Well, I came to the city
I was running from the past
My heart was bleeding
And it hurt my bones to laugh
Stayed in the city
No exception to the rules, to the rule
He was born to love me
I was raised to be his fool, his fool
Walk that line, torn apart
Spend your whole life trying
Ride that train, free your heart
It's midnight up in Harlem
These songs really remind me of both Vampire Weekend (specifically "Little Grace" with the vocal deliveries and accelerated paced tracks a la VW's first two albums) and Local Natives (especially "Souls" with the group choruses, drums hitting the side of the kit, and their overall sound), but these kids from Minnesota also bring their own poppy vibe to bop your head to.
Read MoreI find this really hard to say, but I think this is the best track Tame Impala has written. The intertwining of parts as each fades in and out seamlessly, the use of subtle loops (around the 3:25 mark) which leads into one prolonged loop which then leads into a powerful orchestrated string section, the song keeps swimming into other rhythms. I just can't get over the intricacy and depth of this song. This track HAS to be heard with headphones on.
If this is the best track on Tame Impala's new album (release date this year but unknown!), I'll still be a happy camper, but I have this great feeling that the album is going to be a real classic, Tame Impala's best. Fingers crossed!
Read MoreDrug Cabin's debut full-length album, Yard Work, is a walk down memory lane for me. The Los Angeles band's vibe and sound reminds me of Wilco's Sky Blue Sky, a laid back and retro sound that's paced well with a full listen only costing you 26 minutes. This is the type of album I picture putting on as I sit on a deck somewhere overlooking the beach (or at least that's my favorite way to listen to Sky Blue Sky).
Sapphire is my favorite track on this album. So if you like this track, give the rest of the album a good listen!
Read MoreCutting Patrick Watson down to five tracks is a difficult task. Listening to him is like listening to the symphony. It's lush, atmospheric, and rains on you from all directions. Watson is one of my favorite singer/songwriters of the past few years, and he seems to have Andrew Bird's cerebral talents yet with a more distinct and at times Jeff Buckley-esque (for proof - see his wailing on "Luscious Life") voice. He has an ability to make his songs speak and gravitate more and more towards your soul. He's a special one.
Read MoreBeautiful slow jam from the silky-smooth voiced Lapsley. There's not a ton of info out there on her, but her EP Understudy was released in January 2015 and includes this gem.
Read MoreWill Butler, NOT to be confused with Win Butler, yet still confusing as they look similar, have similar voices and sounds, play in the same band, and are brothers. But besides all that jazz, Will Butler just released his debut solo album, Policy (which is absolutely worth a full listen), and this is one of my favorite tracks on it.
It's got a bit of an 80s vibe (the start of the song totally reminds me of Devo) and it has that trademark Arcade Fire sound where so many sounds culminate into controlled hysteria then come back to reality. The piano that comes in at 1:29 and a couple times thereafter makes the song, and yeah, the horns kick ass too!
Read MoreSo it took me a little while to figure out whether Drake's latest release was a mixtape or an album? Word on the interwebs is that it's a mixtape that was released more or less like an album so Drake's record contract with Cash Money would expire. Either way, the mixtape is a slow burner with mostly subdued and passive beats that Drake rides along at a leisurely pace. "Know Yourself" initially starts out like a bedroom soliloquy then transitions to a drop that is instantaneously memorable. At first I thought it was hilarious that Drake was talking about his "woes," but apparently it means his crew and stands for "works of excellence." Whatever. I liked it more when I pictured Drake running through the streets of Toronto with a hangdog expression.
Read MoreLeon Bridges has cornered the market for that old soul sound reminiscent of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and the like. This track takes you back to those days and gives me a sense of calm and simplicity. Bridges is gaining some recognition as I just saw his song "Lisa Sawyer" as one of NPR's favorite current tracks. He only has a few songs out, but I imagine an album is right around the corner!
Read MoreSophomore albums are always tough. There's too much expectation and too much to lose. Usually you're left disappointed as the songs sound like the first album, just not as good. But our faithful Father John Misty has made one of my favorite albums so far this year and expanded on his lyrical and songwriting abilities to bring together a gorgeous and sarcastic album on love.
As you may have read or already know: Father John Misty, real name Josh Tillman, first struggled to make somber, depressing music under his own name, became the drummer of Fleet Foxes, left the band, created Father John Misty, made Fear Fun, got critical acclaim, got married, made I Love You, Honeybear, got even more critical acclaim.
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