Lav's Music Corner

Review by Lav:  The moment Taylor Swift's new album The Tortured Poets Department hit, it was lauded by numerous major critical outlets who, let's face it, got a copy in advance and likely wanted to maintain their positive relationship with Swift and her team going forward. Ever since then though, it's been an absolute barrage. Some of the nicer publications have pointed out that the record is a little on the long side and that Jack Antonoff's contributions continue to spark absolutely no joy. More honest critics have torn the album virtually to shreds for its awful lyrics and deeply formulaic melodies. So stepping into an album getting this much hate from all corners is a difficult position to be in and one I approach with trepidation.  That's why it might surprise you to know, there were some things I liked about The Tortured Poets Department .  Let's start with the title track. It was already burdened by a viral lyric about Charlie Puth that circulated from a...

I have nothing of any importance to say this week aside from the fact that it was the best week for new singles in quite a while. Enjoy <3 5.  Wild Child  - The Black Keys Dan and Patrick are back and clearly influenced by their spin as a Missouri Delta covers band because this is their busiest piece of original material in years. While it is instantly satisfying to see them turn back the clock and there's a guitar bridge on the song that can only be defined as "sweet", I'm not sure this is quite as infectious and instantaneous as their best material. Still loving the change of pace.  Listen 4.  Sweetest Pie  - Megan Thee Stallion (Feat. Dua Lipa) Is this a purely pop motivated turn for Megan, yes. But it's also a really enjoyable song with Dua's charming hook and the combination of typically hip hop centric trap drums with those walls of warbling synths that go together surprisingly well. I love that Dua is allowed more than just the hook on the song even ...

Hello and welcome to the almost late for a second week in a row sort of weekly list we do on this little blog. I listened through a number of brand new songs this week and these are the best of them, simple as that.  5.  Sex Magik  - Bloc Party After what I would describe as a bit of a misstep on their previous single Bloc Party are back with style on this new song. From a weird chanted hook that's bouncy in their distinct way to some of those wiry guitar riffs that give everything the band does such a youthful edge this has everything a good Bloc Party song should.  Listen 4.  Zatoichi  - Denzel Curry (Feat. Slowthai) The second single from Curry's new album sports an attention grabbing title and feature, though isn't quite that bold. The Slowthai hook is unrelenting and the beat does occasionally make use of some punchier and more distorted beats but generally this is a far tamer outing than the duos previous. Regardless it's a solid and infectious single...