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
It’s the time again — time to pick over the bones of an incredible year of music. Over the next few days, I’ll roll out my favorite tracks of the year. Let’s kick things off with 10 songs that didn’t quite make it out of the incredibly crowded field. That said, they absolutely deserve your attention.
Willis Earl Beal: “Too Dry to Cry” from Nobody Knows (XL) While I’ll never claim to be a great blues historian, I do know that the Chicago-native’s sophomore LP felt as authentic as anything out nowadays. Listening to Beal sing is like watching someone lift a car; it’s a physical experience. You can feel him straining every sinew as he pours his heart into every ravenous come-on, perfectly verbalizing human nature’s most visceral, virile instinct.
Darkside: “Golden Arrow” from Psychic (Other People)
Picking one song off Nicolas Jaar & Dave Harrington’s excellent debut LP feels idiotic, as (like their debut EP) Psychic demands to be heard in one immersive sitting. That said, its 11-minute opener sets a spooky, emulsifying tone for the whole record. Harrington’s delicious, palm-muted guitar line wraps itself around a forlorn falsetto, resulting in a track that is both alluring and unsettling.
While the NBA is rolling out their immortal “40 Games in 40 Nights” promo, the music world is doing its own. “16 Potential Classics in 30 Nights” may not be as catchy, but it’s just as ri-goddamn-diculous. I can’t remember a month where this many (SIXTEEN!) exciting, possible top-10 albums have all dropped in a month. It’s especially impressive, considering it succeeded an epic first quarter.
So, here is low-down on the 16 albums out this month that demand your attention — in 16(ish) words or less.
And awayyyy we go!
Dean Blunt, The Redeemer (Hippos in Tanks) When: May 1 Where: London What: The first true official LP from the Hype Williams-frontman Why You Care: It’s the most coherent statement from the esoteric, genre-bending genius to date. An utterly fascinating LP. For Fans of: Everything but the kitchen sink. TP’s Excitement Scale: 9.8/10
Ghostpoet: Some Say I So, I Say Light, (Brownswood) When: May 6 Where: London What: The sophomore LP from the moody, progressive spoken word poet/MC Why You Care: Because his debut, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, was an engulfing, original masterclass of post-Skinner sad-o grime. For fans of: Late night bus rides home, poetic hip-hop. TP’s Excitement Level: 8.8/10
Savages: Silence Yourself (Matador) When: May 7 Where: London What: The rollicking debut LP from the hotly-tipped riot grrrrl quartet Why You Care: The young post-punkers are threatening to lift off with a classic. Angry, uncompromising, utterly brilliant. For Fans of: The Shape of Punk to Come TP’s Excitement Level: 10/10
Kisses: Kids in LA (Cascine) When: May 14 Where: Los Angeles What: The follow-up to their splendid, massively underrated debut, The Heart of the Nightlife Why You Care: As an early investor on this synthy, Balearic-leaning bf-gf duo, it’s hard to be objective, but KILA is a dark step forward from their excellent debut. For Fans of: Rolling the windows down. The 80’s. TP’s Excitement Level: 10/10
Pure X, Crawling Up the Stairs (Acephale) When: May 14 Where: Austin, TX What: The follow-up to the slowcore trio’s excellent debut, Pleasure (2011) Why You Care: Early singles have foreshadowed a less foggy, more melodic second effort. For Fans Of: Expressive, heady guitar music. Downers. TP’s Excitement Scale: 8.5/10
Colleen, The Weighing of the Heart (Second Language) When: May 14 Where: Paris What: The French Joanna Newsom’s ornate, orchestral fifth LP Why You Care: The mercurial, hyper-talented composer/producer crafts beautiful tracks that pair delicate, orchestral arraignments with her breathy, mellifluous vocals. For Fans of: Midday naps, orchestral pop. TP’s Excitement Scale: 8.8/10
Classixx, Hanging Gardens (Innovative Leisure) When: May 14 Where: LA What: The long-awaited debut full-length from the breezy disco duo Why You Care: Because every summer needs a soundtrack, and nobody is currently making better sunshine jams. For Fans Of: Good vibes, day-drinking, DFA. TP’s Excitement Scale: 8.7/10
Dirty Beaches, Drifters/Love Is The Devil (Zoo) When: May 14 Where: Montreal via Taipei What: The shadowy, experimental 2xLP follow-up to 2011’s lo-fi masterclass, Badlands Why You Care: Alex Zhang Hungtai is famously unpredictable, and these albums promise to be harrowing, engulfing rides. For Fans Of: Challenging, uncompromising, occasionally brutal journeys deep into the human psyche. TP’s Excitement Scale: 9.1/10
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
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 $250,000.
4. Along the same lines, YG. Really???? The producers needed a young, up-and-coming rapper to go with Kendrick, and they came up with YG? What, Tyler The Creator, Lil B, Earl Sweatshirt, Kool A.D., Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Hopsin, and Mondre M.A.N. were all busy? Hell, I would have even accepted Tyga’s non-rappin’ ass. Puhreeese.
5. I’ve never been his biggest fan, but E-40 has got to be one of the most charismatic, likable rappers on the planet. I wish he was my uncle.
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Quick Tangent: Because I’ll never have as seamless a segue to this again, here is my family fantasy team of rappers.
Dad: Jay-Z –>Has experienced more than many would in 10 lifetimes. Seems like a level-headed, non-insane person. Would give the best b-day presents.
Mom: Pepa from Salt ‘N Pepa–>Seems like she would be a fun mom that would also teach discipline and raise you right. Also, if anyone ever fucked with you, she’d fuck them up first.
Big Brother: T.I. –>Has made a bunch of mistakes but has come through them. Feel like he’d give great guidance/advice. Seems wise.
Little Brother: Curren$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.
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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.
The Tallest Man on Earth There’s No Leaving Now (Dead Oceans)
For those of you who can’t wait till next Tuesday, you can stream the exquisite new album from Swedish folk singer Kristian Matsson. NPR always gets the best streams.
Stream it here. Also, check out lead single “1904” below. Right click for DL.
I must confess (yuk yuk yuk) that I’ve been a little slow posting this because I simply can’t quite tell whether I like it or not. Like so many others, I absolutely fell in love with artist officially known as George Lewis Jr’s hyper-slick 2010 debut, Forget, and while this undoubtedly still sounds like Twin Shadow, it still feels different to me. There are a ton of ideas living in this track, which feels like it weighs it down just a bit. That said, I love its driving backbeat, punchy 80’s guitars, and Lewis’ trademark powerful delivery. It sounds like something that could have been on the Dazed & Confused soundtrack, and frankly, I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or not. Hopefully, once I hear it in the context of the album, I’ll be a little bit more sure. I’m a little worried, but still confident that I’ll love it.
NPR always gets the best streams, and one week before its release, they are giving us another: Beach House’s ridiculously excellent fourth album, Bloom. I really don’t need to sell this. It’s just fantastic. It will make your life better. Just listen to it. Do it. Do it now.
So here it goes. Better late than never, these are my favorite 51 songs of 2011. If you’ve read my previous work, you’ll know how this works. It’s basically a countdown from 51 to 1. Here’s a link to a Spotify playlist that will allow you to get all of the songs in one place. As always, I am incredibly grateful for anybody who reads my tiny corner of the interwebz, and hopefully there will be something new and interesting for everybody.
And without further ado…
51. Drake
“Look What You’ve Done” Take Care (Young Money)
It feels fitting to start this list off with a track from the biggest commercial album of the year. I went back and forth a lot about what track to choose, but I settled on this one because it highlights Young Angel’s underrated storytelling and the disc’s dreamy, sublime production mostly courtesy of Noah “40” Shebib (the real star of Take Care), though this isn’t one of his tracks. Drake is at his best over these type of airy beats, as he has the rare ability to be easy to relate to, even though he lives a life we could never imagine. Remember, this is a dude who made having sex “four times this week” into a point of vulnerability, even though many of his listeners haven’t had sex four times in the past four years.
I can’t think of a better way to describe Swedish duo’s seminal (yeah, I said it) second EP than by borrowing the cherubic sample that permeates the song that made me fall in love with the group in the first place. Though it sounds strange to call an album influential only four years after its release, this is this Internet age and this is what’s happening now. Along with criminally underrated fellow Swedes, Boat Club, nobody was more responsible for the rise of today’s hugely popular airy, Balaeric-twinged pop — and its red-headed bastard child, Chillwave — than Air France. While they weren’t the first, they were certainly the best at marrying the blissed-out Ibizan dancefloor sound with a strong pop sensibilities.
For that reason, there was a staggering outpouring of praise and disappointment when the group announced they would be splitting on Monday. The group’s members — Joel Karlsson and Henrik Markstedt — stated an inability to match the quality of the devastating No Way Down, and while that is ostensibly understandable, it’s also surprising because their brilliant, undulating 2011 single, “It Feels Good To Be Around You” suggested huge things for the group in 2012.
While it’s tough to say goodbye, we’ll always have the memories, and in Air France’s case, they’re particularly spectacular (so fitting for a group that made music dripping with nostalgia). Besides helping shape the sound of countless breakout artists (Toro y Moi, Washed Out, jj, etc) and launching the most interesting record label of the last five years, No Way Down is truly special because of its wide-eyed, unbelievably lush six tracks. It’s the perfect collection — an incredible set of anthemic, blissful Balearic pop earworms, ready to wriggle their way into your heart and get your head dreaming of “wamer climes” (sorry, had to). For someone who grew up over 5,000 miles from the Mediterranean Sea, it opened me up into an entirely new sound.
Whether or not this is really the end remains to be seen, but whatever happens, I’ll continue to be grateful to Karlsson and Markstedt — not only for forming one of my three favorite bands of the last five years — but for all the music they turned me on to and all the excellent (and not-so-excellent) bands they influenced.
Willis Earl Beal: “Too Dry to Cry” from Nobody Knows (XL)
