ListenUp
Vale to two legendary funk and soul musicians, a new song from Little Dragon and more in our musical round-up
Little Dragon: High
Along with a video for their glistening new track “High,” Swedish band Little Dragon has announced a North American tour that will begin in April. The first release from the four-piece since 2014’s Nabuma Rubberband, the song is sexy, hazy and spacey—and entirely sublime.
Al Jarreau: We’re In This Love Together
Beginning his musical career in the jazz world, Al Jarreau was a formidable artist who proved himself to be able to span pop and R&B—with elements of Latin, gospel, soul and more. Sadly Jarreau passed away, but leaves behind a beautiful body of work. His best-known song, “We’re in This Love Together” was released in 1981 (on his fifth studio record Breakin’ Away) and is a laid-back, syrupy ballad that is quintessentially ’80s and simultaneously timeless.
Ohio Players: Funky Worm
Legendary funk musician, Walter “Junie” Morrison passed away at just 62 years old. The multi-talented Morrison was a producer, writer, keyboardist and vocalist—and was a founding member of the Ohio Players—making him a true pioneer of the funk movement. He co-wrote the groovy “Funky Worm,” which has since been sampled countless times and essentially led the way for G-Funk. Morrison was also the musical director for George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic.
Jacques Greene: To Say
From Montreal-based producer Jacques Greene’s upcoming debut album Feel Infinite is the delightfully uplifting house jam, “To Say.” With soulful vocals and an analog-sound, this track feels like an ode to the golden days of house music, all while remaining current. His album will be online 10 March and on vinyl 24 March, and Greene is going to be embarking on a US tour in April.
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.
