Ahhhhh... September is here, football has started, and we are going into Labor Day weekend; it doesn't get much better. Good thing you'll have your new Weekend Tune-Up to accompany through the long weekend. You know I'm always looking out for you guys. Play on.Getting started this week is Astronauts, Etc., aka Anthony Ferraro, aka Toro Y Moi’s touring keyboardist. Anthony had me at Toro. I'm not shy about my love for Toro, so I was instantly intrigued when Anthony launched his new project. "Shake It Loose" is the fourth single released by Astronauts, Etc., and it's a lovely tune, slightly reminding me of a groovier Bon Iver. I'm eagerly awaiting a full-length LP, stay tuned. I'm always in the mood for a jazzy hip-hop track, and Illa J delivers just that with "All Good Pt. 2," his new single off his forthcoming album, S/T, due out October 2. The track features assistance from Moka Only and Ivan Ave. Illa's brother, the late, legendary J Dilla, would be proud of his talented younger sibling. Another Beach House song? Of course! If you haven't heard Depression Cherry, I highly urge you to take the time to do so, you won't be disappointed. I selected "Bluebird" this week, maybe my favorite off what is in contention for my album of the year. CHVRCHES and a Four Tet collabo, yes please. Four Tet lends his remixing expertise on the already catchy "Leave A Trace." Fout Tet dials down the energy a few notches to create a calming, chilled-out version; I'm a fan of how he looped Lauren's vocals over each other, creating a nice texture.
My sleeper tune this week is from UK vocalist and beatmaker Chris Ward, also known as Tropics. "Harbor" is Tropics' newest single of futuristic R+B that toes the line of chillwave and electronica. The lusty synthesizers fit perfectly over the irregular, looping drums, along with Ward's subtly smooth vocals. Ward is producer, and a damn good one. He's very careful to not let his vocals take away from this precisely crafted beat. I've had this tune on repeat all week, you should too. Don't sleep on Tropics.
1. Astronauts, Etc., "Shake It Loose"
2. Illa J Feat. Moka Only, Ivan Ave, "All Good, Pt.2"
3. Foals, "Birch Tree"
4. Harrison Brome, "Pools"
5. Skylar Spence, "I Can't Be Your Superman"
6. Beach House, "Bluebird"
7. Chad Valley, "Seventeen"
8. Here We Go Magic, "Ordinary Feeling"
9. CHVRCHES, "Leave A Trace" (Four Tet Remix)
10. Telekinesis, "Sleep In"
11. Topics, "Harbor"
12. HONNE, "Church Rave In Miami"
13. Car Seat Headrest, " No Passion"
14. The Arcs, "Put a Flower in Your Pocket"
15. Naytronix, "Back In Time"