Singles - New Artist - SOAK - Sea Creatures

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There's not a ton out there on Soak (@Soakofficial), the 18 year-old Irish singer/songwriter. But this song tells me enough that she's worth following.

The waves of the sea echo in the beginning of this track before her childlike voice takes over. I love the line, "I don't think they know what love is / Throw around like its worthless."

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Singles - Pond - Elvis' Flaming Star

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Early front runner for song title of the year. Just so great. If you had to imagine what this song sounded like just based on this title, what do you think it would sound like? Something far out and kinda nutty? YES, that's exactly how it sounds!

Pond's latest album is easily the zaniest and fun album I've heard this year. Even though the drummer from beloved Tame Impala, Jay Watson, is in the band, Pond is more MGMT than Tame Impala. They're further out than the psych-rock that Tame Impala plays, but there are some really great catchy elements underneath all the sounds coming in at warp speed. If you like this track, definitely check their new album out!

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Playlist - Wait...Rock?

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If Kurt Cobain was the beginning to the end of rock, Imagine Dragons pulled the plug. I gave up. But interestingly enough, bands have been popping up that just have that sound. I can't explain it exactly, but rock sounds more instinctive and less calculated than any other music. The best rock music is never trying to impress you. It is what it is. Take it or leave it. That FU mentality is the vibe I hear in these new (except for the established vets Sleater-Kinney) artists. Plain and simple, they rock. SO FOLKS, do not despair, rock is breathing, and they may be taking the respirator away.

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My Take on Kanye

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I love Kanye. His music has made my life identifiably more enjoyable. The College Dropout will remain in the hip-hop lexicon forever for its originality, innovative production, and influence. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a masterpiece. It was Kanye’s manic brain finally putting it all together into something perfect, twisted, and human. It was his reaction to the backlash that he both deservedly and undeservedly received and the vitriol and hatred that he never deserved. I compared Yeezus to Radiohead's Kid A  - it's an album no one else could have made. He has been the most influential and relevant hip-hop artist of the past decade and no one else is close. 

Any time I become exasperated with Kanye, I’ll listen to “Last Call,” his last track on his debut album to remind me that he is a guy like us, personable and real.

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5 Faves - Best Coast

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In light of the speculation that a new album is coming out somewhat soon (UPDATE: May 5!), I thought I'd highlight five of my favorite tracks by Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno's duo Best Coast.  I've seen them live a couple times, the most recent being at The Fillmore in SF, and I was really blown away by Cosentino's voice. It's a bit reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, and I don't think any band encapsulates the SoCal beach vibe better.  Cosentino's ability to turn three to five chord songs into catchy tracks is all based on her melodies. Love that voice. 

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