Best New Tracks Of The Week: 6/2/24
Another stacked week of new singles, let's get into it.
5. So Lo - Pond
I went back and forth on this track a bit because it really it so indebted to specific styles of 80s synth pop and new wave that it's almost parody. But it's almost like they've combined inspiration from many different places all into one and that attempt sort of forms its own originality in its wake. What results is something impressively catchy even if I can't shake the fact that every moment feels like I've heard it before.
4. Frogs - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
With a decade of releases that can be seen as often solemnly focused by Nick Cave Frogs is a reminder that he can be as theatrical as anyone. This soaring and anthemic cut features belting to the rafters backed by dramatic sweeping baroque instrumentation and a chorus of supporting vocals guiding the songs ebb and flow. He continues to be remarkably interesting and refreshing even this late into his career.
3. My guy (Corporate Shuffle) - Underscores
Occasionally an album is so much better than its challengers that even the B-sides run laps around the field. That's the case with Underscores 2023 effort Wallsocket in the world of internet music and hyperpop as is once again proved by this absolute narrative-expanding banger of a B-side she shared. It hits in all the same delightful ways as many of the great songs that preceded it.
2. She's Gone, Dance On - Disclosure
Yeah, I can't believe it either. The often glossy mega-stars of dance music have surprisingly kicked off the summer perfectly with one of the most blissful house tracks I've heard all year. Devoid of some of the mushy pop sentimentalities that have guided many of their singles for years what the band hits with is genuinely blissful in the way that some of the absolute best dance music is. If you're surprised to see them on the list, trust me, so am I.
1. Thrown Around - James Blake
James Blake is unbelievable. His astonishing ability to consistently dazzle me with his music has continued for well over a decade now. His newest song is a life-affirming piece of electronica that sounds right of the credits to an early 2000s teen movie, a joke even Blake himself made. But it's dusted with his subtle electronic experimentation and heightened by his flawless vocal performance. This is another absolute stroke of genius from James Blake.
