I don’t know what it is — maybe it’s the summer solstice, maybe it was just a good week in music — but I was feeling a lot of new tracks this past week. As a matter of fact, there was so much new stuff out there that I liked that I had a hard time narrowing down my list for today’s post. But I did, and I now present to you this week’s roundup of musical hotness.
Radiohead, “Staircase” (Live From the Basement)
Yesterday evening Radiohead released a video of a live performance of the brand new song “Staircase” on YouTube. The performance is an excerpt from the band’s live session for the British TV program From the Basement, which is the creation of “sixth Radiohead member” Nigel Godrich. This tribal, trance-inducing track features drummer Clive Deamer playing alongside Radiohead percussionist Phil Selway (yep, double drummers). The session will air July 1.
Jean Grae, “Casebasket”
Here’s why lady MC Jean Grae deserves the utmost respect: on this new joint she shouts out Tampax, marzipan, scrabble and the “Rudy Huxtuble dance” all while spittin’ the hot fiya over relentless snare and bass. Basically, she’s the truth. You can download the track (from the forthcoming mixtape Cookies or Comas, out Thursday) via RCRD LBL.
P.S. 50 points to those who know which Cosby Show episode inspired the Rudy Huxtable dance.
Washed Out, “Amor Fati”
It’s only fitting that chillwave darling Washed Out would release a proper debut full-length during the warm months, what with mastermind Ernest Greene’s proclivity to lo-fi, summer-fantasy-inducing synth pop. This hazy cut comes from Washed Out’s upcoming album Within and Without, out July 12 on Sub Pop. Makes me reminisce about 11-year-old me swaying to Depeche Mode in my sunny peach bedroom. Download the track via Pitchfork.
Portishead and ATP, ATP I’ll Be Your Mirror London Mixtape
Honorably mention to Portishead this week for the mixtape they curated with All Tomorrow’s Parties to promote the upcoming London I’ll Be Your Mirror event, which will feature all of the folks on the mix. High points include the moody opening featuring Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Portishead, the Books’ “A Cold Freezin’ Night,” Doom’s “Gazzillion Ear” (love the Hadron Collider shout out!), Foot Village’s “Lovers With Iraqis,” and the wind down with Caribou and Beach House.
Got a new song (released or posted in the last week) you’re excited about? Leave a comment and tell me about it.
The Blipster Review 