ListenUp
Saying farewell to Walter Becker, new tunes by Ibeyi, dvsn and Oddisee
Steely Dan: Peg
Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker sadly passed away this weekend, leaving behind an incredible legacy of masterful songs blending rock, pop, jazz and R&B. The guitarist and songwriter worked closely with Donald Fagen on Steely Dan songs, and wrote some of the band’s most popular tunes, including the glorious “Peg” from 1977’s Aja, an iconic album. Featuring Michael McDonald on back-up vocals and Jay Graydon on guitar, the song’s airy melody and sweet lyrics make for a perfect love song. The tune was famously sampled by De La Soul in their delightful “Eye Know from 1989’s 3 Feet High and Rising. Becker also released two solo albums and produced many records for others, including China Crisis and Rickie Lee Jones, leaving a deep and diverse legacy.
Ibeyi feat. Kamasi Washington: Deathless
Nothing short of a victory ballad, “Deathless” marks an empowered and empowering return from Ibeyi. The French-Cuban twins who compose Ibeyi, Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz, enlist Kamasi Washington on the stunning track. Washington lends detailed saxophone parts that dazzle. Director Ed Morris spearheaded the music video, in which the sisters appear to emerge from one another repeatedly. It’s provocative but beautiful, matching the song succinctly. Ibeyi have a forthcoming album, Ash, out 29 September.
dvsn: mood
From dvsn (aka singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85) comes a track off Morning After, called “mood.” The piano-led, sultry down-tempo melody and Daley’s sublime vocals make for some steamy late-night vibes. The new record is the follow-up to last year’s Sept. 5th, released via OVO Records.
Oddisee: Never Lived
The latest song to be featured in Adult Swim’s Singles Program is by hip-hop artist Oddisee (aka Amir Mohamed el Khalifa), whose The Iceberg was released in February this year. His knack for impeccably crafted tunes that blend elements—from hip-hop, disco, jazz, soul and more—is again reflected in this new track “Never Lived.” The nuanced beat and thoughtful lyrics combine delightfully, resulting in a soulful track that boasts beautifully glossy production.
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.
