ListenUp
1980s-inspired Chromeo and The-Dream, an ethereal tune by The Saxophones, Aaron Taylor and more
The Saxophones: Just You
As divisive as “Twin Peaks: The Return” was, each episode’s musical performance introduced viewers to an auditory environment only Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch could create. “Just You,” penned by the aforementioned masters, left a resounding impact as it was sung by James Hurley (aka actor James Marshall). Here, husband and wife duo the Saxophones offer an equally chilling cover. The Oakland-based band embraces the eeriness and tease to wonders unknown. The track appears on their Aloha 7″ out Friday.
Chromeo feat. The-Dream: Bedroom Calling
Canadian duo Chromeo (aka David “Dave 1” Macklovitch and Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel) has teamed up with The-Dream (aka Terius Nash) for “Bedroom Calling.” Unmistakably Chromeo, the track is three minutes of ’80s-influenced electro-pop that’s heavy on the disco. The-Dream and Chromeo have long demonstrated an extreme fondness for synths and ’80s pop. This song finds the perfect coupling, with each exchanging verses over the upbeat, glittery tune.
Eku Fantasy: We Got The Power
Olugbenga Adelekan of Metronomy and Gareth Jones (aka producer Jumping Back Slash) have never met in real life, and yet their debut single under the moniker Eku Fantasy conveys so much thought, emotion and texture that you’d think they’ve been collaborators for a lifetime, side-by-side. The song is “We Got The Power,” an almost unrecognizable cover of the Gorillaz hit that featured Savages’ Jehnny Beth. There’s something odd but evenly balanced here, despite the many shifts throughout the tune—making it strangely likable at every moment.
Aaron Taylor: Jaded
London-based Aaron Taylor is super-smooth and slick on his new track, “Jaded.” Taylor not only oozes vocal soul, he also wrote, produced and played keys for the song. Part cautionary tale, the lyrics focus on staying authentic and hopeful in the cut-throat entertainment industry. With a laid-back vibe and rich, layered production, Taylor wears his soul, R&B and funk inspirations on his sleeve, all the while crafting something that’s entirely his.
Fleet Foxes feat. Graduale Nobili: Crack-Up
Produced by music publication Consequence of Sound and filmed in one continuous take at Reykjavík’s Harpa Concert Hall, “Crack-Up” sees Fleet Foxes joined by all-female Icelandic choir Graduale Nobili. Directed by Eilífur Örn Þrastarson, the video captures the magnificence of the performance—and its soft glow—from start to finish.
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.
