Quick Note: The April edition of NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS WITH JOHN’S MUSIC BLOG, my column for the music platform Nina, is up now. It features an interview with Emma Kohlmann and a whole lot more. Check it out.
Loe Shimmy (Feat. Luh Tyler) “Aretha Franklin”
Shimmy and Tyler connect for a jazzy bit of slowcore. It’s cutty back-to-back rapping at its finest, both languid and bittersweet. Music for a Florida night so humid that it takes an hour just to muster up the energy to get in the car and drive to the Sonic to try out one of their new “dirty sodas,” a product line that clearly exists in response to a Utah beverage trend aimed at Mormons who are not allowed to drink coffee.
Baby Rocket (Feat. Angel Rider) “What’s Up”
On the other end of the tempo spectrum, here is a pop-trance cover of the eternal 4 Non Blondes hit “What’s Up.” Story time: My alternative rock cover band Body Jazz once played a 30-minute version of this song live. We were opening up for Nautical Almanac… Frankie Martin on vocals… The year? 2005. I’ve wasted my life.
I rarely talk about music videos here, but the Gustaf Holtenäs-directed clip for the new A.G. Cook single is one of the more inspired pieces of fantasy animation I have seen in a damn minute. The song is good too, and it works with the visuals, which manage to pull on a few aesthetic threads simultaneously. Holtenäs makes use of all four minutes, crafting a time-collapsing future-medieval narrative with major payoff. Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Doechii (Feat. JT) “Alter Ego”
Holy hip house! Dropped a few weeks ago, “Alter Ego” is fueled by a Think Break and stabby organs and a big goon chant chorus. It samples Ayesha Erotica and probably something else, and it reminds me of one of my favorite rugged New York house cuts. But it also has more than a little Florida in it. I’ve noticed that there have been a few Sonic locations popping up around New York. But they aren’t drive-ins. Very confusing.
Wolf Eyes & Anthony Braxton “Difficult LA one”
I missed Wolf Eyes and Anthony Braxton last night, so as penitence, I am posting something from their new record. As expected, it’s a masterful bit of squalling from a trio with over a century of combined knowledge under their belt. Their first collaboration remains one of my favorite “experimental music” records. “Thurston wants to talk about Star Wars.”
MIX OF THE WEEK: Courtney Love’s Women On BBC 6 Music
It has always been my dream for Courtney Love to do a podcast, and this might be the closest she will ever get. There is far too much to say here—just fucking click on that play button. Essential listening.