Arthur Russell - Not Checking Up

A: Arthur Russell
S: Not Checking Up

If you’re a certain strain of music fan, myself included, the intimacy of hearing an idea as it’s still being captured holds a certain romance that a studio track can’t match. Arthur Russell, who left nearly 1,000 hours of unreleased tapes when he died in 1992, could be the patron saint of the demo. He released only one solo album, 1986’s World of Echo, but his influence has only grown after his passing. When Devendra Banhart announced he was curating a compilation of other artists’ demos, the inclusion of Russell felt preordained. Demos encourage that type of mysticism. Russell’s music does, too.

... I still wanna know you, some way.

Solange - Almeda

A: Solange
S: Almeda

It must not be easy being Beyoncé’s little sister. Solange will always be in Queen Bey’s commercial shadow, even when she branches out, but it’s that drive for individualism that leads to exceptionalism on Almeda. Solange boasts a long list of African-American attributes to the point where it’s impossible not see a clear portrait of what she is talking about. 

... black faith still can't be washed away.

Mac DeMarco - Nobody

A: Mac DeMarco
S: Nobody

You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but pups with some years on them are usually mellower companions. Mac DeMarco’s 2017’s acoustic guitar-favoring This Old Dog, was an impeccable, if low-stakes record, a welcome stroll into singer-songwriter maturity. Listening to Nobody, the first single from his forthcoming album, Here Comes the Cowboy, can be a bit like noticing a longtime friend’s hair has sprouted a spot or two of silver since you last met, but it’s only made them look more distinguished.

... there's no second chance, no third degree.

The National - You Had Your Soul with You

A: The National
S: You Had Your Soul with You

On The National's latest single the National are Nationaling again, but then another human sings. A non-Berninger voice on a National song feels like a coyote loose in a public park—how did it get here? Is it okay? And not just any human, but David Bowie bandmate Gail Ann Dorsey. The moment is revelatory, and as the song opens up into a sunset of strings and woodwinds, the National reveal a distant new horizon for what was once the most narrowly focused indie rock band in existence.

... you have no idea how hard I died when you left.

George Ezra - Pretty Shining People

A: George Ezra
S: Pretty Shining People

Pretty Shining People is the opening song and third single to George Ezra’s second studio album Staying at Tamara’s. The song is all about us being better together. The world is a better place when we love each other, as Ezra said on Twitter after the release. Enjoy below, especially some unimpressed faces by some sassy kindergarten kids.

... we're alright together.

Vampire Weekend Feat. Steve Lacy - Sunflower

A: Vampire Weekend Feat. Steve Lacy
S: Sunflower

On Sunflower, Vampire Weekend's latest offering featuring the Internet’s guitarist wunderkind Steve Lacy, the band keep the palette of the ’70s alive, though it is questionably tasteful. The track is weirder and more psychedelic than the other songs unveiled from their album so far, a peculiar new piece of the larger Father of the Bride puzzle.

... no power can compel you.

Foals - On The Luna

A: Foals
S: On The Luna

Foals released this jerky new cut called On The Luna ahead from their new and two-part album project Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost. Exits, which was previously released and also featured on this little blog of mine, are both featured on part 1, which was out on March 8 and will be followed by a second chapter in autumn. So stay tuned.

... they say that heaven is other people.