Lana Del Rey, "Doin' Time"


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

Images & Words: Stormzy, "Vossi Bop"


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

The Round-Up: The Best Songs of 2019 (1st Quarter)


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

The Round-Up: The Best Albums of 2019 (First Quarter)


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"


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

Hot Jam of the Day

Hot Jam of the Day: Merchandise, “Green Lady”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Featured, Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: Merchandise, “Green Lady”

Merchandise
“Green Lady”
After the End (out August 25 on 4AD)

In the unrelenting deluge of new music that greets listeners every week, it’s impossible not to completely whiff on a number of very good bands. Merchandise is one of those bands for me. Even though I am complete sucker for their brand of moody, atmospheric The Smiths/The Cure/Depeche Mode worship, both of their critically acclaimed efforts — 2012’s Children of Desire and 2013’s Totale Night — flew right across my radar screen. Luckily, I gave the Tampa group’s deftly majestic, “Green Lady,” a spin. Vocalist Carson Cox’s sneer-y baritone hints at a lifetime of listening to the great British singers of the 80’s (and 90s-ish). His voice is highlighted by an evocative arrangment, washed with swabs of synth and reverb-laden guitars. I may be late to the party, but I’m glad I finally decided to show up.

Hot Jam of the Day: SOPHIE, “Hard”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: SOPHIE, “Hard”

SOPHIE
“Hard”
Lemonade/Hard (out now on Numbers)

Beguiling. Unstable. Frenetic. Wonky. Explosive. Incomprehensible. There are any number of adjectives I could use to inadequately describe the anonymous Londoner’s new single. Some producers stay one step ahead of the zeitgeist, but SOPHIE is officially getting to that Keyser Söze level. He’s limping away from the pack, while the rest of the room stands with mouths agape, trying to figure out what the fuck he just did.

Hot Jam of the Day: Jeremih, “Wake Up”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: Jeremih, “Wake Up”

Jeremih
“Wake Up”
N.O.M.A. (Not On My Album) (out now)

Unsurprisingly, the 27 year-old Chicago native’s new mixtape is absolute fire, but his exquisite Aaliyah flip deserves special mention. Taking inspiration from the masterful, “4 Page Letter,” Jeremih cruises over the kind of naked, alluring arrangement that he always seems to smash. Much like Gene Frenkle, he really explores the space here, weaving his gymnastic vocal in between the breaks of the beat with palpable ease and precision. If this cut didn’t make the album, Late Nights: The Album (which is due out September 30) has the chance to be special.

Hot Jams of The Last Couple Weeks: Moving to LA Catch-Up

Posted on by TP1.COM in Featured, Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jams of The Last Couple Weeks: Moving to LA Catch-Up

Ahoy Loyal Penguin-ites! TP has spent the last two weeks moving from the magisterial metropolis of New York City to the good vibes and tropical climes of Southern California. For the foreseeable future, TP will now be broadcasting out of a beach-side igloo on the north side of Venice.

However, the music hasn’t stopped, so here is a quick round-up of some of the best tracks released in the last fortnight.

FKA twigs: “Pendulum” from LP1 (out August 12)
It only takes a couple spins of rising Londoner, Tahliah Barnett’s dynamic first album to know that it’s likely going to be one of the discs of the year. Second single, “Pendulum,” undulates and unravels like a trip-hop hymn, as Barnett’s graceful, elastic vocal glides over a sparse, disarming arraignment. Magic.

Jeremih & Chi Hoover: “She Know It” from Not on My Album (out August 4th)
The best music news that filtered out since TP was off was that Chicago’s Jeremih is close to releasing a follow-up mixtape to 2012’s near-perfect, Late Nights with Jeremih. Not on My Album will consist of cuts that didn’t make his long-awaited third label-backed LP, Thumpy Johnson. Based on the strength of this, its lead single, it will hardly be an afterthought.

Jessie Ware: “Share It All” from Tough Love (out this fall)
Following brilliant lead single, “Tough Love,” the London vocalist makes it two for two. Topping her all-conquering debut, Devotion, was always going to be tough sledding, but the 29 year-old seems poised for the challenge. Another potential candidate for album of the year.

Tobias Jesso Jr.: “True Love” (Digital Single)
It may sound more than a little familiar (John Lennon, anyone?), but this starry-eyed piano ballad is sure to melt even the most calloused of hearts. Very little is known about the Canadian singer-songwriter. However, we do know that if Cameron Crowe ever decides to make an Almost Famous 2, this absolutely needs to soundtrack the first dance at William Miller and Penny Lane’s wedding.

Vashti Bunyan: “Across the Water” from Heartleap (out October 7th)
2014 has been an incredible year for mercurial folkies, and their legendary fairy godmother is getting into the act, releasing her third proper LP this fall. Lead single, “Across the Water,” is a fantastic primer to those who are new to Vashti World, pairing her impossibly gorgeous, fingerpicked guitar with that unforgettable, delicate coo. Over 40 years on from her seminal debut, the Newcastle native still sounds as potent and present as ever. Thank god for that.

Shy Girls: “All For Show” (digital single)
The Dan Vidmar-fronted Portland R&B outfit links up with Jagwar Ma’s Jono Ma for a sparse, upbeat slab of MJ worship. It’s really the first non-slow jam we’ve heard Vidmar lend his sumptuous falsetto to, and the results are as delicious as you’d imagine.

Groundislava: “Girl Behind the Glass” (f/ Rare Times) from Frozen Throne (out September 22)
One of the key figures of LA’s burgeoning electronic scene (which is quietly becoming the best in the country), Jasper “Groundislava” Patterson is ready for his close-up. Following the similarly moody, vocal-led, “Feel the Heat,” the Wedidit-er’s is proving that he’s more than just a great DJ and producer. He’s also a capable songwriter and artist in his own right.

Sophie: “Lemonade” from Lemonade/Hart (out August 24)
The London-based trixxter is back with another blippy, bloopy, beepborpy slab of progressive bubblegum pop goodness. As per usual, he packs an impossible number of ideas into an incredibly small space, leaving the listener spinning in a 2-minute sonic hurricane.

Metro Boomin: “Chanel Vintage” (f/ Future x Young Thug) from 20 & Boomin (out later this year)
The STL-bred, ATL-based producer is one of the most sought after producers in music now, and he shows why on this adhesive new single. The best thing about “Chanel Vintage” is that Boomin’s elastic beat and Young Thug’s presence prompt Future to bring the old Future back, as the 30 year-old barks out a couple of his most virile, unhinged verses in years.

JJ: “Dean & Me” from V (out August 19)
While Sincerely Yours isn’t quite the force it was a couple years ago, their flagship group is still going strong, cranking out their signature brand of tasty, rap-infused Balearic pop. Elin Kastlander still has one of the most intoxicating voices around.

Hot Jam of the Day: Dan Bodan, “Soft As Rain”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: Dan Bodan, “Soft As Rain”

Dan Bodan
“Soft As Rain”
Soft (out this fall on DFA)

The wait is over! Yesterday, the Berlin-based crooner finally announced plans to release his long-awaited (at least on this site) debut LP. Lead single, “Soft as Rain,” is another glistening example of Bodan’s signature bizarre perspective on lounge pop. Bodan’s expressive, playful tenor floats like autumn leaves, languidly gliding over the chaotic city streets below. He’s long since proven himself as a top-rate singles artist, and more than anything, it will be fascinating to see how he handles a full-length statement.

Hot Jam of the Day: PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Recognize” (f/ Drake)

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Recognize” (f/ Drake)

PARTYNEXTDOOR
“Recognize” (f/ Drake)
PARTYNEXTDOOR2 (out July 29 on OVO Sound)

After a string of exquisite singles, Toronto’s PARTYNEXTDOOR has announced the follow-up to last year’s quality, self-titled EP. While details are scarce, we got a taste of it with this Drake-assisted, hazy banger. PND (né Jahron Brathwaite) injects enough energy into his alluring bedroom jams to avoid the lethargy of fellow OVO-er, The Weeknd. It’s a tough balance to strike, but Brathwaite is certainly proving that he is an artist who is here to stay.

Hot Jam of the Day: Prince Innocence, “Cold”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: Prince Innocence, “Cold”

Prince Innocence
“Cold”
Digital Single

The Montreal duo laces a slick, languid synth-pop jam, which is set to be a one-off summer song whilst the group works on their debut LP. Reminiscent of the best of Italians Do It Better, “Cold” pairs Talvi Faustmann’s elegant, flexible vocals with the metallic synths and icy, spare MIDI drums of Josh McIntyre.

Hot Jam of the Day: Wet, “Move Me”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: Wet, “Move Me”

Wet
“Move Me”
Kitty Cash’s Love The Free II Mixtape

The Brooklyn trio’s exquisite self-titled debut was probably my favorite EP of last year, and we get the first taste of new Wet in the form of this direct, spare slow jam. Unsurprisingly, it is subtle and gorgeous, driven by the plaintiff vocals of the always affecting Kelly Zutrau. They still haven’t released any information on a new album, but this little gem will more than suffice for now.

Hot Jam of the Day: The Juan MacLean, “A Place Called Space”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: The Juan MacLean, “A Place Called Space”

The Juan MacLean
“A Place Called Space”
In a Dream (out 09.16 on DFA)

If music was sports, post-LCD DFA would be fucked. Since James and co. shut their doors, there’s really been a vacuum of star quality at DFA, and there’s nobody at the label who can really carry the torch like they could. Luckily, this isn’t sports and who gives a fuck, because DFA’s “role players” are still capable of writing some brilliant tunes.

One of those longtime stalwarts, The Juan MacLean, have announced their long-awaited proper follow-up to 2009’s quality, The Future Will Come. Its lead single is classic DFA: a bubbling, Moroder-inspired arraignment and sleek, sly vocals from the unfukwitable Nancy Whang. Supposedly, she’s going to be featured heavily on In a Dream, and as everyone needs more Nancy in their lives, that can only be a good thing.

Hot Jam of the Day: Ryan Adams, “Gimme Something Good”

Posted on by TP1.COM in Hot Jam of the Day | Comments Off on Hot Jam of the Day: Ryan Adams, “Gimme Something Good”

Ryan Adams
“Gimme Something Good”
Ryan Adams (out 09.08 on PaxAm)

Ryan Adams is my dude. He’s been my dude since I was in high school, and while it certainly felt cooler to admit that in 2000, I suspect that the 39 year-old is one of those artists that I’ll never really grow out of. I’ve talked myself into quite a few drab, non-remarkable efforts, but “Gimme Something Good” is about as revitalized and energized an Adams track as we’ve heard in recent memory. 2011’s Ashes & Fire was a beautiful, yet subdued effort about domestic bliss and easy living in LA, but on this track, Ryan’s got his electric guitar back out and is back to hitting the dirty, bluesy chords of his Cardinals days. Hopefully, Ryan Adams is a real return to form… because something tells me I’ll be listening to it, whether it’s any good or not.