week. I argued that she is a criminally underrated, extremely versatile actress, while he argued that she wasn’t nearly as good as his two favorite actresses, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Katherine Heigl. Ok, that’s not true, but basically, it boiled down to Michelle Williams vs. Heath Ledger. And while emoting into what looks like a flip-phone camera isn’t going to necessarily help my argument, it certainly won’t hurt it…especially when it’s soundtracked by one of the 10 best songs of the year.
2. Connan Mockasin: “Faking Jazz Together” First off, thanks to my buddy Dan for tipping me off to this. The new video for the trippy Kiwi’s “Faking Jazz Together” is easily one of the most visually stunning of the year. Taking place in a forest scene that is very The Crucible/”An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge,” something very strange is afoot. Like the best videos, it perfectly captures the mood and feel of the song: shadowy, esoteric, affecting, and ultimately beautiful.
1. Trinidad James: “All Gold Everything” Now, I’m aware that no credible music writer would rank this video over the preceding four (especially “Faking Jazz Together”), so it’s good that I’m not a credible music writer, because this has to be the best video of the week. How come? Ten reasons.
1. Adorable puppies used as rap props/accessories.
2. “Pop the molly, I’m sweatin'” rhymed with “mama said, boy, count yo’ blessins.”
3. A preponderance of cheetah print clothing. All worn by men.
4. Gold (painted) baseball bats and bikes.
5. Stuntin’ in a panda mask.
6. Chick w/ two gold teeth.
7. James has a Dungeon Family tattoo on his hands. Not a member of the Dungeon Family.
8. Velvet slippers.
9. 4 CHAINZZZZ.
10. Soundtracked by one of the best rap songs of the year and starring one of the most entertaining, seemingly affable new rappers of the year.
ED NOTE: I started a new job and moved house last week, and I have obviously fallen desperatley behind on my Hot Jams. Instead of going back and filling days, I’ll just pull double duty this week. Thanks! TP
Local Natives
“Breakers” Hummingbird (out 01/29/13 on Frenchkiss)
Simply put, the Silver Lake-based quartet’s debut album, Gorilla Manor, was one of my favorite albums of 2009. Nowadays, it’s rare to see young bands allow more than 18 months or so to go by in between successful albums, so four years feels like an absolute eternity. And while I’m sure the sunny harmonizers could have cranked out 12 more slabs of Laurel Canyon-influenced magic a little sooner, it’s refreshing to see a rising band take the time to reflect on an impressive maiden statement and carefully craft a follow-up. While first single, “Breakers,” has many of the LN hallmarks — evocative melodies, delicate vocals, busy percussion, strong vocal harmonies — it also has a more than a touch of extra grandiosity and a quasi-arena-rock feel that wasn’t quite evident on Gorilla Manor. Wherever it goes, it will definitely be a fascinating statement, and it’s certainly going to be one of the most anticipated albums of first part of the new year.
Posted onOctober 11, 2012byTP1.COMinColumns, Featured|Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day (10.10.12): Various Artists, “West Coast Cypher ’12” from the BET Hip-Hop Awards
(In Order) Xzibit, YG, Kurupt, E-40, DJ Quik, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg/Lion/Baby Cat
“West Coast Cypher ’12”
BET Hip-Hop Awards
There are ten things that I really enjoy/think about about this performance.
1. Everything about Kendrick Lamar’s flow is captivating. One of the best rappers on the planet right now. No doubt.
2. Besides his hair, DJ Quik’s commitment to percussion is truly exceptional (even though he couldn’t keep up). Didn’t know a plastic fork could count as an instrument.
3. I wonder how much Xzibit’s people must have paid the producers to get him at that table. I’m setting the over-under at $250,000.
4. Along the same lines, YG. Really???? The producers needed a young, up-and-coming rapper to go with Kendrick, and they came up with YG? What, Tyler The Creator, Lil B, Earl Sweatshirt, Kool A.D., Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Hopsin, and Mondre M.A.N. were all busy? Hell, I would have even accepted Tyga’s non-rappin’ ass. Puhreeese.
5. I’ve never been his biggest fan, but E-40 has got to be one of the most charismatic, likable rappers on the planet. I wish he was my uncle.
————————————————————————————————————————————
Quick Tangent: Because I’ll never have as seamless a segue to this again, here is my family fantasy team of rappers.
Dad: Jay-Z –>Has experienced more than many would in 10 lifetimes. Seems like a level-headed, non-insane person. Would give the best b-day presents.
Mom: Pepa from Salt ‘N Pepa–>Seems like she would be a fun mom that would also teach discipline and raise you right. Also, if anyone ever fucked with you, she’d fuck them up first.
Big Brother: T.I. –>Has made a bunch of mistakes but has come through them. Feel like he’d give great guidance/advice. Seems wise.
Little Brother: Curren$y–>The current frontrunner of the prestigious “rapper I’d most like to play NBA Live/FIFA with.” That’s what little brothers are for, right?
Big Sister: Missy Elliot–>Clearly the cool older sister who you could follow around, but would also be sweet to you. Would def have hot friends.
Cooky Uncle: E-40–>Obvious.
Cool Uncle: Rick Ross–>You wouldn’t see him often, but whenever you needed something he’d help you out. Also, you could go visit him in South Florida and hang out on his yacht without him getting all in your shit. Also, would probably smoke you out for the first time and not tell your dad. Also, good birthday presents.
Cousins: Odd Future–> You wouldn’t want to hang out with them everyday, because they are completely insane, but they would definitely spice up boring family gatherings and would probably have weed/m80’s/skateboards/etc to play with.
————————————————————————————————————————————
AANNNNNDDD, we’re back!
6. WHERE THE FUCK IS SHORT DOGGGGGG????????? SO-CAL BIASSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
7. “I don’t gotta prove I’m fly…parrot.” I just…
8. I love that Kendrick Lamar mentions eating Now and Laters before playing ball. Good to know that the kids in the burbs have at least one thing in common with kids from Compton. Dr. Pepper and N&L’s are the perfect pre-game meal for middle school ballers…and Lamar Odom.
9. America needs a new Kurupt/Dogg Pound album. I predict that both would be huge hits in today’s market.
(EDIT: There have been two Dogg Pound albums and a Kurupt album released in the last three years. They sold a combined 11 copies by our count. We called around.)
10. Possible candidates for the 2013 edition: Shifty Shellshock, Travie McCoy, Afroman, The Azn dude from Black-Eyed Peas, all three of the Delinquentes, residents of the Cali Swag District.
When MTV stopped playing music videos, many prognosticators claimed that the music video would go the way of the dodo. How wrong they were. Nowadays, music videos are better than they’ve ever been, and every weekend, I’m going to round up the best music videos released that week.
Note: Please read all of the blurbs in a sultry, Daisy Fuentes accent.
5. Sky Ferriera: “Everything is Embarrassing” I know that I just claimed that this was a round-up of the “best” videos of the week, but this is not a good video. In fact, it’s a pretty awful video that looks like it was shot for a student project. The lighting is weird, the shots uneven, and worst of all, the gorgeous part-time model that is supposed to be the star of the show is trying way, way, way too hard to be sexy here. Ferriera oozes allure and probably would look sexy mowing the lawn, so all of her hair-tossling, lip-pouting, and body-arching comes across as complete overkill. Luckily, it’s soundtracked by one of the best singles of the year, so it still makes the list, but only just. Some serious Lana Del Cray potential here.
4. Echo Lake: “Another Day”
Road videos will never go out of style, and “Another Day” beautifully explores the healing powers of being out in nature with people you love. Though the Londoners tragically lost drummer Peter Hayes earlier this year, they are continuing to press on, and with work this excellent, his legacy will be well honored.
3. AlunaGeorge: “Watching Over You”
The video for the new single from the highly-touted Londoners takes us on a night drive through God-knows-where and the conscious of someone who is dreaming about cartoons, Mario Brothers, and nebulous galaxies. The clip nicely highlights the dreamy mood of the track and captures those totally random thoughts you have on long drives.
2. Solange: “Losing You”
Probably how they should have handled the Ferriera clip, Beyoncés sister galavants aimlessly around beautiful South Africa in quirky digs being whimsical and looking sincere. Well done whoever directed this. An incredible track to boot.
1. Perfume Genius: “Take Me Home”
Seattle-based vocalist/chronic over-sharer Mike Hadreas is no stranger to striking videos. “Hood,” the lead single of his crushing second LP Put Your Back N 2 It, was originally banned by YouTube, due to images of the diminutive singer cuddling up to gargantuan porn star Arpad Miklos. YouTube was rightly chastised for their homophobic response and quickly reinstated the video. As powerful and affecting as his previous videos are, “Take Me Home” goes even further, seeing Hadreas strut, gyrate, and devour a Twinkie as a disheveled, cross-dressing streetwalker. Though his videos force the viewer to confront things that may make many of them (myself, included at times) uncomfortable at first, they all have really incredible moments of beauty that hopefully will serve to open up some of the viewers minds just that little bit. That’s what makes them so special.
51. Inc.: “5 Days” from 5 Days Single
