How Human Voices Affect Wild Animals

Humans are super-predators—even when we’re not actively behaving as such. A recent study conducted in an English forest documented the reactions beavers had to the sound of wolves, bears and humans. While they ignored the wolf sounds and were “mildly concerned” by the sound of a bear, the beavers were “profoundly disturbed” by the sound of human speech. A different study played human speech in …

Jay Som: Tenderness

This delightful bit of indie and bedroom pop will appear on LA-based Jay Som’s forthcoming album, Anak Ko (out 23 August). It starts off simply—filtered vocals with drums and guitar—and Som is the star until the track breaks open and rhythmic bass and psych-influenced ambience pours out. The Weird Life-directed video provides a visual portrayal of the track’s sonic essence, too. A special purple tie-dye …

Wilco: Love Is Everywhere (Beware)

From Wilco’s forthcoming album, Ode to Joy (out 4 October), “Love Is Everywhere (Beware)” is a sprawling and steady folk song with lots to love. “Right now I’m frightened how love is here / beware / our love is everywhere,” the band’s frontman, Jeff Tweedy, sings atop jubilant guitar riffs. In a statement to announce the track, album and coinciding tour, Tweedy says, “There must …