Best New Songs Of The Week: May 15th, 2022
This was a tough week to be a single. With albums coming from Kendrick Lamar, The Smile, Florence + The Machine and more there was only so much listening time to go around. But a few brave souls still did try. Enjoy <3
5. Roman Candles - Death Cab For Cutie
Before the new Death Cab For Cutie song even starts keen eyed fans will realize that the runtime clocks out at just over two minutes, which is unusual. What's even more unusual is how punchy the instrumental palette is. While the sentimentality and vocals are still very much in tact everything from the explosive drums to the fuzzed out guitars feels like a very direct and conscious choice to turn it up a notch. The band may not sound 100% comfortable in this environment particularly on the songs instrumental conclusion, but they also aren't completely out of their depth.
4. Tired Of Taking It Out On You - Wilco
There's such a charming, songwritery bliss to Wilco's music that makes almost all of their songs appealing at least on a surface level. Even hearing a lightly psychedelic indie folk sound that the band has played with before still feels refreshing when you break down the compelling lyrical sentiment. The gentle sway of the song is an appealing one that I haven't gotten tired of with repeat listens.
3. Troglodyte - Viagra Boys
After dropping a lead single I was kind of confused by I'm happy to report that Viagra Boys are back in business with this song which starts with daydreams of a mass shooting, unsurprisingly relevant to the news cycle here in the US. But from that point it goes on an evolutionary journey equating what modern social dynamics back to the days of apes. The chorus "You ain't no ape, you're a troglodyte" might be both one of the funniest and most genuinely cutting insults I've heard all year. This song rules.
2. No Gold Teeth - Danger Mouse & Black Thought
Danger Mouse and Black Thought, say no more. The super-producer came to play this time around with a classic jazz rap instrumental that is both lively and genuinely exciting. But Black Thought is no stranger to good production and he knows exactly how to handle it. This is just the sound of two veterans working in their element and proving exactly why they have the reputations they do.
1. Welcome To Hell - Black Midi
The Black Midi factory chugs on with yet another brilliantly idiosyncratic fusion of post-punk, acid jazz and post-rock. This time there is a sickening helping of militaristic patriotism worked into the lyrics and skewered through the unmistakable lead vocals. It's impossible to describe exactly what makes this great, just let it consume you and you'll understand.
