ListenUp
Rufus Wainwright’s protest song covered by Lily Allen, new music by Goldfrapp, Thundercat teams up with a couple of icons and more
Lily Allen: Going To a Town (Rufus Wainwright Cover)
Covering Rufus Wainwright’s stunning 2007 song “Going To a Town,” Lily Allen has remained faithful to the original, while adding her own levels of heartbreak. The accompanying video features scenes from current protests concerning Trump, Brexit, racism, islamophobia, refugees and immigration. While Allen’s version is pared-down, it delivers the same amount of pathos (thanks in part to Mark Ronson’s production) via her tender but vulnerable vocals.
Thundercat feat. Kenny Loggins + Michael McDonald: Show You The Way
In a collaboration worthy of a double-take, Thundercat has joined forces with two formidable names: Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald. In his new song “Show You The Way,” Thundercat (aka Stephen Bruner) announces each singer before their verses with a tinge of delightfully sincere awe. The track is quintessentially Thundercat—with a super-smooth groove, shimmery production and plenty of soul. The track is from his third LP Drunk which is set for release next month and will feature appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and Pharrell Williams. Thundercat is also about to embark on a world tour starting in February.
Superorganism: Something For Your M.I.N.D.
Perhaps it’s the fact that the band members are split between Maine and London that has offered new indie-pop group Superorganism such playful, exploratory depth. Debut track “something for your M.I.N.D.” warbles and bops along with incredibly catchiness. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding who’s in the band but it’s safe to say this track will place them on the musical map.
Goldfrapp: Anymore
From Goldfrapp’s upcoming seventh album Silver Eye comes the new single “Anymore,” which is just as pulsating and sultry as we’ve come to expect from the electro-pop group. A little dark and sexy, the track is the first release from the new record—the duo’s first in four years. With just enough energetic twists and turns, the song is entirely danceable while remaining smooth.
Wolfie feat. Nadia Rose: Better Than Me
UK acts Wolfie and Nadia Rose both released EPs last year, and have together returned with electro-R&B track “Better Than Me.” The track is sultry and warm, and its production (by Jordan Riley) is lush—all this despite the fact that the lyrics revolve around Wolfie comparing herself with an ex’s new girlfriend. It’s a kicked-back tune that seems ultimately effortless—from the production to the vocals.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
