Saturday Spin #3
Wassup folks! It's Saturday, so it's time to take your ears for a spin
Harry Styles: As it Was
Harry Styles dropped a new single, and while I prefer his more uptempo numbers I'd say this is a solid start to his third solo LP. Unlike more groove-driven tracks like 2019's song of the summer Watermelon Sugar this one is more focused on his vocal ability, and he does have plenty to offer there.
Kid Cudi: She Knows This
One of my favorite things about hip hop is the curatorial aspect - each sample is a carefully selected Easter egg, and recognizing these snippets of sound outside of their original context and connecting the dots between who else has used them and when or where or why that particular clip was chosen is a whole fun puzzle. I usually can't place samples, but this track kicks off with a few seconds of dialog from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World that I'd recognize anywhere. As for the "why," my best theory is that it's a name thing (Kid Cudi's legal name is Scott Mescudi). Absolutely 🔥 track as well.
Hozier: Shrike
Hozier is something special. He's an incredible singer, crafts eerie and deeply emotional songs that blend traditional Irish music with American blues, and his Twitter presence is an absolute treasure. On top of all that, he's also a phenomenal guitarist, and if you're not familiar with his instrumental stylings I'll submit this track as proof. Again, such a smart blend of Irish traditional and Blues playing, which actually overlap a fair bit.
See also: It Will Come Back, Like Real People Do
Lorde: Supercut
I love pop music. It's 3 minutes of carefully engineered sound that somehow makes you want to drive with the windows down on a summer night with those exact sounds at full volume. Or maybe I just did that a lot as a teenager and so it feels like the right way to experience emotional bangers like this. Either way, Lorde is amazing and you should go enjoy this song. I also really dig the length of the fadeout, such a subtle production move that sort of let's the song linger before the next song comes on. Bonus points available if you watch Someone Great, the superfun rom com that introduced me to this song.
Gaffa Tape: Sandy Headlights
My favorite line of lyrics in this week’s batch of tunes, which perfectly describes burnout and does it to such a jaunty tune:
It’s a long drive with your headlights out
You better move fast or you might not keep your head on
I think you’re a little bit sadder than you let on
See also: Turnstile
Now, Now: SGL
If SGL isn’t one of my top 5 most played songs at the end of this year, I will be surprised. The hook is amazing (the whole chorus is pretty much the hook, it’s that vocal rhythm that does it) but comes around few enough times that I find myself playing it over and over again. Just. So. GOOD.
See also: Set It Free
The Japanese House: Saw You in a Dream
We haven't had any truly chill vibes yet today, so here are some.
Caroline Rose: Soul No. 5
This whole bubble grunge, melodic indie punk thing that's been going on lately is IT and this Caroline Rose song's a great example of those styles. So fun. So catchy. So good.
Jack Johnson: Banana Pancakes
A definitely not new release (this song is 17 years old) but a grand one to revisit. Plus this is what I made for breakfast this morning, and I can’t help but hear Jack Johnson in my head when eating this particular food.
Wet Leg: Wet Leg (Debut Album)
And finally, WET LEG DROPPED A WHOLE DANG ALBUM THIS WEEK! The whole thing is amazing, I won’t even try to name favorite or best tracks, just spin it all for yourself, as a little treat.