No, the first month and a half of the calendar year usually does not contain much new, jaw-dropping music for one to sink their teeth into. We are still a long way from the giant chart-toppers that will neatly coincide with summer, and even farther away from fall, where brooding artists stamp their souls onto wax. But rest assured, something is always brewing in the wide world of music! Here is a list of the choicest bits and pieces from the past month:
Cam'ron & A-Trak: "Humphrey"- Cam'ron yelling, "A-Trak, let's take 'em to church!" is one of those phrases you need to rewind in order for you to truly trust your ears. Good thing that this song is endlessly playable, as the Dipset rapper finds unlikely producers in A-Trak, founder of Fool's Gold records (signees include Danny Brown, Kid Cudi, and Run The Jewels), and Party Supplies. While many a lyricist would probably sprinkle fairy dust on a squeaky sample like this, Cam'ron shines like he did in his prime (see "Hey Ma"). He even drops a Street Fighter reference! It's official: "Cam got the shit to pop."
Speedy Ortiz: "American Horror"- Speedy Ortiz might just be the best act to come out of Massachusetts in years (remember JoJo? Anyone?). They follow up their angst ridden debut, Major Arcana, with the four song EP Real Hair, an awesome bonus if the first ten weren't enough to keep you satisfied. "American Horror" lights the fuse, an anthem about being "strap-down crazy."
Major Lazer featuring Pharrell: "Aerosol Can"- Not even that giant hat can stop Pharrell with all the momentum he built up in 2013. "Aerosol Can, bom bom bom bom/ Monkey outside, bom bom bom bom," goes the hook. Any meaning to be found? Probably not. It doesn't matter though, because Major Lazer know how to get butts moving.
Schoolboy Q: "Break The Bank"- The latest single in preparation for the much anticipated Oxymoron LP has all of the terror and panic of an armed robbery. Faint wailing, echo effects, and a chilling piano part fill this track out. While the rest of Schoolboy's recent output has been mainly comprised of club hits, "Break The Bank" finds Q taking a chainsaw to his past, angry about his upbringing and ready to move on with his life. It's the first song he has put out in a while that really rattles you, and makes you realize that if he does somehow end up drowning in Kendrick Lamar's immense shadow, he won't let it happen without kicking and screaming first.
Thundercat: "Vulnerable People"- Another thick groove from Flying Lotus's favorite bassist. This one sounds like it could play over the end credits of a late 80s flick. Bump this one from that pink Cadillac you probably don't have.
Karen O featuring Ezra Koenig: "Moon Song"- As if Her was not unbelievably heartfelt and perfect enough, this recording has just surfaced of Karen O, the original co-writer (along with director Spike Jonze) of the Oscar nominated "Moon Song," singing a lovely duet with Vampire Weekend's lead singer, Ezra Koenig. Koenig does a great job not taking over or distracting here, pitching in just the right amount. Whether or not you prefer Scarlett Johansen's version from the movie itself, we certainly welcome the star-studded harmonies here.
Disclosure featuring Mary J Blige: "F For You"- Disclosure has followed up their breakout success with a series of collaborations, starring Joey Bada$$, Bishop Nehru, and an upcoming performance with Lorde at this year's BRIT Awards. These all pale in comparison, however, to the vocal stylings of Mary J. Blige that have been added onto the already excellent "F For You." When you set the bar this high, the only question left is who they plan to give their signature face trace to next.
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