Some surprising new singles this week including a new track from The Pope himself. YES, THE ACTUAL POPE.
THE BEST:
'Pony' - Wavves
‘It gets better’ sings frontman Nathan Williams in a tone that is as
hopeful as it is doubtful. If all the tracks on this San Diego band’s new album
are of the same quality as this bouncy, breezy breakup anthem then pin me down
cos this record’s going to blow me away!
'Wake up! Go! Go! Forward!' - Pope Francis
The pope is releasing a rock album
later this year. The actual pope. I’m not kidding. It’s going to feature
excerpts from speeches he’s done over predominantly rock instrumentals. Here’s
the first taster, a proggy King-Crimson flavoured number, and it’s actually
surprisingly good. Horns up in appreciation (wait, is that blasphemous?). Listen to it here.
'The Lavishments of Light Looking' – WOKE (Flying Lotus, Shabazz Palaces
& Thundercat) ft. George Clinton
Avant-garde electronic producer
Flying Lotus, experimental hip hop duo Shabazz Palaces, slinky bassist/singer
Thundercat and funk pioneer George Clinton all team up for this warped jazz
trip. I’m still trying to dissect my way through the labyrinth of instrumental
layers. The fact that there is still a groove beneath it all is quite a
miracle. Who knows what this supergroup have planned next?
'BBQ Grill' - Jon Oh
I can barely make out what this
dude is spitting about? The monstrously bassy beat somewhat buries him but, oh
well, I do like a bit of monstrous bass. My neighbours hate it.
'Nelly' - Isaiah Rashad
This Tennessee rapper is the
master of smooth. His velvety sing-rapping in this song accompanied by the
smoky beat is enough to make me forget all my troubles. Not that I have any
troubles. I AM PERFECT
THE WORST:
'My House' - Flo Rida
The piano beat is straight out the
cookie-cutter, as is the materialistic drivel over the top. ‘Open up the champagne, pop/ It’s my house,
come on, turn it up!’ If you want to try and serenade me Flo Rida you’re
going to have to try harder than that.