It's been a long week. You deserve some new tunes to usher in your weekend with a head bob. Not to worry, I'm here for you.Opening up the playlist this week is lovable indie-darling, Mac Demarco. The singer-songwriter just released a new LP, sorta. It's only eight songs deep, spanning a little over 23 minutes, but it's the quality not quantity that matters most. Multi-talented musician Albert Hammond Jr. released his new record, Momentary Masters, last week. I like his new material, and it's in the same vein as The Strokes, so he hasn't strayed from what's put food on the table. We have another singer-songwriter featured this week, but Ryan Adams is much more depressing than most. I've always been a big fan, especially earlier in his career. The alt-country material he's been hung up on lately isn't my favorite, but I'm happy to report that the few new tracks he released this week are more of what I expect from Mr. Adams, and definitely in the realm of his 2014 self-titled LP. Australian quartet New Navy have a brand new album called Lakeside. That's an appropriate album title, being that it has a summer/water vibe throughout. I selected "High," a dreamy mid-tempo track that literally tugs you into the water. Give these Aussie guys a listen.
My sleeper tune of the week is from the legendary Kool Keith. I normally don't pick an artist that I describe as "legendary," but Kool Keith remains largely unknown. Mostly due to his obscure subject matter, lyrical style and production, Keith has always been an underground secret for many. He puts out so much material, it's really difficult to keep current with him. For example, he just released two records this past week, one as his infamous alter-ego, Dr. Octagon, and one as Kool Keith. I grabbed a track from his Kool Keith persona, and it features production from the supremely underrated L'Orange, and guest lyrics from Mr. Lif. The guitar licks throughout are reminiscent of an Atmosphere track. Kool Keith was one of the first concerts I attended, it was awesome and odd all in the same breathe. Keith passed out bags of fried chicken to the crowd while he was performing. I'll just leave you with that. Commence head bob.
1. Mac Demarco, "A Heart Like Hers"
2. Night Beds, "Corner"
3. Atlas Genius, "Friends With Enemies"
4. Harrison Brome, "Midnight Island"
5. Albert Hammand Jr., "Born Slippy"
6. Lane 8 Feat. Ara Scott, "The Great Divide"
7. New Navy, "High"
8. Ryan Adams, "Yes Or Run"
9. Summer Heart, "Beat Of Your Heart"
10. Sundara Karma, "Flame (Roosevelt Remix)"
11. On An On, "Stay The Same"
12. Kool Keith Feat, Mr. Lif, "Twenty Fifty Three"
13. Strange Talk, 'When It Feels So Good"
14. Health, "DRUGS EXIST"
15. Tamaryn, "Last"