Twice a semester, Arts and Entertainment staffers pick the songs they cannot stop listening to. If you are heading home for fall break and looking for a new car play, here are some jams the staff just can’t let go.
1. “Above Us” by Hibou
The Seattle band brings lo-fi, jangly and catchy indie rock. Those familiar with the genre can group Hibou with artists like DIIV and Craft Spells, the main difference being Hibou's upbeat and cheerful lead melodies.
-- Marshall Perfetti
2. “Talk About” by The Lonely Biscuits
The Lonely Biscuits' newest release is an uplifting success. The song has a slight echo-like quality that resonates throughout. Certain words linger and extend, while others cut off and run into the next. The dynamic syntax of sound maintains listeners’ attention and interest. The artists do not disappoint with their wide range of style and musical direction.
-- Anna Morgan
3. “Heartlines” by Broods
This irresistibly catchy synth-pop song from New Zealand-based duo Broods — co-written by Lorde — is one of the highlights from their second album "Conscious."
-- Ellen Adams
4. “Say a Little Prayer (Live)” by Lianne La Havas
This cover by British singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas is unbelievably well-done. For listeners who are only familiar with this song because of "My Best Friend's Wedding," this is an important cover. La Havas turns the upbeat, cheeky song into a personal acoustic ballad.
-- Maggie Snow
5. “Rings of Saturn” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
In their latest album, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds reach into the cosmos for "Rings of Saturn." 10/10, would recommend.
-- Paul Rohrback
6. “Timeless” by James Blake (feat. Vince Staples)
There is no doubt that Vince Staples is amongst the most talented and artistic hip-hop artists of the current generation, and over James Blake's experimental production, Staples brings some of his most complex and well written bars yet. Like each of these young individual artists, this duo has more than a lot of potential.
-- John Trainum
7. “Nobody Speak” by DJ Shadow (feat. Run The Jewels)
This track is a true clash of the titans. DJ Shadow, one of the most prolific underground and experimental hip-hop producers, joins Run The Jewels, resulting in perhaps the largest underground hip-hop duo since MF DOOM and Madlib teamed up over a decade ago. Run The Jewels brings their classic hard-hitting, back-and-forth rapping style together perfectly with an eclectic beat from DJ Shadow, encompassing everything from blues scales to electronic lines and brass sections. Together these artists create a epic, larger-than-life track that is just as addictive as it is gritty.
-- Benjamin Mossholder
8. “Gaims” by KAMAU
This bizarre, unique blend of rap, hip hop and a cappella knows how to have fun while boasting high musical quality. He only has the one EP right now but, if he makes more music like this, promises to be one of the biggest names in hip hop and spoken word.
-- Dan Goff
9. “Lavender Ladies” by The Duskwhales
This psychedelia-inflected slice of pop comes from this northern Virginia-based trio's excellent self-titled 2014 LP, an upbeat and eclectic set of indie rock tunes that brings to mind The Doors. Their as of yet untitled follow-up album is set to release this fall.
-- Aline Dolinh
10. “Caroline” by Aminé
“Caroline” bumps. The debut from Portland-based rapper Aminé features a chorus as catchy as anything by Fetty Wap and lyrics as smart as anything by Kanye West. “Let’s get gory, like a Tarantino movie,” the rapper croons, before switching cadences and spitting out a verse above a bouncing, raucous bass line. If “Caroline” is any indication, Aminé could be a name to remember in the coming years.
-- Ben Hitchcock
11. “Gamma Knife” by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
KGATLW's 2016 release Nonagon Infinity was an incredible showcase of psychedelic rock with elements of hair metal blended in, and no track better showcases the album's wild energy and breakneck pace than Gamma Knife.
- Lou Malmgren
Listen to the full playlist below or on the Arts & Entertainment section’s Spotify page at CavalierDailyAE and stay tuned for more staff playlists.
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