PB#4: Snapping Together in Unison, Like So Many Legos
Dear Friends,
I feel like there were so many bangers this week that I had to stop myself from sending a dissertation. Gotta save some for next time. And THEN the week was capped off with an absolute gift of an album from Fiona Apple. Whether or not you've already listened, I recommend a 52 minute solitary walk with it in your headphones. OK, on to the musique.
It's a Fritz Bernaise Fiona Apple.
Ladies (ladies ladies ladies), I just don't think we can do any better.
Fiona Apple - "Fetch the Bolt Cutters"
Spotify | Website | New Yorker Article
Siiiiiiiiiiiigggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh
Who is Fana Hues???? Aside from some older tracks on Soundcloud, this one song of hers is the only thing that seems to be on the internet and oh lord, is it a breath of sheer beauty. It's deep and rich, yet also light and airy...like a CROISSANT. I miss croissants. I'm hungry. Anyway, I could listen to this on a loop for hours tbh. The video is gorgeous as well, so don't skip that!
Fana Hues - "Icarus"
Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud | Instagram
I didn't know that I was capable of being happy right now.
Obviously, it's difficult to manage negative emotions during a SITUATION like the one we're in right now. But...it's also really hard to navigate positive emotions! Like - it almost feels not right to have them when so many unspeakably terrible things are going on. I am not a mental health professional, but I have listened to enough podcasts about emotions to "know" that you should let yourself feel the entire range of your feelings. Do not bury them. Don't feel guilty about feeling happy, in love, joyous, grateful, silly, or however you feel right now. Anyway, this song kind of reminded me of all of that this week.
Faye Webster - "In a Good Way"
Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud | Instagram
LIBERATE GREG NICE
It is a literal dream to have someone sample this Greg Nice line in "DWYCK." Hearing it loop over this extremely rude El Producto beat is extremely satisfying. Then, THEN, you've got DJ Premier on the scratchies and our friends El-P and Killer Mike on the wordies. It's like if the elements of a perfect rap song were Legos and they all SNAPPED together in unison. I've listened to this many times and I plan to listen to it many more times.
Run the Jewels feat. Greg Nice and DJ Premier - "Ooh La La"
Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud | Website
Nothing Is Real
There are so many layers of intrigue here from the song itself to the themes of living in a simulation to the video, which was shot without any in-person contact and features Naeem (fka Spank Rock[?!]) wearing a face mask. It also must be noted that much of Naeem's forthcoming record was produced at the home studio of Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) (aka Bonny Bear) and this track features his signature Michael McDonald Jr. vocals in the background. I do love a good sexual Justin Vernon moment - hence this playlist I made in 2013, which surprisingly one person is following! S/o to you, whoever you are.
Naeem feat. Swamp Dogg and Justin Vernon - "Simulation"
Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud | Instagram
Proven wrong again?
Look, I don't like John Mayer. I actually stopped dating a dude once because he seemed too excited about seeing a John Mayer concert. However, I gave this song a chance and maybe I'm wrong about John Mayer? Maybe it's because Leon Bridges is doing the heavy lifting here, but this borderline erotic banger seems a very far cry from "Your Body Is a Wonderland" (one of my least favorite songs ever :(((((((((((((). So, if John Mayer can evolve in such a way, then maybe I can also evolve and accept him as a worthy musician. Only time will tell. Side note: the gawds at Online Ceramics made this Inside Friend shirt and IT'S SO DOPE (and benefits the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund).
Leon Bridges feat. John Mayer - "Inside Friend"
Spotify | YouTube
When you wanna dance around the kitchen with your pet
I found myself dancing around the kitchen to this song a lot this week! Sometimes with an unwilling dog, sometimes without. The subject matter is dark, but at the same time, I feel like this is a song that kids could get into? They probably couldn't understand the lyrics anyway. I mean, I barely can. Run run run run run dippy daggy doo. Please test on your children or pets (where applicable) and let me know the results.
The Velvet Underground - "Run Run Run"
Spotify | YouTube
Bonus mixes!!
Music for Smelly Rooms - a companion piece to its creator's genius Instagram account, @room_smells.
Afropunk Mixtape #064: All We Got Is Us - includes this gr8 Nirvana cover/parody by Urian Hackney
Daddy, I Would Love to Dance - the DANCE-THEMED PLAYLIST I made for the mixtape club I'm in! I mean, I think it's good.
If songs were years, the Personal Bangers playlist would now be old enough to drink.
As always - send me some güüd stüüf!
Love,
Nicole