Music of the Week – 17th August, 2022

Spotify Playlist 

Aquamarine

Artist: Black Thought & Danger Mouse

There’s talk in the Hip Hop press of awarding Cheat Codes the title of album of the year already, which tells you that the single from that album, Aquamarine is going to be something special. 

Certainly, “I take day as a blessing and see the night as a lesson/Twilight is a message for me to write a confession/The matrix, a dominatrix seeking to be served/Ever patiently waiting with the demons we deserve.” is a rap that deserves our attention. 

We’d like to make it to December before we hand out the album of the year title, though. 

Listen to it here.

Dolls

Artist: Bella Poarch

The title track of the 6-track EP, Dolls, is a tribute to Bella Poarch’s own look and her love of the brand “Dolls Kill”. It’s the perfect combination of sneering, adult pop with a sing along chorus with childlike accessibility. We liked it a lot. 

Listen to it here.

Stump

Artist: Hudson Mohawke

He’s back with his first album in 7 years, Cry Sugar, and Stomp is our favorite track on the record. It’s funny and absurd in equal measures and there’s a hint of classical underneath the hardcore pop overlay. Don’t miss it.

Listen to it here.

Your Reality

Artist: Sylvan Esso

“Let me remember how to live my life, Were there rules originally/Or are we learning how to be/Surreal but free?” sings Amelia Meath on our pick of the tracks from No Rules Sandy the latest release from Sylvan Esso. The album’s a touch sterile for our taste but we like this song a lot. 

Listen to it here.

She is Burning

Artist: Boris

This little punky opener from Boris’s new record, Heavy Rocks 2022, is a good indication of what’s to come and there’s no doubt that this is a record that’s meant to build on the legacy of the last 30 years. This RAWKs. It’s on that happy borderline between rock and metal that lives in all of us. 

Listen to it here.

Whirlpool

Artist: Panda Bear & Sonic Boom

Reset, the latest record, captures everything that’s good about these two creative influences working across generations. Whirlpool’s our pick for the best track there and it sums up everything good about 1960s pop and this sample-stuffed tribute to it. It made us want to dance, simple as. 

Listen to it here.

High School In Jakarta

Artist: NIKI

We liked what we heard of the new record, Nicole from NIKI, and while High School in Jakarta really does stand out thanks to both the solid music video and the emotionally heavy content – there’s not much about the soul sound of the whole record that you’ll find to complain about. It’s good.

Listen to it here.

On The Eve Of The Inaugural

Artist: Peter Mulvey & Sistastrings

Love is the Only Thing is a massive record with a soft, sentimental and almost folksy take on things. And On The Eve Of The Inaugural is its most intimate and striking moment. SistaStrings arrangements are second to none and you’ll find it captures your attention and leaves you wanting more too. 

Listen to it here.

Super Freaky Girl

Artist: Nikki Minaj

The most popular song of the week, so far, appears to be Nikki Minaj’s Super Freaky Girl which is off her, not-yet named, fifth studio album coming soon. It’s a very sexually charge song and best kept away from the kiddies, but if you love Ms. Minaj’s previous work, then you’re bound to enjoy this banging number too. 

Listen to it here.

Spinning Wheel

Artist: Rat Tally

“Can’t go back, but I keep track of all of your words. Spread them thin and dig too deep for a meaning, But I’m ok if you’re ok, we both know it’s a longshot, Even if I wanted you to stay, we’d get caught in a deadlock. I’ll just leave it for today, couldn’t bring myself to tell you to stop…“ this opening track from the awesome album In My Car speaks for itself, don’t miss it. 

Listen to it here.