December 15, 2017

December 15, 2017 in Music, Newsletter

This week has flown by, hasn’t it?

This is technically day 3 of the cmd+vent calendar. Nothing new from your typical Friday cmd+f letter, but altogether still very special. I’ve had some wonderful feedback on the first two days, so shout out to Ana and Christina for sharing their 2017 music experiences! A brand new letter by another reader drops tomorrow–be sure to tell your friends.

The five songs I’ve plucked for you this week all vary in genres/moods/tones, and I can assure you they’re all excellent.

Please reach out to me via the handy dandy contact page on the cmd+f website, or on Twitter with your thoughts about any of the tracks I’ve selected this week. As you already know, I love chatting about music. Let me in on your new favorite band; they’re looking for new fans, too!

As always, you know the drill: if you like what you hear, spread the cheer. Tell your friends about the songs you liked in this letter, but most importantly, let the artists know. There’s a good chance they’ll see your comments. Let them know how good their tunes are, and they’ll crank out even more magic.

P.S. If you would like to have this letter sent to your email every Friday, please head over to this link right here to subscribe to never miss a weekly roundup!

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“Elton John” - LIL PHAG feat. Hoodie Allen and Dr. Woke | I could have never foreseen bumping a gag tune by an internet sensation, but, here we are. Internet’s golden gay and former mayor of Hell, Elijah Daniel, has thrown the towel on his stint as a politician, a religious leader, and has now moved on to be the next best thing: a rapper. When I heard about his latest evolution as an internet personality, I figured “Lil Phag” would be a complete wash. His first single “Elton John” slaps down an irresistible, drowsy hook that inspires an interest piqued for the most PopArt-esque, slice of cultural relevance. The tune is laced with Weezy-worthy puns (“Flyer than Harry Potter/JK, I’m rollin’ harder”) over a Soundcloud trap beat. Give this a few spins and soon y’all be boppin' with your “clout goggles on” and “feel like Elton John (Elton John).” Listen here

“Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” - Cara Salimando | I’ve been sitting on this song for a few weeks, just sinking further into the cinematic, heart-stopping drums and twinkling guitars. “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” sounds like a false promise, a deep apology scrambling to make up for sorrow inflicted. The retro vibe teeters on the verge of sounding purely like a Lana Del Rey worthy tear-jerker. As the song pulls up into its own strength toward the end, it stands tall on its own two feet. Listen here

“I Love LA” - Starcrawler | Armed with the devil-may-care attitude of Cherie Currie’s vocals for The Runaways, LA band Starcrawler are chugging out REAL hardass rock n’ roll tunes. I stumbled across their hilariously glampy music video for “I Love LA” on YouTube a couple weeks ago. It’s always refreshing to see that side of LA that looks and feels so distinctively LA for those who live here– a bit of a dump that’s crawling with crusty 24-hour Chinese Food/Donut shops that haven’t closed their doors for 40 years (and they definitely look like it). It’s a side most non-natives or transplants ever anticipate associating with Los Angeles when they’re so used to the veneers of reality TV that’s all filmed in the same 5 mile radius of Beverly Hills. As for Starcrawler’s musical integrity, they’re really know how to fuckin’ shred. Listen here

“tokyo” - joan | Pop duo joan dropped their debut single “take me on” earlier this year and managed to slide onto the fifth cmd+f letter. They’ve evolved on the teen-lusty vibe I noted in February, pushing a graceful 90s R&B vocal overlaid across an enormous 80s pop instrumental. “tokyo” sounds like a The 1975 b-side (with much clearer vocals [soz, Matty]). The more I listen to this, the more I find it fresh. I’m so excited to hear where joan are going next. Listen here

“BIG BAD BITTER” - Adelén | Now I present to you my Scandinavian Pop Tune of the Month: “BIG BAD BITTER” has been my Big Mood of the week. Opening with “Don’t mean to be a buzzkill/Should have stayed home” and devolving into a brutally honest declaration of social anxiety in the middle of a club. The lyrics layout a night from hell: “Stepping on my shoes now/Invasion of my space/Asking where I come from/”Do I come here often?” No I don’t, so do one!” The pre-chorus heeds warning: “So before I start drinking too much, get me out of this club!/These people talking too much!” The delicious irony is I cannot NOT dance for my LIFE when this turns on. Listen here

BONUS

The latest evolution of pop music has arrived: Charli XCX’s Pop 2 dropped today, and the Carly Rae Jepsen collab is even more wild than I could have imagined. Listen here
Tove Stykre has covered Lorde’s “Liability” and it is [chef’s kiss] Listen here
The new G-Eazy album The Beautiful & Damned is stacked with hits and complete misses. Be sure to tune in on the hits, because they’re really fucking good: “No Less” feat. SG Lewis and Louis Mattrs, “No Limit” feat. Cardi B and A$AP Rocky, “Pick Me Up” feat. Anna of the North Listen here
N.E.R.D. have a new album today and it’s got a bzillion high profile collabs on it including two Kendrick Lamar features, an Ed Sheeran drop, and appearance by Andre 3000 Listen here
Niall Horan has released a Spotify Singles recording of the 1D-hit-that-was-never-given-its-due-diligence, “Fools Gold,” and I am so proud of Niall showing some potential. He's doing this solo thing, stepping out here with adequate vocal rest and showing off what his (likely better and more qualified than whomever was with him while in 1D) vocal coach has gotten out of him. Listen here
MGMT have released a new 60s rock-washed neo-goth tune, “When You Die,” and it’s incredible. MORE OF THIS! PLEASE! Listen here
The new The Neighbourhood single “Stuck with Me” sounds like it’d fit in well in the Season 2 Stranger Things score Listen here
New Lily Allen song “Trigger Bang” featuring Giggs is highly listenable. Grateful we all made it through her Sheezus phase in one piece. Back to bops, Lily! Listen here

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If you’re interested in hearing what else I’ve been rinsing this month (aside from the tracks listed above), peep my personal December 2017 playlist. There I will be dumping in new (and occasionally throw back) tracks as the month carries on. You can dive into the cmd+f archive to hear what I’ve been listening to in previous months this year.

A(lmost a)ll of the tracks I’ve shared this week and past cmd+f newsletters are archived into a single playlist on Spotify for you to follow here. You’re welcome.

See you next week!

December 1, 2017

December 01, 2017 in Newsletter, Music

It’s a major week. We’re finally starting the last month of this hell-fire of a year, the holiday season is officially in full swing. I am having ginger and peppermint chocolate flavored anything I can get my hands on, and I’m even somewhat excited at the idea of wrapping gifts and drinking a modestly filled glass of wine by the crackle of the TV simulated log fire.

Now, let’s tune in to five hand selected pristine tracks by rising artists to get you through this week.

As always, you know the drill: if you like what you hear, spread the cheer. Tell your friends about the songs you liked in this letter, but most importantly, let the artists know. There’s a good chance they’ll see your comments. Let them know how good their tunes are, and they’ll crank out even more magic.

P.S. If you would like to have this letter sent to your email every Friday, please head over to this link right here to subscribe to never miss a weekly roundup!

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“Disappear” - Silk Cinema | Going to dip into this week’s letter with the wavy “Disappear” by London duo Silk Cinema. They describe their sound as “Sade in space” which, this is 1000% what the world has been needing for the past 15 years. The harmonies on the hook are as radiant as the kirakira+ app, gently cradled over the suave layers of wavering instrumentals. I caught myself snapping my fingers and doing some fancy footwork while flipping quesadillas on the stove this week. Truly a bop. Listen here

“You’re Somebody Else” - flora cash | The only explanation for my affection toward this song is the copious amounts of Sufjan Stevens my ears have been ingesting over the past two months. “You’re Somebody Else” opens as a simple, acoustic guitar sad song, but rapidly evolves into an inorganic, artificially assembled guitar chop instrumental beat that builds and builds and builds, eventually swallowing down that facade and fading out as naked at the start. Listen here

“Paranoia” - Liza Anne | Are you also a basketcase? Have I got the song for you! Liza Anne’s “Paranoia” builds on the nagging anxieties and insecurities you face, like, 24/7.The Nashville-based singer’s got a twinge of that country-pop twang in her vocal delivery, served frantically over a pop-driven melody chorused by a an ocean of fizzling guitars. This song is a blessing. Listen here

“Why Can’t We Be Friends?” - The Academic | Irish rock outfit The Academic are already causing quite the buzz in their home country (allegedly and rightfully). With their debut album dropping in the new year, I’ve got a funny little feeling it’s going to be stacked with hits and ping a lot of hungry music lover’s radars. “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” is a punchy, insatiable earworm. Backed on a steady drumbeat and flourished with airy guitars, the melody is pure heat. Listen here

“Acid Rain” - Lxury | “Acid Rain” is composed by Lxury, a producer I’m 90% sure you’ve heard at one point in your life in the last five years (he’s got credits for Years & Years’ sultry 2014 single “Real”). He’s back to producing his own beats, and this one? A total facemelter. Listen here

BONUS

‘Tis the season of good tidings and a time to give generously to charity organizations. Here’s Beyonce hopping on a duet of Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect:” Listen here
Jokes aside, Graham Coxon, aka my personal favorite member of Blur, has released a charity single titled “Falling.” Proceeds go to CALM, Campaign Against Living Miserably, a UK-based suicide prevention organization. The song was written by Coxon’s friend Luke Daniel who died by suicide last year. A swanky vinyl pressing for “Falling” is dropping December 15 via Rough Trade, but you can listen to it right now
Flume has been promoting the hell out of his upcoming live shows in Japan, and he’s linked up with some talented creatives to throw down delicious visuals to accompany what I can only image as teasers for a new music project he’s been working on. The tunes are on another plane, dense with vibrant layers of sound. Check out “Road To: Tokyo” here
Louis Tomlinson has a new song called “Miss You” and can genuinely admit I enjoyed taking the time to listen to it Listen here
The new Halsey and G-Eazy song will hands down be a hot topic on the next episode of the Who? Weekly podcast Listen here
Godfather of trap Juicy J has linked up Queen Cardi B to drop the 21st century “You Can Do It” we deserve. Aptly titled “Kamasutra,” J and Cardi dip into raunchy af details between the infectious hook: “you better fuck me all night.” Best bit? The faint homage to Three-6 classic “Slob on My Knob” that closes out the track Listen here
Miguel has an album out Listen here
Ending the bonus section with another round of holiday singles released today, courtesy of the Spotify Singles Holiday Edition: George Ezra, my bellowing cherub, has covered “White Christmas,” Wolf Alice covered “Santa Baby,” Rostam’s covered “Fairytale of New York,” and DMX has covered “Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer.” Check out the full list here.

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New month, new playlist! If you’re interested in hearing what else I’ve been rinsing this month (aside from the tracks listed above), peep my personal December 2017 playlist. There I will be dumping in new (and occasionally throw back) tracks as the month carries on. You can dive into the cmd+f archive to hear what I’ve been listening to in previous months this year.

A(lmost a)ll of the tracks I’ve shared this week and past cmd+f newsletters are archived into a single playlist on Spotify for you to follow here. You’re welcome.

See you next week!

September 8, 2017

September 08, 2017 in Newsletter, Music

Very grateful to be writing this letter at the moment rather than waiting in a virtual queue on Sephora.com preparing to max out my credit card in an attempt to swipe up a few pieces of the new Fenty Beauty collection. With October only weeks away, I have 7 family birthdays and Christmas Time to consider. “Treat yoself” is not an option unless it’s a dry gin martini with two onions and an olive with Tom Hardy’s butt in full view on my TV on a Tuesday night (and yes, I speak of this as if I've lived it because I have and you should join me sometime).

Well then.

Got six tracks by emerging artists that you likely let slip under your radar. If you have heard of these artists/songs, please give me a bell – you and I should talk. It could be the start of something great.

Please reach out to me via the handy dandy contact page on the cmd+f website, or on Twitter with your thoughts about any of the tracks I’ve selected this week. I love chatting about music. Let me in on your new favorite band; they’re looking for new fans, too.

P.S. If you would like to have this letter sent to your email every Friday, please head over to this link right here to subscribe to never miss a weekly roundup!

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“Satan, Luella & I” - HMLTD | Let’s start this week’s letter with a MOOD. HMLTD’s entire essence is a mood. It’s dark, theatrical, flamboyant, and fun. Aesthetically, they look very much straight out of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and musically parallel Adam and the Ants (who somewhat also aesthetically looked fresh out of Rocky Horror Picture Show… in a way). HMLTD’s latest single “Satan, Luella & I” is a rollercoaster ride, marked with piano stabs, boisterous horns, and a healthy dash of vibrato. It’s a lot coming at you, and the radio edit cuts off about 2 minutes gets right to the point. You’ll be singing along in no time. Listen here (radio version is here)

“You and I” - Maika Loubté | It is an absolutely crime I’ve only just stumbled across this song. Taken from Maika’s Le Zip EP that dropped in August 2016, I found myself spinning “You and I” a disgusting amount this week. While her tune “Le Gong” is also fantastic, I wanted to introduce you to Maika’s catalogue with this gem. It builds on itself so delicately and unfolds rather beautifully. Listen here

“Say It to My Face” - Maty Noyes | Maty’s had her share of success being a featured vocalist on a Kygo track a couple years ago, which, good on her, and her last EP racked up quite a bit of spins on streaming services, but “Say It to My Face,” a full blow pop bop, is something to write home about. Please come mutually scream with me about how good this song is. Listen here

“Drink Too Much” - Geowulf | A truly successful sad girl anthem utilizes painfully honest, sing-songy lyrics (such as “I get myself in trouble when I drink too much”) over lo-fi twee instrumentals. Geowulf have nailed that on the head here. Listen here

“Hotspice” - Paper Son & Halima | Big up my girl Agnes for pointing out our Discover Weekly playlists are finally starting to sync. I actually stumbled this across her own personal playlist for September 2017 and fell in head first –then I noticed it showed up in my Discover Weekly playlist, too! “Hotspice” is a delightful mish-mash of Caribbean drums, dancehall, and upbeat electronic delights. Definitely a summer fresh jam that’s guaranteed to spark a bit of sunshine into your day. Listen here

“Live Like Animals” - Nothing But Thieves | Cannot tell you how many times my friend Chris has told me about Nothing But Thieves, and finally this week I caught wind of the release of their new album Broken Machine after hearing a few previewed tracks on Radio 1. “Live Like Animals” is INSANE!! The guitars go berserk, the drums skitter along, the vocals are all over the place. Listen here

BONUS

An artist from the very first issue of cmd+f has dropped their debut album today! Three cheers to Anna of the North - give their new album Lovers a few spins and then tell them how much you love it. It’s absolutely magical. Listen here
“No Limit” - G-Eazy, A$AP Rocky and Cardi B. You heard: Rocky and Cardi on the same TRACK. Fuegooooo Listen here
If you told me a year ago that one of my favorite pop songs of 2017 would have the lyric “nipples are hard,” I wouldn’t have believed you. Considering the state of the world, it’s no surprise that Tove Lo has done the damn thing and unleashed her new single “Disco Tits” unto the world, and it’s a Grade A banger. Obvs NSFW, FYI. Listen here
11/10 would want to live inside this new Mount Kimbie album, Love What Survives Listen here
If you’re looking for something a bit more intense, intentional, industrial, and high key powerful, I advise you listen to Zola Jesus’ new album Okovi. It spares no limits on theatrics. Production is astounding. Listen here
Sam Smith is back and I am SCALPT. I wasn’t expecting much out of “Too Good at Goodbyes” after the most boring Bond song of all time won a freakin’ Oscar…. But this is very much in his lane, it’s catchy, but these lyrics are SCALDING. Way to come back with a “f*ck you, I’m good” anthem, Sammy Boy. Listen here (and watch the little video he did for Spotify on your mobile if you have a moment here)
NEW SZA AND JORJA SMITH ON HBO’S INSECURE SEASON 2 OST!!!!!! Listen here
New York’s rising Afro-Puertorican hip-hop star Princess Nokia has finally dropped her highly anticipated album 1992 Deluxe. Twisted with some classic New York hip-hop flavor, album is DOPE. Listen here
Nadine Coyle, the only member left of Girls Aloud (who never signed the contract to formalize her split from the group), has released a new single titled “Go To Work” but it’s only available on iTunes and Apple Music… not in the States. Glad she’s back, but can I at least get some label clearance/distribution deals for me to have a reunion with Nadine here? Not asking for much. If I can’t have this, then I’d like to formally request for Nadine to move back to California and reopen her pub because that was the best pint of Guinness I’ve ever had outside of Ireland.

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If you’re interested in hearing what else I’ve been rinsing this month (aside from the tracks listed above), peep my personal September 2017 playlist. There I will be dumping in new (and occasionally throw back) tracks as the month carries on. You can dive into the cmd+f archive to hear what I’ve been listening to in previous months this year.