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.
