THE REPORT: 4/18/25
APRIL FOOLS IS ALL YEAR LONG
Over a bossa nova sample and knocking drums, the Mississippi rapper B For Better asks an eternal question: “Are you dumb?” Speaking personally, I know the answer to that. I’m pushing 40 and I spend my free time writing a music blog. Two drunk boys recently approached me on the subway—they wanted to know if I liked Slowdive.
Tapeworms are from France but now live in Tokyo. Their blend of Y2K-isms and Kero Kero Bonito worship is quite listenable. For fans of poppy indietronica, the duo’s newest record is a big go. Music to play after you’ve consumed a little too much frozen yogurt and are now walking aimlessly around an upscale urban center.
Air “Sexy Boy (Vegyn Version)”
It’s a rocking breakbeat flip of an Air classic with enough tempo to get that brunch DJ set poppington. Result! Vegyn knows how to spin a sample; made under the name Headache, his 2023 album The Head Hurts but the Heart Knows the Truth contains some of the best AI text-to-speech deployments I’ve heard. It’s one of the best downtempo records in recent memory.
Bruce Springsteen “Blind Spot”
Staying in the breakbeat pop corner, here is a Springsteen song just released from the vaults. The tune is taken from the Streets of Philadelphia Sessions, which I learned from a Pitchfork article is known as Springsteen’s “loops record.” It’s what the people have been asking for: Trip Hop Boss.
Underground lifer and magazine magnate Cube is back with a hit of damaged dance music, something like Sewn Leather meets Chemical Brothers. Real deal electronic punk, battle-tested in basements and fogged-out warehouses. People keep talking about the 2000s revival, but I’m still waiting to see some heads in short shorts freak out inside of a decrepit room with a psychedelic mural painted on one wall.
JOHN’S MUSIC BLOG PRESENTS… THE BONUS THREE
Lelo (Feat. Babyface Ray) “On The Wall”
John Says: “Slick and stupendous Michigian rap. I wouldn’t mind punishing my stomach with multiple Coney dogs.”
Jump Source (Feat. Martyn Bootyspoon) “On”
John Says: “Just a big b-boy house choon. It’s good enough that Armand or Fatboy could drop it—high praise indeed.”
Dazy, Militarie Gun “Tall People Don't Live Long”
John Says: “Two major hardcore pop acts enter full-on baggy mode. My dream is to interview Bez for the blog.”