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20

May

The Weeknd- Kiss Land

Sharing The Weeknd on a Monday is brutal. Interesting to hear how his sound is transforming. It’s like he’s amplified the R&B vocals while also multiplying the eerie electro beats. Lyrically this isn’t anything profound, but as we’ve said before, if there’s any hope for the genre of Rhythym And Blues, it’s here.

“I just wanna hear your body talk.”

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19

May

Matthew Dear- Slowdance

Trippy vid. Ideal transition from dreary Sunday to Moody Monday: Disjointed black and white images, yo. At least this is one of the most visually stimulating music videos we’ve ever seen.

“I can’t be the one to tell you everything’s wrong.”

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16

May

Daft Punk- Doin’ It Right Feat. Panda Bear

Unless you’ve been living in a cave then you’ve probably heard that Daft Punk has been streaming their new album for free. Otherwise you’ve streamed the damn thing! It’s fun. Wouldn’t call it revolutionary, but definitely an amusing listen. While “Get Lucky” was super catchy, we’re enjoying the groovy sentiment of this one fosho.

“If you lose your way tonight/ That’s how you know the magic’s right.”

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15

May

Sara Bareilles- Brave

Initially believed this was the theme song to Brave, whoops. Instead it attempts to be the theme song to Bravery. Let’s have fun with lexicon: Bare-illes combines English and French suggesting that Sara bares “the he’s” (plural masculine). This grammar lesson is brought to you by no research at all, but lots of coffee and good intention. Directed by Rashida Jones, the video attempts to show you how fun it is to dance like no one is watching — even though on Youtube everyone can be watching! Srsly though, for a track that sounds as if it’s another generic pop song the lyrics are definitely more meaningful. Allegedly this song was inspired by the struggle of the author’s friend as he struggled to come out. But catchy significance can be a powerful tool, yo. All you need is love to give peace a chance when the times are a-changing if you imagine all the people living life in peace.

“You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug.”

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14

May

Nicky Romero & Avicii- I Could Be The One

Well, here’s the summer club hit. Could be worse, at least this one doesn’t scream Avicii and the beat is even reminiscent of a bag pipe, or maybe an Irish jig. Can’t recall another song in recent memory that utilized up-talk (musical version of it).

“I could be the one.”

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10

May

The Child Of Lov- One Day Feat. Damon Albarn

Initially Damon Albarn was the draw of this track, but what a delightful surprise that this collaboration is so much more than the sum of its parts. If you’ve ever wondered what blues sounded like in the Netherlands then this would most likely be your answer. The voice behind The Child is Cole Williams and his debut EP is out this week — and NME said it doesn’t disappoint. Since this song sounds like John Lee Hooker walked into a high funk fairy, we can’t wait either.

“One day baby ya gotta die, ya gotta die.”

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09

May

Say Lou Lou- Fool Of Me Feat. Chet Faker

This track has the makings of something. Twins working with Chet Faker, slow, but solid beatz, a gradual build, and mellow vocals. Don’t be a Fool, listen up.

“Had a dream that I could teach you how to love.”

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08

May

Glass Animals- Black Mambo

Chill, but slowly upbeat. Percussion-y, jazz-y, blues-y, and rock-y. Perfect to conclude hump day.

Wish it had been in Kill Bill’s already stellar soundtrack.

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07

May

Duke Dumont- The Giver

This sounds like a lot of things we like, just all of them at once. The ADHD of music, undiagnosed, unprescribed.

One liner: “You’re that special someone who make me want to give it.”

 

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06

May

Mariah Carey- Beautiful Feat. Miguel

Whoa. A Mariah Carey song that doesn’t instantly irritate — like wool. The diva always boasts impressive vocals, but the music is generally unmemorable. This one evokes motown, and the collaboration works splendidly. Glad the Glitter star has left her bathtub and gone on to make a decent vintage-inspired tune. Lyrics could use some work though…

“And your mind is f-cking beautiful/ And I can’t pretend that.”

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